How to Prevent Plumbing Problems During Holiday Travel

The holiday season is here!  For many busy families, this means traveling to visit loved ones.  Before you leave for your holiday getaway or your road trip to visit family, make sure that you take some time to prep your home plumbing.  

You'll want to make sure that your home is safe and sound while you're away, especially on cold winter nights!  These tips will help you prevent plumbing problems during holiday travel.

Holiday Travel Tips:

• Don't Turn Off Your Heat - You might be tempted to turn your heat down to save money and energy while you're away, but during the winter months this can put you at risk of costly plumbing damage.  When the temperatures drop at night, your plumbing pipes can freeze and burst, leaving you with a water damage mess and in need of new pipes.
• Turn Off Your Water - In the unfortunate event you do have a plumbing problem while away, it's important that your water is turned off.  This will prevent any flooding or damage while you are gone.
• Have Someone Check In - Have a trusted friend or neighbor keep an eye on your house while you're gone.  If there are any problems - they can check in and let you know.  They can help you prevent any damage before it becomes a bigger problem.

If you have any questions or concerns about your home plumbing this winter, give us a call!  Our professional technicians are here to make sure that your home's plumbing is running smoothly through the holidays.  

Call 585-216-3058 to contact our office or visit our website to learn more about the plumbing and remodeling services that we offer to the Rochester area.

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

How to Winterize Your Plumbing System

Cold winter days are right around the corner.  While we know that the upcoming weeks leading up to the holidays and end of the year can be busy, it's important to set some time aside to winterize your plumbing system.  With a few quick, seasonal updates, you can prevent plumbing problems and keep your system running smoothly through this busy time of year!

Winterizing Tips:

• Insulate Your Pipes - Look around your home for any exposed pipes.  Any pipe that has cold air blowing on it has the potential to freeze.  Make sure that your pipes are well insulated (see photo).
• Keep Garage Door Closed - Keep the doors to your home closed and well insulated.  Make sure that there aren't any drafts.  This will help keep warm air indoors, and cold air outdoors.  You'll also save on your heating bills!
• Always Leave Your Heat On - If you're planning a holiday getaway, don't turn your heat off when you leave!  While we all are looking to save a little here and there, turning your heat off can cause the plumbing in your home to freeze.  This can cause cracks in your pipes and lead to serious plumbing problems.  Instead, you can turn the temperature on your thermostat down, but leave it at temperature of at least 55 degrees F.

If you run into any problems with your plumbing system, give us a call.  Our highly trained plumbing technicians can help get your system up and running in no time.  Call 585-216-3058 to contact our office or visit our website to learn more about the plumbing and remodeling services that we offer to the Rochester area.

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

Back-to-School Plumbing Tips

Back-to-school season is here!  Now that the kids will be spending more time in the bathroom getting ready in the morning - it's important that your plumbing system is in good condition.  Here are a few tips to help make the morning rush a little bit easier.

Plumbing Tips:

• Fix Faucet Leaks - Even a small leak can put a lot of wear and tear on your bathroom faucet.  If you notice a leak now, you shouldn't delay getting it fixed. 
• Create a Shower Schedule - You should try saving most showers for at night to save time in the morning.  If you love morning showers, create a schedule!  This will help free up time in the bathroom for other people and help avoid hot water limits.  Of course, if you are looking for unlimited hot water, consider upgrading to a tankless water heater this fall.
• Add Bath Mats - Avoid slip and falls when rushing around during your bathroom routines by adding bath mats to your floors and shower.  This will help prevent injuries when getting ready.
• Add Strainers to Drains - Make sure that your bathroom sink and shower drains have strainers to catch hair and other debris.  While we do want our hair to look good for the first day of school, we don't want to clog our drains in the process.

We know that back-to-school is a busy time of year.  If you experience any problems with your home plumbing, our professional technicians will help get your system back up and running when you need it.  Call 585-216-3058 to contact our office!

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

Plumbing Tips for the 4th of July

Are you ready to celebrate with friends, family, and fireworks this weekend?  As you get ready for your 4th of July celebrations, remember to take a few precautions to keep your plumbing in good shape throughout the day!  These tips will help you prevent plumbing problems this 4th of July.

Plumbing Tips for 4th of July Weekend:

Clean Your Drains - If you are hosting a 4th of July party, you will probably spend a lot of time preparing food for your guests.  Before you begin, clean your kitchen sink drain and remove any debris.  This will help you avoid clogs during your celebration.

Check Your Water Pressure - If you are going to be having guests over, it's important to have good water pressure.  Water pressure helps provide plumbing, fresh water to drink, and allows kids to play outside with the hose.

Inspect Your Bathroom - There is nothing worse than a clogged toilet during a party.  Check to make sure that everything in your bathroom is working smoothly before the party begins and contact our professional plumbers if you run into any issues.

Watch What You Put Down the Disposal - Many homeowners don't realize that there are things that you shouldn't put down your garbage disposal.  Grease, starch, and other foods can actually clog your drains and block your disposal.

Check out this article for more plumbing tips and contact our office if you have any questions about your home plumbing this weekend.  Enjoy your 4th of July celebrations!

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 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.

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+!

Celebrate World Plumbing Day with These Water Saving Tips!

Today is World Plumbing Day!  Each year, World Plumbing Day promotes water conservation and emphasizes the importance of clean water for your family's health and safety.  Here are a few tips to help you save water at home.

Water Saving Tips:

• Check for Leaks - Even small leaks can lead to significant water waste.  Make sure that you correct faucet drips and pipe leaks as soon as you notice them.
• Limit Water Use - Turn off the tap when it's not in use and keep water use to a minimum.  This will help you save money on your water bill, as well as help the environment.
• Upgrade Fixtures - Water-efficient toilets, faucets, and shower heads can help reduce your overall water use.
• Insulate Water Pipes - Insulating your water pipes can help prevent pipes from freezing during the cold winter months, as well as help your water heat up faster.  This means that you'll waste less water while waiting for it to heat up.
• Wash Full Loads Only - Use your dishwasher and clothes washer only on full loads.  This will help conserve water.

For more tips on how to celebrate a water-efficient World Plumbing Day, check out this article.  You can also contact our bathroom remodeling and plumbing professionals with any questions you have about your home plumbing system and #WhyPlumbingMatters.  Call 585-216-3058 to contact AP Plumbing for more information.

For more tips, Like us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and Connect with us on Google+!