Google+

contact us

Use the form on the right to contact us.

Day or Night, we are here to serve you. Leave your plumbing problem to us.

 


Tinley Park, IL

(708)845-7922

Residential and Commercial plumbers and plumbing contractors available in Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, Midlothian, Oak Forest, Homer Glen, Mokena, Frankfort, and the surrounding Chicago South Suburbs. Emergency plumbers.

copper water lines.jpg

Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing Blog

Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing is Tinley Park, Orland Park, Oak Forest, Midlothian, Orland Hill, Homer Glen, Mokena, Frankfort, Crestwood, Palos Heights, Oak Lawn, local plumber. Read our blog for advice, tips, a good laugh, and basic home improvement.

**We are moving our old blog to our new and improved website. Too see all our posts visit kevinszabojrplumbing.blogspot.com

Filtering by Category: November

5 Things You Could Do to Refresh Your Bathroom in 2020

RH Business Marketing Solutions

image.jpeg

It is that time of the year again – spring, and it also means the new beginning! It feels like we are getting an opportunity to start something new every year. Most of the people (and we are sure you are one of them too) get the desire to make some changes in their home. 

After all, is there a better place to make some refreshing improvements than your own home? Of course not! Sometimes we pay so much attention to our living room or bedroom that we totally forget to refresh our bathroom. As a matter of fact, the bathroom is the only place where you can feel completely relaxed and relieved. That is why we are bringing you five simple tips to refresh your gloomy bathroom

Ready, set, go!

  1. CHANGE OLD SHOWER CURTAIN - Let us start with an easy, five-minute tip. It is so obvious, but admit it, you don't do this very often, right? This is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to change the spirit of your bathroom completely. You can choose any pattern you want because today's market is full of different designs: tropical, abstract, or simple, classy designs. Your decision depends on what effect you are trying to get because curtains should fit with the main idea of your bathrooms look. You could also get unique shower curtain hooks, and you will be pleasantly surprised by the whole picture at the end of the day.

  2. BUY A PLANT – we have a habit of having plants all over the house – which is great – but why leaving bathroom out of that? Houseplants make bathrooms more pleasant places, and they definitely improve the décor. On the other side, bathrooms can also be a great environment for plants because of their warmth and humidity, but just if you make the right choice. Some plants do not enjoy humidity or low levels of sunlight. That is the reason why some plants are more recommended for bathrooms, for example, Aloe Vera, Asparagus Fern, Cast-Iron Plant, or even Orchid. Also, artificial plants could be the right choice if you do not want to put effort into taking care of them or if you can't provide enough light.

  3. UNIQUE LAMPS AND LIGHTS – you would be surprised how many things you can do with different kinds of lights and lamps in your bathroom. The number of options is countless, and it is up to you to find something that you like and that fits in your bathroom. Do not limit yourself to standard lights and use your imagination in the best possible way. If you like the classical style and don't want to attract attention to something too markedly, your choice might be some unique ceiling lamp or chandelier. It will definitely make some difference. On the other side, if you would like to experiment with lights, get ready for a real adventure! There are so many ideas that your choice is not going to be easy at all. First of all, you can place a unique vintage lamp on one of your shelves, and that alone will make a big difference. Also, hanging lamps could create a very relaxed and romantic atmosphere. Besides this, mirror lights are a thing now! They can really breathe a new life into your bathroom and create a modern look. Lights and lamps, in general, can create a brand new atmosphere and make your bathroom an even more relaxing place.

  4. CHANGE THE TOWELS – yes, it is that easy! We are ready to make some significant changes, invest a lot of money, and lose our nerves many times before we realize that some changes do not require so much effort. Over time we collect many different colors, sizes, and models of towels that it starts to look a little bit trashy, especially if they lost a quality because of overuse. You have an easy decision to make. First of all, you can buy a set of luxurious towels in one color. This will make you feel like you are in an expensive hotel every day! Secondly, if you want to keep your free spirit and you really like colors, towels in bright and funny colors are the right decision. But be careful. Towels have to be new, fresh, and made of similar material. This way, your bathroom will not look disorderly and untidy. Another pro of this tip is that you can find relatively cheap towels that look luxurious and expensive.

  5. CANDLES – it is hard to imagine any space without these useful and lovely helpers. They change absolutely every room in the best possible way. They are small and practical, so you will easily find the place for them even in the narrowest spaces. Their affordable prices are another reason to love them. One more thing has to be mentioned. Scented candles can create a romantic, relaxing, and warm atmosphere better than anything else. Their stress-relief effect is something you will be thankful for after a long day at work. Choose the right shape and color for your bathroom and enjoy this brand new atmosphere you will get.

Pieces of advice that are mentioned above could be very useful if you apply them to your bathroom. Just a few little changes, and you'll get a feeling that you have a completely new place to rest your mind at the end of the day. 

Another great thing is the possibility of buying personalized shower curtains or candles if you have some specific vision in your account. There are so many options if you just use your imagination and put some time and effort into making some positive changes. As we already said, there is no better time to make some changes than spring. 

Let the refreshment in your bathroom with our practical tricks and do something for yourself. 

Free your mind, open it up for new ideas, and you will be surprised by how much better you feel. 

You can thank us later!

Guest Contributor: Nina K

10 Best Joilet Plumbers

RH Business Marketing Solutions

We scored 103 Plumbers in Joliet, IL and Picked the Top 10

Screen Shot 2020-11-30 at 11.58.00 AM.png

Guest Contributor: expertise.com

Things To Do This Holiday Season In Illinois

RH Business Marketing Solutions

S6CFK46MSSZZIWYV44IYHLF6AI.jpg

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Or at least should be. With COVID-19 restrictions still put into place, a lot of holiday activities are pushed into virtually or stay-in-your-car type of event. Regardless, it’s still nice to be able to go see holiday lights, no matter the circumstances. Here are a few different ideas of places to go or things to see!

unnamed.jpg


1. Lincoln Park ZooLights

Running from November 21st, 2020 til January 3rd, 2021. The 2.5 million bulbs will be displayed for everyone to come and see from 4pm-10pm daily. This year is a little different, there is a $5 entrance fee and you have to reserve the tickets online before you go, so it’s a good idea to plan this trip ahead. Groups can not exceed 10 people due to COVID regulations. The animal buildings will be closed, but some animals could be outside in their habitats for viewing. They are offering 5 free nights to the ZooLights, November 24th, December 9th, 17th, 21st and 29th. The tickets will be released the Sunday before at 4pm and you must have a ticket to enter.

This year they are also doing an “Adults Night Out” where you must be 18+ to enter.

Location: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

7bd3aa7b-8041-477c-82e1-9e54dcc24e68.jpg

2. Holiday Magic At Brookfield Zoo

This year Holiday Magic will run from November 27th, 2020 til December 31st, 2020. The dates are as followed:

  • Friday-Sunday, November 27-29

  • Wednesday-Sunday, December 2-6, 9-13, & 16-20

  • Saturday-Thursday, December 26-31

You must reserve your time online before going.

The price per ticket is $25 per adult, $18 for children ages 3-11 and $20 for seniors. Military members get in free. Parking is an additional $15.

This year they made a game called “Game of Gnomes”, made for all ages. You are on a scavenger to find 24 gnomes, measuring from 12-20 inches throughout the park.

Location: 8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513.

Maggie-Daley-Park2.jpg

3. Ice Skating Ribbon Maggie Daley Park4.

If you enjoy ice skating this would be the thing for you. Enjoy the beautiful city of Chicago while skating around with friends. Masks must be on at all times, and no more than two people can skate together. They are open all days of the week, but you must have a reservation before going. Here are some of the prices:

  • Skate rental: $16

  • Skate with your own skates: $5

  • Season pass: $25

  • Locker rental, small: $5 large: $8

  • Skate Aids: $10

Location: 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601

Archway-photo-scaled.jpg

4. Let It Shine Lightshow

Open from November 15th, 2020 through January 9th, 2021. Stay in your car and watch the light displays that are synchronized to holiday tunes.

Online tickets are required and are priced at:

  • Weekday- $29.99 + taxes and fees

  • Weekend & Holidays- $39.99 + taxes and fees

  • Fast Pass Add On- $15.00 (optional) + taxes and fees

    ONE TICKET PER VEHICLE

To avoid busier times, plan your visit during the weekday or avoid 6-8pm.

Location: 1515 Lake Cook Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062

Although circumstances are different because of COVID-19, try not to let it take away your holiday spirit! Go out and see some Christmas lights and enjoy the festive month of December.

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

How to Find a Professional Plumber

RH Business Marketing Solutions

Hiring-A-Professional-Plumber.jpg

Plumbers have been in great demand at all times. Back in the middle of the XI century BC, there were people who ensured clean water supply and removal of dirty sewage through ancient clay pipes. It’s natural that today, such people have many more responsibilities, but we need plumbers to ensure our household comfort as well. Here, in the 5 Star company, we know how to handle all the plumbing-related issues.

The modern labor market needs skilled workers, including people of this reputable specialty. After all, today, a plumber is necessary for almost every area of our life. During the construction of buildings, one provides installation of water supply, drainage, and heating systems. If necessary, a qualified plumber can connect various washing machines’ malfunctions and fix dishwashers or even find and replace some spare parts for washing machines! Work in the housing and utilities sector involves servicing and performing routine repairs of the same engineering systems and monitoring their operation to avoid leakages and damages.

What are the Responsibilities of a Plumber?

Each of us can change the gasket or replace a mixer, using the essential knowledge of physics and mechanics. But when it comes to more complex jobs, we think about the plumber. What else should a person working in this profession be able to do? A plumber is to:

  • Understand the design of plumbing equipment, be able to read the drawings offered to their technical passport, and also be able to install it in accordance with certain requirements.

  • Be able to accurately diagnose a breakdown of plumbing equipment.

  • Determine the possibility of further operation of individual elements of the equipment, and if necessary, replace them with new ones.

  • Select pipes correctly and fittings according to their size and name.

  • Conduct tests of water supply, drainage and heating systems, and eliminate identified deficiencies in the systems.

In their work, the plumber uses special equipment (a variety of keys, electric drills, electric and pneumatic hammers, etc.). Apart from the theoretical one, the applied skill is also a crucial requirement for working in this profession.

Performing these and many other tasks require a certain physical condition of the person engaged in this profession. The plumber works both indoors and outdoors and often finds himself in uncomfortable positions. In this regard, the presence of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, visual and respiratory organs can be serious contraindications for this work.

How to Fix the Plumbing Yourself?

When something wrong happens with plumbing, it is always easier to call a plumber, but before one arrives, you should learn how to fix minor problems yourself to reduce damage to your household manifold. It is not difficult to do this with the knowledge of the most common causes of breakdowns and the ways to fix them.

The plumbing system can break down quite regularly. Calling a plumber can save the situation, but if there is running water from the tap, it is important to know where the valve is located to block the water supply, and also remember which way to turn it. As soon as you do this, you can take a break and calmly wait for a specialist. If the problem is more significant, we recommend you continue reading this article.

  • Breakage of a Button of a Toilet Tank

The most common case is the breakage of the button of the toilet tank. You have to push it very hard to make the drain work again. Most often, the reason lies in the failure of the plastic valve inside the siphon. To make everything fall into place, it just needs to be replaced. To do this, you should go to the store and buy this small detail. Although, for a guaranteed result, it is better to buy the entire siphon so that you could definitely not do anything wrong.

Before starting work, be sure to turn off the water and drain it from the tank. Remove the cover, disconnect the drainpipe, and unscrew the siphon. Remove it and install a new one. It's simple, so don't panic.

  • Breakage of a Mixer

The second most frequent failure is the mixer’s breakage. This is one of the most frequently used devices, so don't be surprised if the faucet suddenly starts to leak. The failure can be simple and require only the replacement of the gasket. But in some cases, you may need to completely replace the mixer or the core. To understand for sure what the problem is, you will have to unscrew the cranes and carefully study the structure of the crane. Admittedly, this is not an easy task, so you should better consult a professional first.

Even though the procedure for replacing the gasket may seem simple, do not take the risk of performing the repair by yourself. It is best to entrust this to specialists. The maximum that you can do is to block the water while waiting for a specialist.

You should be confident in your plumbing skill, as an unexpected failure can lead to serious complications and money expenses. Contact the professionals on time, because everyone should do their own thing to get the best results.

Why Should You Call a Plumber? 

  • Work will be Performed by a Professional

As a rule, any plumbing work will be performed better if the master has sufficient experience in plumbing repairs. Otherwise, your property may suffer, and this is totally unpleasant and wasteful. Due to the experience and certain knowledge in the field of plumbing work, a professional plumber will be able to complete the task assigned to him quickly and efficiently and, most importantly, without additional waste of time and money.

  • Cheapest is the Dearest

Quite often, if you want to perform plumbing repairs yourself, you end up having to overpay and not always twice: quite often, even more. Dilettantes can ruin expensive plumbing equipment, break something else, and cause you serious troubles.

  • Save your Time

If you decide to call a qualified plumber, you can save valuable time. When placing an order, you must specify a clear time when the plumber should show up: this will allow you to plan your time and not spend the whole day waiting for the master. Check out this plumber In Duluth MN for reliable and timely service. After you weigh up all the pros and cons of performing self-repair of plumbing equipment and calling a plumber at home, you can make a rational choice in favor of the first or the second option. Still, from the above-mentioned information, we can conclude that calling a plumber will be the best solution if you want all the work to be done efficiently and right on time.

Guest Contributor: Debra Johnson



7 Ways To Baby-Proof Your Home

RH Business Marketing Solutions

babyproofing-your-home-1.jpg

Congratulations on the baby! Having a baby is so much fun and so rewarding, but also very scary. Your house, which is a safe place for the baby, might not be so safe once he/she starts crawling and walking. There are a few things you might want to take a look at and adjust while the baby is learning.

Cover Electrical Outlets. Babies like to explore and use their hands to help explore. Be sure to cover the outlets before your baby ends up getting shocked.

Lock Up Dangerous Chemicals. All it takes is one second for a baby to get into something they shouldn’t be in. Make sure to keep all harmful chemicals locked up or out of reach of the baby.

baby-proofing-your-home-1.png

Cover Sharp Corners. Having a baby doesn’t mean you have to get rid of your furniture with sharp edges. There are baby cover guards that can fit over the edges to help ensure no cuts when the baby starts crawling and walking. This may be something you can wait on, since the baby won’t walk for a while.

Bolt Heavy Furniture Down. When babies are learning to walk, they grab things to help stabilize them and to help guide them while they walk. Heavy furniture is still very risky, you should bolt it down to eliminate the risk of it falling on your baby.

See It From Their Point Of View. It might be a good idea to get on your hands and knees and see what the baby would see. You would probably overlook a couple things, but being down low you can see what your baby would see and eliminate the risks.

daa09035b9c282cb693fa28b9d671559.jpg

Use Baby Gates. If you don’t want your baby going to a specific part of the house, use a baby gate. Most gates can be moved easily and are kid friendly, meaning it won’t hurt them if they grab onto it. A good place to put this is near stairs.

child-proofing-3-toddler-exploring-kitchen-157373063-5963ded43df78cdc68bf2764.jpg

Lock Cabinets. Once your baby discovers cabinets, they’re going to want to keep opening and closing them constantly. With that comes finger smashes and pinches. To eliminate this, they have baby proof locks you can stick on the cabinets.

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

How To Handle Dust During A Remodel

RH Business Marketing Solutions

home-remodeling-construction-dust-abatement.jpg

Most of us know that during a remodel, many things can go wrong, but there’s one thing you can count on: a lot of dust. From tearing down walls to ripping out floors, your construction efforts are sure to create a whirlwind of debris. Are you forced to deal with a stuffy nose and sneezing during your renovations, or is there a way to manage the endless torrent of dust? Since you’ve found this post, you’re in luck. Here’s how you can handle dust and debris during your home remodel:


Change Your HVAC Filters

Many furnaces and air conditioners come with filters. These have a dual purpose: they protect dust from damaging the system and they filter pollutants from indoor air. When they are changed or cleaned regularly, they can limit the amount of dust that circulates in your home. On average, they last about three months, but this lifespan may be shortened by excessive dirt. If you notice that your home is especially dusty, it may be time for a filter replacement.


Work Outside When Possible

Certain tasks generate more dust than others, like cutting wood. If the weather permits, and you have the space for it, use a saw outside rather than within your home. You’ll need to tidy up the yard after, but it’s better than letting that dust spread throughout the air in your house.


Clean The Air Ducts

The hot and cold air that blows throughout our homes is circulated by air ducts. As you can imagine, dust that gets in these ducts travels along with that heated or cooled air. Debris from renovations can make its way into ducts and then hitch a ride, spreading around your home. One of the benefits of regular duct cleaning is that it improves indoor air quality. You can contact your local HVAC technician to schedule a duct cleaning during and/or after your remodeling. 


Protect Your Belongings

In many areas of our home, we display items with great sentimental value. Other belongings, like our electronics, can also be damaged by dust. These possessions need extra care if you want to preserve them. You can relocate them to a storage unit or place them in sealed containers. For a quick fix, consider covering them with a drop cloth or heavy plastic.


Open The Windows

A nice breeze will help break up the dusty air. Whenever possible, open the windows as you work. Proper ventilation is a key part of reducing dust during a remodel. The smell of fresh air is a nice bonus! For extra air purity, place a fan near the window to blow the dust outdoors.


Prep Before Painting

Most remodels have one final step: painting. Nothing looks as fresh as walls with a new coat of paint. But remember that it’s important to prep before painting. As we mentioned, remodels kick up quite a bit of dust, which will interfere with the paint’s adhesion to the walls. Before you apply that carefully selected color to your brand new walls, be sure to wipe them thoroughly with a hot, damp washcloth to remove any dust. 


Isolate the Remodel Area

Unless you’re renovating your entire home, it’s worthwhile to section off the specific place that you’re working on. For example, let’s say that you are renovating your kitchen. To prevent dust from spreading to the living room or bedrooms, seal the kitchen using a dust barrier tarp. This product attaches to doorways to completely enclose a room and keep debris from traveling outside of it. It will help contain construction waste to one room, reducing the extent of your cleaning job.

Tidy Up Often

It might seem pointless to clean today when your remodel site will be a disaster zone tomorrow. But taking a little time each day to tidy your home can prevent one massive clean up at the end. Sure, you’ll still have your work cut out for you once everything’s said and done, but your diligent cleaning efforts will make the final task a little easier. A quick sweep, dust, or vacuum job will do the trick.


No one ever said that remodeling would be easy—add “managing dust” to your long list of things to do.But with the right plumbers and contractors on your side, this process doesn’t have to be a disaster. Professionals like the crew at Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing can transform your kitchen or bathroom into your dream vision.

Guest Contributor: Christie Simon

Things to Consider When Designing A Kitchen

RH Business Marketing Solutions

eric-gillin-sarah-firshein-kitchen-renovation-12.jpg

Designing a kitchen is an exciting project but it also comes with great responsibility. A kitchen is one of the most used areas of the house so it’s important that your kitchen design is the perfect balance between function and aesthetics. We’ve rounded out the things you need to consider when designing a kitchen. Whether you’re building a new home or redecorating, these tips can guide you towards having the kitchen of your dreams.

A layout fit for your lifestyle

Kitchens are very personal in a sense that they perfectly reflect the lives of the people in the house. Do you cook a lot? Do you have kids? These are just a few questions you need to ask yourself as you try to understand what you need your kitchen to look like. A rule that most people stick to is the working triangle where the kitchen’s three main work areas, the sink, stove, and refrigerator form a triangle. Moreover, you also have to take into consideration the size of the space that you can work with in order to maximize every inch of it.

Drawers vs Cupboards

Assess your current kitchen inventory. Do you have a lot of big items like pots and pans and equipment? Are the majority of your items small like utensils and tools that can be organized in drawers? From there, you can gauge what kind of storage your kitchen needs. Cupboards allow more organizational freedom but drawers provide easier access for storage below the waist. They each have their advantages and disadvantages so it’s crucial that you analyze your kitchen inventory in order to choose the right storage option for you.

Appliance Selection

Choose your appliances first before coming up with a kitchen design but also be mindful of the size of your kitchen space. You don’t need to buy them yet but it will be helpful to design your kitchen with these appliances in mind. This way, the correct size, space, and storage will be properly allocated for the appliances. You will have an easier time designing the kitchen around the appliances than the other way around. 

Benchtop Selection

The major factors that you need to take into consideration when choosing a benchtop material are budget, function, aesthetics, and threshold for maintenance. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for your benchtop needs but the good news is that there are various options available on the market. Don’t get overwhelmed by the amount of choices. As long as you narrow down your options to the ones that fit your checklist, you’ll find the right one for you in no time. 

Flooring

The flooring you choose can make or break the overall style of your space and future real estate opportunities. Aside from aesthetics, you also need to factor in durability, affordability, and functionality. Replacing flooring can be costly so it would be better to invest in something that can withstand traffic, heat, and time. If you find yourself having a hard time finding the perfect option, you will have to prioritize and compensate if needed. You can also protect your flooring by choosing a rug for your kitchen. This does not only make your flooring last longer but also add to your kitchen’s aesthetics.

Coordinated Finishes

The finished surfaces in your kitchen is what sets it apart and gives it personality. When coordinating finishes in the kitchen, things don’t have to be 100% uniform. The main goal is for all the components of the kitchen to complement each other while keeping their own distinct features. Don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone and make bold choices.


Guest Contributor: Liz Buckley

Electrical Safety Tips For Holiday Lights

RH Business Marketing Solutions

71cLKGzpWFL._AC_SY450_.jpg

Tis’ the season to start decorating your house for the Holidays. Oh what a wonderful time it is, the best time of the year! Before you start to decorate your house, you’re going to want to inspect everything to make sure it’s still in good shape and doesn’t create a hazard to you or your house.

Holiday Lights

Whether your lights are colorful, white, yellow, etc. you’re going to want to inspect them before hanging them anywhere. You want to look for frayed wires, broken sockets, or other signs of wear and tear. Before you set them up where you want them you should always plug them in first to see if they work. You should always hang them on non-flammable surfaces. If you plan on connecting more then one light strand together to get a longer strand, a good rule of thumb is to not connect more than 3 just to be safe. You should also never place the lights or any extension cords used under rugs, blankets, or near walkways as it is a serious hazard. When hanging up lights outdoors, make sure you keep the electrical connection off the ground. Only use exterior lights outside, the interior ones are not made the same and are not as durable. You should always unplug the lights whenever nobody is there to accompany them. You should always be close and nearby incase something happens. You can also purchase a timer for the lights to help remember when they’re on and off. Lastly, you’re going to want to hang them on a tree that is labeled fire resistant. Most people hang lights on their tree not knowing if the tree is fire resistant and it’s a serious safety hazard. The lights will start to warm up the longer you leave them on, so it’s best to be safe than sorry when purchasing a tree that is fire resistant.

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

How To Unclog A Shower Drain

RH Business Marketing Solutions

shower_drain_clog_600x400.jpg

Have you taken a shower or bath lately and noticed the water isn’t draining how it use to? It’s slow, or the water doesn’t drain at all? If the water does go down the drain smoothly and it fills up and slow drains (or doesn't drain at all) you have a clogged shower drain. If you start to notice your water is draining slowly it’s best to clean the drain now rather than later. If you want to try to unclog the drain before calling a plumber, here are a few things to try.

Boiling Water

Grab a pot and fill it with water and place it on the stove. Let the water get to a boil, and remove. You want to pour the boiling water down the drain, carefully, in increments. Doing so should help the blockage loosen up and hopefully get rid of the blockage. This is only recommended if you have metal pipes as PVC pipes can potentially loosen at the joints.

Snake The Drain

Snaking the drain is easier than you think, however as nasty as it sounds. You’ll want to roll your sleeves up for this one. You can buy a snake drain cleaner at the store but if you’re in a pinch a metal coat hanger will do the trick. You can undo the wire hanger into a straight line, leaving the hook at the end. You want to stick the hanger down the drain and attempt to feel for any blockages. Once you reach a blockage try to bring the blockage up, do not push it further into the pipes. Once you got everything out and can feel no more blockages, run the water and test it out. You can also put boiling water down the drain afterwards just as a little extra to ensure there are no blockages remaining.

Baking Soda And Vinegar

You’re going to want 1/3 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of vinegar for this. Mix them together in a cup and when it starts to fizz, which will happen immediately upon mixing them, put it down your drain. The chemicals should help break up the blockage and grime stuck in your pipes. Let it sit for as long as you can, but 1 hour is recommended. Then you can run hot water down the drain to see if it worked, and help loosen up anything else that could’ve been missed.

If you don’t feel comfortable doing those things, or you tried and it didn’t work, it’s best to consult a plumber to come take care of your problem. Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing would always be more than happy to help with any kind of draining issues.

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

How to Properly Store Your A/C During the Cold Months

RH Business Marketing Solutions

It’s fall season, and time to put your A/C back in the basement! But it’s easier said than done! An A/C unit that isn’t stored properly might suffer from irreversible damage. That’s why Bill’s Heating & A/C wants to share these top tips on how to store and care for your air conditioning system over the fall and winter. 

Inspect for Damage

Air conditioning issues can come in any form, and you wouldn’t want to deal with them at the height of summer. So before storing your A/C this winter, you’ll need to inspect it for damages. Are there dings or dents on the coil? Is the fan working properly? If it’s damaged somewhere, the next thing to do is consult an A/C repair pro in Grand Junction for effective solutions. 

Clean the A/C Unit

You don’t put back your dirty clothes in the closet, right? The same thing goes for your air conditioner! It’s never advisable to store it with dirt, dust, and debris all over. Make sure to clean it thoroughly in and out before storing it. Remove the A/C filter and wash it with soapy and warm water to remove the dirt. 

Cleaning your unit can be tedious and challenging with its many components. However, you can always seek professional help to get the job done. Consulting an expert HVAC contractor is the perfect way to ensure that your air conditioning unit is checked and cleaned thoroughly.

Replace the Filters

We’ve said it a thousand times and we’re going to say it again—replace your filters! The air filter should be free of dust or dirt that gets trapped between the fibers. With a new filter, your cooling system will be able to work at its best in the summer. Plus, it helps you avoid emergency A/C repair in Grand Junction

Run the Air Conditioning  

There's no other way to check if it's working than turning it on. Run your A/C for hours and see if it’s operating properly. Turning your air conditioning system on can help you determine if there are problems. You have to check for strange sounds, smell, or airflow issues. If in doubt, seek help from a specialist.  

Look for the Right Storage Room

Storing your A/C unit in a clean and dry place such as the basement, utility room, or an attic is necessary. As much as possible, don’t keep it in the garage as insects or pests can damage it. Make sure that rodents, mice, and other pests can't go near your unit while it is stored.

Cover It—Cause Why Not? 

Some say that covering your A/C during the winter isn’t necessary, but we say—why not? It doesn’t hurt to cover the unit as long as the cover or fabric that you’re going to use is breathable. Just make sure that the cover should not lock in moisture because it could be detrimental to your air conditioner. 

Get Expert Help

Not everyone has the time and expertise to maintain and store air conditioning units during the cold months. Luckily, Bills Heating & A/C is here to help. They offer a wide array of HVAC services, such as installation, maintenance, repair, and tune-up. With the company's passion for helping residential and commercial property owners, you can make sure that your heating and A/C system will get the best care it needs.

Your air conditioning system is your dependable ally during the brutal summer months, so it is just right to give it the best care it needs. 

You can count on Bill’s Heating & A/C for trusted professional HVAC services in the Coeur d' Alene and Spokane areas. You may visit them at https://callbillsheating.com or call them at 208-777-5528.

About Bill’s Heating & A/C

Bill’s Heating & A/C is a locally owned and operated company that provides a comprehensive range of heating and cooling services for home and business owners in the greater Spokane and Coeur d’ Alene areas. They also offer a wide selection of comfort products, including air conditioners, heaters, fireplaces, and water heaters.

Guest Contributor: Paul Stetzelberger