How to Prevent Plumbing Problems While You're Away

Planning a summer getaway?  As you prepare for your trip, pack your clothes, and get your tickets in order, don't forget to make a checklist for your home too!  Homeowners should take a few minutes to prevent plumbing problems before they leave for vacation.  Here are a few tips to prevent problems and put your mind at ease while you're away.

Prevent Plumbing Problems:

• Disconnect Washing Machine Hose - Washing machine hoses are often out of sight, out of mind.  However, you want to disconnect all water-using appliances while you're away - especially ones that use as much water a washing machine!  This will help prevent flooding while you're away.
• Turn Off the Main Valve - The best way to make sure that there are no plumbing problems while you're on vacation is to turn off the main water valve in your home.  For many, the main valve will be located in the basement.
• Test Your Sump Pump - Test your sump pump before you leave by pouring a bucket of water down the sump pit.  Watch to see how the sump pump deals with the extra water.  If the sump pump doesn't get rid of the extra water, give us a call!  We can help get rid of any clogs.
• Turn off Outdoor Faucets - You won't be using outdoor faucets while you're away.  Turn off the water supply to outdoor hoses.
• Turn Down Your Water Heater - Check your water heater for leaks and set the thermostat to a lower setting so that you aren't wasting energy while you're away.

Check out this article for more tips on how to prevent plumbing problems while away on vacation this summer.

If you have any questions about your home plumbing, contact our office!  Our plumbing technicians can help you with all of your plumbing installation and repair needs.  Call 585-216-3058 to schedule an appointment with one of our professional plumbing technicians.

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Prevent Plumbing Problems This Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day!  Today we take the time to thank all of those who have served and are currently serving.  Thank you for all that you do!

Before we head outside to celebrate with family, friends & BBQs, here are a few tips to help you prevent plumbing problems during your celebration.

Memorial Day Plumbing Tips:

• Watch What You Flush - If you will be having guests over this afternoon, especially younger children, match what they flush down the toilet.  Napkins, paper towels, toys and other objects can clog your drain line.
• Avoid Putting BBQ Foods in Your Garbage Disposal - Many homeowners don't realize that dumping food in your garbage disposal is actually bad for it.  Many BBQ foods, including bones, corn on the cob, and other fibrous foods can damage your disposal.
• Dispose of Grease Properly - Don't don't grease down your drains!  Although it may look like liquid, grease can cling to the sides of your pipes and cause plumbing problems.

If you are experience any plumbing problems today, contact our office!  Our plumbing technicians can help you determine the reason behind your plumbing problems, as well as correct any issues you are experiencing.

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A Guide to Plumbing Noises

Are your plumbing pipes noisy?  This is a common problem, especially in older homes!  Here are a few of the most common reasons why you are experiencing loud plumbing noises at home.

Noisy Pipes:

Water Hammer - Water hammer happens when you close a faucet quickly and hear a loud bang, followed by banging noises that fade over time.  This noise is caused by the weight of water rushing through the pipes.  When the valve closes too suddenly, it causes the fast moving water to crash against the valve, causing a banging noise.

Air Hammer - If you hear a banging noise when you turn on your faucet, this noise is likely due to air trapped in your plumbing.

Rattling Pipes - Both air hammers and water hammers can cause your pipes to vibrate and rattle, due to the force.  This is especially true in older homes!  

Foghorn Noise - Does your toilet make a foghorn sound when you flush it?  This may be due to a loose washer in the ballcock assembly.  While you can replace the washer, replacing the valve is a longer-term fix.

Read more about common plumbing problems here.  If you are experiencing any of these plumbing problems, contact our office!  Our plumbing technicians can help you determine the reason behind your plumbing problems, as well as correct any issues you are experiencing.

Don't forget to check out our social pages for more plumbing and remodeling tips!  Like us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and Connect with us on Google+!

Join the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes This Weekend!

Will you be joining us in the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes this weekend?  The walk will be held this Sunday at the Rochester Insitute of Technology!  

AP Plumbing and Garber have joined together to help support this important cause.  Join us by donating to team Bubbie and walking with us to support JDRF this weekend!

Join Team Bubbie:  http://goo.gl/NTyzDA

Rochester Walk to Cure Diabetes Event Information:

Date:  May 17th
Check-In: 9:00 AM
Starts: 10:00 AM
Length of Walk: 1 Mile

The walk begins at the Rochester Institute of Technology.  Address below:

Rochester Institute of Technology

1 Lomb Memorial Drive

Rochester, NY 14623

Join our team, learn more, and sign up for the walk here: http://goo.gl/yhALci

Don't forget to check out our social pages for more plumbing and remodeling tips!  Like us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and Connect with us on Google+!

How to Care for Your Outdoor Plumbing in Spring

We're loving the spring weather!  These outdoor plumbing tips will help you get your home ready to enjoy spending time outside with family and friends.

Outdoor Plumbing Tips:

• Clear Your Gutters - Leaves and debris tend to build in your gutters over the long winter months.  Set aside some time this weekend to clear your gutters so that rain water can flow freely away from your home.  This will help keep your home from flooding this spring!
• Check Your Hoses - Outdoor hoses can freeze and crack over the winter.  Since we had such a cold and icy winter this year, it's important to take a look at your garden hose bib.  If you notice any leaks or your hose has a low-flow, you may need a replacement.
• Turn On Your Sprinklers - If you have sprinklers installed in your lawn, it's time to turn them on!  Slowly open your main valve and run the entire sprinkler system.  If you notice any signs of leakage, give us a call!

Learn more about how you can prepare your outdoor plumbing for warm weather by contacting our office.  Call 585-216-3058 to schedule an appointment with one of our professional plumbing technicians.

Don't forget to check out our social pages for more plumbing and remodeling tips!  Like us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and Connect with us on Google+!

Prevent Flooding with Liberty Sump Pumps

Keep your home protected against spring rains!  Sump pumps protect your basement from flood damage when you need it most.  Here are a few of the benefits of investing in a Liberty Sump Pump this spring.

Sump Pump Benefits:

• Energy Savings - The Liberty Submersible Sump Pump has an energy-efficient motor design that reduces electrical usage by up to 40%!
• Warranty - The Liberty Sump Pump comes with a three year warranty.  This means that you don't have to worry about any malfunctions.  It's a sound investment for your home and family.
• Protection - The most important benefit of investing in a sump pump is knowing that your home is protected against flooding.  This protection is invaluable when it comes to protecting the structural integrity of your home, as well as your possessions!

Learn more about how sump pumps can help keep your  home protected on our website.  You can also call 585-216-3058 to schedule an appointment with one of our professional plumbing technicians.

Don't forget to check out our social pages for more plumbing and remodeling tips!  Like us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and Connect with us on Google+!

JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes in Rochester!

AP Plumbing is donating to the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes in Rochester this year!  We encourage everyone to participate and donate to help raise money for critically needed type 1 diabetes research.  Show your support by donating or participating in the walk next weekend!

Rochester Walk to Cure Diabetes Event Information:

Date:  May 17th
Check-In: 9:00 AM
Starts: 10:00 AM
Length of Walk: 1 Mile

In the past, the JDRF Walk has raised more than $1 billion dollars through generous supporters.  The more money raised in this Rochester walk, the closer they will be twoards reaching the goal of a world without T1D.

Join our team, learn more, and sign up for the walk here: http://goo.gl/yhALci

Don't forget to check out our social pages for more plumbing and remodeling tips!  Like us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and Connect with us on Google+!

Give Your Mom the Gift of Endless Hot Showers

Give your mom the gift of endless hot showers for Mother's Day this year!

Who doesn't love taking a hot shower after a long day?  With Mother's Day right around the corner, a tankless water heater can make a unique and functional gift that your mom will appreciate all year round.

Here are a few additional benefits tankless water heaters can offer your home and your family.

Tankless Water Heater Benefits:

• Energy Savings - While tankless water heaters have a larger upfront cost, the operating costs are significantly lower.  You are not wasting money and energy heating water that is not being used.  Instead, tankless water heaters heat water as it is needed, providing your home with an endless supply of hot water.  This means that Mom can enjoy long, hot showers at the end of the day!
• Longer Life Expectancy - Standard hot water heaters last anywhere from 10 to 13.  However, tankless water heaters are estimated to last up to 20 years!  In addition to the energy savings, homeowners also save on replacement costs.
• Space Savings - One of the major benefits of switching to a tankless water heater is that is saves space.  This is especially beneficial for homeowners now that 

Read more about the benefits of switching to a tankless water heater on Apartment Therapy.  You can also visit our website to learn more about our tankless water heater services and how they can provide your home with an endless supply of hot water.  Call 585-216-3058 to schedule an appointment with one of our professional plumbing technicians.

Before/after photo of a recent tankless water installation!

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Tub to Shower Conversions - A Gift for Moms Aging in Place

Mother's Day is a time for showing your Mom how much you appreciate everything that she has done.  For those with Mothers who are looking to age in place, a tub to shower conversion can be a unique gift that offers comfort, safety, and security.  Here are a few of the benefits a tub to shower conversion can offer your Mom's home.

Shower Conversion Benefits:

• Increase in Value - Showers can improve the resale value of your home, as well as improve the appearance of a bathroom with an older, outdated tub.
• Easier on Joints - Showers eliminate the need to step in and out of a bathtub.  This is easier on aging joints!
• Reduced Slip and Fall Risk - Since you no longer need to step over a ledge to get into the tub, you also reduce your risk of a slip and fall.  We can even install safety grab bars to help improve the safety of your bathroom.

Learn more about our bathroom remodeling and tub to shower conversion services on our website. You can also call 585-216-3058 to schedule an appointment with one of our professional plumbing technicians.

Don't forget to check out our social pages for more plumbing and remodeling tips!  Like us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and Connect with us on Google+!