Last week while putting in a water heater for a customer in Collegeville, the customer asked ” what do you suggest for a drain cleaner product?” I reply like I often do when asked this question, “use a force cup”. Then I get a puzzled look, like what is a force cup? Well a plunger is the answer if that doesn’t do the trick then pouring chemicals down is often a bad idea. From my experience this can cause more problems than solutions. I have seen pipes destroyed by these methods. Also it can lead to an odor that remains for a long time. So if a slow drain is your problem let me come by and run my electric drain machine though and clear the obstruction.

I have installed plumbing on more than one occasion that was a gift to a relative. Not a bad idea, if you know your son daughter mom or dad or grand parent needs a plumbing fixture. Buy them a faucet wrap it up and have the install scheduled for after the holiday! We would be glad to help.

Guest bathrooms can need attention and lack of use can be the culprit. Many people feel plumbing that is not used is not going to need work. This can be just the opposite. Some faucets get cranky when they are ignored, they may get hard to use and leaky. The best thing to do is exercise them often and keep them moving and lubed.

water softener and whole house filter.
Installing a water softener and/or a whole house filter can also extend the life of your appliances. Install a system and improve your water quality now.

Keep your faucets and toilets and other plumbing from leaking and wasting water. Replacing old leaking parts will save you money every month on your water bill. Also when you upgrade to new fixtures in most cases they are much more efficient than the one being replaced. There are very few things we buy now a days that last as long as plumbing fixtures. They are definitely a better investment than an electronic good such as a smart phone or computer. How many times have you replaced those? Compare that to how many times you have replaced plumbing fixtures.

Spring planting needs water. Make sure you are prepared. Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding emergency plumbing repairs.

Checking weak points in your plumbing system. Many emergency plumbing problems can be avoided. Look at your washer machine water supply hose’s. Most people do laundry dailey, inspect your hoses. If you still have rubber hoses have them changed to no burst metal braided type. Also do you have an ice maker in your fridge? If you do this means you have a water supply line, look at it if it looks bad, kinked or if it is plastic. Have it changed! Many times I have seen plastic lines fail. Results water damage to floors and and ceilings. Another area that should be checked is under you dishwasher, it is a place where things could be happening with out knowing.

So you want a New Year with quality and value? Lets talk about replacing those old dripping faucets with new water saving faucets. Replace those old toilets with new better flushing water saving toilets. Get rid of that old water heater with a new more efficient model. How about a new sump pump and back up system to feel more confident when it rains. Plumbing repairs are a great value, long lasting fixtures are a real bargain.

Winterize your outside faucets and other exterior plumbing so it won’t freeze and burst. Check your valves and give me a call if you need assistance, or replacement of your system.

Many of our calls this time of year are guest bathrooms that have issues. It is recommended that you check and make sure a guest will be comfortable using guest bathroom fixtures. Sometimes we let these things go and find out at the wrong time that shower heads don’t flow right, faucets don’t work right, toilets are not flushing etc… Make part of your holiday preparation checking your guest bathroom plumbing and you may avoid a disaster. And remember John Schoeffling Plumbing is your local plumbing contractor who can help.