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.
Brooks Plumbing Co. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Olympia’
3 Differences Between Commercial and Home Plumbing Systems
Monday, June 15th, 2015Signs That You Need Water Heater Repair
Monday, June 8th, 2015Your 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.
Signs of a Leak in Your Plumbing
Monday, June 1st, 2015Plumbing 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.
3 Reasons Not to Repair Your Own Plumbing
Monday, May 25th, 2015We’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.
How Do Plumbers Conduct Sewer Line Inspections?
Monday, May 18th, 2015Inspecting 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.
3 Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
Monday, May 11th, 2015Mention the term “water heaters” and most people tend to think of traditional tank models: the giant tubes in our basement or closet tasked with providing hot water for the household. Though they can do the job efficiently enough, they’re not the only options out there. Here in Olympia, WA, tankless water heaters can be installed by trained professionals, and though the cost of putting one in can be greater than a new tank model, the advantages often greatly outweigh the additional costs. If you’re looking at installing a new system, here are 3 benefits of tankless water heaters that you should be aware of while making your decision.
When Is It Time to Call for Commercial Plumbing Help?
Monday, May 4th, 2015No 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:
3 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repairs
Monday, April 27th, 2015Hot water is a vital resource, and anyone who has suffered a water heater breakdown can attest to how frustrating it can be to go without it. Many times, those breakdowns can be anticipated and addressed with preventative maintenance or repair session from a qualified Olympia, WA plumber. If you can spot the signs of distress in your water heater, you can schedule a session at your convenience to address the problem, instead of having to scramble once it deprives you of hot water. Here are 3 signs your water heater needs repairs.
What to Look for in a Sump Pump
Monday, April 20th, 2015Shopping for a sump pump may not be as exciting as looking for a new car, but it is an important component for your home, especially if your basement or crawlspace tends to take on water. Sump pumps aren’t a one-size-fits-all kind of appliance, so it’s important to know what you should be looking for when considering the use of a sump pump for your Olympia, WA, home. To help you, our Brooks Plumbing experts have put together a few things to keep in mind when choosing a sump pump.
Beware of the FOG
Monday, April 13th, 2015It slides slowly down the insides of your drain, clinging as it goes. When it finally deposits, it hardens into a thick, impenetrable layer that will slow and eventually clog your drain. This slimy, sticky mess is what’s known to professional plumbers as FOG: fats, oils and grease. And once FOG takes hold of your drains, it’s very hard to get it out. But fear not: there is one highly effective tool against all FOG, and that’s professional drain cleaning. The plumbing experts at Brooks Plumbing know FOG well, and they have the training, expertise and tools to completely remove FOG from your drains and garbage disposal – all you have to do is give us a call.
Won’t Hot Water Work?
A lot of people will tell you to pour hot or boiling water down your clogged drain to get rid of the grease, but when it comes to FOG, hot water can actually make the problem worse. Why? Hot water melts FOG and pushes it further down the drain; when it cools, it simply re-forms the build-up, but it’s now much deeper in your plumbing system. A home remedy that may work, if the build-up isn’t significant, is a combination of baking soda and white vinegar, but if this doesn’t help, it’s time to call for a professional plumber for drain cleaning.
Tools for Drain Cleaning
Professional plumbers use two main types of tools to clean your drains and remove FOG build-up. The first type is an auger. Also known as a drain snake, augers come in a wide variety of types and widths, but the design of the tool is basically the same no matter what the size. Augers consist of cables that can be snaked down drains. Different types of heads can be attached to the auger, and many augers are motorized to maximize on the power. A second type of commonly-used drain cleaning tool is the hydrojet. Hydrojets are akin to small power washers for your plumbing. Like a power washer, hydrojets use water to scour your plumbing, dislodging FOG and clearing it from the drains.
Has FOG made its way down your drain? Call our experts today, and let them ‘lift’ the FOG with a professional drain cleaning for your Olympia, WA, home!
