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Benefits to Residential Lawn Irrigation

Posted on May 23, 2013 by LesterD

Lawn irrigation systems are an incredible value and asset to your yard and home.

Who has the time or desire to drag hoses around their front and rear yards every other day when they could be spending that time with their families. With an automatic irrigation system the property is taken care of and you have all that extra time to do what you want.

The system regulates what areas get watered, on which days, and how much each area gets watered. The system will control watering by adding the proper amounts to your garden or flowers daily, your sunny grass areas every other day and you shaded landscaping every few days. The watering rates and times are all customizable to meet each property need.

The custom design of the system will ensure that you aren’t wasting water. By watering only the area you need you will save water and money by not over sprinkling onto your sidewalks and driveways or forgetting to turn a hose off. When you’re on vacation the system takes care of your lawn for you. If it’s raining the system turns off to save you money. By watering the areas evenly you conserve water and reduce your water bills.

The deep green and thick grass, with accented colorful landscaping, will make you the envy of your neighbors and will increase the value of your home. You will not only gain the value of the system while you live at the home but will also receive a higher value for the home if you move.

Turn your property into the picturesque scenes from the home and garden magazines and put an irrigation system in today!

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Frozen Pipes Science

Posted on January 27, 2012 by BishopAdmin

Protecting your water pipes is essential if you want to avoid water damage this winter. If you have ever wondered how frozen pipes can cause so much damage, take a look at this video.

When water is frozen, it expands. For example, if you leave an unopened water bottle in the freezer overnight, you can see how this process works. This offers you a preview of what could happen if your pipes freeze. Watch the video to see more.

http://www.youtube.com/v/ytLgFeclqn0?hl=en&fs=1

To prevent your pipes from freezing this winter, call Bishop Plumbing of Chicago at (847) 960-3698. We have offered reliable plumbing services to Chicago-area residents since 1921. Learn more by calling us today.

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How Cold Weather Can Affect Residential Plumbing

Posted on January 25, 2012 by BishopAdmin

Winter has a harsh effect on your pipes and can do a lot of serious damage if you and your plumber don’t prepare. This article will tell you how cold weather can affect your pipes, what to do if your pipes have already frozen, and how you and your plumber can prevent it from happening in the future.

Burst Pipes
When water freezes, it expands. That’s why, when a pipe freezes, it is likely to burst. Technically, this is because of the increase in water pressure following an ice blockage in a pipe. Once a pipe bursts, water can escape, which can damage your carpet, walls, furniture, electrical wiring, and floor joints, and can cause the growth of mold and mildew. Pipes that are exposed to more cold air—namely, pipes in attics or pipes located outside of your home—are of particular concern during winter.

What You Can Do
If you turn on your faucet and no water comes out, don’t take any chances—call a plumber immediately. If a pipe bursts, turn off your main water valve, which is usually at the water meter where the main water line enters the house. Once the main water valve is shut off, be sure to keep your faucets open until the plumber has completed repairs.

In order to avoid this problem over the winter, talk to your plumber early on in the cool season. Especially if you are planning on going out of town during the winter, it’s essential that you and your plumber prepare your pipes for cold weather. The most important thing to do is to shut off the main valve and drain all of the water from the system by opening up all of the faucets. A plumber can also add insulation or even relocate your pipes if necessary.

Preventative plumbing this winter could save you thousands of dollars in water damage repairs. For expert plumbing services in the Chicago area, call Bishop Plumbing at (847) 960-3698.

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Like Our Recent Blog Topics? Here Are More Great Resources For You To Check Out

Posted on January 19, 2012 by BishopAdmin

If you’d like to learn more about winterization, plumbing maintenance, and fixture installation, check out the helpful links below. Call Bishop Plumbing at (847) 960-3698 for professional plumbing services in the Chicago area.

  • Are you thinking about installing a toilet yourself? This page will help you understand why professional installation is the best option.
  • For efficient and effective irrigation, consider having a drip irrigation system installed in your garden. Learn more on this page.
  • If you’re in need of a plumber, take a look at this great article from ThisOldHouse.com on how to hire the right one for the job.
  • If you aren’t sure whether your plumbing problem constitutes an emergency, check out this page.

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Troubleshooting Garbage Disposals

Posted on January 13, 2012 by BishopAdmin

Garbage disposals are designed to be tough and durable, but homeowners may occasionally experience jams, clogs, and other garbage disposal issues. If problems do occur, try saving a few dollars by fixing your disposal yourself.

This quick video includes some helpful pointers on how you can get your garbage disposal up and running again. You’ll also learn some signs that you’ll need professional garbage disposal repair.

If you can’t get your garbage disposal working, contact Bishop Plumbing, Chicago’s premier residential plumber. Call (847) 960-3698 for service in Chicago, Glenview, Northbrook, Schaumburg, and Arlington Heights.

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Deconstructed – Hot Water Heater – How It Works

Posted on January 12, 2012 by BishopAdmin

Hot water heaters help provide homes with easy access to hot water. If you want to know how exactly they work and how they heat water without spreading heat throughout the rest of the house, take a look at the following video.

This clip from the Science Channel includes an in-depth look at how hot water heaters produce and contain heat inside their tanks. You’ll learn how your water heater is designed to produce heat as efficiently as possible while also minimizing standby heat loss.

If your water heater is not performing up to your expectations, contact Chicago’s Bishop Plumbing. We serve the entire Chicagoland area, including Northbrook, Arlington Heights, Glenview, and Schaumburg. Call (847) 960-3698 today to learn more about our services.

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Why Sink, Toilet, and Faucet Installation Is Best Left to a Pro

Posted on January 6, 2012 by BishopAdmin

Using high-quality plumbing fixtures around the house can make your home a comfortable, healthy place. Unfortunately, homeowners waste hundreds of dollars on damaged plumbing equipment every year by attempting to make repairs and installations they don’t know how to do. If you need a toilet, faucet, or sink installed in your home, be safe and hire a plumber. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Protect Your Investment

If you’re upgrading your home’s bathroom or kitchen, you probably already know what a huge impact updating your plumbing fixtures can make. However, if you’re going to shell out several hundred dollars for plumbing fixtures for your dream kitchen or bathroom, go the extra mile and make sure those fixtures are installed properly. Avoid improperly installing or, worse yet, damaging your brand new toilets, sinks, and faucets by hiring a professional plumber.

2. Prevent Leaks

Although damage to your new plumbing fixtures is serious, damage to your home may be worse. Improperly installed sinks, toilets, or faucets can lead to serious leaks that can cause wood rot, mold growth, and warping. Additionally, improper installation methods can actually conceal leaks that may develop, causing them to go unnoticed for much longer. Hiring a plumber ensures that your plumbing will be handled properly so that your home stays leak-free.

3. Choose Convenience

Finally, installing plumbing fixtures can be difficult and physically demanding. Make life easier for yourself by hiring a plumber to install your new toilet, sink, or faucet for you. Not only will you have the peace of mind of having a high-quality installation, but also won’t even have to break a sweat!

For professional plumbing services in Northbrook, Chicago, Glenview, Arlington Heights, and Schaumburg, contact Bishop Plumbing today! Call (847) 960-3698 to schedule your service.

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The Basics of Winterizing Your Irrigation System

Posted on January 6, 2012 by BishopAdmin

In addition to protecting the plumbing in your home, it’s also important to protect the plumbing outside. This includes your home’s irrigation system, which lies dormant through the long, chilly winter. Having your irrigation system winterized by a professional plumber will help to ensure quick irrigation startup in the spring and minimize the number of leaks and breakages throughout the rest of the year. Here’s some basic information on what’s involved in winterizing your irrigation system.

Why Is Winterizing Your Irrigation Necessary?

The plumbing in your home is protected from the cold weather through insulation, home heating, and constant use. However, your home’s exterior irrigation system is far more susceptible to freezing over the winter: Your irrigation system isn’t insulated like indoor plumbing and is also typically made from plastic, which is weaker than the copper or PEX pipes used for your home plumbing. The smallest amount of water in plastic irrigation pipes can easily cause leaks over the winter that won’t show up until the springtime.

How Does Winterization Work?

Winterizing your irrigation system is a multistep process that involves some specialized equipment and knowledge of how plumbing and irrigation systems work. The ultimate goal in irrigation winterization is to completely force all the water out of your sprinklers using air pressure. The less water in your home’s irrigation system over the winter, the safer your irrigation system is.

Why Is a Professional Plumber Necessary?

Hiring a professional plumber to winterize your home’s plumbing system is a great idea for several reasons. First, it ensures that winterization is done properly and your plumbing is protected from freezing. Second, you’ll avoid common DIY winterization mistakes that can cause damage to your irrigation system. Finally, you’ll avoid injuries that can result from misjudging the amount of air and water pressure present in your home’s irrigation system. In short, hiring a plumber is the way to go!

To learn more about irrigation winterization, contact Bishop Plumbing today. We provide professional plumbing services throughout the entire Chicago area, including Northbrook, Glenview, Schaumburg, and Arlington Heights. Call (847) 960-3698 today for more information on our services.

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Recognizing When You Need a Plumber to Deal with Your Clogged Drain

Posted on December 30, 2011 by BishopAdmin

Drain clogs always seem to occur at the most inconvenient times. What’s worse is that many Chicago-area homeowners spend lots of time and energy trying to clear their drains to avail. Knowing when to clear a drain yourself and when to hire a plumber can help save time, money, and energy. Here are some signs that you need a Chicago-area plumber to clear your clogged drain:

  • Your Plunger Doesn’t Work

When dealing with a toilet, sink, or drain clog, try your best to clear the clog using a clean plunger. The key to effective plunging is to create a tight seal around the drain and force excess water back through the drain to push the obstruction away. If this doesn’t work, call your local plumber.

  • Home Remedies Don’t Work

Baking soda and vinegar are tried and true DIY remedies for basic clog clearing and are particularly effective with light sink clogs. If this solution doesn’t work, your clog is probably too heavy to be affected by this fairly light-duty plumbing clearing method.

  • The Clog Is Deep in Your Sewer System

Plungers and toilet augers are great for clogs that are closer to the opening of the drain. However, for clogs that are much deeper in your sewer line, professional equipment may be necessary to clear your plumbing. Examples of serious issues that require professional attention include tree roots, non-drain-safe objects, and frozen pipes.

  • You’re Using Too Many Chemicals

Before pouring another bottle of liquid drain clearer into your pipes, remember the disadvantage of using harsh chemicals on your home’s plumbing. These chemicals tend to be very caustic and corrosive and can damage your plumbing with overuse. If you find yourself becoming too reliant on drain chemicals, hire a Chicago-area plumber to take care of your drain clog for good.

For professional drain clearing services, contact Bishop Plumbing, Chicagoland’s premier plumber service. Call (847) 960-3698 to schedule your appointment in Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Glenview, Chicago, or Northbrook today.

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About Propane/Natural Gas Generators

Posted on December 28, 2011 by BishopAdmin

Power outages at any time of the year can be problematic, but they are especially tough during chilly Chicago winters. To keep your home comfortable and safe this winter, consider installing a propane or natural gas generator. Take a closer look at the how propane or natural gas generators work to learn why you should consider installing one in your home this winter:

What Are Gas Generators?

Emergency generators, also known as emergency power systems, are machines that help to supply your home with energy in the event of a power outage. There are many kinds of generators, but the most reliable ones are stationary propane or natural gas generators. These generators are “charged” and ready to power essential or non-essential components of your home’s electrical system. Some Chicago-area homeowners use generators powerful enough to run their home normally for several days, while others utilize smaller generators to help power only essential home functions, such as the heater and refrigerator.

How Do They Work?

Propane or natural gas generators use a motor to generate an electrical charge, which is then stored in a batter. These generators are permanent structures on your property and are fueled by gas or fuel lines. Depending on the type of system you have, your generator may run a series of tests automatically to ensure that you are optimally protected in case of an outage.

How Do I Get a Generator?

To have a generator installed at your home, contact your local Chicago area plumber. Plumbers are certified to work with natural gas and propane lines and can also install your generator for you. Working with one company to have your generator installed will make installation simple and give you the protection you need right away!

To learn more about installing natural gas or propane generators in your home, contact Bishop Plumbing today. Call (847) 960-3698 for service in Chicago, Schaumburg, Northbrook, Glenview and Arlington Heights.

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