Author: MasterPlumber

Winterize Your Home

Winterize Your Home

As the weeks pass by, cold weather is creeping closer and closer. If you are not a cold weather fan like me, this does not have to mean all gloom and doom. The cold weather means the upcoming of the holiday season! Don’t let cold weather freeze your pipes, and your holiday spirit, as you and your family prepare for the holidays with costumes, turkeys, and gingerbread houses!

We were able to find a wonderful article at about.com that will help you to ensure that your home will be ready when Jack Frost comes knocking at your door!

To read the article in its entirety please click here.

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The cold winter months can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing system

if you aren’t prepared for the temperature drop. Frozen water in pipes can

be inconvenient at best and destructive at worst. As a good preventive

measure get ready for winter with this winterize plumbing checklist.

1. Fix Leaks

Even the smallest water leak can turn into a big problem when

temperatures drop. Take the time to check all exposed pipes indoors and

out for leaks. If you wait for the water to freeze the damage to surrounding

pipes is likely to be more significant. If your pipes are insulated feel for

moisture that might have been soaked up by the insulation if there is a

hidden leak.

2. Insulate Pipes

A basic preventive measure you can take is to make sure that any exposed

pipes are well insulated. To locate exposed pipes look in your attic, crawl

space, and garage. If you can see the pipe it needs to be wrapped with

insulation foam. Pipe wrap insulation is inexpensive and easy to install and

it can save you on heating costs as well as keeping your pipes protected. More »

3. Swamp Cooler

An evaporative cooler, also known as a swamp cooler, is another source of

water that needs to be drained before winter. To winterize your swamp

cooler turn off the water and power to the unit first. Drain the water out of

the cooler and the water supply line to the unit as well. This is a good time

to clean the interior and change the pads. Finally, cover the swamp cooler

with a cover or tarp to keep it dry over the winter months.

4. Pump House

Prevention and planning are key for a smooth winter season when your

water comes from a well. Proper insulation of the pump houses can keep

pipes from freezing. For added protection it is important to insulate any

exposed pipes in the pump house. A heat source is also needed to keep the

temperature of the pump house above freezing.

5. Outside Hose Bibs

Protecting the hose bibs and pipes from the cold is very important. Start by

removing any garden hoses that may be connected to outdoor faucets. By

removing garden hoses you ensure that water doesn’t stay trapped in the

hose bib where it can freeze and damage pipes. Drain any water the hoses

may have in them before storing. Protect garden hoses by storing them in

the garage or shed during winter.

To protect hose bibs from the cold you can drain collected water and

insulate them. In places where temperatures drop significantly every

winter many homes have dedicated shut off valves for outdoor hose bibs or

faucets. If you happen to have a shut off valve you can turn the water to the

hose bibs off. You will then need to drain any water that is already in the

pipes. This can be done by opening the hose bibs and letting the water

drain completely. If you don’t have a shut off valve you can protect hose

bibs and outdoor faucets by insulating them with hose bib covers. Hose bib

covers are inexpensive and easy to install. The insulation that these foam

covers provide will keep the hose bibs from freezing. More »

6. Sprinklers System

The pipes of your irrigation system are a likely place for water to collect

and then freeze in cold weather. To winterize your sprinkler system turn off

the water and flush out any collected water by turning on each valve. More »

7. Locate Your Water Main

Lastly you should be sure to locate your water main in case of an

emergency. Should you be faced with a burst pipe due to freezing you’ll

want to be able to shut off the water quickly to minimize damage.

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We also wanted to provide you with a quick tip of our own in case of frozen pipes in your home.

If you notice that you have a frozen pipe but it has not yet burst you may be able to thaw it out by yourself. An interesting fact to know is that pipes do not break at the point of the freeze. They break somewhere down the line where the water pressure is building up because it can not get past the freeze. Because of this it’s important to thaw the pipe as soon as possible if you can get to it. Click here to be taken to the Frozen Pipes page on our main website which has detailed instructions on how to thaw out your own pipe at home. The instructions are located toward the bottom of the page.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to give us a call at 303-465-1900.

*Stickley, Aaron. “Checklist To Winterize Plumbing In The Home.” About.com Home. About Home, n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2015.

October 23, 2015
Very Good Job

Customer Review

Don Clontz Review 10.01.2015

Rick and Joe did an outstanding job of installing new hot water heater. They were on time and left the site very clean. Very good job.

October 2, 2015
Back To School

Back To School

It’s about that time of year again. The time of the year when shelves are full of notebooks, pencils, and highlighters rather than colorful flowers and beach towels.

Although the summer sunshine has only just begun in Colorado, thanks to a couple month rain delay, back to school season is quickly drawing near.

Even with all the rain we had this summer, our family at McAdams Plumbing Inc. was still able to have a great summer.

Our owner Rick and office administrator Jacqueline went through a big move as they downsized into a cozy apartment. Although a big change, they are really loving their new home.

Our office assistant Keilani was able to partake in a study abroad program with her school in Sorrento, Italy. What an incredible experience that was!

What about you? What is on your summer 2015 highlight reel? Feel free to share any memories you made this summer with us, we would love to hear about them!

We also want to wish good luck to all students returning to school this month. May your grades stay high and your stress stay low!

August 10, 2015
Fantastic Job At A Reasonable Price

Customer Review

Ryan Gunderson Review 07.12.2015

A couple years back my water heater was leaking and required a replacement. Rick came out quickly and did a fantastic job at a reasonable price. I recently met another plumber, which reminded me of my great experience with McAdams Plumbing, and I thought I’d do the community a favor by sharing a positive review. I see I’m not the first, which doesn’t surprise me one bit!

McAdams Plumbing Response:

Thank you for allowing us to be of service to you Ryan! We truly value your support and look forward to working with you again in the future.

July 20, 2015
New Water Heater Regulations for 2015

New Water Heater Regulations for 2015

The Department of Energy announced new water heater regulations and standards that began April 16, 2015. These changes will effect how water heaters are designed, manufactured, tested, distributed, and installed. These changes will affect manufacturers, wholesalers, installers and customers alike (Bradford White).

For a detailed review of the changes please watch the video below:

All water heaters produced after April 16, 2015 need to conform to new energy standards, making all models run more efficiently. The changes are anticipated to save approximately 3.3 quads of energy and result in approximately $63 billion in energy bill savings for products shipped from 2015-2044. The standard will avoid about 172.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions of about 33.8 million automobiles (DOE).

The chart below outlines the increased efficiencies that new models must meet.

While we all can agree that these are noble and necessary changes, we must also be aware of the inevitable increase in water heater prices that has followed. Bradford White alone anticipates a 15-35% increase on ALL water heater prices to off-set the costs of buying new mandatory machinery, adjusting their factories to handle the new, larger model water heaters, as well as the unforeseen costs of building, inspecting, and shipping the new models.

Bradford White also developed an excellent Q & A section that outlines how we will be affected by the new regulations. This information can be found on their website at http://www.bradfordwhite.com/doe-department-energy-final-rule-effective-04162015-frequently-asked-questions.

You can also read more on the Department of Energy’s site: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/product.aspx/productid/27.

We hope that this information helps prepare you for the road ahead. We understand the importance of making a proper investment in your home with a great water heater and a high quality installation. We want these changes to be as clear to you as possible so if you would like clarification on any of the changes or simply have questions on how you may be affected, please feel free to call us at 303-465-1900.

July 17, 2015
Now Hiring
NOW HIRING-Licensed Plumbers

McAdams Plumbing is looking to hire a full-time Licensed Service Plumber.

If you’re looking for a positive work environment, a friendly staff, great pay, and room to grow, McAdams Plumbing is looking for you. We are a full service, residential only plumbing company (which means you never have to see a grease trap again) based out of Broomfield, CO. We are a family owned company and are continuing to grow day by day. We are consistently busy so you won’t be spending all of your time in a van.

Our mission is to build a lasting relationship of trust with Colorado families through exceptional craftsmanship, reasonable rates, mutual respect, and commitment to our community through charity and environmental responsibility.

Benefits
- Great quality of life
- Flexible scheduling
- Great wages
- Continuing education
- Plenty of room for growth
- Assigned service vehicle
- Company events
- Vacation and holiday pay
Skills Needed
- MINIMUM 2 YEARS RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING EXPERIENCE
- Knowledge of current plumbing codes
- Diagnostics
- Customer service and sales
- Pass drug test, background check, and copy of DMV record
- Must hold valid IN STATE license
So if you’re ready to join a great team where you have the chance to learn something new everyday, meet a wonderfully diverse group of customers and partners, and have an opportunity to showcase your craftsmanship with plenty of work to go around, then apply today!

All applicants must submit a resume complete with 3 references (only 1 family member accepted) in one of the following manners:

Email: [email protected] / Subject line: “Your Name” Resume

Fax: 303-465-1960

OR, feel free to just simply give us a call at 303-465-1900.
July 13, 2015
Plumbing Myths

Plumbing Myths

Stinky garbage disposal? Throw some lemon rinds down it! Don’t know what to do with those eggshells? Go ahead and send those down the disposal too!

Problem solved right? Wrong.

There are many myths in the do-it-yourself plumbing world, such as those listed above. Unfortunately, believing some of these myths can cause a whole lot more trouble than triumph.

Below is a great blog posted by our friends at Horizon Services, Inc. They were able to wonderfully highlight 5 of the most common plumbing myths that will have you flushing your money down the toilet.

To read the original article in its entirety please click here.

Enjoy!

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Are you a homeowner who needs to learn about maintaining your plumbing system? If so, it’s important that you learn how to do so effectively without trying practices that may damage your system or your pipes. Here are five myths about home plumbing you’ll want to avoid.

Myth 1: Lemons Clean Your Garbage Disposal

While a running a lemon rind through the disposal may make your drain smell better, it won’t actually get it clean. To disinfect your garbage disposal, you will need to use a cleaning solution that includes a mild soap and warm water. Before you attempt to use it, however, make sure you disconnect the disposal from its power source. Spray the cleaning solution into the disposal, give it a few minutes to work, and then use a cleaning brush to scrub the disposal itself.

Myth 2: Running Water While Using The Garbage Disposal Helps The Waste Travel Smoothly

Many homeowners believe that they can put just about anything down their garbage disposals as long as they run water. The truth, however, is that some things do not belong in a garbage disposal no matter how much water you run. Hard or thick food items, such as banana peel and eggshells, can damage your disposal, which may require an expensive repair or drain cleaning. If you’re considering putting thick foods down your disposal, you’ll need to break them up thoroughly and mix them with water beforehand.

Myth 3: As Long As Things Keep Going Down My Drain, It Isn’t Getting Clogged

Even when your garbage disposal is operating, it may still be at risk of a serious clog. One of the early warning signs of an impending problem is a slow moving disposal, or waste fragments that remain on the discharge pipe. If you notice either of these signs when you use your disposal, it’s developing a clog, even though it may still be working. Stop using it right away until you have the clog removed.

Myth 4: You Can Clean Plumbing Fixtures With Hand Soap

Depending on the type of plumbing fixtures you have, hand soap may actually be damaging to the surface. Brass plumbing fixtures, for example, should be cleaned with gentle solutions such as cut lemons and baking soda. Toilet bowls, however, need to be cleaned with an effective disinfectant to kill germs and prevent infection.

Myth 5: Plumbing Fixtures Require Little To No Maintenance

This is one of the most dangerous home plumbing myths of all, because homeowners who believe it may run into serious problems later on. Pipes may be obstructed by clogs, wayward tree roots, or shifting home foundations. Homeowners should also inspect their sewer cleanouts for obstructions. All of these issues may lead to expensive plumbing repair, such as a sewer line replacement or a pipe replacement. The fixtures inside the home such as sinks, faucets, and tubs also need regular maintenance to avoid serious drain clogs.

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Feel free to give us a call at 303-465-1900 if you have any questions or concerns about plumbing myths you may have heard of that were not mentioned in this post. We would be more than happy to help!

*”Top 5 Home Plumbing Myths That Cost You Money.” Horizon Services Inc RSS. Horizon Services, 30 July 2013. Web. 26 June 2015.

June 29, 2015
Professional Water Heater Install

Water Heater Install? Hire a Professional

Buying a new water heater can be expensive but then you also have to worry about hiring someone to install it?! It may sound tempting to save a few bucks and do the install yourself but that may not be the most effective or safest route to take.

Below we are highlighting a great blog posted by our partners at Bradford White. They were not only able to address why you should hire a professional but also why it is important.

To read the original article in it’s entirety please click here.

Hope you enjoy!

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Why hire a pro?

Yes, it’s tempting to run down to the big box store, throw a water heater in a cart, and head home with your purchase. But a water heater isn’t a gallon of paint. You can’t just cover up your mistakes. There are serious risks to you, your family, your home or business by “Doing-it-Yourself” incorrectly.

Are you a qualified gas appliance installer?

Proper installation of gas and oil-fired water heaters requires understanding of the fuel source, connection techniques, supply line materials, and start up procedures. Leaking fuel can, at best, be an awful mess and, at worst, be a very dangerous situation. Hiring a professional ensures a safe installation.

Can you vent it properly?

Venting material requirements and configurations vary by water heater design. So do approved vent lengths. Maybe your new water heater won’t operate with your existing venting materials. Carbon monoxide is nothing to fool around with. Your pro will know.

Electric models are pretty simple, right?

Actually, there’s more to them than you might imagine. Installation of electric water heaters requires knowledge of the properly rated wiring material as well as an understanding of the home’s electrical capacity. An adequate electrical service is a requirement.

But doesn’t it come with an installation manual?

Installing a water heater can be a challenge. An inexperienced installer or do-it-yourselfer could inadvertently dry-fire the elements, damage delicate parts, cross-thread gas connections, forget the drain pan, ignore the need for an expansion tank… the list is endless.

Your water heater is leaking, now what?

Even the very best water heaters don’t last forever but that doesn’t mean yours is finished. Competent troubleshooting by a professional can sometimes save you a lot of money. It may just be condensation, a loose fitting, a pin hole in the piping, a worn out valve, or a pressure release. Your professional installer might find a simple solution.

Why don’t you have hot water?

If your water heater looks fine but it just won’t produce hot water, a professional can diagnose what may be a simple problem. You may just need an inexpensive replacement part. Diagnosing the problem is part of the professional’s job

Are you getting the most for your dollar?

Not all water heaters are created equal. Some of the very best brands and most innovative models are not available in retail outlets. These water heaters are sold by wholesale suppliers to professional installers.

More hot water from the same size tank?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible. Extra Recovery models, High Input models, High Performance models…they all can provide more hot water than conventional models. It’s always a good idea to discuss your options with an installation professional.

Is it time to up-size?

Peak Hour Demand, a growing family, additional plumbing fixtures, and multiple draws are some of the reasons to consider a higher capacity or output model. Proper sizing is critical to your ultimate satisfaction.

Interested in saving energy and money?

Some water heaters now carry an ENERGY STAR® certification, some are high efficiency, and some can be programmed to operate only when needed. These choices may cost a little more but the return on your investment can be considerable. Ask your installer to recommend the energy saving option that’s best for you.

If something goes wrong, who will you turn to?

As we’ve always said, “Do it yourself and you’ll only have yourself to blame.” Professional installers provide a service and part of that service is to stand behind their work.

Can you get it done cheaper?

Possibly, but what is your peace of mind worth? Knowing you have the right water heater for your needs, knowing it was installed correctly, and knowing you have someone to count on gives you confidence. That is a priceless commodity you can get at a reasonable price.

So what is the best water heater for you?

There’s a very simple answer. The very best water heater you can get for you and your family is the one installed by a trained plumbing and heating professional.

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Feel free to give us a call at 303-465-1900 for any questions you may have about our professional water heater install services.

*”Bradford White Water Heaters. Built to Be the Best.” Why You Should Hire a Pro. Bradford White Corp., n.d. Web. 10 June 2015.

June 15, 2015
2015 Excellence in Customer Service Award!

2015 Excellence in Customer Service Award!

McAdams Plumbing, Inc. are honored recipients of their 4th consecutive Talk of the Town Excellence in Customer Service Award for 2015!

On behalf of all the staff at McAdams Plumbing, Inc. we’d like to offer a heartfelt thank you to the most important people in our company, our outstanding customers, who are the reason we are in business in the first place. We’d also like to say thank you to Talk of the Town for the research and hard work it takes to compile these awards and our fantastic plumbers who’s hard work and quality keep our customers happy.

We are very humbled to receive the Talk of the Town Excellence in Customer Service Award for 2015. While it is a reflection of our past achievements, it’s also a reminder of the bar we’ve set for ourselves going forward. It is our constant goal to improve our services to ensure we have a happy client base who knows that they can always rely on us in their time of need.

The famous Roman philosopher Seneca once said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” While we are very lucky to have won this award, we know we must continue to prepare as if we did not. That’s the only way we know how to ensure that our customers, and our community, continue to be the focus of everything we do.

Thank you all so much!

-The McAdams Family

February 23, 2015
Beware of FOG
Beware of FOG

Happy Monday everyone!

This week we are going to talk about avoiding FOG.

Not fog, rather FOG: Fats, oils, and grease.

These buggers are what cause the majority of drain cleaning issues in your kitchen sink.

We’re highlighting a great blog produced by The Trusted Plumber, out of Phoenix, AZ. To read the original article in it’s entirety please click here.

Hope you enjoy!

*Beware of FOG! Fats, Oils, and Grease vs. Your Kitchen Plumbing

December 10th, 2014
Every home system has small enemies that can wreak havoc on the system. For your heating and cooling systems, it’s dust and dirt; for your kitchen plumbing system, it’s FOG: fats, oil and grease. Keeping these small enemies at bay isn’t difficult, but it does take diligence.

When it comes to your plumbing, staying ahead of FOG can significantly reduce the amount of clogs you experience and keep your kitchen plumbing in Scottsdale, AZ healthy. So what happens when oil, grease and/or fat heads down your drain? Let’s take a look.

FOG: Sticky Stuff

The main problem with FOG materials is that they cling very stubbornly to the inside of your piping. You may think that adding hot water to your piping would remove this; unfortunately, this is not the case. When you run hot water into your piping, it temporarily liquefies the FOG materials; once the water cools, the FOG solidifies again, and does so even further down your pipes. Many people also think that garbage disposals can get rid of FOG; again, this is not true. All a garbage disposal does to FOG materials is make them smaller. As more and more FOG heads down your pipes, the bigger the FOG build-up becomes. Eventually the FOG can restrict your water flow, creating slow drains, and can also cause a clog to develop. The best way to avoid problems with FOG is to make sure they don’t go down your drain.

Ways to Avoid FOG in Your Drains

Here are some suggestions on how to avoid problems in your plumbing from FOG:
- Scraping – make sure all dinnerware and cookware is thoroughly scraped of food, dressings and condiments before rinsing them off in your sink.
- Use a strainer – place a strainer in your sink (if it doesn’t already have one) and empty it after use.
- Don’t ever pour cooking grease down your drain – all cooking grease should be disposed of properly. Wait until the grease is room temperature, then drain all grease into an empty can or jar and throw away immediately.
- Don’t wash mayonnaise or salad dressings down your drain – scrape all containers containing these kinds of condiments, and if needed, wipe them with a paper towel before rinsing them to reduce the amount of fat and oil that can enter your drain.
*The Trusted Plumber. “Beware of FOG: Fats, Oils, and Grease vs. Your Kitchen’s Plumbing.” The Trusted Plumber Blog. Weblog post. 10 Dec. 2014. Web. 9 Feb. 2015.
February 9, 2015