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

3 Reasons You Need a Sump Pump

Friday, August 16th, 2013

A sump pump is a small pump placed in your basement in order to keep it dry. The sump pump is either submerged in the sump pump or installed on a pedestal above the sump basin, which makes it easier to service. When floodwaters start to fill the pit, the sump pump moves the water out of the building so the basement itself can stay dry. In Olympia, WA, where plumbing systems fight a constant battle against the frequent rains, sump pumps are an absolute necessity. Here are three reasons why you need a sump pump in your home.

Your basement will probably flood sooner or later. Olympia experiences some of the highest rainfall levels in the country, and when the rains come, they tend to stick around a while. That makes basement floods very likely, and when that happens, a sump pump is your best line of defense.
You don’t need to wait for help. With a sump pump in place, the draining starts quickly and continues as long as the pump (and the flooding) holds out. Contrast that to a situation where you need to use a hand pump, or call a plumber to help drain your basement. Time gets lost and if the flooding takes place during a major storm, it could be quite a while before someone can get to you for help. A sump pump in place means not having to sweat out a service call in the middle of inclement weather.
They are relatively inexpensive to install and maintain. While sump pumps require the services of a professional plumber to install properly, the procedure is relatively straightforward, and the up-front costs are minimal. When you compare it to the damages caused by rising flood waters, to say nothing of the fuss and bother of draining your basement after the rains subside, the cost becomes even more appealing.

If you want to install a sump pump in your basement or crawlspace, call upon an Olympia plumber who knows the ins and outs. Brooks Plumbing can handle sump pump installation and maintenance in Olympia. Contact us today to set up a consultation.

Tags: Olympia, Sump Pumps
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2 Reasons for Considering Bathroom Remodeling

Wednesday, August 7th, 2013

Are you satisfied with the state of your bathroom? Do you wish it were more comfortable, more luxurious, or simply more practical?As one of the most utilized parts of the home, the bathroom, whether it’s downstairs or part of the master bedroom suite, needs to be optimized for your particular needs. As such, it is one of the first rooms that homeowners think of remodeling. This may not simply be for aesthetic reasons, however, but rather a necessity due to the presence of mold and mildew, or other wear and tear to the shower or bathroom sink vanity. Whatever your reason for considering remodeling your bathroom, you need to hire a professional bathroom remodeling contractor in Tumwater, WA to complete the service properly. Call Brooks Plumbing today. We can handle not only the plumbing aspect of your new bathroom, but the installation of any fixtures, flooring, tile, and built-ins.

To change the layout. When remodeling the bathroom, most homeowners want to make some kind of change to the layout of the bathroom, whether this requires expanding the footprint of the room slightly, or simply moving the shower and toilet to a different area of the room. This involves moving the supply and wastewater piping, but it may be worth it if you feel as though your bathroom should have been designed better in the first place, or it has become inhabitable for a growing number of family members.
Because the bathroom has become gross. This is not an uncommon reason to gut the bathroom and start over, or simply replace a few key components, such as the flooring or shower. Whether due to ventilation problems, or simply because of the frequency with which it is used on a daily basis, your bathroom fixtures and infrastructure can become problematic. They can develop mold and mildew not only on the surface, but also behind walls and under fixtures that can begin to eat away at the infrastructure of the home. Allowing such problems to fester can lead to serious water damage.

Call Brooks Plumbing if you’re interested in what we can do for your bathroom remodeling project in Tumwater, WA. We can guide you every step of the way.

Tags: Bathroom Remodeling, Turnwater
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5 Ways You Can Remodel Your Kitchen

Tuesday, July 30th, 2013

For most people, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where food is prepared, eaten and enjoyed; where family members gather to discuss the day’s events; where friends and guests catch up. Kitchen remodeling is one of the major ways you can improve the overall comfort, value, and convenience of your home. Because the kitchen is where fine furnishings, plumbing, and major appliances come together, there are virtually limitless possibilities for your new kitchen. From installing new cabinetry to repiping the entire area to make more room for a new appliance or fixture, you need to find a contractor that can best serve your needs. At Brooks Plumbing, we offer comprehensive kitchen remodeling in Tumwater, in addition to our other plumbing services. Call us today to find out more about how we can improve your home.

Let’s take a look at 5 different ways to remodel your kitchen:

Cabinetry. New cabinetry in the kitchen can be a relief. No more drawers that won’t close, doors that stick, or old paint chipping off into the cooking area. New cabinets with new hardware adds a great blend of functionality and design to your home.
Countertops with back splash. There is no substitute for a new counter top. When you cook and clean, your counter top is your primary workspace, and it needs to be set-up in such a way as to be right for your needs. A back splash can add life to your kitchen walls, which are subject to water, grease, and other substances during food prep and clean-up.
Kitchen sink. A kitchen sink is one of the most important parts of the kitchen. It’s where you wash vegetables before slicing them, and where you scrub greasy pots and pans after a big family dinner. As such, it’s incredibly important that you find one that is the correct size for your kitchen needs.
Dishwasher.If your dishwasher is on the brink of failure, or no longer is able to clean your dishware properly, then you might want to consider installing an energy-efficient model in your new kitchen.
New pipes. Kitchen remodeling is a great time to make sure that the piping in your kitchen area is in good, working condition. Whether you need to swap out a leaky section or you want to move the pipes around your kitchen, find a plumber who can meet your needs.

Call Brooks Plumbing today for kitchen remodeling and plumbing services in Tumwater, WA.

Tags: Kitchen Remodeling, Tumwater
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What You Should Look For Among Plumbers

Thursday, July 25th, 2013

There are a lot of Olympia plumbers available so how can homeowners find the right one for their home? Here at Brooks Plumbing we are dedicated to our customers’ complete satisfaction and we wanted to put together a description of what you can look for when you need a new plumber. Give us a call if you need any kind of plumbing services or if you have any questions about finding a new plumber.

Olympia, WA Plumber Tips: How to Find a New Plumber

Your plumbing system is a huge part of your daily life and you rely on it heavily in order to carry out many daily tasks. When you need any kind of plumbing services, you want to make sure that your plumber is up to the task and able to provide you with quality services. So what should you look for in a new plumber?

Here’s a quick list:

Licensed – One of the first things that you should look for is a business license. In order to provide plumbing services, each business needs to get a license. This is critical to your search because you want to work with a plumber that is properly licensed with the state.
Insured – Another important thing to look for is to make sure that your plumber is properly insured. This is important because it could protect you if your plumber injuries themselves while in your home.
Warranty – You should find out if your plumber offers a warranty on their work. This is the sign of a plumber that is dedicated to their work and to your satisfaction. It could be that they offer a satisfaction guarantee or a warranty on their work that lasts for a certain period of time.
Third-party recognition – There are a number of different organizations that offer accreditation to businesses that want to show that they offer good services. The Better Business Bureau offers certification for many different types of businesses and the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) also offers certification for businesses specifically in those industries.

If you’re looking for plumber in Olympia, WA, make sure that you call the friendly plumbing experts at Brooks Plumbing.

Tags: Olympia, Plumbing
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Why You Should Consider Bathroom Remodeling

Tuesday, July 16th, 2013

Is your bathroom comfortable? Does it function according to your needs? As one of the most utilized rooms in the home, your bathroom is also one of the most heavily plumbed. It is full of pipes and fixtures that allow you to take hot showers, wash your hands, remove organic waste from the home effectively, among other conveniences of the modern home. Considering how much use it gets, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the rooms frequently remodeled by homeowners in our service area. As a full-service plumber, we also offer comprehensive bathroom remodeling services throughout the Tumwater area. Call Brooks Plumbing today when you’re ready to get started on your next plumbing project.

Let’s take a look at some good reasons to consider professional bathroom remodeling:

Layout. One of the best ways to alter the comfort and convenience of your bathroom is by changing its layout. Remodeling projects are often done by homeowners who did not have any part in the design of the original home, and may have different ideas as to the best layout of the sink, shower, bathtub and toilet. Depending on what size room you have, there are various ways you can customize the layout to your needs.
Design. Another reason to consider professional bathroom remodeling is to change the design of your bathroom, which includes the color of the paint on the wall, the type of shower, what the sink vanity looks like, and so forth. There is no shortage of design possibilities on the market today, so you might want to get some inspiration by perusing some interior design publications.
Energy efficiency. Finally, you may want to remodel your bathroom in order to use water and electricity much more efficiently. By installing low-flow faucets and showerheads in your home, you can sometimes cut your bathroom’s water consumption in half. Another excellent option is to install a low-flush toilet, which uses substantially less water per flush than your older toilet.

If you’re looking to remodel your bathroom, make sure you hire a professional Turnwater plumber from Brooks Plumbing to help. Our bathroom remodeling experts can help your make decisions along the way.

Tags: Bathroom Remodeling, Tumwater
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When is Plumbing Replacement Service Necessary?

Wednesday, July 10th, 2013

For many homeowners throughout the Olympia, WA area, your plumbing system is probably taken for granted more often than not. While we can see when a light goes out, or when our AC gives us warm air instead of cold, plumbing problems have a way of sneaking up on you. With professional plumbing installation as well as maintenance services, you can minimize the risk of problems, but some issues are inevitable. There may even come a time when you need to replace your piping or water heater. That said, the line between repair and replacement is not always so clear-cut, so it’s best to consult with a professional plumber in Olympia, WA before you make any major decisions about your faucets, fixtures, piping, and plumbed appliances. Call Brooks Plumbing today.

So, how do you know when a plumbing replacement service might be necessary? Let’s look at some signs that might tip you off.

Frequent repairs. If any part of your home requires frequent repairs, it’s typically a sign that it should be replaced, and the same goes for your plumbing system. If you find that you’re seeing a bit too much of your plumber, then it may be time to consider replacing your water heater, bathroom piping, or whatever part of your home is no longer working well.
Old age. Is it time to retire your water heater? Like any aspect of your plumbing system, there may come a time when your water heater or drainpipes no longer work as well as they once did, evidenced by high energy bills, low flow rates, and inadequate performance. Don’t wait for the system to shut down before you call for plumbing replacement.
Multiple leaks. If you have not one but two or more leaks in your home, you may have a systemic issue with your supply or drainpipes. When your plumber arrives, talk to him about the condition of the piping to see whether it might be time for repiping.

The decision to call for plumbing replacement should be done in consultation with a professional Olympia, WA plumber who can accurately assess the issue at hand and recommend a viable solution.

Tags: Olympia, Plumbing
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Are Strange Sounds Coming From Your Plumbing

Wednesday, June 26th, 2013

You depend on the pipes and plumbed appliances a lot on a daily basis to deliver clean clothes and dishes, hot showers, and fresh, potable water. You also need them to remove wastewater from your home efficiently and effectively so that you can keep your home clean and hygienic. But over time, your plumbing system may begin to make strange sounds. It can be difficult to sort out the good from the bad, but if it sounds unusual, strange, or occurs unexpectedly, it may be an indication of a problem that needs professional attention. When you need a plumber in Olympia,WA, call Brooks Plumbing. We can help you figure out where that sounds is coming and offer a thorough solution.

Pipes knocking. Does your pipe knock when you turn on the fixture? If so, then you might have an issue with your pressure. Unlike the wastewater disposal system, either your water supply is pressurized by the municipal water source or by the well pump that draws water out of the ground. In both cases, you need to have adequate pressure to operate a shower or run the dishwasher. But too much pressure can lead to pipes knocking against the walls and floor joists. This can be fixed by securing those pipes.
Water heater rumbling. Your water heater is a vital part of your home and you need to make sure that it operates well at all times. But over time, your water heater may develop sediment or scale, and when this builds up at the bottom of the tank, it can cause your water heater to rumble. This often means that the water inside the tank is being heated to potentially scalding temperatures. This can obviously be dangerous.
Water running. If you hear the sound of running water under the floors or near the concrete slab foundation of your home, then you may have a slab leak. Slab leak detection and repair can be challenging, so make sure you hire a reputable plumber to get the job done right the first time.

Call Brooks Plumbing when you need an excellent Olympia, WA plumber.

Tags: Olympia, Plumbing
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Common Bathroom Plumbing Issues

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

Trouble in the bathroom? As one of the most utilized rooms in the house, your bathroom endures a lot of wear and tear on a daily basis. Its primary system is that of plumbing: shower fixtures, bathroom sink vanity faucets, and, of course, the toilet, among others. You need your bathroom to operate smoothly in order to preserve the hygiene of your family members and your home. The bathroom can also be a place for relaxation, if you have a nice bathtub. But with all that wear and tear comes the need for repair. There are some common issues with bathroom plumbing that may turn up at your home sooner or later. Call Brooks Plumbing today when you need an Olympia, WA bathroom plumber.

Shower drain clog. Because of the amount of soap, hair and gray water that goes down your shower drain at such a rapid and continuous rate, there may come a time when you have a clog that needs dislodging. If it’s persistent, it’s best to have a professional try to remove the accumulation rather than approach it yourself. Using an auger improperly can damage your plumbing; a plumber can also make sure that the job is completed thoroughly.
Vanity trap issue. Your bathroom sink vanity has a U-shaped bend underneath the drain, just like any other component of your plumbing system. But if you have a slow drain, or if an accumulation becomes lodged within the trap, you may have to call for a professional plumber to remove the blockage.
Toilet won’t stop running. The toilet is often the largest consumer of water in the home, although today’s low-flush models have cut this consumption in half. Nevertheless, if your toilet won’t stop running, this can mean a higher utility bill every month because of all the wasted water. There may be a problem with the flush valve.
Showerhead leaking. This could be a problem with the threads onto which your shower fixture screws, but it could be a problem with the shower water valve itself.

Make sure that you have any of your bathroom plumbing problems taken care of by a professional. Call Brooks Plumbing today to speak with an Olympia, WA bathroom plumber.

Tags: Bathroom Plumbing, Olympia, Plumbing
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Grease Traps and Commercial Plumbing

Thursday, June 13th, 2013

If you run a commercial kitchen or restaurant then your grease trap and plumbing system are both critical to your daily operation. If you start to have problems with your grease trap or if your commercial plumbing system is clogged or leaking, call the Olympia, WA commercial plumbers at Brooks Plumbing today. We have years of experience working with all different types of businesses to help them improve the function of their grease traps and the efficiency of their plumbing system. Here are a few common issues that we see with commercial grease traps and plumbing systems.

Common Grease Trap Repair

Grease traps are an essential part of a commercial kitchen or restaurant. Often they are also required by law. The melted fat and grease that result from cooking can cause big problems for city sewer lines which is why restaurants are required to have a grease trap. Grease traps, as their name implies, allow restaurants to drain out water and other debris while simultaneously restricting grease from getting into the sewer lines. Grease traps need to be cleaned regularly to remove the solidified fat solids. These are a few of the most common grease trap problems that we see. If you need a Olympia plumber to fix your restaurant’s grease trap just call Brooks Plumbing today.

Clogs – If you start to smell a foul odor from your drains or if there is waste water coming up through your drains, it likely means that you have a clog with your grease trap. This could because it is full or because the pressure inside the trap is off. When you need an Olympia, WA plumber make sure that you call Brooks Plumbing. We’ve repaired countless grease traps and can get yours working again fast.
Leaks – Waste water leaks are also a common with grease traps. Any piece of equipment that handles a lot of water is going to have problems with leaks. If you’ve started to notice that your grease trap is leaking and you need an Olympia plumber just all Brooks Plumbing today.

For all your commercial plumbing and grease trap repair, installation or maintenance just call the Olympia, WA plumbers at Brooks Plumbing.

Tags: Commercial Plumbing, Olympia, Plumbing
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Plumbing Tips: Benefits of a Sump Pump

Monday, June 3rd, 2013

If your basement is prone to flooding, you had best contact a professional plumber to discuss the installation of a sump pump in your home. Sump pumps are a great way to protect your home and your possessions from water damage. It is necessary that your sump pump installation is completed by a qualified Olympia plumbing professional. That is why you must schedule your sump installation with an Olympia, WA plumber at Brooks Plumbing. When you work with a professional plumber on our team, you will have no doubts about the quality of the service that you receive. Our plumbers have the years of training and experience necessary to ensure that your sump pump is there for you when you need it most.

A sump pump is installed in your basement, and is responsible for pumping any water that leaks into your basement to the appropriate drainage channel. Positioned at the lowest point of your basement, water will naturally head towards your sump pump, allowing it to relocate that water to more appropriate area than your basement floor. There are a number of benefits to the installation of a sump pump in your home, assuming that you have yours professionally installed for maximum performance levels.

First of all, even relatively small amount of water can do serious damage to your home and any possessions in your basement. Most basements are used as storage areas, and the items stored therein can be subjected to water damage or even mold growth if surrounded by a damp, musty atmosphere. Any appliances may be damaged and rust if water pools around them as well. Plus, wooden components in your basement may rot if they are constantly damp. Your home and your possessions are too important to be subjected to such issues. Contact Brooks Plumbing today with any questions you may have about the benefits of a sump pump.

Call now to speak with a sump pump specialist at Brooks Plumbing. We have the answers to all your questions and can help you decide if a sump pump installation is right for your home. Whatever your Olympia plumbing needs may be, Brooks Plumbing is the company you can count on for outstanding service.

Tags: Olympia, Plumbing, Sump Pumps
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