Outdoor Hot & Cold Faucet

How often do you use your outdoor faucet? Is washing your car and watering the plants all you can do with it? But what is you could do more, like washing your pets, performing sanitary clean-ups, and other cleaning procedures regardless the outside temperature? Well, now you can!
Gundlach Plumbing along with the range of plumbing services offers an outdoor hot and cold faucet installation. The faucet faucet lets you choose the temperature of your water to perform any kind of work.

The advantages of using the outdoor hot and cold faucet:

• Wash your pets outside regardless of weather.
• The cleansers work better with hot water.
• Sanitize your tools.
• Perform everyday cleaning.

Washing your pets. Even on a hot summer day icy cold water may be uncomfortable for your pet. Hot & cold faucet lets you choose the optimal temperature for your dog's or cat's comfort, even though you can may still not like being washed.

Commercial car washes use hot water to wash the cars. Now you can do it too! Adjust the water temperature to achieve the best results when washing your car.

Perform the everyday cleaning faster using hot water. Most detergents and cleansers work better with the hot water, saving you time and effort when cleaning your tools, outdoor furniture, deck, and anything else.

Contact your plumbing company to install a hot and cold water faucet for your home today! 

Food Waste Disposers - Garbage Disposers in Your Sink

We don't really notice the food waste disposer until something goes wrong with it. Being installed in the sink, it's out of our sight, and when it works flawlessly and quietly, we don't pay attention to it.
If your food waste disposer breaks, the repair costs can be so high, that it's cheaper to buy a new one. And choosing a new one can be complicated. There are three main factors: the price, the power, and the size.

Food waste disposer prices start at just around $60, but by choosing a lower price you are compromising on the quality. (An in-sink waste disposer with a lower horsepower will not break it down to the minimum size.) The prices go up to $1000 and don't stop there. And  your goal is not choosing the most expensive, or the cheapest one, but choosing the one that fits your needs.

Gundlach Plumbing and Heating Company of Richmond, VA have years of experience in food waste disposer selling and installation .Their two most popular models are Badger® 1 and Badger® 5 heavy-duty motor and space-saving food waste disposers by InSinkErator. 

Gundlach Plumbing will install your food waste disposer, and insure that it works smoothly and flawlessly to save you energy and make your life just a little bit easier.

Save Money with Tankless Water Heater

There are so many ways to save money on your monthly electricity bill, turning off the light when you're not in the room, adjusting the AC thermostat, and using a tankless water heater.
The tankless water heaters provide an endless supply of hot water on demand, thus eliminating the wasted heating costs. When using a regular tank heater, the water in your tank heats up, and it keeps heating up to be the same temperature. The tankless water heater provides the hot water only when you need it. It means that you'll always have the hot water, and won't have to keep it in the huge tank.
Have you ever had a situation, when using a dishwasher and a washing machine at the same time left you out of hot water? When you couldn't even take a shower? With a tankless water heater you'll never have this problem. You'll have all the hot water you need, and when you need it.
The tankless water heaters also use less space in your house, and a professional water heater installation is fast and widely available.
Atomic Plumbing&Drain Cleaning is the leading company in Hampton Roads in tankless water heater installation. Since 1968 they have been serving the cities of Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Hampton and Newport News.
Take advantage of energy tax credits and  lower your energy bill with replacing your old water heater with a newer, more energy-efficient water heater. Save up to 30% of a household's energy bill.
 Call a professional plumber for a fast and easy tankless water heater installation. Start saving money on your electric bills, call Atomic Plumbing today! Call 757.464.2934 for all your plumbing needs.

What Not to Flush

Many household items we buy these days have been redesigned to be more environmentally friendly. Some paper products will decompose better and help reduce the carbon footprint, while other items may be recycled instead of thrown away with no hope of reuse. As we obtain such items and need to dispose of them, we may be inclined to get rid of them in different ways. Certain hygiene products, for example, can now be flushed down the toilet where in the past that was ill advised. In fact, there are still a number of things one should not flush down the commode, regardless if you think it is organic or not a risk to your plumbing.

Some of the things on the following list may appear obvious, nonetheless it is good to emphasize what should not be flushed. The potential for damage to your bathroom plumbing cost end up costing you a lot of money and headaches, especially if you are not able to install a new toilet. It's important to note, too, that every unnecessary flush wastes a few gallons of water, and can jack up your water bill if you let those flushes add up.

You definitely do not want to waste those flushes on the following:

Diapers - This remains a huge no-no. Even newborn and preemie diapers have the potential to clog your drains and cause you major plumbing problems. Also, not all diapers are biodegradable. If you would prefer not to have dirty diapers in the house, consider keeping your diaper pail outside or try cloth diapers, which are more eco-friendly.

Cigarette Butts - Back in the day we may have sneaked a few smokes in a public restroom, though smoking is now banned in many restaurants and other places around the country. Even so, you don't want to toss that butt in the bowl and flush it away. Cigarettes are processed with all sorts of chemicals which get into the water system this way.

Hair - You might think, what's wrong with flushing hair? Many of us try to save a few bucks by trimming our bangs, and the temptation to flush the strands is strong. Hair clogs cause problems in sink pipes, and the same holds true for the commode. Hair should be disposed of in the garbage or, if you plan to cut long lengths, you may want to consider donating it to a charity that makes wigs of human hair.

Medications - Expired meds, vitamins, syrups, and similar items should not be flushed. In the water system, these could prove toxic and harmful.

If you are not certain about what can go down a toilet and what should be placed in the garbage, consult with your local plumber before you end up calling one in to fix your toilet due to a clog or damaged bowl.


Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Palatine plumbing services and Norfolk Virginia plumbers.

How to Ensure Your Plumbing Inspection Goes Well

As a homeowner, it is recommended to have a plumber come and inspect your setup at least once a year. Doing this not only gives you peace of mind that your plumbing remains in top shape, but a good inspection can help save you money in the long run. Your plumber can point out ways to adjust certain fixtures so water isn't wasted, and you may have the option of upgrading to new equipment that conserves energy. All you have to do to get started is schedule the inspection and get through it.

While an inspection is necessary to ensure the proper functionality of your home, you want to have a positive experience rather than a laundry list of to-dos when the plumber is done checking everything. It makes sense, therefore, to be proactive and give your plumber few to no anomalies while he/she gets to work. Here are just a few things to consider before the appointment.

1) Make sure there are no obstacles. You don't want the plumber to have to crawl over things to get to where he/she needs to be. Move any unnecessary objects blocking the path to make for easy access to pipes and fixtures.

2) Keeps all areas clean. Give the bathrooms and kitchen a good once-over and clean all grout and tiles. Remove any building in and around drains for easier access into the pipes.

3) Check the kitchen sink disposal unit and make sure it's clear. If possible, try not to use it just before an inspection so it's clear.

4) Pay close attention when flushing toilets. Look for anything unusual, like delays in the tank filling back up or other problems that could indicate leaks.

If you encounter any anomalies during your pre-inspection, make a list and let your plumber know. Better to nip known problems in the bud, and your plumber may be more equipped to handle minor flaws without costing you too much money.

Plumbing inspections are important in order to keep your home functioning properly. If you plan to sell your house in the near future, you will find that records of a recent inspection can help add value to your property as potential buyers come for a tour of your house. If you plan to stay indefinitely, an inspection lets you know what improvements are available to you to help cut your water and energy bills. Don't wait to get an inspection done, call your plumber today.


Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Chesapeake Virginia plumbers and Palatine plumbers.

How Plumbing Inspections Are Beneficial

When you work all day and need to take care of things at home - the kids, dinner, and other house work - the last thing you want to think about is scheduling any kind of home improvement or repair inspection. Yet, these things eventually take precedent if you want to keep your home running smoothly and not have to worry about expensive repair bills later on. A plumbing inspection is beneficial for your home life in that it is proactive and can eventually help save you money. If you are interested (and who isn't?), let's take a look at some ways a plumbing inspection is beneficial to you.

1) If you plan to invest in a new home or other property where plumbing is a concern, offering to pay for a plumbing inspection can help you determine if the price is right. A plumber can tell you whether or not to anticipate problems or massive repairs and replacements, which will then help you negotiate a better price on the property if you still wish to buy it. Such inspections are great precautionary measures.

2) A thorough inspection can help explain why your water bills are high, if they are indeed. If you have noticed in recent months you are paying more for water when you have not used any more than you typically do in a month, there could be something wrong with your pipes, or perhaps there is an undetected leak. A plumber will know where exactly to check to confirm your suspicions.

3) An inspection can also help you decide what needs to be done in your home to allow for a more energy efficient system. If you are concerned about environmental issues and want to better "green" your home, find out if such appliances will work better in your house and what is involved in making the switch.

4) A regular plumbing inspection, even when you have no plans to renovate or look for repairs, simply makes you a better homeowner. You are more in tune with your house and how it works, and as your plumber explains the process you will hone your intuition in the event something does go wrong.

A plumbing inspection need not be invasive or inconvenient for you. Quite the opposite, you could discover things you didn't realize about your plumbing system. Done correctly, you could discover ways to save money on your water and energy bills, and catch problems before they explode. Consider an annual inspection for your pipes and fixtures today.


Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach plumbing services and Palatine plumbing services.

The Importance of Plumbing Inspections

Whether at home or in the office, you rely upon solid, quality plumbing to keep clean water coursing through your fixtures. If a reputable plumbing company took care of installing everything, you shouldn't have any issues, though this doesn't mean you'll never have problems. One way to ensure you never need to worry about clogs or leaks is to have a regular plumbing inspection done, once or twice a year, to check on your pipes, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, and outdoor plumbing where applicable.

Why schedule a plumbing inspection? Well, think about it like this: you handle preventative care for things like your health, your car, and your pets, right? Why would your plumbing be any less important? You require good water flow for washing, cooking, and care of your plants and lawn - or landscaping at work. It makes sense to have a professional come in to evaluate the health of your fixtures and setup. You should also note too that:

1) A plumbing inspection can help your resale value. If you are thinking of selling your home anytime soon, that proof of an inspection can help when it's time to determine the value of your home. Good plumbing means a valuable property since a new owner won't have to do much to it.

2) Inspections can pinpoint potential dangers. If a plumbing mechanic spots an anomaly that could worsen into a more expensive problem, you can arrange for a fix that will save you lots of money and headaches down the road. To the trained eye, some things are better revealed - you may not see the same thing a plumber does.

3) An inspection could reveal places where you can save money or apply green practices to your plumbing setup. Remember that trained eye? What if a plumber came in and showed you how it can be fixed so your water and energy bills are reduced? That is certainly worth the time and investment to have him come in to lower future bills.

4) Lastly, an inspection can help you plan for the future. If you're thinking about expanding, your plumbing may prevent it. It's best to know well in advance so you don't go through the trouble of planning a new addition to your home only to find out it will cost more because of these obstacles.

A plumbing inspection for your home and office is designed to head off disasters, help plan for better efficiency in your home's maintenance, and to help you save money. Schedule an appointment for peace of mind.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Norfolk plumbing and Palatine plumbing.

Hire a Professional Plumber to Fix Backflow Problems

Every time you turn on a faucet to fill a soup pot, or to run a tub full of water for a bath, you expect what comes out of the spigot to be safe and clean, good enough for consumption. Whether you use your city's water supply or have some kind of well system set up for your home, it's important to make sure everything is working to maintain the proper filtering of your water. When things go awry and you notice your water doesn't look clear or maybe gives off an unpleasant odor, the last thing you want to do is use it for cooking or bathing. You could have a problem with your backflow preventer.

Simply put, backflow is the reverse flow of your main water supply. When your home plumbing works properly, only clean drinking and washing water will flow through your pipes when needed. In cases of severe weather or other damages, anything that faults the pressure that maintains water flow, there is the chance dirty water from storage is drawn into your plumbing. This contaminate flows in reserve into the good water stream, and therefore gets into your pipes and sinks, tubs, and so on. When this happens, it's necessary to contact your plumber for repairs.

Backflow Preventers

Dirty water coming out of the faucet in your first sign that you water needs to be tested, and your backflow device repairs or replaced. Typically your backflow plumbing should be tested once a year to make sure everything is in working order, but it's important to have a plumbing mechanic check it in extreme emergency cases. Make sure the person you hire has certification to work on such devices, which may include a check valve, a reduced pressure device, an air gap, or an atmospheric vacuum breaker.

Because some systems may require specific handling and parts, it is best to have somebody with experience tackle the plumbing job so no further damage is done to your water flow. Make sure the system you have installed comes with a warranty and learn everything you can in the event you need to describe another problem to your plumber should something go wrong.

Without a good backflow device, spoiled water may continue to be a problem for your home. Luckily this problem is easy to spot, but until you get a plumber to come in and take care of your backflow problem, you must refrain from using your tap water until you're certain it's clean enough to use.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Palatine plumbers and Palatine plumbing.

How to Head Off Plumbing Problems

With summertime on the way, the last thing you want to think about is your plumbing. This is especially true if you plan to spend more than a few nights a week lounging in the Jacuzzi tub, or swimming in your pool. Summer typically means the showers run more than a few times a day, especially as you come in hot and sweaty from exercise or outdoor play. Good plumbing means a happy home, and in order to keep it that way you will want to head off plumbing problems before they require some expensive work.

You don't need to get a certificate in plumbing mechanics to know how to keep good pipes and fixtures. Just take care not do overdo a few things and not to abuse your plumbing during crucial months. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1) Watch how you use the garbage disposal. Summer may mean you'll cook at home more, and make use of your sinks and disposal. Take care, though, not to get carried away by chucking vegetable peels and other compost down the drain. It's a disposal, not a garbage can. Limit the waste to small shards and liquids when possible.

2) Keep an eye on the common bathrooms. Do you have kids? If so, chances are you'll have frequent visitors this summer. You'll want to make sure the toilets flush properly and little ones are not running off while leaving the faucets running.

3) Keep home plumbing tools handy. In case of accidents, have a good plunger and brand of plumbing liquid around to solve minor clogging issues. Some emergencies are not as harrowing as you may first think; your best defense is a clear head, calm hands, and a bit of research to get your plumbing operational again.

4) Watch usage of water for outdoor purposes. You might spend more time watering the lawn, or your kids may wish to fill up a pool. If you have not used outdoor spigots in several months, start gently with the water flow and make sure your hoses and sprinklers are working correctly. If you had a previous cold snap and did nothing for your outdoor plumbing, you may encounter problems. Always err on the side of caution.

With summertime comes more time to play, relax, and garden. As you are more likely to use your fixtures and water at home, you'll want to head off plumbing issues before they get out of hand. Be vigilant and you should be fine.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Palatine plumbing services and Norfolk plumbing services.

Plumbing Questions Answered - What Are the Advantages of a Low-Flush Toilet?

It just may be the most important seat in your house. When everybody gets up in the morning, it's the first place we go, and the last at night. Call it what you will - the john, the head, the loo, the porcelain throne - the toilet is an integral part of your home, and as such it must work properly. Those of you who have become eco-minded and seek to take measures to "green" your home may have looked into environmentally friendly plumbing options. A low-flush toilet is such an item, but you really have to ask yourself...is it worth it?

Let's face it, if you have a large household, the bathroom is used quite often. When you consider how small children need to adjust to proper bathroom procedure - that is, not stuffing the bowl with toilet paper so you don't see water anymore - a low-flush model may not be the best thing right now. Nonetheless, there are advantages to having one, so bear these factors in mind as you look for ways to green your living space.

1) Low-flush toilets help conserve water. Enough water is wasted in the bathroom as it is, between teeth brushing and running the shower to get warm. You want to save where you can, and a low-flusher is designed not to use more than a gallon or two per use.

2) These types of commodes are also smaller in size. Because they do not use as much water, the tank isn't as large as a standard toilet's. If you have space concerns in a small bathroom, this can be considered an advantage.

3) Cost effectiveness is another factor in the bathroom fixture market. A low-flusher can save you money in the long run, and as they become more popular in households they may be more affordable than other models.

4) Depending on where you live, you may be subject to water conservation laws. These are the rulings that limit when you can water your lawn and do other things. Having a low-flush throne can help keep you a law-abiding citizen.

5) Though the toilets conserve, they are known to last. Provided you keep it in place, the wax seals could last as long as 30 years.

For an eco-friendly environment at home, start with the rooms used most often. Replacing your water-heavy toilet with a low-flushing alternative is one way to save money and the planet at the same time.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Chicago plumbing services and Virginia Beach plumbing.

Keeping Your Plumbing Up to Date

As a homeowner, you should be able to turn on a faucet and expect clean water, and you should have the luxury of doing laundry, working your garbage disposal, and flushing your toilet without anticipating any problems with your plumbing. You take pride in your home and its fixtures, and while you might hesitate when it comes time to upgrade anything in your kitchen or bathroom, you ought to know that the benefits of updated plumbing outweigh the cost in the long run.

Why should you keep your plumbing up to date? There are a number of reasons to consider new fixtures, pipes and appliances. Here are some thoughts to consider the next time you settle in for a nice bath or start cooking a meal:

1) Your family and guests will thank you for it. If yours is the household that sees people waiting in line for hot water every morning, don't feel discouraged if you believe that problem will never be resolved. Consult with a plumbing professional for options that keep everybody at home happy, and clean! Whether it involves installing another shower or better pipes for improved flow, you can find help toward getting everybody's bathroom routines finished in a timely manner.

2) You can save money on water and heating bills. Upgrade to newer equipment like a tankless water heater or other fixtures for your bathroom and kitchen - like low-flush toilets and lower-flow faucets, and you may find you're pay less each month when the bills arrive. This is because you use less water and heat every day.

3) You may get a break on your taxes! With the purchase of energy saving devices for home improvement, you may be able to write off the money on your next tax return. This includes plumbing fixtures like tankless water heaters.

4) You improve the value of your home. If ever you decide to sell your house, you stand to increase bids thanks to the upgraded features done to your bathroom and kitchen. You've given potential home buyers more reason to consider your house over others, and they have less home improvement work to do when you vacate.

Upgraded plumbing yields benefits for everybody at home. More efficient pipes run clean water, help save you money and make your home more pleasant. If you're unable to make the improvements yourself, talk to your local plumber about cost effective options.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Chicago plumbing services and Norfolk plumbing services.

After the Hurricane - Checking for Home Repair Possiblities

Nature happens. If you live in an area that is highly susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms, chances are you know the drill - you have your evacuation route planned, an emergency pantry in place, and plenty of strong tape and boards for windows and doors. After the storm hits, however, you should know to put a new plan into action and quickly assess any damage done. This means being watchful of possible repairs to make to walls and plumbing.

What To Look For After The Storm

Once the wind and rain has subsided, you need to inspect your home to ensure minor problems now don't become more troublesome issues later. Broken windows and felled trees are easy to spot, but leaks in your pipes and malfunctioning HVAC systems can be more difficult to spot - even if those problems existed before the big storm, you must contact a contractor or repairman to handle replacements before the weather gets cold. Some things to look for in the aftermath of bad weather include:

1) Bugs: Heavy winds and standing water left after a storm can introduce all sorts of unwanted critters in your home. This is a good time to inspect the weatherstripping around the house and make sure the darker corners of your basement and attic are free of pests.

2) Pipe Leaks: If by chance a tree in your yard uprooted, you might experience problems with your pipe system as well. Watch the way water flows in your toilets and faucets, and look out for slow drains. A call to the plumber could be in order.

3) Mold: The chance that mold will grow inside your walls rises after a storm, especially if the foundation and structure were faulty to begin with. If you think you might have a problem, check it now before it effects your health.

Home repairs, while a seeming headache, won't appear as bad if you tackle the problems quickly and efficiently. If your home weathers a hurricane, do your best to make sure it stands well in any season.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach home improvement, Virginia Beach awnings and Virginia Beach window replacement.

Renovating With a Claw Foot Tub? Let a Professional Plumber Help!

Nothing lends an air of elegance and vintage comfort to a renovated bathroom like a clawfoot tub. Dramatically different in appearance from the standard built-in models, these beauties may not look larger than the premium jetted garden tubs that have become a basic element in new construction, but once you sit inside one you'll definitely know and feel the difference!

Clawfoot tubs, styled from Elizabethan and Victorian times, are deeper to allow more water coverage, and their graceful slipper or bowl shapes give each end a higher back, so one can relax without unconsciously slumping. If you have considered or are currently planning to remodel your bathroom, this is a definite addition sure to please everybody in the house.

Once you have decided upon the actual tub you want in your home, you might wonder how necessary it is to call on the services of a plumber to handle installation. The simple answer: very! While plumbing for the vintage model is on the outset no different from that of a contemporary tub, precise placement of exposed pipes must be accomplished with car to ensure you are getting the most out of (and into) your claw foot. Because this type of bathroom fixture is not sealed against the wall in its own cove, but will likely be positioned more into the space, some plumbing will be exposed. Of course, you will want the pipes to match the antique beauty of the tub, and a plumber can recommend the right parts to purchase.

Another thing to think about, too, is the change of water spills. As you are getting acquainted with your claw foot, it may take a few tries to get the water levels right so you don't displace too much when you sit down. Spills are likely, so you want to be sure your floor can handle it, and not absorb too much that you risk water damage and rot underneath the house. When you call on a plumbing contractor to remodel your bathroom, the floor should be a topic to cover - no pun intended.

When installed correctly, your claw foot tub will bring you many years of bathing luxury and serenity. It's important to get it done right the first time, so if you do not feel confident in the do it yourself department, your local plumber is the best bet.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Norfolk Virginia plumbing and Norfolk handyman services.

Is it Time to Call the Plumber?

New homeowners especially may be quick to call for repairs if even the slightest thing in their house goes wrong. The last thing anybody, regardless of how long they have owned their home, wants to deal with is the plumbing, and while some problems may appear easy to fix, it can be tricky. What could start out as a minor tweak could involve calling a professional plumber before the day is done.

How do you know when to call a plumber, before you discover the house is full of water? Some kitchen and bathroom jobs may look easy, but before you grab a wrench and try to tackle it yourself, please do some serious inspection to determine whether or not you should pick up a phone instead. Ask yourself these questions:

Is wiring or electricity involved? If the problem lies with an electric heater, it may take more than a simple poking around the panels to fix the situation. If you have no experience with heaters, you put yourself, as well as your home at risk. Best to bring in a licensed and bonded professional who knows his wires.

Are your pipes frozen? If so, this is definitely a job for a pro. If you try to thaw out the pipes on your own you risk further damage. Professional plumbers are trained to properly seal cracks in such pipes.

How bad is that backed up toilet? If a regular plunger isn't doing the trick, the problem could lie deeper in the sewage lines, which could require some digging to fix. Before you tear up your yard, make the call.

Does a part need replacing? If something as complicated as a heater or water pump is not working, it could mean you need a new part for it. Before you attempt to do the work on your own, it may be better to have a professional assess the problem.

Simple jobs like minor clogs and leaky pipes that need an extra twist may work fine if done on your own. More complicated task, however, require the care and expertise of a trained workman. You might think calling a plumber is expensive, but you'll find the cost is worth it if you don't have to pay for further damages incurred by a do-it-yourself job gone wrong.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach plumbing and Virginia Beach handyman services.

Plumbing Problems at Work? Do it Yourself?

You're at work, maybe getting coffee in the break room or checking in on the courtesy restrooms, and you see a leak. You may think it's nothing urgent, nothing a small tweak with a wrench can't fix. However, the trained eye of a commercial plumber may see something entirely different.

Unlike residential plumbing, commercial plumbing brings on different challenges and issues that may prove more complicated for an untrained person to handle. Leaks and problems with water flow may indicate problems deep within the building where your business is housed, and if you work in a strip building or are connected to other businesses the tweaking you do on pipes and fixtures could effect others.

Should you try to handle the problem yourself? There are a number of reasons why that wouldn't be recommended:

Inexperience: If you're not certain how to use wrench or other tool to fix a pipe, you risk doing more damage than is already there. Furthermore, what you see as a minor leak could be the beginning of a cracked pipe that will require more care and likely equipment you don't have on hand.

Liability: If you should happen to get injured while trying to fix a plumbing problem, your business will not only have to deal with the leak but also any workman's compensation, if applicable. You also risk losing work if hurt.

What is the best course to take here? If you're able to pinpoint the origin of the plumbing problem, contact a commercial plumber for a consultation. Commercial plumbing mechanics are trained to specifically assess pipework in non-residential buildings, and are able to make any repairs without disrupting your work or your customers.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on commercial plumbing in Virginia Beach and Virginia Beach home improvement.

The Importance of Drain Cleaning

Maybe it's happened to you before: you turn on the shower per your daily routine, or you run water hot into your kitchen sink to prepare dinner or wash dishes. After a few seconds you realize the water is pooling in the tub or sink, and there's no stopper making that happen. You have a clogged drain, and the additional headache of having to deal with it.

Drain clogs can be caused by a multitude of things - excess hair, waste, or food that gets caught in pipes and prevents water from flowing, or outside tree roots that compromise your plumbing. Depending on where the clog is and the severity of the problem, a quick solution may be all you need to handle it. Store brand or industrial strength cleaners one pours down a drain might do the trick if the clog isn't too problematic. Root killers, if applied correctly, can be effective and save you a phone call to a plumber.

Simple equipment like augurs and "plumbing snakes" may also address more stubborn clogs, but if you are not sure how to use them it might be best to avoid doing so.

Unclogging drains, however, is more than just pouring a solution down the hatch and hoping for the best. Once you've managed to dislodge a drain, you want to be certain another one doesn't pop up. This will require vigilance on your part to make sure the water flows smoothly down your pipes. If you find clogs occur too often and too close together, it could be time to contact a plumber to look into the problem.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach home repair, Chesapeake plumbing and plumbers in Norfolk.

Green Plumbing Options Improve Your Home

A big concern for the homeowner these days is how to "green" the homestead. It seems automatic to recycle plastic and paper, keep unused lights off and use resources sparingly, but did you know that by making a few adjustments to your bathroom fixtures can greatly reduce the strain on your surrounding environment? Plumbing mechanics are training to offer green repair and installation options for home owners to ensure strong resources for the future.

Why Hire a Green Plumber

There's no question that employing the services of a "green" plumbing company benefits your property and the economy. Environmentally conservative fixtures and repairs to your home can increase its value over time, and help save money on energy and water bills. You also gain the peace of mind that you are working to reduce your carbon footprint and improve the natural resources in your surrounding area. Neighbors who happen to see a green plumber working on your home may be inspired to hire one as well, thereby increasing consciousness of the environment.

What a Green Plumber Can Do for You

Besides save you money, here are some things that can be done to improve the functionality of your bathroom.

• Water efficient commodes - The less you flush, the less water wasted and the less running through the tank. If you're not a fan of jiggling the handle after use, maybe look into this option.
• Solar hot water system - What's hotter than the sun? Rather than expand expensive energy on heating your water, install a solar powered system to keep down costs.
• Environmentally friendly tank and drain maintenance - When you pour chemicals down the toilet or sink to undo clogs, you could be releasing dangerous toxins that eventually wind up in the soil underneath and around your house. If you have a garden, you especially don't want that! Green alternatives include additives made of natural resources that won't harm the earth.

The next time you're in need of plumbing repair around the house, confer with a company that applies eco-friendly techniques. The work you do now may alleviate the need to do so in the future.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach handyman services, Virginia Beach window replacement, and Virginia Beach commercial plumbing.

The Dangers of Hiring "Unprofessional" Professionals

Let's face it, one doesn't exactly prepare ahead for home and auto repairs. With bills to pay and other expenses needed to get through the month, to have something unexpected come up like an accident or burst pipe requires attention, and money. At some point in our lives, we're expected to give up money saved for something special to take care of something more important. Therefore, it's necessary to make sure the repair is done right the first time and doesn't incur further financial strain.

If you're tight on money, it may be tempting to go with a low bidder in order to fix your repairs, yet in the long run that could hurt you. While it may not be true across the board, choosing a plumber, repairman, or other contractor based on price without researching them could lead to trouble. If you were to hire a mechanic for your home or car who wasn't properly licensed, for example, you might find you'll experience problems with your insurance company. Then you'll have to another another person to right any mistakes in the repair, costing you even more!

How can you avoid such problems?

1) Referrals. Talk to trusted friends and relative, ask which plumbers and mechanics they use. Has anybody used the same people for years without incident? Are there online reviews of the work done you can examine?

2) Business references. Research who will work for you. Are they licensed? Are they members of the local chamber of commerce or Better Business Bureau. Does the BBB have on record any official complaints?

3) Communication. How do the staff act when approached? Are they friendly and courteous? Do they answer all questions directly? Are they complete in their procedures and contracts?

The more you learn about the people who come into your home or work on your car, the better prepared you are for a concise repair that hopefully won't cost you more in the long run.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on plumbers in Virginia Beach and Virginia Beach handyman services.

Keep Your Plumbing Strong During the Winter Holidays

If you plan for a busy holiday season, you need to be sure your kitchen and bathroom pipes are working properly. The more foot traffic into your bath and shower, the more your plumbing will work. Nobody wants to deal with leaks and broken fixtures during Christmas, so before you invite the friends and family over, take care to prepare your house.

Keep the Kitchen Cooking

Holidays are synonymous with grand family feasts. No doubt if you have family over, there will be turkey and pies and other treats. That said, you'll rely on your kitchen sink for cooking and cleaning, so do your best not to pour oils or fat down the drain. If they become solid, they're sure to clog up your pipes. If you're making a pumpkin pie to share, don't use the garbage disposer to get rid of pulp. Not all disposal units have the power to grind up thick gourd skins.

If you plan to wash a lot of dishes after meals, don't run a cycle until you've filled your dishwater as much as possible. Run the wash through off-hours of the night, too, to conserve energy.

Working Bathrooms = Happy Guests

If the ratio of people to bathrooms in your home is great (and it almost always is), you want to be certain there are no problems over the holidays. If possible, coach visitors into waiting about fifteen minutes in between showers to give your water pressure a chance to recover from each bathing.

Taking good care of your home over the Christmas holidays ensures a memorable visit with family and friends.

K. Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach handyman services, Suffolk plumbing and Virginia Beach plumbers.

Call a Plumber For Pest Control

It's a problem no homeowner wants to face: you're home for the evening hoping to relax with a nice hot bath or shower, and you walk into your bathroom to see a few tiny insects floating in the air. If there is no nearby open window, you might wonder how the critters got this far back into the house. The inconvenience of having to swat or spray could kill the relaxing mood, and now you have to think about calling pest control.

Or, perhaps you need to call a plumber.

That's right. If you live near the beach or marshy areas, you likely have dealt with mosquito problems outside the home. One thing to know about these blood-sucking pests is that they breed in standing water. Eggs hatch and the nymphs grow in the puddles until they are able to fly on their own. If you're not observant, you might discover that adult mosquitoes have discovered your septic tank or other damp spots within the plumbing of your house as their new hatchery. Where are the critters coming from? Possibly your drains!

What is the best way to prevent an infestation by way of your pipes? Consult with a professional, licensed plumber and it could be suggested to screen the plumbing vents in your home to keep even the smallest creatures from breaching. If you have no screens applied, make an appointment to have it done. It is also wise to have a plumber check your septic tank to make sure it is bolted and sealed correctly.

The more proactive you are in preventing insects from entering your home through the plumbing, the better protected your house will remain.

K. Lively is a freelance writer specializing in Virginia Beach handyman services,  Norfolk commercial plumbing and Virginia lake management services.