plumbing Archives - Bedell Home Services

Routine Plumbing Maintenance is Crucial

Reasons to Schedule Plumbing Maintenance

There is never a wrong time to do the right thing, especially when it comes to plumbing maintenance. Plumbing maintenance is a standard service practiced by most plumbers, but unfortunately, too few homeowners know its benefits.

Take preemptive action instead of paying high water and energy bills and dealing with short-lived and routine plumbing emergencies. If a home's plumbing seems less reliable than usual, maybe it's time to let a professional take a look. Here are three direct benefits of plumbing maintenance in the home.

Keep Things Running Smoothly

The plumbing in a home is usually reliable. With modern building codes and advanced materials, plumbing problems infrequently pop up. However, when plumbing problems arise, they can be catastrophic.

Plumbing maintenance is just as important as protecting the home as keeping fire extinguishers around. When sewage leaks occur, or pipes burst, the damage can be very expensive and inconvenient. Luckily, homeowners can avoid nasty situations like clogged drains and toilets that won't flush away waste when they choose to have their system inspected and maintained.

Increase the Lifespan of Plumbing Materials

The plumbing system in a home is made up of various materials and fixtures. One of the benefits of plumbing maintenance is that it allows the homeowner to know what is going on with the infrastructure in the home. Since most plumbing is hidden underground or behind walls, outdated materials can exist in a home for decades without the owner knowing. Understanding the lifespan of different plumbing materials can help homeowners make smart decisions about upgrading to protect their homes from potential damage.

The shortest-lived component of a plumbing system is probably the water heater. Without routine maintenance, water heaters are only expected to last around seven years. After this point, they are subject to leaks and major inefficiencies.

Next on the list are the fixtures. Plumbing fixtures can be reliable for decades, but many will show problems like leaks. Usually, these can be quickly repaired during a plumbing maintenance visit.

Finally, piping is the long-lived component of a plumbing system but also the most crucial. With modern building codes, there are no situations where iron or galvanized piping is reliable. Early PVC installations can also be out of date. Discuss upgrading options with plumbing system maintenance plumbers to understand how to proceed.

Lower Bills

This may be the most popular choice on the list. Plumbing maintenance can lower bills in three different ways. First, allowing professionals to inspect the plumbing and correct any minor deficiencies can stop problems from growing and becoming more expensive. This can save a lot of money on unexpected repair bills.

One of the downsides to plumbing is that when a problem occurs, it can continue to waste money until it is repaired. Leaks are the perfect example. When leaks occur in fixtures and piping, they slowly waste water and money until repairs are made. Allowing professionals to do plumbing maintenance prevents wastage and lowers bills by reducing water usage.

Finally, plumbing maintenance lowers bills and saves money by maintaining the water heater. Water heaters are huge portions of monthly bills, and when they run inefficiently, the cost is obvious. Flushing and draining the water heater is an important part of plumbing maintenance that can drastically lower energy bills.

About Bedell Home Services

Bedell Home Services are local experts that add a personal touch to their service. With comprehensive plumbing, HVAC, and excavating services, they are reliable providers for thousands of local homes. Call today for flat-rate pricing on plumbing repairs in Carmel, IN.

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Women Who Shaped the Plumbing Landscape

Learn About the History of Women in the Plumbing Industry

When homeowners picture plumbers, they imagine a cartoonish man with sagging pants and a rusted toolbox. They seldom picture a woman. Yet, women in the plumbing industry is an emerging trend that is here to stay. Soon, many blue-collar jobs won’t just be for Toms and Harrys.

Here, homeowners can learn about some women who shaped the plumbing industry and what that means for the industry’s future.

Facts About Women in Plumbing

According to a recent article by WXYZ Detroit, women make up less than two percent of all steamfitters, plumbers, and pipefitters. In the broader construction sector, women only comprise nine percent of all workers. That means only nine would be women in a room of 100 construction workers.

Yet, believe it or not, these numbers are nothing to scoff at. Just 20 years ago, the number of women in the construction and plumbing industry was virtually zero. Some reasons why women in the plumbing industry haven’t been so prevalent include the following:

Harassment. Some women report harassment in male-dominated spaces, ranging from comments about their abilities to their appearance.
Self-doubt. There’s a popular misconception that men are intrinsically better at some things than women. This lack of confidence prevents women from entering the plumbing industry.

What Is the Ladies’ Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers?

As a married woman at the turn of the 20th century, life was… boring. Sure, the occasional car ride was fun, but beyond that, women’s social circles could get suffocating. It wasn’t uncommon for a woman to focus solely on her husband and children, having few friends herself.

The Ladies’ Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers changed that. Originally founded by men, the organization evolved from being a social club to having significant political influence. According to Smithsonian Magazine, the Ladies’ Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers advocated for:

Better sanitation measures. Think gas station bathrooms are gross? They were even worse in the 1930s. These ladies advocated for cleaner restrooms, beginning with Texaco. Once they achieved their goal, the organization expanded its horizons to restaurants and other businesses.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Political groups advocated for FMLA for years before it was officially approved in the 1990s. This legislature allowed workers to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave without fear of being fired.

Meet Lillian Ann Baumbach

To many, it seems Lillian Ann Baumbach had a charmed life. Not only was she the country’s first master plumber, but her beauty made her known as the “Pretty Plumber.” When she wasn’t getting her hands dirty with a plumbing problem, she made television appearances and talked on radio shows. During the Korean War, she was also a pin-up girl.

But how did Lillian find her passion for plumbing? Per the She Builds Podcast, Her father was a plumber, and as a little girl, he frequently brought her on his route. This gave up an up-close-and-personal look at what her future would hold.

About Bedell Home Services

Bedell Home Services has one message for the residents of Carmel, Indiana: “We’ve got you covered.” Since 1988, these professionals have served as Hamilton County’s one-stop shop for home improvement needs. These local plumbers offer expert craftsmanship and honest estimates. Call today for plumbing service.

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New Plumbing Installation Ideas for the New Year

Ring in the New Year with a Plumbing Upgrade

What is a better way to get the year started right than with a plumbing upgrade? Installing a new plumbing fixture is an investment that can improve the home's value for years to come. It can also improve the comfort and safety of the household. In this blog post, we explore a few different ideas for upgrading the home plumbing in 2023.

The bathroom and kitchen are safe havens away from the rest of the house. Adding a new faucet, showerhead, or bathtub can have a transformative effect on the space. New plumbing fixtures are designed to be more efficient than ever, with less water and energy wasted. The new plumbing technology can enhance the quality of life by saving homeowners time and improving the house's cleanliness.

New Kitchen Faucets

Upgrading the kitchen faucet is a great way to start the year with a simple home improvement. New kitchen faucets are easy to install and provide better water pressure while using less water. Modern faucets can achieve better cleaning power with less water by aerating water flow with pressurized air bubbles. Trends for plumbing fixtures this year include eco-friendliness and smart technology.

Touchless faucets are the hottest kitchen upgrade for the new year. They use motion sensor technology to turn on and off, so that dirty hands never have to touch the handles. This helps prevent the spread of germs and keeps the fixture cleaner. A new kitchen faucet is a functional improvement that can also transform the look of the space. There are so many different styles of modern kitchen sink faucets for homeowners to choose from.

Upgrade Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures

The bathroom faucets and plumbing fixtures are other areas where renovations can add value to the home. The shower and bathtub are important places to consider for New Year's home improvement projects. Adding a new showerhead can transform the showering experience. Homeowners can choose from modern luxury showerheads such as rain, LED, and Bluetooth-enabled.

Installing a new bathtub, toilet, or sink this year means homeowners have many options in terms of style and function. Modern features for plumbing fixtures this year include motion sensor technology, water-saving technology, and self-cleaning plumbing fixtures. Transform the bathroom into a relaxing spa this year by installing new luxury plumbing fixtures.

Invest In Professional Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom and kitchen remodeling can seem daunting for homeowners. People putting off getting started on a home improvement project because they are worried that the plumbing will be too complicated should contact their trusty local plumber. Most plumbing renovation companies can offer a free consultation on the work and provide a time frame for how long it will take.

DIY plumbing installation is a bad idea because it could create a safety hazard. When the amateur installation goes wrong, it may take the plumber even more time to fix the additional damage. To make sure the job gets done the right way the first time, hire a trustworthy and experienced plumber. It is a good idea to always check for proper licensing and insurance before hiring a remodeler.

About Bedell Home Services

Bedell Home Services is proud to serve Carmel, IN, and the surrounding areas with comprehensive home services from trustworthy technicians. Their team is available 24/7 for emergency repairs, and satisfaction is always guaranteed. Give Bedell Home Services a call today to schedule an appointment for a plumbing service in Carmel, IN!

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Improve Home Plumbing This Year With These 3 Intentions

3 Sure-Fire Ways to Improve Plumbing Systems This Year

A home’s plumbing system doesn’t need a ton of care for it to function properly. However, it’s never a good idea to neglect it altogether. There are a few things homeowners should do to avoid expensive plumbing emergencies. Additionally, there’s something to be said for knowing the signs of common plumbing problems, so homeowners can identify them and avoid the need for costly repairs. Read on to learn the three intentions every homeowner needs to enjoy a well-functioning plumbing system.

Create Flush Awareness

Many people are surprised at the term “flush awareness.” They may have an idea of what it means. Really, it’s not hard to figure out. Some of the most common and costly plumbing problems come after something that isn’t supposed to go down the toilet gets flushed. Those with small children will need to create a greater flush awareness than those households where everyone understands what should and shouldn’t go into the toilet.

As a quick refresher, only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed down the toilet. Like those with septic tanks, some plumbing systems will need special septic-safe toilet paper to prevent clogs and facilitate proper function. Those homes hooked up to municipal plumbing systems can use any toilet paper. Feminine hygiene products, Q-Tips, paper towels, and even “flushable” wipes should never be flushed down the toilet, no matter the type of plumbing.

Know Water Leak Signs

One of the risky things about plumbing systems is they’re mostly out of sight. Other than the fixtures coming out of the walls and the occasional glance under the sink, most of the plumbing system is behind the walls or under the floors. This is why it’s important to know the signs of a water leak.

There are many signs there may be a water leak in the walls, or somewhere else the homeowner can’t easily see. The appearance of mold or mildew on the walls, ceiling, or floor can indicate a leak. This often, but not always, comes with peeling or bubbling wallpaper. The sound of running or dripping water coming from inside the wall also indicates that something is awry. A drop in water pressure and a rise in the water bill can also both indicate a leak.

Put Drain Cleaning in the Calendar

While watching what goes down the toilet drains is a good way to prevent expensive clogs, there are also other drains in the house to think about. These drains need a different kind of care. The shower and sink drains can build up hair and soap scum mounds, while the kitchen drain can clog with grease and coffee grounds. It’s hard to prevent buildup in these drains. However, drain cleaning is an excellent way to keep these drains from getting clogged and causing issues.

But using liquid drain cleaners isn’t the answer here. Not only can liquid drain cleaners eat away at the inside of the pipes, but they can also harm the environment. Hiring a professional plumber for drain cleaning services at least once or twice a year can prevent drain clogs. Many plumbers offer drain cleaning as part of their plumbing maintenance plans, which are worth looking into.

About Bedell Home Services

Bedell Home Services has been serving Carmel, IN, since 1988. They provide expert workmanship and superb customer service. They also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee to all their customers. Contact them today for drain cleaning, toilet repair, and leak repair in Carmel, IN.