Brooks Plumbing Co. Blog: Archive for the ‘Plumbing’ Category

Tanked vs. Tankless Water Heaters

Monday, August 3rd, 2015

If you’re a homeowner in Olympia, WA, you probably have a traditional tanked water heater in your home. But why they do yeoman work, they’re not the only type of water heater out there. Tankless water heaters get rid of the bulky tank in favor of heating the water directly as it flows through the pipes toward your faucet or shower. The model offers a number of benefits over tanked models, though in some aspects, tanked water heaters do better for you than their tankless counterparts. Tanked vs. tankless water heaters: which is better? We’ve provided a quick breakdown below.

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Common Problems With Commercial Plumbing

Monday, July 13th, 2015

Commercial plumbing differs widely from residential plumbing, both in terms of the amount of use it sees and in the uniquely complex needs of each individual business. For businesses in Olympia, WA, that means dealing with specific problems that differ in many ways from residential plumbing. The plumbing problems themselves aren’t all that different – leaks, clogs and defective pipes are the norm just as they would be in a home. But the solutions require a plumber to take careful measures befitting the system in question, instead of applying the same techniques used to solve residential plumbing problems. Common problems with commercial plumbing can be resolved quickly, but they require a special touch.

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When Do Pipes Need Replacing?

Monday, July 6th, 2015

Pipes in your plumbing system are designed to last for many years, but like any other component of your home, they will wear out sooner or later. Olympia, WA is a rainy community, and rust and corrosion can seep into even the toughest plumbing systems. If you’re a homeowner in the area, you should be prepared to replace pipes when needed by calling on a reputable plumber who knows how to do the job right. But when do pipes need replacing? Here’s a few tips to help you answer that question.

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Why Should I Use Professional Plumbing Services for Clogs?

Monday, June 29th, 2015

Plumbing clogs are a common occurrence and residents of Olympia, WA may be tempted to address them with a store-bought solution. Most hardware stores sell drain snakes, for instance, and chemical cleansers are available in any supermarket. Unfortunately, those products adopt a one-size-fits all approach which doesn’t always solve the problem and may even create new ones. A professional plumber armed with specialized drain snakes can address your clog the right way and ensure that your pipes are functioning exactly as they should.

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3 Differences Between Commercial and Home Plumbing Systems

Monday, June 15th, 2015

In some ways, commercial plumbing differs little from the plumbing you use at home. There are pipes, there are faucets and fixtures, and there’s a need for both hot and cold water on demand. But beyond the fundamentals, the two types both respond to vastly different needs. A good plumbing service should be able to respond to both types of plumbing, and that starts with knowing the differences between commercial and home plumbing systems. Here in Olympia, WA, that distinction can determine how successful your plumbers are at doing the job assigned to them. Here are some key differences between the two types of system that you should be aware of.

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Signs That You Need Water Heater Repair

Monday, June 8th, 2015

Your water heater is one of the great unsung heroes of your household, tirelessly doing its job year in and year out without complaint. That lets a lot of homeowners take their water heater for granted, which can catch them by surprise when problems arise. That doesn’t need to happen to you. In Olympia, WA, trained professionals are on hand to help repair any problems with your water heater quickly and efficiently, and when you spot the signs that you need water heater repair, you can call them in before it becomes a major issue. Here’s a quick list of red flags you should keep an eye out for.

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Signs of a Leak in Your Plumbing

Monday, June 1st, 2015

Plumbing leaks can stem from a variety of causes, but unless they involve something very obvious – such as water spreading across your kitchen floor or a lack of water pressure when you turn on the faucet – the chances of your being able to detect it are fairly small unless you know what to look for. Quiet drips and pinhole leaks can go undetected for years, and with the amount of rainfall we get in Olympia, WA, stray outdoor water is apt to get overlooked. Luckily, an astute homeowner can still pick up on signs of a leak in their plumbing, then summon a qualified service professional to take care of the job. Here’s a brief list of some of the things to watch for.

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3 Reasons Not to Repair Your Own Plumbing

Monday, May 25th, 2015

We’re used to doing things on our own here in Olympia, WA. That often extends to plumbing problems, which many people feel they can solve themselves with store-bought tools. Nothing can be further from the truth. Homeowners hoping to perform repairs themselves often cause more damage than they solve, and can turn relatively minor problems into very large ones. Here are 3 reasons not to repair your own plumbing, which you should seriously consider before climbing under your sink.

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How Do Plumbers Conduct Sewer Line Inspections?

Monday, May 18th, 2015

Inspecting a sewer line used to be a serious operation, involving heavy equipment, burly construction teams and your front yard transformed into a muddy pit. Considering our wet weather in Olympia, WA, the process becomes all the messier whenever the next rainstorm rolls in. But those days are long gone. Thanks to advancements in technology, plumbers can conduct sewer line inspections cleanly and efficiently, and determine the problem with your line without having to excavate it. How do they do it? Techniques vary, but the basics come down to one factor: video cameras.

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When Is It Time to Call for Commercial Plumbing Help?

Monday, May 4th, 2015

No building can operate without a properly working plumbing system, and this is especially true for commercial properties. While many commercial property owners are handy, or have staff that are, it is always best to call for trained commercial experts when you need help with your business’s plumbing. When is it appropriate to call for help? Here are some examples of when it’s time to contact your Brooks Plumbing expert:

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