Tag: Illinois

The Dangers of an Undetected Plumbing Leak in Illinois

Oct 15, 2020

The Dangers of an Undetected Plumbing Leak in Illinois

  • Plumbing
  • sewer repair
plumbing leak in Illinois by Lake Cook

The plumbing that makes up your home is a complex system, and sometimes things go wrong. All sorts of wear and tear can cause a plumbing leak in Illinois. If you don’t realize there’s a leak in your home, it can cause some major damage to your home and your bank account. Just what kinds of damage can leaks cause?

Here’s a list of just some of the things caused by a plumbing leak in Illinois:

 

Mold and mildew

A big sign that water is leaking in your home is the growth of mold and mildew. Both of these things tend to grow in areas with high moisture and can cause health problems for the household.

 

Damaged paint and wallpaper

It’s possible for leaks to happen inside of your walls. If that happens, paint can peel or warp, and wallpaper can crack or become discolored.

 

Stained walls and ceilings

If there’s a leak in your roof, stains may form on your walls and ceilings. The color may be able to tell you what caused the leak. As a rule of thumb dark brown or copper stains tend to be caused by leaking pipes.

 

Musty odors

Mold and mildew have a very distinct scent. If you smell a musty smell that isn’t normally there from older folks living there, it might be a sign of a leak, and you should call a plumber as soon as you can.

 

Warped wood

Any kind of leak is very harmful to wood and can cause it to warp. The damage may be subtle, but it’s a good idea to check the wood in your house for curved planks, uneven surfaces, and slight discoloration. In addition, warping can also affect the doors in your home, making it hard to open or close them.

 

Condensation

Does it look like the walls are sweating? That’s condensation, and it’s a sign that there’s a lot of moisture accumulating behind the wall. If there’s condensation, the most likely reason for this is because something is leaking behind it.

 

Damaged flooring

Leaks can damage flooring other than just wood. When looking for leaks, be aware of warped floors, stains, soft areas, loose or cracking tiles, peeling caulk, and damp carpets.

 

Damaged roof shingles

If your roof is leaking, the simplest way to find it is to check the shingles. If they’re bald, buckling, curling, or missing altogether, it’s likely a sign of a leak.

 

Cracked garage floor

Leaks in your home can also occur underground. If you notice cracks in your garage floor, an underground waterline may be leaking. Broken pipes beneath your home may also cause soil erosion, causing parts of the house to settle at a lower level.

 

Warm and damp floors

Damp floors can indicate a plumbing or foundation leak. However, if the dampness is also warm, the problem may be with your water heater. If your water heater isn’t the problem, you might have a sewer line leak. Hot water leaks are a bigger problem since mold grows better with hot water.

 

Why choose Lake Cook Plumbing to take care of my plumbing?

Lake Cook Plumbing has been helping homeowners around Lake Zurich, Illinois with their home service problems since 1954. We’ve dealt with all sorts of problems, from a plumbing leak in Illinois to major water damage. We work around your schedule to deliver high-quality performance and we provide upfront pricing so you always know what you’re buying. If you need someone who can handle any plumbing problem, call Lake Cook Plumbing today!

By zachadmachinescom

4 Advantages to Using a Sump Pump

Sep 28, 2020

4 Advantages to Using a Sump Pump

  • Plumbing
sump pump installation by Lake Cook Plumbing in Illinois

A sump pump is a kind of pump used to remove water build-up in basements and other crawlspaces by depositing it into a building’s wastewater system. They are useful for any home or building located somewhere with a high water table. Sump pumps require professional help to install but are simple to operate once it’s hooked up to your drainage system. Lake Cook Plumbing can provide professional help, and we can also tell you how a sump pump can help you and your home.

Here are four of the benefits you can expect from installing a sump pump.

  1. Prevent flooding damage. While sump pumps are good at dealing with gradual water build-up, they really shine when dealing with large-scale flooding. If torrential rains cause your basement to flood, you could easily have over a foot of flooding. This could be disastrous if you store anything valuable in the basement. Fortunately, a working sump pump can prevent this problem.
  2. Reduced mold and mildew. If you have stagnant puddles of water and constant dampness in your basement, mold and mildew are likely to grow there. Not only can this damage building materials and other goods, but it can also cause various health problems. Having a sump pump can keep your basement dry and avoid heavy mold and mildew growth.
  3. Increase property value. This may be an obvious advantage, but homeowners like it when their homes, current or future, are protected from damage. Installing a sump pump in your home can help maintain its value and keep the structure of the house from being compromised by water damage.
  4. Reduced fire risk. “Less fire” may sound like a strange benefit for owning something that keeps your basement dry. However, flooding is a big cause of electrical fires. The water that builds up in your basement can cause short circuits in any appliances you might have down there, like washing machines and heating systems. Even if the water doesn’t cause a fire, your appliances will be ruined. A sump pump can protect your appliances from water damage and electrical fires caused by said damage.

Why is Lake Cook a trusted name in plumbing?

Lake Cook Plumbing has helped homeowners throughout the Lake County area since 1954. Since day one, we’ve had a commitment to high quality and keeping pace with plumbing technology. Our professionals are able to work around your schedule, give you upfront pricing, and leave you 100% satisfied with their work. If you need any help with your plumbing, call Lake Cook Plumbing today!

By zachadmachinescom

6 Benefits From Hydro Jetting Your Pipes

Aug 14, 2020

6 Benefits From Hydro Jetting Your Pipes

  • Plumbing
Hydro jetting by Lake Cook Plumbing in Illinois

If you have some kind of plumbing in your Illinois home, it’s inevitable that it’ll eventually have a clog in it. There are a variety of methods that can be used to fix them, but hydro jetting offers many benefits from traditional de-clogging methods. Hydro jetting involves a video inspection to locate the location of the problem before spraying it with a water jet ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 psi. Lake Cook Plumbing can provide you with the information on whether your home could use a jetting.

Here are six reasons hydro jetting is superior to similar clog-clearing options:

  1. It’s highly effective. Traditional plumbing methods can clear out clogs, but hydro jetting fully clears the line of any traces of the clog and any other debris in the pipe. Traditional plumbing methods leave behind residue that can build up over time, leading to slow draining or another clog.
  2. It’s cost-effective. As mentioned previously, a hydro-jet clears out the clog and any traces of debris in the pipe. Clearing out other debris helps prevent future problems, which would cost money to have fixed. In other words, getting a hydro-jetting can pay for itself in saved maintenance costs.
  3. It’s faster and more sanitary. Plumbing of any sort is a dirty job, but sanitation is still important. With traditional jobs, debris and sewage can come into contact with the plumber or worse, your home and the surrounding environment. Hydro jetting is faster than traditional methods, reducing the time the plumber has to spend in contact with sewage.
  4. It’s environmentally friendly. It’s true that hydro jetting uses a lot of water, but it’s not nearly as environmentally wasteful as other methods. Other methods make use of procedures and chemicals that cause more environmental damage than simply using a lot of water. Hydro jetting’s lack of chemicals also makes it a viable cleaning choice for homes and buildings near water sources like rivers and likes.
  5. It’s highly versatile. Hydro jetting isn’t just for commercial jobs. It’s fully capable of dealing with bigger and smaller jobs. Residential pipe clogged with sludge or grease? Hydro jetting can take care of it! It’s also able to take on heavy-duty problems like tree roots blocking a city’s sewer line.
  6. It’s good preventative maintenance. Since a hydro jet fully clears out the pipes while unclogging them, it’s a great way to help prevent future problems with your plumbing. It’s a good idea to schedule a hydro-jetting appointment whenever you buy a new building. The video inspection by itself can identify future problems and save you a lot of time and money on later issues.

Why should Lake Cook Plumbing be the ones to hydro jet my pipes?

Lake Cook Plumbing has been a trusted name in the plumbing business since 1954. We make sure we always give our customers up-front pricing, work around their schedules, and leave them fully satisfied. Our company is committed to superior quality and keeps pace with modern technology while recruiting certified experts. Call us today to schedule your plumbing’s hydro jet appointment!

By zachadmachinescom

5 Benefits of Annual AC Maintenance

Apr 30, 2020

5 Benefits of Annual AC Maintenance

  • Air Conditioning
annual AC maintenance in Illinois by Lake Cook Plumbing

As spring turns to summer, Illinois homeowners will be getting ready to bring out their air conditioning. But is it ready to tackle the summer heat? The people at Lake Cook Plumbing know that it’s a good idea to get annual AC maintenance before the warm weather moves in. That way, you’ll be sure your AC won’t break down during a hot day. Here are six reasons you should give it some maintenance before the summer arrives.

Benefits of annual AC maintenance:

Lower electricity bills.

Summers are hot – there’s no way around it. It’s likely that you’ll want to be running your AC most days, but that can create a steep increase in electrical bills. A system with clogged filters and failing parts will need to work harder to do the same work. By scheduling your annual AC maintenance before the summer, you’re increasing its efficiency and lowering your utility bills.

More comfort.

What would you call an AC that can’t keep you cool? A bad one. Summers can be tough even for modern systems. If you want to keep a consistently cool, you’ll want our professionals at Lake Cook Plumbing to make sure your AC is running at top performance.

Fewer breakdowns.

If you use your AC system this summer, are you certain that it won’t fail to start up? Do you know for sure that it’ll run smoothly all season? If you’re not sure, give us a call! Our maintenance comes with a complete inspection that can identify problems before they cause a breakdown.

Cheaper repair bills.

In the event that your AC winds up needing repairs, they’ll likely be cheaper if you’ve gotten maintenance beforehand. The reason for that is because our maintenance addresses the more costly problems (like air flow issues and broken parts) during our inspections.

Extended AC lifespan.

If you want your AC system to stay operational for a long time, you’ll want to give it regular maintenance. By routinely checking on your AC and preventing breakdowns, we can help extend your AC’s lifespan by years. Without regular maintenance, the average AC only lasts a few years.

Better air quality.

During the months where you never use your AC, various bits of dust and grime build up in it. When you turn it on, all that nasty junk is going to go into the air, which can hurt your air quality and aggravate those summer allergies. Lake Cook Plumbing offers a wide range of AC repairs that can get your AC ready for the summer heat.

Why choose Lake Cook Plumbers for my cooling needs?

Since 1954, Lake Cook Plumbing has helped Illinois homeowners stay cool during the hotter seasons. Our excellence starts with a commitment to superior quality and a willingness to keep knowledgeable on the cutting-edge technology. Our highly-trained workers are certified professionals who offer up-front pricing on all of their work. If you still need some annual AC maintenance, call Lake Cook Plumbing today!

By zachadmachinescom

Telltale Signs of a Water Leak

Mar 15, 2020

Telltale Signs of a Water Leak

  • Plumbing
Leak detection services in Lake Zurich, IL done by Lake Cook Plumbing

The plumbing that makes up your home is a complex system, and sometimes things can go wrong. If you don’t realize there’s a water leak in your home, it can cause some major damage to your home and your bank account. At Lake Cook Plumbing, we know that water damage is a serious issue and want to help you know what to look for to detect a leak. What sort of damage can leaks cause, you ask? Read on to find out!

 

Here’s a list of just some of the things water leaks can cause.

 

Mold and mildew

A big sign that water is leaking in your home is the growth of mold and mildew. Both of these things tend to grow in areas with high moisture and can cause health problems for the household.

 

Damaged paint and wallpaper

It’s possible for leaks to happen inside of your walls. If that happens, paint can peel or warp, and wallpaper can crack or become discolored.

 

Stained walls and ceilings

If there’s a leak in your roof, stains may form on your walls and ceilings. The color may be able to tell you what caused the leak. Dark brown or copper stains tend to be caused by leaking pipes.

 

Musty Odors

Mold and mildew have a very distinct scent. If you smell a musty smell that isn’t normally there from older folks living there, it might be a sign of a leak, and you should call a plumber as soon as you can.

 

Warped wood

Any kind of water leak is very harmful to wood and can cause it to warp. The damage may be subtle, but it’s a good idea to check the wood in your house for curved planks, uneven surfaces, and slight discoloration. Warping can also affect the doors in your home, making it hard to open or close them.

 

Condensation

Does it look like the walls are sweating? That’s condensation, and it’s a sign that there’s a lot of moisture accumulating behind the wall.

 

Damaged flooring

Leaks can damage flooring other than just wood. Be aware of warped floors, stains, soft areas, loose or cracking tiles, peeling caulk, and damp carpets.

 

Damaged roof shingles

If your roof is leaking, the simplest way to find it is to check the shingles. If they’re bald, buckling, curling, or missing altogether, it’s likely a sign of a leak.

 

Cracked garage floor

Leaks in your home can also occur underground. If you notice cracks in your garage floor, an underground waterline may be leaking. Broken pipes beneath your home may also cause soil erosion, causing parts of the house to settle at a lower level.

 

Warm and damp floors

Damp floors can indicate a plumbing or foundation leak. However, if the dampness is also warm, the problem may be with your water heater. If your water heater isn’t the problem, you might have a sewer line leak. Hot water leaks are a bigger problem since mold grows better with hot water.

 

Why is Lake Cook Plumbing the best choice for water leak repairs?

Serving the Lake County area since 1954, Lake Cook Plumbing builds, repairs, and maintains top-quality plumbing systems. Our commitment to superior quality and the latest technology allows us to make sure our customers are 100% satisfied. We’re able to work around your schedule and provide upfront pricing to make sure there are no unpleasant surprises. If you have a problem with your plumbing, call Lake Cook Plumbing today!

By zachadmachinescom

Ten Warning Signs That Your Main Sewer Line Needs Help

Feb 28, 2020

Ten Warning Signs That Your Main Sewer Line Needs Help

  • Plumbing
Sewer line replacement by Lake Cook Plumbing in Zurich, IL

When it’s Time to Fix Your Lake Zurich, IL Sewer Line

 No homeowner wants to deal with dysfunctional plumbing, especially when it can cost thousands in repairs. Properly maintaining your home’s plumbing, however, goes beyond just the pipes inside your house, but the main sewer line that connects to them. Most major plumbing problems usually happen in the main sewer line, and it’s best to avoid them as much as possible. Damaged sewer lines can result in bathrooms flooded in sewage, busted pipes, and very expensive repairs.

Signs You Need Sewer Line Replacement in Your Lake Zurich Home 

 It can difficult to determine when the issue has to do with your main sewer line. Your plumbing is complicated, and some problems are impossible to detect without help from a licensed plumber. Plumbing problems such as clogging are fairly common, but a damaged main sewer line is a much bigger issue that can cost thousands of dollars to repair. If there is a problem with your main sewer line, here are ten warning signs to watch out for.

Sewage backup and blockages

Sewage backups can happen every now and then, but if sewage backs up every time you flush the toilet, the problem could be your main sewer line. All your home’s drains rely on the main sewer line in order to drain properly. If you start experience blockages in more than one drain, you may need sewer line replacement.

Foul Odors

An intact main sewer line should be airtight, meaning no odors should escape the pipes. If you start to smell something foul, however, that could mean a leak in the main sewer line. If the scent of rotten eggs and sewage starts leaking out of your drains, it’s time to call a plumber.

Mold can be the culprit of several problems, but the culprit could be a damaged main sewer line inside your home’s walls. A crack in the line can cause enough water to leak into your home which can result in mold growth overtime. Mold is harmful to your health, so if you notice mold starting to spread on your walls or ceilings, contact a plumber immediately.

Slow Drains

A slow drain can be a common plumbing issue, and most clogs can be solved with a simple fix such as a plunger or drain cleaning. If the simple unclogging methods don’t work to solve the slow drain, the issue can be a deeper blockage somewhere. Unfortunately, clogs are usually much bigger clogs than require more than simple unclogging methods, but digging into the line itself to access the source of the problem. If the damage is extensive, you may need sewer line replacement.

Lush, green patches of grass

Your lawn may be looking extra lush than usual, but it may not be a good thing. Sewage acts as great fertilizer, and if you start to notice very green patches of grass in your lawn, it could be from a leaking sewer line.

Lawn indentations

Besides lush lawns, also be on the lookout for lawn indentations. If your main sewer line is cracked, it will saturate the soil around it, eventually causing to dissipate and dip. Walk around where your sewer line is buried, if you notice any shifts in your lawn, it could be time to call a plumber.

Foundation cracks and other structural damages

A damaged main line is more than just a plumbing nuisance; it can cause great structural damage to your home. Broken lines left untreated over time can lead to cracks in your home’s foundation, a settled foundation, or even sinkholes. Sewer line replacement may be necessary if the damage is extensive.

Pools of septic waste in the yard

One of the more obvious outdoor signs is if you can see sewage pooling in your yard. If your yard smells foul and there’s a puddle that just won’t go away, the problem could be a cracked main sewer line.

Unfortunately, a damaged main sewer line can also result in unwanted pests inside your home. Rats and insects can easily squeeze through cracks and gaps inside your sewer line and find their way into your plumbing. These pests can be very harmful to your health. If you suspect you have pests in your plumbing, a plumber can conduct a visual inspection inside your sewer line.

Common fixes don’t solve the problem

If it seems you’re constantly experiencing plumbing problems, it’s most likely an issue you can’t fix without professional help. A licensed plumber can not only detect that cause of the problem but safely repair or replace your main sewer line if needed.

If you are experiencing any of these issues in your Lake Zurich home, call Lake Cook Plumbing today to schedule your service! When you need sewer line replacement, we’re ready to help! 

By zachadmachinescom