Our Blog

Our Blog

• Preparing Your Home For Guests This Holiday Season

  As the holiday season approaches and guests are expected, ensure your home is ready by checking the thermostat, stocking up on bathroom essentials like a plunger and toilet paper, and maintaining drains with products like BioOne. Additionally, clean towels should be prepared for overnight guests, and water and energy should be conserved by running the dishwasher only when it's full.
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• Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working? Here's What to Check

  If your ice maker isn't making ice, check the water supply line and valve for blockages or kinks, ensure the shutoff arm is in the correct position, and verify the freezer temperature is around 5 degrees Fahrenheit. If these steps don't resolve the issue, test the ejector gear, motor, mold heater, holding switch, thermostat, and inlet valve for malfunctions.
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• Learning Thermostats - The Future of Home Comfort

  The blog discusses the benefits of Learning Thermostats, also known as smart thermostats, which adapt to users' routines and track activity in the home to create customized temperature schedules. It highlights features such as automatic adjustment based on movement in the home, economy mode activation when occupants are away, energy-usage tracking for better management, and early warning alerts for potential emergencies like furnace malfunctions.
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• What are Some Common Plumbing Problems in Older Homes

  When considering purchasing or renovating an older home, it's crucial to be aware of potential plumbing issues. Common concerns include outdated pipe materials like lead, galvanized steel, or polybutylene plastic, which may need replacement to ensure water safety and prevent leaks. Additionally, regular inspections of sewer and drain lines, as well as other plumbing fixtures like roof vents, floor drains, and water heaters, are essential to identify and address any issues promptly.
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• The ABC's of Plumbing - Toilet Fill Valve

  The blog discusses the importance of the toilet fill valve, also known as "ballcocks," which facilitates the draining and refilling of the toilet tank after flushing. It outlines five main types of fill valves, including plunger/piston, plastic diaphragm, brass diaphragm, float cup, and floatless type fill valves, each with its unique features and materials. Additionally, it suggests replacing older styles with newer anti-siphon designs compliant with current plumbing codes.
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• How to Drain Plumbing System

  To drain your home's plumbing system, you can find the main water shut-off valve near the water meter, then open sink faucets on the highest floor, followed by the laundry tub faucet on the lowest level. Turn on shower and tub drains on the top floor, and flush toilets on every floor. Leave all faucets open until the water is drained. For expert plumbing services in Chicago and neighboring areas, rely on ABC Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, Cooling, and Electric.
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• How Do Electrostatic Air Filters Work?

  Electrostatic air filters use multiple layers of vented metal to charge air molecules positively, causing dirt particles to cling to the filter and preventing them from passing through to the furnace and air ducts. Their main advantage is reusability, saving money over time, but they may need to be more effective at removing fine dirt particles compared to disposable media filters.
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• Garbage Disposal Stuck? Here's How To Safely Unjam It

  To clear a jammed garbage disposal, first disconnect the power by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker. Then, use an Allen wrench to manually turn the motor shaft counterclockwise and clockwise until the obstruction is cleared. Afterward, power is restored to the disposal, the cold water is turned on, and the operation is checked.
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• Solving Slow Filling Toilet Problems

  To resolve a slow-filling toilet, check the shut-off valve behind the toilet and clean any mineral buildup from the pump and valve inside the tank. Consider replacing an older-style ball cock assembly with a new fill valve and float cup design if necessary. If the issue persists, contact ABC Plumbing for expert assistance and solutions.
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• The ABC's of Plumbing - Toilet Wax Ring

  The blog discusses the importance of the toilet wax ring in preventing water leaks around the base of the toilet. It explains that wax rings are resilient and mold-resistant, but they should be replaced whenever the toilet is removed or if there are signs of wobbling or changes in floor height. Additionally, it advises inspecting the subfloor for water damage and making any repairs before reinstalling the toilet.
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