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So far Denver Plumbing & HVAC has created 19 blog entries.

What You Can Expect from a Professional Denver Sewer Cleaning Job

Homeowners in Denver should know when to have their sewer lines cleaned, and what they can expect when they hire contractors to do the job. On the one hand, they may be spending unnecessary costs; on another, they may be facing major problems if they delay the job.

Angie Hicks, founder of the popular consumer site Angie’s List, has some answers on when and how often a sewer should be cleaned:

“Typically, sewer drain cleaning on an “as-needed” basis will work for most homeowners, assuming the cleaning is done before a clog causes a drain backup that spills raw sewage into the home and creates costly cleanup and repair.”

“A clogged sewer line will usually offer clues before it backs up completely. The most common signs of a clogged line are gurgling sounds that come from drains and toilets; water backing up out of, or pooling around, drains or toilets; or the smell of raw sewage coming from drains. Most companies can clear a clogged line quickly and for less than $150 before it becomes a major issue.”

Cause

Especially in older homes, tree roots that penetrate sewer lines are the most common causes of sewer line clogging. Clogging in newer homes often come from materials like baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, and thick toilet paper that find their way into the sewer system. The sewer-cleaning professionals should step in once clogging occurs.

Inspection

Some Denver sewer professionals run a cable called a drain auger through the clog to try clearing it. If the professional is unable to determine the root cause of the problem, he can suggest a camera inspection. Professional cleaners typically offer an inspection job after trying to clear the sewer instead of before.

Cleaning

The inspection may then call for heavy-duty cleaning of the sewer line. Reputable sewer cleaning companies make use of special tools and equipment that can effectively address the main sources of clogging. These can include high-powered machines that can cut through tree roots that may have penetrated the sewer lines, and water jetters that can spray water at high pressures to flush out not only bigger material blockages, but residue and smaller particles, such as grease and leftover food as well.

Regular maintenance of sewer lines should not be overlooked by homeowners if they wish to avoid unpleasant surprises in their plumbing system. Some of the well-established sewer maintenance companies in Denver, such as Freedom Plumbing, also offer other household care and repair services such as HVAC repair in Denver, CO. Homeowners can therefore enjoy the convenience of a one-stop shop contractor that can address many of their home maintenance concerns.

(Article Information and Image from How often should a sewer drain be cleaned?, Angie’s List)

By | July 9th, 2016|Uncategorized|0 Comments

DIY Plumbing for Remodeling Kitchens

Remodeling a kitchen is not like preparing breakfast, something you just wake up and do; it requires prior planning. It involves processes that must be granted permission for by the county, which is why experts should be consulted for professional advice.

According to Dean Johnson, remodeling a kitchen usually involves more than just repositioning the appliances and furniture. You can find that you need to extend or move the existing interior wiring system and the plumbing system too. You have to understand that different counties have different local building codes; there are specific code issues for health and safety that have to be observed during remodeling of a kitchen.

Before you do anything, it is advisable to consult with your local building officials for advice. At the end of your inquiry, you may realize that you have to hire a plumber for the work to be done properly. You may also learn that the codes and regulations dictate the size of pipes and wires, color of wires, how deep you can drill into a wall, etc. Here are procedures involved in kitchen remodeling to help you decide whether you will hire out the job or do it yourself.

Locating Fixtures

Lay out your rough-ins to determine whether you will need a new fitting or settle for the old ones. For example, if you have decided that you are going to move the kitchen appliances, then you will have to lay out rough-ins for the electrical circuits of the main appliances required in the kitchen. This also applies if you are going to reposition the sink; you have to know if you need new pipes or if the old ones will do.

Drain-Waste-Vent (DWV) Rough-Ins

DWV pipes are generally bigger in size, which means it advisable to lay it first before other pipes. Plumbers also find it easier to fit electrical cables and plumbing pipes when they lay the DWV pipes first. In most cases, plastic pipes are used for drain and vent pipes, which are usually black for the ABS and white for the PVC.

To avoid leaks in your plumbing system, you should avoid the mixed use of the ABS and PVC pipes. This is because the two pipes have different contraction and expansion rates. If you find yourself in a situation where you have to use both jointly, then the use of mechanical fittings is advised rather than use of glue.

Make sure your rough-ins are economical when you lay them. For example, you can use the same DWV pipes when installing a new sink at an unchanged position, or use short extensions in cases where you reposition it just a bit.

Water Supply Rough-Ins

In the case of water supply, copper pipes are usually used for both the cold and hot water pipes. In areas where codes allow, you can find plumbers using plastic pipes. Water supply pipes mostly run through walls to an accessible system of pipes mostly located at the basement. The pipes are commonly fitted through holes drilled in the wall, which are about one foot in depth. One end of the pipe is left out just a few inches into the room and shut with the lid. If you want to avoid extra costs, you can prevent damage to walls by running pipes beside the walls.

If you need any help with your plumbing while remodeling, call us. We serve Denver, CO and the entire Denver metro area, including Aurora, CO, Morrison, CO, Evergreen, CO, Broomfield, CO, Arvada, CO, Northglenn, CO, and Commerce City, CO.

(Article excerpt and image from Remodeling Kitchens: Plumbing, Hometime)

By | July 9th, 2016|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Keeping Your Furnace and Boiler Well Maintained

Most homes in the United States are heated with furnaces or boilers. Maintenance is the key to giving your furnace or boiler a longer life. Furnaces and boilers are both very different, but they can be serviced in similar ways.The article from Networx and our tips below will show you how.

A furnace heats air and sends it through the house, using ducts that distribute the air to vents.Boilers heat water, and provide either hot water or steam. Steam is sent through pipes to steam radiators. Hot water is distributed through baseboard radiators or radiant floor systems.

Furnace maintenance is almost the same as air conditioning maintenance, with a few minor differences. It is best to have an HVAC technician do this for you if you are unsure what to do. They are generally inexpensive, and are well worth the price, to make sure that your system will work at its best for you.

Furnace Maintenance Tips
1. Turn on the heater a few days before the cold sets in, to make sure there are no problems.  Keep in mind that it is normal for them to have an odd odor during the first few minutes they are turned on.

2. Make sure the pilot light has a blue flame. Any other color means there could be a problem.

3. Remember to change your filters at least once a year.

4. Keep the area around the registers clear. It will make your heating system work more efficiently.

5. Keep the unit free of excess stuff.

6. Have your system serviced once a year by a reliable HVAC contractor.

Boiler Maintenance Tips
It is harder to maintain a boiler, because each system is done individually. There are only a few general tips for boilers. The following tips are from the Energy Star library of articles, which is very informative and allows you to read about numerous HVAC topics for your home.

1. Oil the pump to allow for easy operation and to keep the motor from overheating.

2. Remove dirt and grime from the pump to ensure efficient heat transfer.

3. Open valves to release pockets of air. When the water flows steadily, all the air is out.

4. After releasing the air, check the temperature/pressure gauge(s) and keep the boiler’s water level the same.

5. Check the expansion tank, to make sure the air and water levels will allow room for expansion.

6. Have your system serviced once a year by a reliable HVAC contractor.

Because of the difficulty of boiler maintenance, it is advised that unless you have been educated fully on your model, you call an HVAC professional to do the maintenance for you.

If you need help with your water heater or boiler, give us a call. Denver, CO and the entire Denver metro area, including Aurora, CO, Morrison, CO, Evergreen, CO, Broomfield, CO, Arvada, CO, Northglenn, CO, and Commerce City, CO.

(Article excerpt and image from Furnace and Boiler Maintenance.)

By | July 9th, 2016|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Call an Expert Plumber to Clean Your Denver Sewer and Avert Flooding

Last year’s Colorado floods caused huge stress for the people in cities like Boulder. In The Denver Channel, Jaclyn Allen and Anica Padilla cited the main problems that arose during and in the aftermath of the flooding.

Blockage and debris congestion was not the only concern, as the unsanitary environment threatened the quality of life. Sewage water rose above the ground, penetrating basements and bringing a stench that kept residents from getting clean air outside.

The culprit, as city spokeswoman Sarah Huntley explained, was the blockage in the system. Getting them unclogged became top priority following the flooding.

Increased precipitation is not the only element to blame here. Blockage can be caused by anyone or anything and can happen anytime anywhere; your home included. When you throw paper products or even cooked fat and oil in the sink or toilet, blockage is likely to occur. The Denver sewer system, as with other sewer systems, is usually designed to process human waste and toilet tissue flowing through them. The oil, for instance, can form a thick layer around the pipes and prevents sewage from flowing as it should.

Waste water, as a result, cannot leave your home and may bring more inconvenience. Imagine if rain comes and causes additional strain to your blocked drain and sewers. Your lovely Denver home, as well as your area, can easily turn into the dark sewer.

If you find a blocked drain or sewer at home, don’t hesitate to call experts to clear it up for you before it gets worse. Expert drain cleaning in Denver is a craft dedicated companies like Freedom Plumbing offer to address homes’ blockage issues and prevent area flooding.

(Source: Flood Fallout: Overflowing Trash, sewage overwhelms Boulder, The Denver Channel, 17 Sept 2013)

By | July 9th, 2016|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Denver Plumbers Expand to New Location to Increase Service Coverage

Denver, Colorado (February 10, 2014) – Freedom Plumbing recently opened a new branch in Denver in order to serve more customers in the greater Denver metro area, as well as in the western and northern suburbs. Through the expansion, the company is now able to attend to more homeowners who are looking for reliable plumbers in Denver and in other surrounding areas.

Following the success of their original Morrison location and recognizing the growing need for quality plumbing services in the Denver area, the company decided to put up its second branch and increase their coverage. Located at 3773 Cheery Creek North Drive #575, the new branch offers the same set of services as their other branch. They assist homeowners who encounter plumbing issues like leaks, freezes, and clogged drains, which could result in serious water damage if left unattended.

They also offer heating and furnace maintenance, inspections, and repairs, which translate to better performance of their furnaces and more energy-efficient homes. Furthermore, they repair air conditioning systems and replace the ones that can no longer perform at acceptable levels.

With the goal of providing exceptional services for residential and commercial clients, Freedom Plumbing ensures attention to detail, quality, and commitment to integrity when dealing with their customers. They employ well-trained and highly skilled plumbers and technicians who are guided by respect and dedication towards remarkable workmanship.

The company has also added bathroom remodeling in their list of services for homeowners who want to improve and upgrade their bathrooms and keep up with the recent remodeling trends. To learn more and to request for a free consultation, visit www.DenverPlumbingConsultants.com.

About Freedom Plumbing

The company employs professional Denver plumbers and technicians who are adept at the latest repair and maintenance methods and strategies. They are licensed, bonded, and insured, which make them one of the most trusted plumbing consultants in the area.

By | July 9th, 2016|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Services from Denver Plumbers that Won’t Spring a Leak in Your Wallet

FREE SERVICE CALL

Get affordable and efficient plumbing services and more when you hire Freedom Plumbing

  • Save $35 on service fees

Excellent savings and value from your reliable plumbers in Denver!

It doesn’t matter if your home is newly built or has been with your family for generations – plumbing problems will definitely sneak up on you once in a while. Thankfully, there are dependable Denver plumbers you can count on during such emergencies.

When is the right time to call professionals for help? Any urgent situation is the “right” time. Thus, at Freedom Plumbing, we’re making things easier for you by taking away our service call fee when you come to us for help with your plumbing, HVAC and bathroom remodeling needs. That’s right! You get a FREE service call when you hire us – and that means saving $35! Now that’s great savings from a quality plumbing company in Denver!

When your main line fails—such as when the toilet begins to back up into your tub or shower— DIY fixes are definitely a no-no. Your water heater is another dangerous equipment to repair on your own because of the scalding water and the electrical currents running within the system.

In such emergencies, call our hotline so we can clear any clogs or fix any busted pipes. With our free service call, you need not hesitate a moment longer.

  • Free service call for customers who avail of any of our services in plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and bathroom remodeling
  • Save $35
  • Promo is ongoing
By | July 9th, 2016|Uncategorized|0 Comments

HVAC Companies Advice: How to Maintain Your Air Conditioning Unit

Like many things in our homes, air conditioners are always getting used, but we only pay attention to them when it’s too late. That’s when we call the HVAC professional to come over and check on the air conditioner, and we try not to think about the bill. Most HVAC companies neglect to share with us the information about how we can maintain our own air conditioner. Based on an article from Networx, the following will tell you how to do it yourself.

Most of our air conditioners are only checked once a year by HVAC companies. But that’s not enough if you want your air conditioner to last a long time. You should check it more often, especially in the warmer seasons, when you use it more. Here we are going to show you how the maintenance team checks on your air conditioner.

Annual A/C Maintenance List:

1. Clear the outdoor condenser coils and the indoor evaporator units

The coil is created from the refrigerant lines and from the radiator-like fins that match the cabinet to your outdoor A/C. The evaporator is the interior equivalent to the outdoor unit, and has its own coil. There may be some dirt around this area, which will cause the system’s efficiency to be reduced, and might also cause stress for the mechanical parts.

2. Watch the refrigerant level

Having too much refrigerant can make the compressor work too hard, thus reducing the system’s efficiency and lifetime.

3. Check drain pans and condensate drains

These places should be checked, to see that nothing is interfering with the openings, so residue is not able to accumulate.

4. Check the outdoor fan motor and blades, as well as the indoor blower

5. Inspect all the tubing

6. Add lubrication to the moving parts

Old A/C systems contain some parts that need lubrication as time goes by. Nowadays, systems usually don’t need to be lubed, since these parts are sealed

7. Check all the electrical parts

All wiring, connections and electrical controls should be checked to see if anything is out of the proper place or damaged.

8. Clean the air filters

9. Perform a general test

When you call HVAC companies, tell them to do a general test of your A/C to check for malfunctions, unusual smells and noises, irregular temperatures and system pressure.

10. Inspect your ducts for leaks and debris

You should call a ductwork service person every once in a while to check for air leakage, debris on the air conditioner walls and other kinds of problems. This might be one of the main problems for A/C failures.

How Can You Help Maintain Your Air Conditioner During the Cold Months?

These are the months you just wish to get home and turn on the heat almost every day, but that’s why you should keep an eye out for your A/C. Check the furnace filters, remove dirt from the outdoor condenser, ensure that the unit is cleared of vegetation for 2 feet around it so the air can flow to the condenser coil without blockage.

If you need help with any of these procedures, just gives us a call and we will be glad to address whatever issues you’re experiencing. We serve Denver, CO and the entire Denver metro area, including Aurora, CO, Morrison, CO, Evergreen, CO, Broomfield, CO, Arvada, CO, Northglenn, CO, and Commerce City, CO.

(Article excerpt from Air Conditioner Maintenance Checklist)
This entry was posted in Info Articles by Bill Havens. Bookmark the permalink.

By | July 9th, 2016|Uncategorized|0 Comments

What to Look for When Hiring HVAC Companies

When you need to install or repair your heating and air conditioning unit or your general ventilation system, you will need to search for professional HVAC companies to do the work for you. When looking through the abundance of companies in your area, whether you used a database or referrals from friends and family, there are questions you should ask and certain qualifications you should look for to make sure that you are getting the exact work you need for the best price.

The well-known database Angie’s List supplied an article discussing what to do when looking for HVAC experts to hire. In the article “How to Hire an HVAC Expert” Angie’s List recommended doing a fair amount of research before settling on a company to handle your air conditioning and heating needs. The article discusses the importance of checking a company’s qualifications as well as the proper questions to ask when interviewing companies.

What Qualifications to Look for in an HVAC Expert

Ventilation systems have changed throughout the years so it stands to reason that HVAC companies would have to change as well. Simple furnace repair has expanded into the realms of home air conditioning and heating systems that require special training. Since HVAC systems can be rather complicated it is important to make sure that the HVAC company you choose has well-trained staff and the proper credentials to do the job properly. Most HVAC experts need to work for two to five years in the field before they are granted a license in the field.

There are also many safety concerns regarding HVAC systems, so hiring a company with the proper knowledge of your specific system is crucial. They must know all of the safety issues surrounding electrical systems, any natural gas or oil systems, and the Freon in an air conditioning unit. They must also be up to date on information regarding carbon monoxide poisoning and how to properly install systems to prevent the escape of the gas.

Like most professional companies, an HVAC company usually has to hold special licenses to repair or install HVAC systems (this varies by location). Specifically, some companies may need to hold a separate plumber’s license along with their HVAC certification since HVAC systems depend on repairing or installing plumbing, too. This is sometimes simplified by having a licensed plumber on call during jobs.

Questions to Ask HVAC Experts

There are a few questions that you will want to ask your air conditioning and heating experts before deciding to hire them. When interviewing companies for your heating and air conditioning needs ask for these things:

* Relevant licenses, insurance, and bonding
* References from recent customers
* Written, detailed estimates with completion dates
* Brands of equipment offered
* Experience with certain systems (important if you have an old system or a high-tech system)
* Availability of tax breaks or rebates and the corresponding documents
* Possible payment schedule
* Service contract for repairs

By asking these questions and doing the proper research before hiring an expert to handle your heating and air conditioning unit, you will be better prepared to negotiate with multiple HVAC companies.

While we serve Denver, CO and the entire Denver metro area, including Aurora, CO, Morrison, CO, Evergreen, CO, Broomfield, CO, Arvada, CO, Northglenn, CO, and Commerce City, CO, this information can be used in any location where HVAC experts work.

(Image and excerpt from How to Hire an HVAC Expert)

By | July 9th, 2016|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Bathroom Remodel: Make it Functional & Beautiful

Turn your bathroom into a beautiful place with a simple bathroom remodel. Our bathroom remodel services are well within your budget and will be perfect for your home. We serve Denver, CO and the entire Denver metro area, including Aurora, CO, Morrison, CO, Evergreen, CO, Broomfield, CO, Arvada, CO, Northglenn, CO, and Commerce City, CO.

Bathroom Remodel Tips

Dona DeZube of HouseLogic covered some expert tips in her article Inside Tips from a Designer.

Designer Jamie Gibbs in his own words about bathroom remodeling, said, “I liked being shocked by details in a little space, especially if it’s not going to be used much”. Let’s have a look at his bathroom remodel tips:

Texture

A bathroom that is regularly used should not be given much texture. Texture may become a point of collection for toothpaste, mold, and other things due to heavy use.
If the tile seals are compromised due to incorrect installation, the water may leak underneath. If you are using no-enclosure showers with drains right in the floor, you should make the floor waterproof or the material may decompose.

Windows

In bath remodel projects, you should use opaque windows to let the light filter into all corners of the bath. A small window will keep the place dark, increasing your electricity bills. Also, make sure your water condensation rolls off the window into an appropriate place.

Space Savers

Wall mounted toilets and bidets are always space saving options if the water tank is going into the wall. In case where you’re sharing a wall with a neighbor, this won’t be an option.
Use a single handle faucets rather than separate handle fixtures in bathroom remodeling. If the bathroom is small, you can always save some space using small fixtures.
Use a 22” vanity instead of a 24” vanity and save space using a wall mount faucet. It will make a reduced depth vanity work in a small place.

There will be a space between handles and the faucet of any space saving fixtures. If someone is using a vessel sink, it should be large enough but not too high. If it is high, there will be a chance that the fitting may come loose. “If you can only get a toothbrush in it to clean, you’ll save space, but it’s functionally stupid,”

A pedestal sink may be good looking, but there’s no place to set anything. So, it is almost all form and no function.

Although it looks like wall mounted vanities are space savers, they create dead space between the vanity and the floor, producing an area that is hard to clean.

Go European and put up a glass between the master bathroom and bedroom to create the illusion of more space.

Go for a complete bathroom remodel with custom vanities to decorate tiles. Dream big and let your bath remodel be in your style and budget. We do single updates to complete transformations at a reasonable price.

(Image and Excerpt from 10 Inside Tips From a Designer Who Specializes in Small Baths)

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Planning Your Bathroom Remodel

Many people find it difficult to plan a remodel for their bathroom. A well remodeled bathroom will serve you with comfort for years. If you are planning a bathroom remodel, you should know how to do it efficiently.

There are many cases where the property owner has spent a lot on bathroom remodeling but without any expert planning. The result is a waste of money and an uncomfortable, unplanned bathroom remodel. Making quick decisions without giving it much thought is not wise in bathroom remodeling. You may end up wasting money without any satisfaction.
Robert Robillard wrote about how to do bathroom remodeling in his article “How to Plan a Bathroom Remodel”.

An Expertly Remodeled Bathroom

Knowing about different steps and ways of doing a bath remodel is wise. You should ask questions and do some research to reach a decision on what you want. If you see other bath remodel projects, you will get an idea about what will be suitable for you. Get some ideas about how your bathroom will look after the remodeling.

Make a complete plan to avoid unnecessary costs and labor. Use a checklist of your required materials and always buy quality materials for your bathroom remodel. We can provide you with the best bathroom materials. We serve Denver, CO and the entire Denver metro area, including Aurora, CO, Morrison, CO, Evergreen, CO, Broomfield, CO, Arvada, CO, Northglenn, CO, and Commerce City, CO.

A Well Thought Out Plan

Think about the whole bathroom remodel procedure and make a plan. Write it down so you don’t miss anything. Consider the problems that could arise during the remodeling process. Hire a contractor if you are finding it difficult to reach a decision. Don’t be too hasty. It is not wise to rush a bathroom remodeling project. Sometimes, a single contractor cannot make all the decisions, so discuss the project with different contractors according to their field.

Talk to your contractor about how he will manage the work, the payments, and their schedule. A clean job will eliminate any possibilities of safety hazards. A well planned job is the most professional work. Plan your bath remodel carefully so you can avoid future problems.

Coordinated Work & Communication

Coordinating the different procedures is very important while doing a bathroom remodel. Without proper coordination, the whole project will be in total chaos. Learning the steps and following them precisely is the key factor. This will require proper communication between workers. A bathroom remodel will require cabinets, fixtures, faucet and counters. Without coordination, there could be improper installations of these fixtures.

Fixture Selection within Your Budget

You should select the fixtures you’ll need for your bathroom remodel early on. We offer you the most elegant and space saving fixtures at a reasonable price.

A proper plan will save your time and money, so plan your work and get a beautifully remodeled bathroom.

(Image and excerpt from “How to Plan a Bathroom Remodel”)

This entry was posted in Info Articles and tagged bathroom remodel, bathroom remodeling by Bill Havens. Bookmark the permalink.
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