Arrow Plumbing Inc.

Beyond Repairing Leaky Pipes, How Can a Plumber Help You? Visit These Resources to Find Out!

In our latest blogs, we’ve discussed the reasons why you should hire a plumber to work on your gas lines and how sump pumps work.  Explore the links below to discover additional information on these plumbing topics. To find out more about the services and products that we provide, contact Arrow Plumbing, Inc. at our office in Libertyville today by calling (888) 349-8161.

• You can learn about the dangers of gas leaks with this article from HowStuffWorks.com.
• The National Fuel Gas Company provides information on gas line safety.
• Gas lines are a complex system that should only be serviced by professionals. Learn about the complexity of gas lines with this information from the American Gas Association.
• This article from the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors provides information on the different types of sump pumps.
• For information on the importance of sump pump maintenance, take a look at this article from The Washington Post.

3 Reasons to Leave Residential Gas Line Work to a Plumber

If you suspect that there is a problem with one of your gas appliances or would like to replace old gas piping, it is important to contact a professional plumber. There are a number of reasons why residents should not attempt to work on gas lines themselves, including:

1.      Danger of Fire

Natural gas is highly flammable. Because of this, it is possible for those who do not know how to work with gas piping to cause explosions and fires when working on a gas line. Rather than risking your safety and that of your family and neighbors, you should contact a plumber who can safely work on residential gas lines and perform the services or repairs that you require.

2.      Danger of Gas Leaks

While a sudden explosion or fire is a very obvious problem, an unnoticed gas leak is just as dangerous. It is possible for an inexperienced homeowner to inadequately repair or install gas line fixtures, allowing gas to leak out. Gas leaks pose a number of dangers to residents. If gas has leaked into a home and a spark is released near the gas, a fire can quickly begin. It is also possible for natural gas to improperly combust due to a leak. If this occurs, carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that cannot be detected by sight, smell, or taste, can be released into your home.

3.      Potential Costs

If you work on the gas lines in and around your home, you risk creating costly problems. You may incorrectly install or replace parts of your gas lines and have to hire plumbers to remove and repair the piping that you installed. Hiring a plumber as soon as you suspect a problem or wish to make a change to your gas piping will ensure that the job is completed correctly the first time, saving you time and money.

The plumbers at Arrow Plumbing, Inc. can safely and efficiently service the gas piping in and around your home. To learn more, call our office in Libertyville today at (888) 349-8161.

A Look at How Water Heaters Are Made

Having hot running water is a luxury that was not available in homes until the development of the hot water heater in the late 19th century. The water heater is a complex device which utilizes a number of components to continuously provide heated water.

In this video, you can learn about the different components of hot water heaters. The video features footage of each step that is taken to build a hot water heater, so check out this clip to learn more about this complex modern convenience.

The certified plumbers at Arrow Plumbing, Inc. in Libertyville have the knowledge necessary to maintain and repair your hot water heater. To learn more about plumbing services in the Lake Forest and Libertyville areas, give us a call at (888) 349-8161.

How Do Sump Pumps Work?

If your home has a basement, one of the most important devices that you can have is a sump pump. Keeping your sump pump maintained is essential for preserving the integrity of your home. A certified plumber can provide necessary inspections and repairs to ensure that your sump pump is in working order. Continue reading to learn more about sump pumps and how they work:

Purpose of Sump Pumps

The lowest point in your basement, called the sump, can easily collect water as it seeps through the walls from outside. If your basement gathers water, you may be facing costly water damage repairs in your home. A sump pump can be used to pump water from your sump back to the outside of your home. Installing and maintaining a sump pump in your home will ensure that your sump and basement do not become flooded.

Sump Pump Activation

In order to keep water out of your basement, a sump pit is dug at the lowest point in the floor. The sump pump is installed in this pit. You may have a submersible pump, which rests in the water, or a pedestal pump, which sits outside of the water. As water enters your basement, it will flow to the lowest point and into the sump pit. A float activator arm or pressure sensor is used to detect water, turning the pump on automatically when the water level reaches a certain point.

Sump Pump Operation

After the sump pump has been activated by the presence of water, a motor is used to pump water out of the basement through a pipe. This discharge pipe leads to a point outside of your home where the water can safely drain away. The pipe is fitted with a one-way valve that prevents water from flowing back into your basement.

The professional plumbing team at Arrow Plumbing, Inc. in Libertyville can install and maintain the right sump pump for your home. To have your sump pump checked out or replaced in the Lake Forest and Libertyville area, give us a call at (888) 349-8161.

Take a Look at These Links for Even More Plumbing-Related Information

To learn more about Reduced Pressure Zone devices or maintaining your water heater, explore the resources provided below. If you’d like to talk to one of our professional plumbers, call Arrow Plumbing Inc at (888) 349-8161. Servicing Lake Forest, Libertyville and the surrounding areas, we are committed to making your plumbing experience the best it can be.

• For information about what backflow is, read this useful FAQ from the American Backflow Prevention Association.
• Are you curious about how your water heater works? Read this page from the US Department of Energy.
• To read a short introduction to how RPZs prevent back flow, read this page from Flomatic.
• If you are thinking of installing a new water heater, learn about the various types of high-efficiency hot water heaters now available in this article at EnergyStar.gov.
• To read about the health risks associated with back flow, read this article from the Environmental Protection Agency.