Signs You Need to Re-Pipe Your House

Posted on December 19, 2017 by The North Coast Family | Uncategorized

The thought of re-piping your house may seem scary, but in some cases it may be necessary. You may be wondering how you can even tell if the pipes in your home need to be replaced. However, there are a few signs you can look for that may reveal you need new pipes installed. It might be time for you to look for re-piping specialists in Skokie, IL.

Tainted Water

The water that comes out of your faucets or showerheads should be clear. If the water seems to have a weird brown color, it may be an indication that something is wrong with the pipes. Corrosion of the pipes is typically behind this problem.

It is also important to know that corrosion of the pipes can also cause pieces of the pipe to crumble and fall into your water supply. This can be another reason for the strange color you are seeing in your water.

Frequent Water Leaks

If your pipes are leaking, it can be a major sign that you may need to get a whole new piping system for your home. The main culprit is corrosion, which can cause your pipes to gradually weaken over time. If you notice frequent leaks make sure you start looking for re-piping specialists in Skokie, IL.

Reduced Water Pressure

Reduced water pressure can also be a symptom of a larger piping problem in your indoor plumbing. You may first notice this when you are washing dishes or taking a shower. The decrease in water pressure may be so gradual that you may not notice the changes right away.

Loud Pipes

The pipes in your house shouldn’t be making loud noises. If you notice odd noises coming from your pipes it can be yet another sign that your pipes may need to be superseded. Pipes only last for so long before they need a replacement. If your house is more than twenty years old, you may especially want to look into getting new pipes.

As you can see, there are quite a few signs that may indicate your indoor plumbing pipes are on the verge of failing. Remember to look for discolored water, reduced water pressure, noisy pipes and recurring water leaks. It is important to contact a professional as soon as you notice any of these signs so that you can get a new piping system. There are re-piping specialists in Skokie, IL that are equipped to deal with these kinds of plumbing issues.

Benefits of Having a Flood Control System

Posted on December 19, 2017 by The North Coast Family | Flood Control

Basements are a common feature in many houses these days but these rooms can be more prone to flooding or water damage. Unfortunately, a severe storm accompanied by flash flooding is all it takes to overflow a basement. Having a flood control system installed may help reduce the chance of water overflowing. There are several key benefits to having a Glenview flood control system put in place.

Shields Your Home

First of all, a flood control system can help defend your home against unforeseen flooding or water leakage. Water damage often plagues basements that are left unfinished or consist of a surface like concrete, which can deteriorate if left exposed to pooling water.

It is not possible to completely prevent water leaks since most of them are unexpected. However, by having a flood control system in place you may be able to reduce the risk of a future water problem occurring in your basement.

Save Money in the Long Run

Floods often come out of nowhere with little notice ravaging anything in its path. The damage that is often left behind is costly. By simply having a flood control system in place, you may be able to minimize the risk of potential destruction.

Many people have flood insurance in place to help cover the costs of significant damage to their homes, but it is important to note that these insurance policies will not cover all of the structural loss.

Access to Professional Upkeep

Another benefit to having a flood control system installed is that you will have access to professional routine checkups. These periodic maintenance appointments will ensure that your flood control system is functioning properly. It is important to make sure the system will be ready should you need to use it.

As you can see, there are several benefits to having a Glenview flood control system installed in your house. It may be able to save your home or basement from extensive flood damage, which can be expensive and time consuming.

Lastly, here are three flood prevention techniques you can implement to lessen the risk of flooding in or around your home. The best way to avoid the risk of flooding is by living further away from an area that is prone to floods. Also, keep an emergency readiness kit that is filled with food, water and first aid materials. It would also be a good idea to know the evacuation routes for the area you live in.

Plumbing Problems: Can’t Live With Them….

Posted on November 21, 2017 by The North Coast Family | Flood Control

Plumbing problems can be stressful and irritating. Unlike making dinner and doing the laundry, most people don’t have the skills to solve a serious plumbing issue. When you turn on the faucet, you expect clean water to come out. When you flush the toilet, you expect things to be disposed of quickly and efficiently. You expect water to be where it belongs and nowhere else. So what do you do when things don’t function as you expect? Park Ridge plumbers may be able to use some of their expertise and specialized tools to get you out of a messy situation.

No Water Pressure

Low water pressure is something many people who live in older homes have to deal with. If your home is more than 10-15 years old, chances are the plumbing was done with galvanized pipe, which is known for collecting hard water deposits. As the hard water deposits build up on the inside of the pipe, especially around joints and corners, the opening of water to travel through becomes narrower. This reduces the amount of water that can flow through your pipes, thus reducing your water pressure. The simple solution is to replace the problem pipes with either copper or PVC pipe. This will give you nice clean lines to work with and should eliminate your water pressure problems.

Sewer Lines and Water Lines

Sewer lines and water lines can be a little tricky. They are usually located underground, at least three feet deep. This can make them hard to locate and even more difficult to repair. Before digging up your entire yard, you may want to contact a plumber. They often own or have access to, line video surveillance equipment that can inspect the inside of your pipes to help determine the real problem before ruining your beautiful lawn. Many plumbers also have a tracer which can help locate pipes so that if they do have to dig a hole, they can dig in the right spot the first time.

Cost

If you are worried about the bill, many plumbing companies will come look at the problem and provide a consultation for free. That way, you can decide on a plan of action before committing to anything. Some companies charge a reasonable service fee for coming to your home, but agree to apply that cost to any repairs you have done.

Plumbing problems are a hassle and always seem to pop-up at the worst possible time. Park Ridge plumbers can help you get your plumbing back in running order in no time.

You’ve Never Had a Problem Before. Why Worry Now?

Posted on November 21, 2017 by The North Coast Family | Uncategorized

Flood control systems are something many people don’t think about. Whether you have a brand new home or have been living there for several years, if you haven’t had to deal with a flood, it isn’t likely something you think about regularly. However, when a flood happens in your home, you may wish you had thought about it more.

Floods

Weather is one of the leading causes of flooding in many areas. Whether your town receives record rainfall or snowfall for the year, you experience a hurricane, or flash floods race down the streets of your neighborhood, the abnormal volume of water may result in higher sub-water levels and a greater possibility of water entering homes and other buildings. While you may live for many years with no problems at all, it only takes one year with extreme weather to cause flooding and serious damage to your home.

Other common causes of flooding are sewer or septic or high sub-water problems. Back-flow preventers can help keep your water from becoming contaminated in the case of problems with water backing up, and sump pumps can help remove water from your basement quickly and efficiently. Many people choose to have them installed in their home to keep their basements dry no matter what the weather is like outside or what the sub-water is doing.

Mold and Mildew

Once you have experienced a flood in your home, it is important to make sure you get everything dried out and cleaned up properly. When water enters a home with a cement foundation, the cement absorbs the water which can cause cracking. It can then be more difficult to keep moisture out of your home.

During a flood, water may also absorb into finished walls, requiring sections of wall to be removed and replaced. If this is not done properly, mold and mildew may grow inside of the walls causing harmful mold spores to become part of the air you breathe. By removing everything from the flooded area and drying things out completely, you can help eliminate serious problems in the future.

While flooding is not something anyone wants to think about, it is always a good idea to be aware of what might happen in your area. By being prepared, you can protect your home and keep your family safe from unexpected problems. Flood control systems can provide peace of mind and help prevent problems for your home in the future.

Are You in the Flood Zone?

Posted on November 21, 2017 by The North Coast Family | Flood Control

If you were in the Chicago area this past July, you may remember the torrential rain that caused flash flooding and serious damage to many homes. The heavy rains also caused nearby rivers to fill above flood levels and levees to be in danger of failing. It was a scary situation that caused a lot of damage to many families. While flood control systems in Chicago, IL may not stop the risk of future floods completely, it can certainly help reduce the damage done and the amount of time it takes to get things cleaned up.

Flooding

When water fills a home due to flooding, one of the biggest problems is getting the water back outside where it belongs. While many families have to wait for a rescue team to help them clean up, those who choose to install a sump pump may be able to keep the majority of the water out of their home and remove anything that does get in quickly. Not only does this allow the family to return to normal activity sooner, but it can also reduce the amount of damage done due to water sitting on the foundation and soaking into walls and fixtures. The quicker the water is removed, the less damage will be done.

Power Outages

Power outages are another problem when there are heavy rains and flooding. No power means no sump pump which can lead to flooding indoors. Fortunately, there is now a battery back-up sump pump available. The battery back-up will ensure that your sump pump continues to remove any water from your house in the event of a power outage.

Insurance

Insurance is often higher for homeowners in flood zones. Insurance companies know that if a home is in a flood zone, they will likely have more flood claims than homes in areas outside of flood zones. Because of this, homeowners insurance for these homes is often higher. By adding a sump pump to your home, you not only reduce the chances of having serious damage due to flooding, but you may also reduce your insurance premium.

Flooding is something you probably don’t want to think about or have to deal with. Unfortunately, for many homeowners, it is a fact of life. Flood control systems in Chicago, Illinois can help you reduce the damage to your home in the event of a flood and can also give you a little peace of mind in the meantime.

Signs it is Time for a Plumbing Repipe

Posted on October 27, 2017 by The North Coast Family | Uncategorized

Plumbing Repipe

Do you know when it is time to call for service from repiping contractors in Park Ridge? Since this is not one of the most commonly offered plumbing services, you may not. While this is normal, it can actually be dangerous for your home and well-being. The good news is, there are a few tell-tale signs that it is time to invest in plumbing repiping, which can be found here.

You have Pipes that are Old or Beginning to Crumble

To determine the age and lifespan of the pipe’s in a home you will have to figure out what material your pipes are made out of. In some cases, you may know this thanks to the inspection that was done to your home when you moved in. If not, a plumber will be able to let you know this information. Once you find out, you should determine how old the pipes are and if any issues are present. If there are, then it may be time to call repiping contractors in Park Ridge for help.

Leaking Pipes

Even very small leaks in the pipes can be an indication that a plumbing repipe is going to be needed in the near future. After all, in most cases (unless there was some type of major repair done in the past) the pipes in your home are all going to be basically the same age. If one is leaking, then it is only a matter of time before the others begin leaking, as well.

If you have discovered that your pipes need to be repiped, then it is best to call for professional repiping contractors in Park Ridge for help. They will be able to evaluate the problem and ensure it is fixed in a timely and efficient manner. Learn more about these services by visiting our website northcoastplumbing.us today.

Reasons You should Install a Sump Pump in Your Home

Posted on October 27, 2017 by The North Coast Family | Uncategorized

Sump Pump

A sump pump is a specialized type of plumbing equipment that is placed in the basement of your home. Its purpose is to pump out any excess water that may otherwise flood the space. When you are speaking to a plumber about flood control in Chicago, there is a very high likelihood that they are going to recommend that you install a sump pump in your basement or the lowest point in your home.

While you may not fully understand why a sump pump is needed, there is no question that it a vital piece of equipment. Learn more about the benefits it offers here.

Keep Your Crawlspace and Basement Dry

This is the main reason you would install a sump pump. When the pit that the pump is installed in begins to fill up with water, the pump will remove the water by sending it into a pipe that leads to the outside of the home. This means that rather than water staying in your home, it is taken outdoors and disposed of, keeping things dry. As you can see, this is an effective method of flood control in Chicago.

Prevent the Growth of Mildew and Mold

Since the sump pump that is installed in your home will keep the space under your home dry, it will also prevent the growth of mildew and mold. Not only are these substances unsightly, but they can also be a hazard to the health of those inside. This is especially true if someone in your home or family is allergic to mold.

As you can see, there are quite a few reasons to install a sump pump in your home. If you want more information about flood control in Chicago and methods that can help with this, contact us today. Visit the website northcoastplumbing.us for more information.

Our Niles Flood Control Process & Brought to You by Our Niles Plumbers

Posted on February 11, 2015 by The North Coast Family | Flood Control

Niles Flood Control Process. Brought to you by our Niles plumbers.

North Coast Sewer & Drainage, Niles Plumbers installs flood control systems on a regular basis. When we receive calls from Niles homeowners that need help due to water back flowing through their basement we send our Niles Plumbers to handle the job. The village of Niles has a flood control program for its village people.

If flooding occurs, the first thing the homeowner should do is call their local Niles plumber to get an estimate or consultation. Once an appointment is made, the investigating process to determine the cause of the situation can be done. Once the problem is determined, and the solution being a better flood control system, our plumbers will then check the circuit panel. What he is looking for is panel space. A flood control system comes with and ejector pump inside the vault. That pump has to be on its own dedicated circuit. So now North Coast Sewer and Drainage has determined that you need a flood control system, has found open circuit space and has the depth of your sewer from checking your catch basin to your sewer. He can now give you a formal estimate to installing a flood control system and start the permit process.

Now comes the installation process. The first step is to locate the sewer. Once located, the excavating process begins. All dirt and debris is to be hauled away all the way down to the sewer. Once down to the sewer the potable drinking water line is rerouted around the vault of the basin that sits on the flood control unit. Inside the vault you will find two double guard back water valves and a six inch backflow spill tee. If the valves become shut from backflow, then the rain water will spill into the ejector pump pit and then the pump will start and force it out in front of the closed valves. Once the flood control system is installed properly and inspected by the Niles plumbing inspector, then we can backfill your hole with torpedo sand and clean the mess, leaving your property clean and sanitary.

Please contact us regarding any of your Niles Plumbing needs. We appreciate your business!

Plumbing Tips for Spring; After an Unforgiving Chicago Winter – By our Niles Plumbers

Posted on March 19, 2014 by The North Coast Family | Uncategorized

Spring Plumbing Tips

The harshest winter in recent memory has just passed Chicago. The snow has melted and falls remains lye underneath. So the best thing to do is a home check down from top to bottom back to front to ensure your home is up to and beyond standards. With high wind gusts, and double-digit negative temperatures this winter, it is important to check all plumbing related pipes and equipment for weathering, including your yard.

Most all homes have different plumbing set ups. Some people have outside sprinkler systems and lines. It would be important for this person to check the sprinkler heads and make sure they’re intact. Another important thing you can do is to make sure nobody shoveled over them resulting in cracks or complete breaks.

Now, if we walk over to our storm drain covers, or storm basins and make sure they are clear of old leaves and debris this can improve water flow around the yard and prevent it from entering the house during spring showers. In the front of the house, check your sewers flood controls and clean-out caps, make sure there exposed and in tact. Make sure to take the time to do some spring sewer line cleaning. Maintenance rodding and extensive rodding are two perfect steps to getting this done. If you have need for flood control or flood prevention, call your local Niles Plumbers.

Now that the landscaping is covered lets check our back, side, or front floor drains and window wells along the side of the house. Check to make sure there clear of debris, grab a five gallon bucket of water and poor them down the drains to make sure there draining properly. Finally, you need to get handy and grab a step latter or extension latter and check your gutter lines to make sure they are clear of leaves so the water will drain off the roof. Once these things are complete call a Niles Plumbing company to camera your sewer and make sure it’s clean and clear of tree roots and waste. This is cheap insurance to what could be an in home flood or yard flood!

Do it Yourself Basic Toilet Repairs – From Your Skokie Plumber

Posted on January 30, 2014 by The North Coast Family | Uncategorized

Basic toilet repairs are bound to be necessary from time to time, given that the toilet is a hard working machine. However, with care and attention, you can perform basic toilet repairs yourself rather than paying an expensive plumber.

For the purposes of toilet repairs, the toilet can be divided into two parts – the toilet tank and the toilet bowl.

Toilet Repair – The Bowl

If the wax or other material that was used to seal the base of the toilet bowl is defective, a leak may develop and result in a damp bathroom floor. You need to turn off the water supply to the toilet before you attempt this toilet repair!

Once the system is “dry”, remove the bowl and clean the old join and pipe. Then replace the bowl and reseal thoroughly.

If the seal is fine and the bowl is still leaking, it may be that there is a crack in the porcelain. This is extremely unlikely. However, if this is the case toilet repair is impossible and the whole bowl will need to be replaced.

Toilet Repair – The Toilet Tank

The most common toilet repair issue is a tank that is constantly running, which is caused by a leak somewhere in the tank. The best way to test whether your toilet is suffering from this toilet repair problem is to place a few drops of food coloring into the tank, and see if the water in the bowl becomes the same color. If the bowl water colors, you have a leak.

Replacement parts for the components for this toilet repair are not expensive. Examine the components carefully to see what has failed.

Before you order any replacement parts, see whether the problem can be remedied by making adjustments to the length of the lever wire or the positioning of the tank ball.

However, if you cannot solve the problem with adjustments, you may have to replace some parts.

A common toilet repair issue in toilet tanks is the deterioration of the valve at the bottom of the tank called the flapper. This can deteriorate as a result of the use of bleach and other common “in tank” cleaning products.

If the flapper is in good condition, check the ball cock. It has to rise adequately to shut off the refill valve. They sometimes get waterlogged, and need to be emptied or replaced.

Hope This Helps!

The North Coast Family!