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The efficiency and maintenance of your commercial building’s plumbing system can determine if you can keep your business running smoothly, or if one day you may have to shut down if something malfunctions and repairs have to be made. Here are a few tips to avoid having problems with your commercial building’s plumbing so you can conduct business as usual.

If you've ever experienced decreased water pressure in your shower, you know how frustrating it can be. Not only does it take longer to rinse off, but it can also make taking a shower less relaxing and enjoyable. Luckily, there are some simple tips you can follow to fix water pressure loss in your shower. 

A plumbing nightmare can occur at any time of the year, but the winter is an especially risky season.

The winter season can cause a number of plumbing problems for homeowners, and it’s important to be aware so you can avoid them and fix them if they arise. 

Water Heater Problems

During the winter, water heaters are doing more work to deliver hot water throughout your home, especially if you have family over for the holidays. This can sometimes cause the water heater to struggle to keep up with the frequent need for hot water. 

How to Avoid it:  Perform regular maintenance checks on your water heater, and make sure your tank water heater is getting drained annually. You can also test the pressure relief valve to make sure it is correctly operating. If needed, you can purchase a water heater blanket from any home improvement store. This blanket will help prevent energy being lost from your tank water heater.

How to Fix it:  To help the water heater meet the demand for hot water, you can increase the temperature on its thermostat. Warning - To prevent scalding, do not exceed 125 degrees. If the water heater is still struggling, check the gas or electric supply, or call a professional. 

Frozen Pipes

Pipes throughout your home may freeze in uninsulated areas. This can cause cracks, leaks, and even burst pipes. 

How to Avoid it:  When you know the temperature is going to drop, leave your faucets dripping to keep water moving and avoid the buildup of pressure. You can also open up your cabinet doors under sinks to allow heat to enter and keep the pipes warm. Ensure that pipes in your attic and basement are properly insulated. 

How to Fix it:  Shut off your home’s main water valve to avoid flooding. Leave affected faucets open as you attempt repairs. Call a professional to repair or replace the pipes as soon as possible to avoid water damage to your home. 

Clogged Kitchen Drains

With the possibility of more cooking and guests in your home, your drain and garbage disposal can easily become clogged. 

How to Avoid it:  Be mindful of what you and your guests are putting down the drain and garbage disposal. Cooking oils, bones, fat, and other similar substances should be thrown away instead. Run cold water as you use the garbage disposal to help the machine run smoothly and avoid clogging it. Ensure the drain has a stopper to catch any large debris, and frequently clean it out. 

How to Fix it:  Shut off the power to the garbage disposal using BOTH the wall switch and the breaker. Use tools to clear any debris and never stick your fingers or hand into it. Call a professional if you need assistance.

Sump Pump Issues

During the winter, sump pumps work overtime due to the melting of snow and ice. This may cause it to backup if it freezes or clogs.

How to Avoid it:  Routinely clean the sump pump during the fall and leading up to freezing temperatures. Ensure your basement is heated to prevent it from freezing. Effective gutter systems and outdoor drainage will reduce the workload on the sump pump. 

How to Fix it:  Unplug the unit and cut the power at the breaker. Remove any snow or ice that may be blocking the unit’s exit line. Empty the sump pump, or melt any blockages. Call a professional for any assistance, or if you are unable to remove a blockage.


To prevent the common issues listed above, we recommend getting a winter plumbing checkup from an expert!

With over 20 years of experience, Dan’s Plumbing Services is trained to solve these problems and can help get your plumbing back up and running this winter! Contact us today by phone at (779) 529-5100, or on our website at https://www.dansplumbingservices.com/ . We can’t wait to hear from you and assist you with any of your winter plumbing needs!

With summer in full swing, your plumbing is in full swing as well. As with any season, there are tips and tricks to make sure your plumbing is flowing smoothly in your home. With summer comes more time in your home and outside. This means more water being used for sprinklers and hoses, more toilet flushes, more dishes to wash and more laundry to do as well. With that being said, your plumbing is for sure seeing more use than normal. Here are some tips to ensure that your plumbing is in full swing, just like your summer.

As the summer months are in full swing, one of the most common residential household summer plumbing issues is basement flooding. That unexpected downpour of a summer afternoon can quickly turn into an unexpected flooded basement. Rain, along with poor yard drainage and a leaky foundation are the main culprits of basement flooding. One way to help prevent flooding from happening, is to make sure your home is equipped with a sump pump and if it is already, make sure that it is ready for the weather your home will experience. Installing a sump pump is one of the most accessible measures to help prevent basement flooding as well as ensuring that the moisture in your basement is minimal. While having a sub pump will be extremely helpful for excess rain, unfortunately, they are not fail proof. Oftentimes, homes can become overwhelmed with the amount of water entering the structure that the sub pump is unable to keep up with the flow of water. 

Garbage disposals effectively mitigate the threat of a clogged kitchen sink. When you are washing dishes, it’s nearly impossible to prevent every bit of food from going down your drain. Without a garbage disposal, the food will accumulate in your drain and eventually result in a clog. If you do own a garbage disposal, it’s tempting to assume that its powerful motor will continue to grind food waste indefinitely. That is not the case.

Have you ever run out of hot water when you are about to take a shower, or wondered how  much water you are wasting waiting for it to warm up? If you have, a tankless water heater may be right for you and your home.

Over time, plumbing issues are inevitable in your home or business. When they do occur, hiring the right plumber is essential to getting the issue resolved quickly and effectively. In order to ensure you are hiring the right company for the job, consider the following factors.

A stubborn clog can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you are not having any luck with a plunger. If you have ever been in this scenario, a snake may be your best bet. A plumber’s snake, or drain snake, is a tool that reaches down to remove clogs. Snakes are a ‘meet in the middle’ of the household plunger and a more extreme solution such as a rooter.

Have you noticed standing water in your basement? Experiencing floor drain backups? Here is what you need to know.

For homes that don’t have a basement floor drain, drain line clogs can cause backups in the lowest fixtures of the home, like ground-level tubs, sinks, or showers.