holiday Archives - Annapolis Plumbing Contractor

Add a Sump Pump to the Holiday Wishlist!

Sump Pumps Offer Many Benefits

Sump pumps are extremely useful appliances. While many homeowners never see these devices up close, they play a vital role in preventing basement flooding and other expensive complications. Still, many homeowners are on the fence about purchasing these items, especially if they’ve never dealt with basement flooding before.

Here, one can learn about the many benefits of installing a sump pump. Having a sump pump could mean the difference between a stress-free holiday season and one filled with unexpected bills, plumbers’ visits, and other inconveniences.

Why Install a Sump Pump?

When it rains (or snow melts), the area around the home’s foundation can swell with water. This can cause the basement to flood, sustaining water damage and loss of personal property. Sump pumps sense when water threatens a flood relying on sensors and other systems. Then, they direct this excess water away from home, eliminating the risk of severe flooding.

Benefits of having a sump pump include:

They protect the home’s foundation. If the home’s foundation is constantly waterlogged, this could cause serious problems. Eventually, it could make the home unsafe for residency.
They protect personal property. Some belongings, such as electronics, can’t take water exposure. Sump pumps reduce the likelihood that flooding would ever damage these items.
They reduce mold growth. Imagine this—a basement floods. The homeowner calls a specialized service to drain the water. Still, the water can promote mold and mildew growth, causing serious health concerns. It can also be quite expensive to remediate.

There Are Different Types of Sump Pumps

There are different types of sump pumps that suit different types of homes. Some common types of sump pumps include:

Submersible sump pumps: When a plumber installs a sump pump, they dig a small pit filled with water, then place the appliance inside. With this type of sump pump, they’ll put the entire device inside the pit, completely submerging it underwater. These devices save space and even use less energy than their above-water counterparts.
Pedestal sump pumps: These are taller than submersible sump pumps. The sensors go underwater while the motor stays above ground.
Battery-operated sump pumps: Some homeowners rely on battery-operated sump pumps. That’s because these devices can still direct water away from the home’s foundation when the electricity goes out.
Combination sump pumps: Many people call combination sump pumps “flood insurance.” That’s because they can use electricity or a battery to work. No matter how serious a weather event is, a homeowner can rest easy knowing this appliance will work.

What Are Secondary or Backup Sump Pumps?

As noted, some severe weather events can put electric-powered sump pumps out of commission. This is why many people rely on secondary or backup sump pumps. These devices:

Work even when there’s no power
Direct wastewater away from the basement and prevent flooding
Can handle more water than standard sump pumps
Protect the home and homeowners’ property

A plumber specializing in sump pump installation can help homeowners determine what device best meets a home’s needs.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. has over 70 years of experience serving its neighbors in Annapolis, MD, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat rates, emergency assistance, and plumbing maintenance plans. Call them today for sump pump services in Annapolis, MD.

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Be Thankful For Plumbers During This Holiday Season

Essential Services Provided by Plumbers

There are a lot of things to be thankful for around the Thanksgiving season. As colder temperatures move in it’s nice to stay cozy in a heated home. Even more, it’s nice to not have to put on a coat to draw water from a well or visit the outhouse. Plumbers do a lot during the year to ensure people have access to the amenities that make life easier. This year, they want to remind homeowners about the hard work plumbers do.

The plumbing in a home is a complicated system that requires professional installation and repair to keep it running. Here are some of the responsibilities that plumbers have that make things easier for everyone else.

Servicing Water and Sewer Lines

Plumbing is comprised of two separate systems: freshwater and sewer. Both are equally important for safety, sanitation, and convenience. The freshwater system consists of all of the piping that starts at the water meter for a home. The pipe runs underground until it reaches the home at which point it branches off to serve the water heater and all of the points of use that people are familiar with. But what good is all that fresh water if there is no way to get rid of it once it is used? The result would be a nasty unhealthy mess without sewer service.

Plumbers work hard to make sure both systems are functioning. From the first pipe that is installed in a new home to the last foot of buried sewer pipe, their expertise keeps things healthy and safe. Without water and sewer line repairs, no one could clean, bathe or use the bathroom.

Fixing Gas Line Leaks

Thanksgiving is the day of feasting all over the nation. Since so many people are traveling, guests will need a hot shower, made possible by plumbers. Many water heaters in homes are powered by gas carried in professionally-installed plumbing.

Without high safety standards and professional service, accidents from gas leaks would be far more common. Gas leaks are extremely dangerous and can cause fires and explosions. Gas leak detection and repairs are a very important part of the job and another great reason to be thankful for plumbers.

Water Heater Services

Is there anything worse than being cold and wanting to warm up in a hot shower only to be met with cold water? Water heaters are essential appliances in every home, and plumbers ensure they work properly with professional installation, repairs, and maintenance.

Water heater repairs and maintenance are a vital part of a plumber’s scope of responsibilities. To keep a water heater running efficiently, they perform crucial tasks like:

Draining and flushing the tank
Inspecting burners and heatings elements
Repairing leaks in fittings
Inspecting anode rods and replacing them when necessary

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated business serving Annapolis, MD, and the surrounding neighborhoods since 1947. They provide flat rate pricing, emergency assistance, and maintenance plans. Call them today for plumbing services in Annapolis, MD.

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Put a New Water Heater At the Top of Your Holiday Wishlist!

A New Water Heater Is the Gift Every Homeowner Deserves This Holiday Season!

It’s not uncommon to wish for new appliances during the holidays. Usually, it’s something to beef up the kitchen like a handy breadmaker, a bigger toaster oven, or even a fancy new smart refrigerator. But for some homeowners, it’s a replacement for that old clunker of a water heater that keeps breaking down.

The water heater is the heart of the home’s plumbing system. Things can get pretty uncomfortable if it’s constantly malfunctioning or failing to provide enough hot water. It’s only a matter of time before the unit gives out completely and leaves the home without hot water. This article will explain how to tell when a water heater is on its last leg, what problems can be solved with repairs, and how a home can benefit from a water heater replacement.

Signs of a Malfunctioning Water Heater

For the most part, it’s usually pretty easy to tell when the water heater isn’t working properly. Some common symptoms include:

The water won’t get hot enough
The hot water runs out quickly
The water temperature keeps fluctuating
The hot water is discolored or has a funky smell
The hot water pressure is weak compared to the cold
The water won’t get hot at all

Other signs can be observed not through the water but at the point of the water heater itself, such as evidence of leaks on or around the unit, unusual noises such as popping, rumbling, or hissing. Some units even have status indicator lights to alert the owner of an anomaly or problem.

When To Repair & When To Replace

In some cases, replacing the whole water heater may not be the best option. Water heaters aren’t exactly cheap, so if the problem can be solved with repairs, why shell out all that money unnecessarily? Simply cleaning the burners or replacing a faulty thermostat may resolve temperature issues. A partially closed valve could be responsible for low pressure. A loose pipe fitting or worn relief valve could cause a leak.

Of course, some issues are more serious and can lead to further damage if left unchecked. If the tank’s anode rod is depleted, for instance, the tank may begin to rust if a new rod isn’t installed immediately. Delayed ignition due to dirty burners can crack the heat exchanger – a very expensive fix. If sediment buildup in the tank isn’t flushed out in time, it could cause the tank to crack and leak, which cannot be repaired and will necessitate replacing the entire unit.

If the cost to repair the unit is half the cost of a replacement or more, it may make more sense to go for the latter. This is especially true if the unit is more than a few years old, as the average lifespan of a water heater is around 10 years (or closer to 20 for tankless units).

Key Benefits of Upgrading the Water Heater

Even if a full replacement isn’t strictly necessary, it does carry some major benefits. For one thing, homeowners can upgrade to a new and improved model that better serves their needs.

Many people find that their old water heater can no longer keep up with the household demand for hot water – particularly if the family has gotten bigger over the years. This may be the perfect opportunity to switch to a larger unit that can handle the load or even to a tankless water heater. These heat water only as needed, reducing standby energy consumption and making it possible to have an endless flow of hot water.

New water heaters, whether traditional or tankless, are also significantly more efficient than their older counterparts, thanks to continuous advancements in water heater technology. In this way, upgrading to a new water heater can end up saving homeowners money in the long run – truly, the gift that keeps giving!

About Heidler, Inc.

The family-owned and operated Heidler, Inc. has been the trusted local plumber in Annapolis, Maryland, since 1947. They offer up-front pricing, 24-hour emergency response, and a range of rewarding maintenance plans. With their award-winning customer service and tailor-made solutions, they are the clear choice for water heater installation in Annapolis, MD.

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Save Holiday Dinner From a Plumbing Disaster

Don’t Let Plumbing Problems Ruin Holiday Celebrations

The easiest way to accomplish any big task is to make a list and cross off as much of it as possible before the deadline. This is especially helpful to remember during the holidays when there is so much to do. Making a list and breaking down the items into more manageable steps can be the difference between enjoying a holiday and being totally overwhelmed.

When planning for the holidays, there is simply too much to do at one time. One thing to remember when planning for a holiday get-together is to make sure the plumbing is ready for the holidays. This short guide from local bathroom plumbers can give homeowners the peace of mind that their holiday plans are protected from disaster long before any guests arrive.

Emergency Clogged Toilet Repair Can Ruin a Night

A picture-perfect holiday meal contains family, a turkey, and no problems with the toilet! The fastest way to upset the plans of a holiday dinner host is to have to deal with a clogged toilet. Instead, add “checking the bathroom plumbing” to the list. When checking the bathroom plumbing, homeowners should look for things that indicate a potential problem with the toilet. These signs are:

Slow flushing
Loud flushing
Wobbling tank or toilet
Constant clogging or frequent plunging

Calling for toilet installation or repair before guests show up is the best way to protect the party. Cross this off the list early and move on to more exciting things.

Holidays isAreNo Time for Sewer Line Repair

A more serious problem that could be lurking in the plumbing is a clogged sewer line. Clogged sewer lines can be seen by slow flushing toilets or problems with multiple plumbing fixtures, including sinks and showers. Clogged drain service will be needed to diagnose and treat the problem.

One of the most likely remedies for a clogged drain is a process called hydro-jetting. Hydro-jetting is an easy way to remove years of buildup from inside drain pipes. During the procedure, a high-pressure jet blasts through clogs and scrubs the walls of the pipes, resulting in pipes that are as good as new.

If more serious problems are found, early intervention will be even more important. Who wants sewer line repairs to ruin their holiday? Early detection will ensure that plans stay on track.

Remember to Be Thankful for Plumbing Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance in plumbing takes the form of preventative drain cleaning. Too often, customers wait until a drain is totally clogged before calling for help. This makes the drain clearing process more expensive and involved. The better option is to schedule routine cleaning to prevent problems from ever getting out of hand.

During a routine drain cleaning, a professional will clear the buildup out of a drain so that it doesn’t get any worse. Annual cleaning is recommended to keep things under control. With annual drain cleaning, the homeowner never has to worry about nasty drain clogs interrupting their plans. Scheduling drain cleaning before the holidays every year means that the kitchens and bathrooms are always ready to go!

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is the choice for prompt and honest plumbing service in Annapolis. They provide comprehensive solutions for residential and commercial customers. Call today for upfront, flat-rate pricing on plumbing service.

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Give the Gift of Hot Water This Holiday

Why It’s Important To Have a Healthy Water Heater

Having hot water all year long is great, but having hot water during these colder end of the year times is a must. No one wants to start or end their day with a cold shower, especially not in the late fall and during the winter. However, it is hard to enjoy a warm shower when a water heater is either old or needs some repairs. And the best way to make sure that their water heaters are good and healthy is to call on a professional. Read on to learn the common symptoms of a damaged water heater and what homeowners can do to protect their home.

Top Signs a Water Heater Needs Service

While water heater repair and service should always be left to the experts, knowing when to call them is just as important. Some signals a water heater needs help include:

Hot Water Is Not Hot For Long: Just like with the human body, when a water heater gets older, it begins to break down. Things do not work or function the way they did when it was younger or brand new. If, while taking a shower, a person notices that the water gets keeps getting cool, and they have to keep turning the faucet handle, again and again, it may be time for the water heater to be repaired.
Discolored Water: Seeing rust-colored water is clearly unsettling. And seeing it come out of a sink or showerhead is a sign of a water heater in need of some serious repairs. It could be due to rust building up on the inside of the tank. Sediment buildup is also a common reason for this. And if left unchecked, it can lead to tank corrosion. And that can lead to a bunch of other problems no one wants to, or should, deal with.
Loud Noises From the Unit: Hearing an occasional “clink” or “clang” from a water heater is normal. When it starts sounding like a horror movie scene, it is time to call someone in to have it checked.

What’s Making the Water Heater Break Down?

The biggest thing that makes a water heater break down is, once again, let’s say it together: Sediment Buildup. Heated water may leave behind small minerals that slowly grow and build up over time, causing a water heater to become less efficient and reducing the flow of hot water. The buildup can then later lead to corrosion, which can cause a water heater to rust up and even begin to deteriorate.

Another thing that makes a water heater break down is a lack of attention. If it is never inspected, how can someone know if something is wrong with it? Unfortunately, the saying, “Ignorance is Bliss” doesn’t work for the water heater.

Owners should always be aware of their water heater’s condition. It is for a good cause, after all. The well being of their health as well as their wallet. The sooner a problem is spotted, the sooner a solution can be given. And earlier solutions will eventually catch up with better payments down the road.

When Is the Right Time To Replace Your Water Heater?

A hot water heater is supposed to do one thing: provide hot water. It’s in its name. If it is not doing that, it may be time to get it replaced. The average water heater lasts about eight years, though it can last up to 10 years with proper maintenance. If the poor thing is getting up there in age, it is more than likely that it will already start to show signs of aging and give problems.

Also, if a water heater technician constantly has to be called to repair an existing water heater, it is probably wiser to just replace it altogether. In the end, if one is unsure about whether they should replace their water heater, it is always wise to call on a professional.

About Heidler, Inc.

Since 1947, Heidler, Inc. has provided plumbing and heating services to Annapolis. With their flat rates and live emergency assistance, Heidler, Inc continues to contribute excellent service for all of their customers. Call Heidler, Inc. today and ask about water heater installation in Annapolis.

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Use Plumbing Decorations to Improve Your Holiday Decor!

How Plumbing Decorations Can Add to Your Holiday Decor

During the holidays, houses on every street are decorated to match the festive feel of the holiday. But what happens when your holiday lawn scene is interrupted by unsightly plumbing and pipes? Far from being a nuisance, unsightly plumbing can be decorated to become part of your holiday decor.

Here are some tips and tricks to decorate your unsightly plumbing and add to the festive feeling of your holiday decorations.

Dress Up Your Outdoor Plumbing

Many homes with crawl space foundations have decks and patios that are raised above the ground. This setup often results in water pipes and other plumbing being seen underneath the deck or patio. The last thing you want to deal with is unsightly outdoor plumbing that runs right through your holiday scene.

Use these tips and tricks to disguise your plumbing while creating your holiday wonderland. First, wrap piping in wire and fabric ribbon to mimic a candy cane. The candy cane effect is best with red ribbon on white piping.

You can also match the color scheme of your decor should you choose. White piping will work well with any color ribbon. Second, hide water spigots behind statues or inflatable decor. Use the spigot to tie down statues for extra support. Using spigots as support allows them to remain accessible while staying hidden and out of the way.

Kitchen Faucet Decor

The kitchen is an enjoyable place to add some holiday decor and charm. While you can decorate the cupboards and add festive plates and vases to your countertops, the kitchen faucet often goes overlooked. Here are a few easy ideas to incorporate your kitchen faucet into the festive holiday scene. Use wire and fabric ribbon to create a candy cane effect.

Tie a bow or wrap the faucet with a strand of outdoor battery-operated holiday lights. To give your faucet and extra whimsical feel, use brown pipe cleaners to add reindeer antlers to the highest part of your faucet. Even adding a ribbon scarf can make a dull sink look fun and festive.

Don’t Forget Your Bathroom Plumbing

There are many options if you want to decorate your bathrooms for the holidays. The guest bathroom is an excellent place to add some holiday decor to your home. Cover your toilet seat and lid with festive themed covers.

Many toilet mat sets come with a floor mat as well, completing the picture. Add festive shower curtains and a brightly colored shower mat, and you’ll have a complete holiday scene to the delight of your guests.

Add battery operated outdoor lights to the surround of your shower, sink, or mirror for a fun glow that becomes a nightlight when the house lights are off. Holiday lights are perfect for helping guests find their way when they spend the night in your home.

Trust Your Local Plumber

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated plumbing company serving Annapolis since 1947. Offering full-range plumbing, remodeling, and heating needs, they are experts and leaders in the industry. Heidler, Inc. provides 24/7 services and guaranteed flat-rates for all your plumbing needs.