What are the most common plumbing issues?

The most common plumbing issues include leaky faucets, clogged drains, and running toilets

How often should I inspect my plumbing system?

It's recommended to inspect your plumbing system at least once a year to catch any potential issues before they become major problems

What can I do to prevent pipes from freezing?

You can prevent pipes from freezing by insulating exposed pipes, letting cold water drip from faucets, and opening cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate

How do I fix a leaky faucet?

To fix a leaky faucet, you'll need to identify the source of the leak and replace the faulty part, such as the O-ring or gasket

What are the benefits of regular plumbing maintenance?

Regular plumbing maintenance can help prevent costly repairs, reduce water waste, and extend the lifespan of your plumbing system

Can I perform plumbing repairs myself?

While some minor plumbing repairs can be done yourself, it's often recommended to hire a professional plumber for more complex issues to ensure they're done safely and correctly

How much does a typical plumbing repair cost?

The cost of a plumbing repair can vary widely depending on the issue, location, and plumber, but on average, it can range from $100 to $500 or more

What are some signs that I need to call a plumber?

Signs that you need to call a plumber include low water pressure, discolored water, strange noises, and overflowing drains

Chicago Plumbing Blog

Do you get what you pay for?

by
jbaethke
March 3, 2014

Do you get what you pay for? That is a great question and the answer is usually yes. Let's now ask another question: How often do you get the best quality product, the best service and the friendliest service provider for the cheapest price? That is an easy one to answer as well..."Never!

by
jbaethke
February 20, 2014

The Risks of Hiring a Side Jobber As a professionally run business, I naturally don't think much of employees doing side jobs. The first concern for me as the business owner is that the side jobber is taking away work from my company and our employees.

by
jbaethke
February 20, 2014

CBS 2 Chicago: 2 Investigators: New Study Casts Doubt on Lead Testing in Tap Water Watch CBS 2 Chicago's Video Report - click here. As you can see by the headlines, lead in our drinking water is a major concern. What are acceptable levels?

by
jbaethke
January 15, 2014

Every drain is different. For a toilet obstruction most people can clear that on their own. We even have a helpful video on our website to give you a little advice on how to do it. For obstructions in showers or sinks the first thing I would say is DON’T use harsh chemicals.

by
jbaethke
December 31, 2013

This is a HOT topic right now, "how to prevent your pipes from freezing".

by
jbaethke
August 7, 2013

In today's economy, renovating your home can be much easier than purchasing a new home. To complete your renovation safely you should always remember that depending on when your home was built there may be a lot of unsafe building materials in your home.

by
jbaethke
July 5, 2013

Should bottled water be illegal? I think so. As a plumber, a father, and what I consider to be a responsible human being, I think purchasing water in a plastic bottle is completely ridiculous, and irresponsible. I have written on this topic in the past, but I will just restate my reasoning.

by
jbaethke
April 18, 2013

(Chicago Tribune photo) I’ve talked about wasted water before but here is a dramatic result of a water leak that got out of hand. Chicago pumps 1 Billion gallons of water out of Lake Michigan every day. 25% of that, 250 million gallons is lost every day to leaks.

by
jbaethke
January 31, 2013

In response to the Chicago Tribune article: "CO Leaks Cause 2 Deaths", January 28, 2013 This is yet another sad story of what can happen when a combustible fixture, like your furnace or water heater, leaks carbon monoxide into your home.

by
jbaethke
December 24, 2012

Fixing water leaks can save homeowners more than 10% on their water bills. Today's helpful suggestion is how to test your toilet tank for leaks. Simply remove the lid from the tank and place carefully to the side. Next, drop 2 drops of food coloring into the tank water.

by
jbaethke
December 21, 2012

The answer probably seems obvious. Plumbing companies have the potential to be far too expensive.

by
jbaethke
December 17, 2012

Most people think that you have a water heater installed and then you just forget about it. Although you could almost get away with that in the past, you will get yourself in trouble if you try that now. The temperature and pressure relief valve has always been a concern.

by
jbaethke
November 15, 2012

Health Risks Associated with Home Renovations: How to Avoid Exposure Renovating a home can be an exciting venture for any homeowner, but there may be hidden dangers lurking around the corner.

by
jbaethke
May 12, 2012

The topic of maintaining your water heater can be very controversial. For the record I have always felt very strongly about properly maintaining your water heater, whether it is a tankless or a tank type heater. I will try to cover here both sides of the debate.

by
jbaethke
March 14, 2012

by
jbaethke
March 12, 2012

We are getting a strong start to National fix a leak week. The first building we are working on will involve 137 living units. We are going to repair all of the toilets to insure no leaks, install all new low consumption shower heads and all new low consumption aerators.

by
jbaethke
March 12, 2012

Everyone is asking "What is fix a leak week?". Here it is, because minor leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted each year in U.S. homes, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has declared the week of March 12th as Fix a Leak Week.

by
jbaethke
March 9, 2012

Next week is national Fix a Leak week. Be on the look out for ways you can save water and money with daily hints on how you can fix your own leaks and even avoid new ones.

by
jbaethke
March 2, 2012

It was reported in the news recently that a woman died after a waterborne illness that she received from her dentist (view article). The illness was from the Legionella virus. What most people don't know is that Legionella is in everyone's water in small amounts.