Have Your Sump Pump Ready For Flood Season

All we did this Winter was complain about how cold it was and how much it snowed. Those sub zero days were killing us along with snow that wouldn't stop. We haven't had this much snow in years. All that snow is just sitting there. Now as the temperature rises, it's melting. Melting snow along with rain falls causes flooding. 

Nobody wants unwanted water in or near their home. Backup water puts pressure on your waste pipes. Yuck, you don't want sewage water backing into your home.

If your home has previous flooded or the neighborhood is known for flooding, you need to prepare. Sump pumps, remove accumulated water in a collecting sump base. You need to get one, if you don't already have one. If you have one, make sure it works. Monthly or quarterly fill it up with water to make sure the pump is working and draining properly. Clean around it, keep all the clutter around it to a minimal. You should also invest in a battery backup sump pump system(Zoeller Aquanet). Trust me you will be thankful. The average pump should last you around 8-10 years. Check with your home insurance, some home insurances will cover it if you are lucky.

I recommend you get a generator,  and have annual check ups on your pump. If you have any questions about your pump, or need advice you should check with a plumber. 

Living in Chicago or Chicago suburbs we are use to this weather. One day it's beautiful, the next it's a snow storm, the following it's crazy rainfalls. We all, or most of us say that we will move. We never do. We do enjoy having our eventful seasons. It keeps us entertained. Just be prepared and everything will turn out alright. If not, that's what insurance is for. Check with your insurance agent that everything is up to date. 

Please visit our website www.kevinszabojrplumbing.net

If you have any questions, email me or call me. I will be glad to help.

Kevin Szabo Jr

(708)845-7922

kevinszabojrplumbing@yahoo.com

Cowboy Plumbers

Is He A Licensed Plumber?

When you search "cowboy plumber" you wont get a definition or exact description of what they look like. The last thing you want is to pay hundreds of dollars, or even worse, thousands of dollars to a cowboy plumber. A cowboy plumber is a unlicensed plumber, who doesn't fully know what they are doing. They are in a rush to just get the job done, instead of trying to do it right. Most cowboy plumbers don't know all the plumbing codes, so the last thing on their mind is following plumbing codes and rules.

Anybody can advertise that they are a plumber. Newspapers, yellow book, business listing sites, business marketing sites, don't go out of their way to find out if these so called plumbers are actually licensed plumbers. It is your job to ask the plumber to see their plumbing license.

We know at times when you are dealing with an emergency you just want to fix the problem right away. We don't blame you. You just need to do a little research before hiring a plumber. Make sure he is licensed, bonded, and insured. Look up the company's name online. Look for reviews. Ask friends and family members for a plumber that they have previously used.

After doing some quick research, have your licensed plumber come out and check your problem. Have him explain to you what the problem is and what they can do to solve it. You are the customer. As the customer, you should ask as many questions as you'd like. At the end of the day, nobody can make you do anything you don't want to do. Make sure you are making the right decision by choosing the right plumber.

Here are some plumbing nightmares. Some are quite funny.

If you need help or just have a few plumbing questions, give me a call or email me

Kevin Szabo Jr

(708)845-7922

kevinszabojrplumbing@yahoo.com

Creative and Awesome Toilet Paper Designs

It's 2014, Have More Fun In The Bathroom

I guess using regular toilet paper is old news. I keep coming across funny toilet paper. Most of it, is a waste of money, others I can't see how anybody would spend the money on it. Honestly, I buy regular toilet paper. Sam's Club always has great deals on Charmin. Maybe, I should live on the edge and spend a few bucks on a roll of toilet paper, or maybe I should save my money and put it to good use.


This post is meant to be funny. Please don't take it to heart. Enjoy the funny rolls I came across.

You can't go wrong with Chuck Norris
"Chuck Norris once had his own toilet paper brand. It was taken off the market because it wouldn't take crap from anybody."

They say you can write on this one without poking through. If it comes with a pen I might buy it.

http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/

Woman Nagging Toilet Paper

A lot of things to measure in the bathroom.

 

Exotic Toilet Paper

Glow In The Dark Toilet Paper

(you can't tell the difference on here, but I was assured it works)

Cheese Grated Toilet Paper. For Real Men. 

Wiping with money makes someone people feel better

Mind Trainer Toilet Paper. This actually looks cool. I will add this to my Christmas list. 

Every Military and Hunters Dream Toilet Paper

Japanese Toilet Paper with Kuji Suzuki Novels written on it

Origami Toilet Paper, very useful.

Sodoku Toilet Paper

Last but not least, I found the world's most expensive toilet paper. Why anybody in their right mind would spend $1,300,000 on a roll of 3-ply 22 carat gold toilet paper is and has to be extremely out there! I guess if you have the money to waste and don't mind splurging go right ahead. While you are at it, make sure to buy the golden pills. They make your poop filled with gold.(http://www.incrediblethings.com/food/this-gold-pill-makes-you-poop-glitter/)

 

After spending all your money on crazy toilet paper make sure that all your plumbing is working properly. If you have any questions or comments don't hesitate to email. I'm always glad to answer you plumbing questions. Next week we are doing a Q & A about plumbing. Send your questions, so we can get them answered and published on time. 

 

Kevin Szabo Jr 

Plumbing and Sewer

Kevinszabojrplumbing@yahoo.com

(708)845-7922

Plumber Is Not Just A Job, It's A Career!

 

What Does A Plumber Do?

I looked up the definition of "Plumber", it says a plumber is a person whose job is to install or repair sinks, toilets, water pipes. To me, that didn't sum up the description of a plumber. A plumber protects the health of the nation.
I once read an article that compared plumbers to doctors, and how much more plumbers seem to do but don't get as much recognition. Plumber are there when ever you have an emergency in your home or work place. They are able to fix 99% of your plumbing problems.
Plumbers supply you with drinking and clean water. They make sure that your sewage system is working properly so you don't get sick. If your plumbing isn't draining correctly, it can be very harmful. Water is essential to our lives, but if it's dirty or full of diseases it can be deadly. Plumbers fix all your drainage, sewage, leakage, blockage, frozen pipes, prevent contamination, flooding problems, and adjust water temperature. A plumber keeps you disease free, healthy, and squeaky clean. Plumbing is the greatest system in the world to rid us of our toxic waste. Without plumbers the system wouldn't function correctly.
Appreciate plumbers for everything they do. These men and women work extremely hard for us.
 
Kevin Szabo Jr
(708)845-7922
kevinszabojrplumbing@yahoo.com

Please go to the link below and click on Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing in Tinley Park to be voted as 2014 Chicago's Best Plumber

http://www.mojopages.com/best/plumber/chicago-area

Which Plumbing Jobs Should You Do vs. Which Should You Leave To A Plumber

Let a Professional Do the Job

When you are a home owner you gain more responsibilities than you were expecting. Some of us, are excited to take them on. Others, would rather have someone else do it. It is perfectly fine to leave certain home repairs to the professionals.

Don't over stress yourself, or take on a job that you can't do. It is better to leave it to a professional that knows what they are doing. Another plus, they have tools that you don't have. It is fine, don't spend money on costly tools that are just going to sit there. At the end, it might end up costing you more. Sit back and let someone else do it.

Things That You Could Do Your Self

Taking apart your shower head and cleaning it in vinegar, remember how to put it back together

Checking and fixing your toilet flapper and float

Checking that your water heater isn't leaking

Inspecting your water heater burner, flame should always appear blue

Checking that your toilet is not running water continuously

Checking that your sinks and toilets are not leaking

Caulking your tub

Things You Should Let Your Plumber Do

Rodding

Jetting

When you need to repair or replace any drains

Fixing or Replacing pipes

Sewer work

Water Heaters

Gas Lines

Main Water Lines

Fixing or Replacing pumps

Fixing and installing faucets, toilets, and appliances

If you have any questions or need assistance trying to figure out your plumbing give me a call or email. 

Remember, I'm here to help. 

Kevin Szabo Jr

(708)845-7922

kevinszabojrplumbing@yahoo.com

Hard Working Service Men

Staying Warm During Chicago Winters 

In this country we have hard working men and women working hard every day.
Plumbers, Contractors, Electricians, Laborers, Carpenters and any other job that entails working outside with your hands.
Living in Chicago, we experience beautiful weather and some rough Winters. Some of us love what we do, others do it because it is a job to provide for our families.
No matter what the reason, we have to get up and go work outside on those chilly mornings.



Keeping warm in this frigid Winter is significant to our survival

1. Have your coffee set for when you wake up.
2. Heat up your towel before you jump in the shower.
3. Throw your clothes in the drier before putting them on in the morning.
4. Thermals are crucial, wear them under your clothes.
    a. Carhartt is durable and will keep you warm.
5. Gloves, wear them. As tough as you are, your hands need to keep warm.
6. Hat, Headwear, Beanies, Thermo Band. You lose most of your body heat through your head.    
   *COVER IT when you are working outside.
7. When you stop to get lunch, add a soup, or chili, or something warm.
8. Stay hydrated, you need water all year round.
9. If your significant other has been outside working all day, have hot coco waiting for them when they get home.
10. Make your spouse a hearty meal. Men and most women love something meaty and pasta along with it. After working outside all day, you need a meal to warm your body right away.
11. Set your clothes before you go to bed this way, everything is ready in the morning.

Ladies and Gentlemen this is basic stuff that we all know, but it helps to be reminded that small things make a huge difference on a freezing Chicago Winter day.

Stay warm and safe,

Kevin Szabo Jr
Plumbing and Sewer

Emergency 24 Hour Service

Holiday Plumbing Emergencies

During the holidays plumbing emergencies still happen. More than you think. We tend to do more than usual during the holidays. I love having my family and friends over, having a wonderful time together. We just forget to be as cautious as we usually are when we are enjoying our selves.
We have to remember to let loose a little but continue being conscious over our home appliances, plumbing and electrical.





When we tend to forget to take care of our home, use up more electric than usual or just abuse our plumbing:

-Family and friends gather at your home.


-Guests spending nights

-More children than you are usually use to(and we all know kids love flushing things down the toilet)

-Dishwasher being used more often

-Water constantly running

-Garbage Disposal overexposed

-Too many lights on

Solution

-When having guests spend the night, let them know nicely that there should be at least a ten minute wait in between showers.

-Clean your dishes well before placing them in the dishwasher.

-Take turns doing the dishes, this way you wont always have to load the dishwasher.

-Run water while you are using your garbage disposal
    *You need to remember that garbage disposals aren't meant to take everything. Stringy or fibrous    vegetables will clog the drain. Starchy foods will swell and also clog the drain. Never drain grease, oils, or fats(use an old coffee can to dispose).

-Put a little dish soap with cold water down the garbage disposal to keep it clean.

-If nobody is in the room, turn off all the lights.

-Put your Christmas lights on a timer, it will save you lots of money.

-Lock the bathroom doors, so small children don't abuse the toilet.

 -If you are lucky enough to have a fire place, use it so you could turn down the heat.


Be Safe, Be Healthy, and Enjoy Your Holidays

Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing and Sewer