Brooks Plumbing Co. Blog: Archive for December, 2012

Happy New Year’s Eve!

Monday, December 31st, 2012

Everyone at Brooks Plumbing wants to wish you a very happy New Year! We hope you have a fun (and safe!) time saying goodbye to 2012 and welcoming in the New Year!

Remember, if you haven’t already scheduled your annual plumbing maintenance; make sure to contact us today.  Annual maintenance is the most effective way to minimize the risk of major damages and will cut down on repair costs. Start the New Year off with smooth running plumbing; contact the Olympia plumbers at Brooks Plumbing today.

Happy New Year from Brooks Plumbing!

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Happy Holidays from Your Plumbers!

Friday, December 21st, 2012

Everyone at Brooks Plumbing wishes you a very happy holiday! We would like to take a moment to thank all our wonderful customers who make it possible for our business to thrive. We look forward to working with you in the New Year. Have a wonderful celebration, and enjoy this time with friends and family!

As a quick reminder, if you haven’t already scheduled your annual plumbing maintenance, make sure to contact us today.  Annual maintenance is the most effective way to minimize the risk of major damages and will not only cut down on repair costs, but it also ensures that your home’s plumbing system is running as efficiently as possible. A comfortable, efficient home is a gift that everyone can appreciate.

Happy Holidays from Brooks Plumbing!

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How Can I Save More Water and Energy in the Winter?

Monday, December 17th, 2012

As the heating season approaches savvy homeowners begin cooking up their schemes to roll back energy costs this winter. What many homeowners do not give much consideration to – often until a problem arises – is the conservation of water throughout the winter. Both are important, if for different reasons. Brooks Plumbing has some information to share with you about how you can improve both your energy efficiency and water conservation this winter. Cut down on the amount of resources you use and watch the saving begin to add up this heating season.

Some of the most effective ways to save energy during the winter months are also the simplest. Did you know that you can reverse the rotation of your ceiling fans? Flip a switch on the fixture and keep them going clockwise. This is generally the winter setting and it forces heated air back down to the living space from the ceiling. You can also buy shrink-wrap and weather-stripping to winterize your doors and windows. Keeping the heat inside your home is one of the most basic ways to reduce heating costs during the winter. Of course the best way you can keep your home heating system as efficiently as possible is to schedule regular, professional maintenance. When your heating system is operating effectively, efficiency soon follows.

Saving water during the winter is a bit different. Some water saving methods are automatic in the winter, such as cutting down on the water you use to maintain your lawn. This is much more of a spring or summertime concern. One thing people tend to do in the winter is spend more time in a nice, hot shower. It may be a nice respite when you get back from the cold outdoors, but remember that you are paying for that water just like always. The biggest water waste concern in the winter is the freezing of your pipes. Make sure that they are properly insulated and, if you are going away, be sure to drain them to prevent bursting. A burst pipe, as you can imagine, is a pretty serious way to waste water.

For more information about cutting costs and increasing water and energy efficiency in Olympia, WA this winter contact Brooks Plumbing. Let us help you improve your comfort while retaining more of your budget. Schedule service today.

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Sump Pump Tip: How to Maintain Your Sump Pump

Monday, December 10th, 2012

While the sump pump in your Lacey WA area home should rarely have issues, it is important to maintain it so that you don’t have any problems. If your sump pump breaks down, you could find yourself facing a flooded basement or major water damage to your home.

Here at Brooks Plumbing, we want to help you maintain your sump pump with a few maintenance tips.

Test the Float Switch

Most sump pumps are submersible pumps that are installed inside an open well. Like the floater inside a toilet tank, the float switch will turn on the pump once the water reaches a certain level. Occasionally check it by lifting it for a second to see if it turns on the motor. If not, check to make sure it is plugged in or that there’s not a blown fuse. Call a technician if the float switch isn’t working.

If your motor is constantly running, this means that the float switch is stuck in the on position. This could cause the motor to burn out, so unplug the pump and see if you can clear out any debris stuck underneath the float switch. If that doesn’t work, call a plumber.

Clean the Well and Filters

Try to keep your basement area clean so that debris doesn’t fall into the well. Also, check the filters on the pump and clean out anything that can cause a clog. Call a professional if you aren’t sure how to do this.

Check for Other Damages

Submersible pumps are more susceptible to corrosion and other damages, so check for rust and other obvious damages. Call a Lacey WA plumber at Brooks Plumbing if you notice any problems with your sump pump. Contact Brooks Plumbing today!

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Plumber Tips: Drain Line Do’s and Dont’s

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

Are you in need of an Olympia WA plumber for a drain problem in your home? Call the plumbers at Brooks plumbing today! We can tackle any job, big or small. To help maintain the drain lines in your home, we’ve put together a list of do’s and dont’s for residential drain systems.

Call an Olympia Plumber for Backups and Clogs

Whether you have a toilet that is overflowing due to a backup, or you have a clogged sink, always call a plumber before you put chemicals down the drain or try to resolve it with a temporary fix. The plumber will be able to take care of the problem and prevent it from recurring. Using harsh drain cleaners will not solve the overall issue, and it can harm the pipes, particularly in homes with piping made of soft metals.

If necessary, the plumber can view the block from the inside with a video inspection device. They will diagnose the reason for the block and tell you how to avoid further problems. They will also let you know if the block was a sign of a more serious problem with your plumbing. Call us for all your drain line repair needs.

Think Before You Flush

Flushing diapers, baby wipes, paper towels, and other objects down the toilet is another common cause of drain system backups. Homeowners should never flush anything down the toilet that wasn’t specifically designed to be disposed of that way. When in doubt, you should always err on the side of caution.

Hire Brooks Plumbing for Drain and Sewer Line Replacements

We use trenchless technology for sewer line repairs and replacements. That means no trenches will be dug across your lawn, and this technology helps protect driveways, sidewalks, and landscaping. It also means less time spent digging and back filling, which translates to lower costs for you.  Replacing a sewer line is a major project that must be done correctly to avoid further problems down the road. You need a company you can trust.

Contact Brooks Plumbing today if you have questions or are in need of a Olympia plumbing repair.

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