Tag: Illinois

5 Reasons to Get a Plumbing Fixture Replacement

Nov 29, 2019

5 Reasons to Get a Plumbing Fixture Replacement

  • Plumbing
fixture replacement in Illinois by Lake Cook Plumbing

Your kitchen and bathrooms are two very different rooms. However, they’re both very important rooms that let you make use of your home’s plumbing system. Whether it’s a shower, a bathtub, or a sink, all of these use fixtures to provide you with water. However, you’ll sometimes find you need to replace a fixture. Maybe you don’t like how your shower head looks with the rest of your bathroom? Or your kitchen sink’s water pressure has been steadily declining. Whatever the case, you’ll need professional help to complete your fixture replacement. But what sort of problems will have you looking at new showerheads?

Here are six reasons you might want to get a plumbing fixture replacement:

 

Rust and other corrosion

Rust and corrosion are never signs of good health. Cleaning chemicals and hard water are capable of slowly damaging plumbing fixtures and corroding them. Rust is especially bad for faucets, as the rust can get into the water, discoloring it and making it taste bad. Corrosion isn’t something that can be fixed with a simple service call or over-the-counter product. A complete replacement is the only option.

 

Remodeling

It’s not always about functionality. Sometimes it’s about aesthetics. Kitchens and bathrooms often tend to be very important for home buyers. When selling a home, their owners often replace faded or chipped fixtures with new ones. Even if you aren’t looking to improve your home’s value, getting a fixture replacement is a good way to redesign your bathroom or kitchen.

 

Leaking and mold growth

A leaking shower head may not seem like something that needs replacing, but that leaking can cost you. Any sort of leaking fixture uses up water, which will increase your water bills. It’s also worth noting that constant leaking can help promote mold growth. Not only is mold bad for your health, but the mold can cause further damage to your fixtures.

 

Retirement age

You might treat your fixtures well, but nothing lasts forever. If a fixture is nearing its retirement age, you should consider replacing it before it breaks. A fixture’s manual or manufacturer can often provide information on when it should be replaced.

 

Hard water minerals

If your home has hard water, you’ll often have to deal with minerals accumulating inside and around your fixtures. These build-ups can damage fixtures, reduce water pressure, or even break it completely. The best preventative action you can take for this is to get a water softener for your home.

 

What makes Lake Cook Plumbing one of the area’s best plumbing companies?

Since 1954, we’ve dedicated ourselves to providing services that allow people to take their plumbing for granted while they concentrate on life. Of course, excellence in plumbing doesn’t just happen. It starts with a commitment to superior quality and continues with keeping pace with all the latest technology, experienced Lake Zurich plumbers who are certified professionals and using only the best materials and equipment. Plumbing excellence is the result of all these things and providing full-service plumbing for timely solutions and emergency repairs. Call Lake Cook Plumbing today to learn more about getting new plumbing fixtures for your home!

By zachadmachinescom

6 Reasons to Call for Boiler Maintenance in Illinois

Nov 15, 2019

6 Reasons to Call for Boiler Maintenance in Illinois

  • Heating
boiler maintenance in Illinois by Lake Cook Plumbing

As winter approaches, we’ve been providing tips for getting ready for the cold. With our help, you’ve shut down your AC units and given your furnaces the maintenance they need. Now, it’s time to give your boilers the Lake Cook Plumbing service! Boilers are just like furnaces in that too much downtime can make them less reliable and inefficient. By getting boiler maintenance for our experts, you can be sure to stay warm during the cold Illinois winter.

Here are six reasons to call us to get boiler maintenance before the Illinois winter hits:

 

Cut back on energy costs

Unless you have an HVAC system, your boiler uses the most energy in your home annually. Cutting back on that heavy usage by making your boiler more efficient can save you plenty of money. On average, keeping your boiler well-maintained can save you 10% on your energy bills.

 

Comply with local safety laws

Neglected boilers are known for being dangerous. That’s why local laws often require boiler owners like yourself to schedule regular maintenance calls for your boiler. It’s a bad idea to keep a boiler in bad condition, and it’s even worse when you’re fined for it.

 

Get the most out of your boiler

A boiler is an expensive investment, so ensuring it has a long life is a good idea. Getting boiler maintenance from Lake Cook Plumbing can help your boiler run as long as possible. The average lifespan for well-kept boilers is about ten to fifteen years.

 

Keep your warranty valid

Boilers, like many appliances, require their owners to follow certain warranty stipulations to be qualified for compensation. One you’ll often see for boilers is to get regular maintenance from a professional. Keeping your warranty valid can help you save money if something goes wrong with your boiler.

 

Stay safe from carbon monoxide and explosions

As well as producing heat, boilers are also a source of carbon monoxide. Because of this, boilers are designed with exhaust pipes to safely vent the deadly and odorless gas outside. However, carbon monoxide can become a serious problem if you don’t give your boiler regular maintenance. Also, anyone who’s read The Shining knows what can happen to poorly-kept boilers!

 

Better energy efficiency and reliability

Complex appliances like boilers can wear down over time. Getting regular maintenance from us will help keep your boiler’s various parts in good condition. This can help your boiler use less energy and avoid breaking down, both of which can cost you money.

 

Why call Lake Cook Plumbing to service my boiler?

Boiler installation & repair at its best can be found at Lake Cook Plumbing. When the weather outside is frightful, and the fire isn’t proving so delightful, you can turn to our boiler services to experience radiant warmth during the coldest days of the year. We house the latest makes and models for you to install in your home. If by chance they run into issues, we can repair them too. We’re highly adaptable in regards to meeting all the needs of customers across the Lake Zurich, IL area.  Don’t think your home will have room for a boiler? Then we’ll find a way; we’re clever like that. Call us today to learn more about getting your boiler in peak condition!

By zachadmachinescom

5 Reasons to Call for Furnace Maintenance

Oct 25, 2019

5 Reasons to Call for Furnace Maintenance

  • Heating
furnace maintenance in Illinois by Lake Cook Plumbing

In our last blog, we helped you prepare your AC for the winter by shutting it down. Now it’s time to get your choice of heating ready for the winter. Illinois winters are known for being freezing and windy, so getting your furnace ready is very important. The period of downtime your furnace experiences over the summer can make it less efficient and reliable. By calling Lake Cook Plumbing and scheduling furnace maintenance, you can ensure your furnace will be ready to face the winter.

Here are five ways that getting furnace maintenance will benefit you this winter:

 

Determine if you need a replacement

It can be hard to determine how old your furnace is if you didn’t personally buy it. When we do maintenance work on your furnace, you’ll be able to learn how old it is and determine if a replacement is necessary. Getting your maintenance done as soon as possible can give you more time to shop around.

 

Extend your furnace’s life

You should never neglect your appliances and other systems. Furnaces that don’t get regular maintenance usually have shorter lifespans and use more energy to run. Also, breakdowns will be much more common and you’ll have to pay for their repairs.

 

Avoid dangerous gas leaks

If your furnace is a gas model, it’s extra important to keep it in good condition. If it gets damaged or worn down, it can produce deadly and odorless carbon monoxide. Also, having a damaged gas furnace puts you at risk of house fires from leaking flammable gasses.

 

Save money and avoid full repairs

Furnace maintenance costs money, but it’s nowhere near as much as a full replacement or repairs. Getting furnace maintenance let us find problems before they become furnace-stopping breakdowns. Avoiding these breakdowns will help you stay warm this winter and save money on major work.

 

Improve energy efficiency

A statistic from the Department of Energy says about half of a furnace owner’s energy usage comes from using the furnace. By getting regular maintenance, we can discover and prevent problems that would make your furnace inefficient. A well-optimized furnace uses about 30% less energy than usual.

 

What makes Lake Cook Plumbing my best choice for keeping my furnace in good shape?

Lake Cook Plumbing is here to offer the best furnace installation & repair that ensures you have an effective, efficient, and most importantly, safe heating system. We house the latest makes and models of furnaces so you have the chance of getting your hands on modern heating technology designed to give your family the highest level of comfort. Plus, we offer a wide range of repairs that meet any of your heating needs. Call Lake Cook Plumbing today to get your furnace ready for the winter!

By zachadmachinescom

4 Steps to Shut Down Your AC for the Winter

Oct 11, 2019

4 Steps to Shut Down Your AC for the Winter

  • Air Conditioning
AC shut down in Illinois by Lake Cook Plumbing

October is here in Illinois and we’ll soon be seeing the possibility of snowy weather. This means we’ll have to pack up our air conditioners and get them ready for the winter. Properly shutting down your AC is a process designed to protect the outdoor condenser from the snow. Failing to properly shut down your AC means that it’ll likely be unable to work next summer. Here at Lake Cook Plumbing, we can give you the information necessary to properly shut down your AC.

Here are the four steps you need to take to properly shut down your AC:

 

Finish your repairs

Before you start shutting things down, you should make sure you don’t need any repairs. Check the indoor unit and the outdoor condenser to see if anything needs fixing, such as visible damage or loose seals on the condenser. If you see anything that needs fixing, let us know. You don’t want to let any problems linger over the winter because they’ll only get worse.

 

Disconnect the condenser from the grid

The next major step requires you to disconnect your condenser from the power grid. Even when the power is switched off, the condenser can still turn on if it has a connection to power and it detects a warm spell. If this happens, the condenser can get damaged by any ice or snow it sucks in. To disconnect it, you need to find and shut off the AC unit’s breaker switch. You can usually find it on the side of the house or near the condenser. Don’t forget about this switch, because you’ll need to turn it back on next time you need to use the AC.

 

Clean up the condenser

Now that the condenser can’t get power, you should clean it off. Grab a broom and sweep away any leaves and other debris around or on the condenser. Afterward, use a low-pressure spray from your hose to wash the outside cabinet. While it dries, check to see if the filter needs replacing and double-check for any damage. If you notice any damage at this point, keep it in mind and let us know next time you get our help.

 

Cover the condenser up

Finally, when the condenser is dry, take a water-proof cover and cover it up. You’ll also want to use some bungee ropes to tightly secure the cover so it doesn’t blow away. Both of these things can be bought at a local hardware store. If you have a water-proof tarp, that’ll work as well as long as it covers the entire condenser.

 

Why call Lake Cook Plumbing to ensure my air conditioner’s health?

For 65 years, Lake Cook Plumbing has offered a wide variety of services to the people around Lake Zurich, IL. With so many years in the business, you can be certain our professionals have plenty of experience. If you’re looking for a new AC, our personable customer service offers upfront pricing and we can get you an open consultation with one of our fully-trained technicians. Call Lake Cook Plumbing today to learn more about our AC services!

By zachadmachinescom

5 Signs You Need Water Heater Replacement

Sep 27, 2019

5 Signs You Need Water Heater Replacement

  • Plumbing
  • Water Heaters
water heater replacement in Illinois by Lake Cook Plumbing

Appliances like your water heater won’t work forever, and you’ll eventually need to order a replacement. Preferably, you’d like to get a water heater replacement before your current one breaks and floods your home. If you keep an eye out, you can notice signs that your water heater may soon need replacing. At Lake Cook Plumbing, our professionals can help you learn the signs so you’ll know when you need a water heater replacement for your home.

Here are five signs you should call us to arrange a water heater replacement for your home:

 

Leaks

Leaks are a common problem with older or damaged water heaters, but you might not notice the leaks if you don’t keep an eye on your water heater. When searching for leaks, check the fittings, connections, and temperature-pressure-release valve. If one of those happens to be leaking, they can be fixed fairly easily. However, if the leak is caused by damage to the tank, you’ll need to get a new tank as soon as you can.

 

Rusty water

Is your home’s water looking and tasting rusty? There are two possible causes, and you can determine the cause by looking at what kind of water is rusty. If only your hot water is rusty, the rust is likely coming from a damaged water heater. However, if both temperatures are producing rust, the problem is with a pipe in your plumbing. Either way, you’ll want to immediately call for one of our technicians to prevent any major damage. You’ll often see rust around the water inlet or pressure release valve if the tank is rusting. To confirm your water heater’s rust problem, drain a few buckets of hot water from the tank. If you’re still getting rust by the third bucket, then you’ll need a new water heater.

 

Old age

Unlike fine wine, your water heater doesn’t get better with age. A well-maintained tank water heater can last around ten to fifteen years. This means you should consider a replacement when it gets nine or ten years old. Don’t know when yours was installed? Check the water heater’s serial number and look at the manufacturer’s information.  The serial number can tell you when it was manufactured, but each manufacturer has a different way of displaying the manufacturing date. The manufacturer’s website might be able to help you, but be prepared to do a bit of research.

 

Strange noises

Major appliances always make a bit of noise when they’re working, but that’s nothing to worry about. However, loud popping, cracking, or rumbling noises mean you should call us because sediment build-up in the tank is making it hard for the unit to run. As tank water heaters operate, sediment can build up at the bottom of the tank, and will eventually harden as it heats and cools. Not only do the heater air pockets make noise,  but the sediment can make your water heater less efficient and make it more likely to crack. If not fixed with flushing and cleaning, the tank can become damaged and start leaking. When your tank starts leaking, the only thing you can do is replace it.

 

Not enough hot water

Unsurprisingly, your water heater heats your home’s water. When you’re not getting hot water despite having the proper temperature settings, there’s a problem. There are many reasons you’re not getting the right temperature, and a couple are unique to different types of water heaters. Gas water heaters might require you to relight the pilot light while electric models might necessitate a trip to the circuit breaker. Very cold weather also can freeze up your pipes and tank if they aren’t insulated enough. However, if none of those are the problem, you might be dealing with a faulty thermostat, worn heating element, or a build-up of sediment. It’s also possible your water heater isn’t big enough for your home’s hot water demands. In that case, call us up and we can help you find one that’ll work best for your home.

 

What makes Lake Cook Plumbing one of the area’s best plumbers?

Since 1954, we’ve dedicated ourselves to providing services that allow people to take their plumbing for granted while they concentrate on life. Of course, excellence in plumbing doesn’t just happen. It starts with a commitment to superior quality and continues with keeping pace with all the latest technology, experienced Lake Zurich plumbers who are certified professionals and using only the best materials and equipment. Plumbing excellence is the result of all these things and providing full-service plumbing for timely solutions and emergency repairs. Call Lake Cook Plumbing today to learn more about our water heater services!

By zachadmachinescom

5 Advantages of Trenchless Sewer Repair in Illinois

Sep 13, 2019

5 Advantages of Trenchless Sewer Repair in Illinois

  • Plumbing
  • sewer repair
trenchless sewer repair in Illinois by Lake Cook Plumbing

Having one of your sewer pipes break is always a serious problem. However, it can get even more serious if you take pride in your yard and garden. Conventional methods for repairing broken sewer pipes involve digging a trench to the pipes so plumbers can reach them. Unfortunately, this often results in a ruined garden. However, trenchless sewer repair can bypass most of the heavy digging and let us fix your pipes without ruining your yard. Learn from Lake Cook Plumbing why a trenchless sewer repair for your Illinois home might be the right option!

Here are 5 benefits you’ll see by getting trenchless sewer repair for your Illinois home:

 

Improved piping

When we perform a trenchless sewer repair, we use a special epoxy barrier-lined pipe to replace any damaged ones. These pipes create a “pipe within a pipe” effect that makes them much more resistant to damage. Roots won’t be able to penetrate the pipes, they’ll be more resistant to rust, and calcium deposits can’t stick to the inner walls.

 

Less expensive

Because trenchless sewer repairs are faster and non-intrusive, you’ll spend less on our labor. Also, since our work doesn’t damage your yard as much as a normal sewer repair, you’ll pay less for having to fix up your yard.

 

Cleaner and less intrusive

Your property’s sewer lines are usually located somewhere beneath your lawn or garden. This means that most plumbers will have to dig through your flowers to reach your sewer pipes. Also, all that digging will mess up your yard and need professional help to clean, costing you more money. However, with a trenchless sewer repair, we only need one or two small holes to reach your sewer pipes. By doing this, we make less of a mess and cause less damage to your yard.

 

Quick and more convenient

Trenchless sewer repairs are faster than conventional sewer repair methods. This means we won’t be working on your property for as long. This means we can finish the job quicker and you can get on with your life faster than with the average sewer repair job.

 

Better functioning

The epoxy barrier-lined pipes we use can make your plumbing more efficient. This is because the pipes we use can protect your system from damage. Also, these pipes get a warranty for as long as you own your home.

 

Why call Lake Cook Plumbing to fix my sewer pipes?

Since 1954, we’ve dedicated ourselves to providing services that allow people to take their plumbing for granted while they concentrate on life. Of course, excellence in plumbing doesn’t just happen. It starts with a commitment to superior quality and continues with keeping pace with all the latest technology, experienced Lake Zurich plumbers who are certified professionals and using only the best materials and equipment. Plumbing excellence is the result of all these things and providing full-service plumbing for timely solutions and emergency repairs. Call us today for more information on repairing your sewer line!

By zachadmachinescom