The Benefits of a Plumbing Subscription

Sometimes we assume that we have to spend a lot of time, money and energy dealing with plumbing parts, repairs, and maintenance. While it is important to do what’s necessary to maintain your plumbing system, it doesn’t always have to be as hard and expensive as we often imagine.

In fact, there are more and more options out there to make purchasing and maintaining your plumbing as easy and affordable as possible. Today we’ll look at some of those options, like maintenance plans, and the benefits that they can bring.

The Option to “Rent to Own”

For most of us, we assume that we have to buy any plumbing parts that we need. But, this isn’t always the case.

There are a number of options now where you can “rent to own” plumbing components. Plus, these often come with set monthly prices that won’t change, comprehensive warranties and the option for regular maintenance.

So, the next time you’re faced with needing an expensive part or component, make sure that you explore your options. There might be a rent to own option that will give you the parts you need at a low, monthly cost.

This can help to keep your plumbing system running smoothly without some of the stress and financial strain that often comes with major plumbing projects.

Subscriptions for Plumbing Maintenance

In addition to getting parts, there are also subscriptions available to help you get the routine maintenance that you need.

Many companies offer annual subscriptions that will give you a number of benefits including maintenance, discounts, priority scheduling, and no emergency fees.

These programs can be really helpful because they help you to stay on top of annual maintenance while also helping you save money. It’s another good way to reduce the stressors associated with keeping up with your plumbing system.

Avoiding Plumbing Emergencies

Speaking of stressors, there are few things more disruptive to your daily routine than a plumbing emergency.

These can lead to lots of headaches, damage and expensive repairs. While you can’t prevent every plumbing emergency, the best way to help avoid them is by staying on top of regular maintenance.

The better you can keep your system in good condition, the more you can avoid a plumbing crisis, damage, and stress associated with it. So, while it can be tempting to put off plumbing maintenance in the midst of a busy schedule and when things are running smoothly, it’s never a good idea to do so.

Instead, make sure that you stay in the habit of completing all maintenance so that you can do everything possible to avoid a plumbing emergency.

Hopefully, learning about some of these plumbing subscriptions has been helpful and exposed you to some innovative ways to make plumbing installations as well as maintenance affordable and less stressful.

In fact, a plumbing subscription might just be what you and your plumbing system need right now. If you’d like to learn more about plumbing subscriptions to find one that’s right for you, call Heidler, Inc. today at (410) 268-7191.

How To Keep Cool on The Longest Day of Summer

It’s hard to believe that we’re already in the midst of summer, and for those that are always looking to cram the most fun possible in a day, June 21st might easily be your favorite day of the year. Not only is it sure to have warm temperatures, but it’s also the longest day of the year, giving you plenty of sunlight to have a blast!

What do you have planned to do? Are you going to have a barbecue? Are you going to the beach, or maybe you’re staying at home with the family? If you’re planning to stay home, below are some fun and economic ways to help you stay cool this summer, while enjoying your great outdoor plumbing and cooling off with the world’s best air conditioner – water.

Use Boogie Boards on Your Sprinkler and Slide

If you’re looking for a fun way that you can help you and your family stay cool during the summer, you can set up a slide in the middle of your sprinkler system.

You can get a big roll of some plastic sheeting. This can be found in the section where the paint supply is. Once you have this, you can set it up in your yard and let your kids’ friends with boogie boards slide on the sheeting.

It’s a fun and cool way that anyone can cool off. Best of all, while your little ones splash, you’ll also be watering your lawn, killing two birds with one stone.

Use Your Garden Hoses to Have Hose Fights

Want to help your kids keep cool during the hot summer days? You can organize hose fights. This can be a lot of fun and it can cool off pets, too.

If you want to keep an eye on your water usage, you can also get some water pistols and fill them up to have water pistol fights.

But if you’re looking for the big splashes, then definitely set up the jet function on your hose and get to work setting up battles between your kids.

Do Leaky Balloon Relay Races with Water Balloons

This is a fun way that you can keep cool while keeping active during the summer and it’s perfect for a party. Fill plenty of balloons up with water and put them into a tub made of plastic. Then set up a playing field with two containers that are exactly the same at one end.

It’s best if they’re clear and make marks on the containers using a dark permanent marker close to the containers’ tops. Divide into two teams and line them up where the containers with your water balloons are.

Poke a hole in the balloons and then have the team members race to the bucket at the other end and allow the water to dribble into the buckets. The team who fills up their bucket to the line wins. These are three fun things that you can do anytime this summer to help you and your family to stay cool.

Rather than keeping the kids inside, why not get outside and enjoy the warm summer sun? Whether you decide to make a sprinkle and slide, you want to have water pistol and hose fights, or you are going to have a water balloon relay, there are a lot of things that you can do to keep cool in the summer heat.

At Heidler, Inc. we have a lot of other useful hints, both for the summer and throughout the year, so check out our blog and contact us with any questions.

Finding Your Perfect Bathroom/ Kitchen Sink

Finding the perfect sink to fit the look of not only your kitchen or bathroom but also of your home, in general, can be more stressful than you initially anticipated. Who knew there were so many different kinds of sinks and faucets?!

If you are struggling to find the perfect bathroom or kitchen sink for your home, don’t worry! Heidler, Inc has put together some information to help you find a new kitchen or bathroom sink that will suit your home and lifestyle perfectly!

Research Different Kinds of Sinks

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the number of options available for both kitchen and bathroom sinks, it may help do some sink research and narrow down your choices.

The internet is a near limitless source of information and can be very useful in helping you look for types of kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, and even bar sinks for your entertaining area.

Getting a visual of the different types of sinks and faucets that are out there can help you get an idea of what you like and don’t like.

Once you have that, you can head out to a showroom to look at what a particular style of sink might look like in a completed bathroom. You may find that the sink you had in mind looks better in pictures than in practice, and that’s alright! It’s all part of your sink research.

How Much Should Your New Sink Cost?

As with any home improvement project, it’s always important to keep your budget in mind when selecting your new sink.

Installation for kitchen or bathroom plumbing can run you anywhere from $200 to about $550, depending on the style of your sink, the materials it’s made of, and how involved the installation process is.

With that in mind, you may need to compromise a bit in order to get a sink that suits both your style and your budget. If you live alone, for example, and wash the few dishes that accumulate throughout the day by hand, then a sink with an attached drainboard may be a wise investment for you. A large, farmhouse sink may be more aesthetically pleasing, but you probably won’t get the full value out of it.

Head to Your Local Plumbing Store For More

Now that you know what kind of sink you are interested in and how much you are willing to spend on certain features, it’s time to call up your local hardware or plumbing store to make sure your perfect sink is actually available.

If you call up a plumbing store and they don’t sell the type of sink you are looking for, don’t lose heart. They may be able to refer you to a different store that carries exactly what you are looking for.

Heidler, Inc is here to answer any other questions you may have about choosing and installing your new kitchen or bathroom sink!

Give us a call today at (410) 268-7191 for service in Annapolis. And don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family to help them find the perfect sink as well!

Who’s Picking up Your Plumbing Bill?

Is there anything worse than getting home after a long day of work, and a stressful commute home, than opening your front door to find that a plumbing catastrophe has taken place in your absence?

Honestly, I think not. What makes the entire situation worse is knowing that once the mess is all cleaned up, you’ll be stuck with a plumbing bill to pay…but maybe you won’t have to pay that bill yourself.

If you rent your home, you should know that your landlord may be responsible for fixing the emergency plumbing issues in your home. Let’s take a look at why your landlord has to pay, and how much they are responsible for.

How Much Does Your Landlord Have to Pay For?

When you sign a lease to rent an apartment, you agree to pay monthly for your living space, and your landlord agrees to provide you with a comfortable living space.

That means that when you have a plumbing emergency that threatens your comfort and personal safety, your landlord has to pay to fix it.

Flooding caused by a backed up drain can lead to harmful bacteria in your home, and any kind of excess water in your home can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can lead to a host of respiratory and health issues.

Plumbing Repairs For Rental Homes

As long as you rent your home, you won’t have the responsibility for emergency plumbing repairs.

If you own your own home, however, there is no landlord to take on that responsibility for you, so it falls on you.

If you own a building or house, but you hire a management company to handle the rental operations, then the company becomes responsible for plumbing repairs. In some cases, even as a renter, you may be required to pay for minors repairs.

Your lease agreement may also stipulate a specific amount, below which you agree to pay for plumbing services. If your emergency repairs cost more than the agreed upon amount, however, the responsibility falls back on your landlord again.

Consult Local Rules And Ordinances

Always remember that there are certain laws and local rules that protect you as a renter.

In some cases, your landlord may be under legal obligation to cover the cost of any emergency plumbing repairs that tenants like you might incur.

The specific legal requirements your landlord can be held to vary somewhat from one state to another, and even from one city to another. Always check local rules and ordinances, to see precisely what your local government has to say about your landlord’s responsibilities to you with regard to plumbing repair costs.

If the cost of plumbing repairs has been keeping you from calling for plumbing services in your home, you can stop worrying about that now!

Now that you know the responsibility of paying for your emergency plumbing repairs falls on your landlord, you can call Heidler, Inc. for all your home plumbing needs. Our experienced plumbing technicians are ready to help you with plumbing repairs, installations, and maintenance in Annapolis, MD.

3 Major Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Remodeling your bathroom seems like a fantastic idea. It’s a fun project and saves you plenty of money. You know exactly what you’re doing, right? Chances are you have a general idea of what you’re doing but might not be entirely qualified to perform all tasks.

Maybe you have a different idea for the flooring or underestimated expenses. These mistakes can be costly, slow your progress, or be the cause for significant repairs in the future.  Let’s review a few bathroom remodeling mistakes and how to avoid them!

Moving Fixtures Without a Plumber

Yes, calling a plumber can increase the amount you spend on your bathroom remodel. However, this increased cost is lowered over time by not having to pay for repairs in the future.

Someone probably told you, “do it right or don’t do it at all.” If this was never said, take heed: putting half the effort or money into a project will only cause problems. Moving fixtures with a plumber’s help will:

• Improve water flow.
• Limit the risk of water damage.
• Ensure there are no leaks.
• Repair any mold or water damage from old fixtures.

Carpet Flooring

Carpet flooring is a bad idea in bathrooms. Sure, it’s nice to step out of the shower onto something other than cold tiles, however, moisture and the inability to dry carpet thoroughly is begging for mildew and mold.

Because it’s almost impossible to clean or keep dry leads to other problems, including damage to the wood foundation that often runs under carpeting, it’s best to leave them out of your next bathroom remodel project.

Forgetting Your Budget

Taking on a bathroom remodeling project yourself can save you some money. While this is nice, if you forget about your budget or don’t make one to begin with, you may end up out of money with a half-finished washroom. Follow these steps to make and stick to a budget:

• Dream Big: Figure out what materials you’d love to use, items to replace, and ideal flooring.
• Revise the List: Take those big dreams and figure out what is doable and what are must-haves, wants, and impossible.
• Research: Every material you’ll use should be researched for the best price – always be sure to compare multiple options for the best choices.
• Allow for Overages: Many contractors recommend adding about 30% of your total cost to the budget. This allows for repairs or forgotten necessities.

Remembering your budget and using it wisely will prevent stretching your finances too thin as well as the annoyance of putting a project on hold.

Professional Help May Not Cost as Much as You Think

After determining your budget and what it will cost you to complete a bathroom remodel yourself, consult a professional. There is a decent chance that you can hire them for specific projects or for the entire project.

The idea behind this is to prevent problems in the long-run and additional costs from faulty installations or missed steps. If you’d like to discuss a bathroom remodel with a professional or maybe get some advice on where to start, give Heidler, Inc a call!

Fit Your Granite Countertops for a Sink

Granite countertops are increasingly popular, popping up in kitchens all around Annapolis, MD. They give a kitchen a classy look and can seriously increase the value of a home. Adding the right sink to your granite will bring your kitchen to the next level. Learn how to properly fit your granite countertops for a sink and ensure your new kitchen plumbing runs smoothly.

Take the Proper Measurements on the Countertop and Available Space

Before cutting the hole for the sink, do the proper measurements on the countertop. Allow enough space for the kitchen plumbing underneath the countertop and ensure it is placed in a practical spot.

Tape the cardboard outline of your sink onto the granite, then cut. For cutting granite, use a diamond blade on a circular saw.

This tool is best not just for cutting, but shaping your stone as well. Once the opening has been made, you can flip your granite over and get ready to insert the sink.

Source a Sink That is to Your Liking and Fits the Space

Your sink should match the design of your kitchen. So, allow for enough space for the plumbing and storage underneath. Now that your granite is cut and flipped, you can secure your sink.

Wipe your granite and sink with denatured alcohol, and then place the sink over the hole to trace. Once traced, remove the sink and apply caulk to the edge of the hole. Place the sink back over the hole and press down. Seal the sink in place using the clamps provided with your sink purchase. Now you can turn your countertop back over to install them.

Consider Professional Installation By a Plumber

Would you take your car to anyone who wasn’t a licensed mechanic? No, probably not. So why try installing your kitchen plumbing on your own if you’re not a plumber? Professional plumbers have expertise that the average homeowner simply doesn’t.

Education and experience can’t be beaten. If you’re investing significant amounts of time and money to make changes to your kitchen, then you might as well consider professional installation by a plumber who will execute the task correctly.

New kitchen features are always great to look at. In addition to being eye-catching, upgrading your kitchen will add value to your home if you ever decide to sell it. Two birds, one stone!

Signs a Replacement is Better than a Repair in Your Plumbing System

It happens to many homeowners in Annapolis, MD who are faced with delicate plumbing devices. Each time it breaks you wonder which is the best option: calling for repairs or buying a new one. Getting it fixed might cost less in the short-term, but you know eventually it will need to be replaced.

Buying new equipment might cost a lot of money, but modern devices tend to be more energy efficient and don’t require too much upkeep. It’s an investment that might pay off down the road. But how do you know if it’s time to buy a replacement? Here’s what you need to know when it comes to repairing or repiping.

Concerning the Shower Top

Something to keep in mind when it comes to shower tops is the possibility of clogs. This may be caused by sediment buildup and impact on the device’s water pressure and efficiency.

It also could lead to water leaks and widespread water damage. If you think it’s time to buy a replacement shower top, go for a water-efficient model. Save money on your next utility bill by consuming less water.

Anything but the Kitchen Sink

A kitchen sink in good condition should be a top priority. It’s the most used sink in your home. Any damage or cracks mean it’s likely to begin leaking.

The resulting water damage may spread throughout your kitchen, which will be expensive to fix.

Purchasing a new kitchen sink to replace an old, beat up one will prevent this scenario from happening. When you’re out for a replacement kitchen sink, be sure to get water-efficient faucets as well. This will reduce a home’s water consumption and lower the charges on your water bill.

Water Heater in Decline

We often take water heaters for granted but must remember they go through a lot of stress every day. Some heaters end up wearing down at an alarming rate. Water leaks, rust spots, and loud noises caused by sediment buildup are all signs of a device in decline.

These types of problems could reduce the device’s efficiency and accelerate the damage being done. One solution to these issues could be to buy a tankless water heater.

These devices connect directly to a home’s plumbing, which gives you access to a limitless supply of hot water but only as much as you need. Since you don’t need a tank, you can remove the old one to gain more storage space. Tankless water heaters are both practical and efficient.

Washing Machine Replacement

Washing machines are sturdy and meant to last about a decade, but that doesn’t mean something can’t go wrong and cause homeowners to buy a replacement. Leaks due to cracks in the tub or loose drums or motor mounts, for example, cost a lot of money to fix.

In these cases, it often makes more sense to purchase a replacement washing machine rather than call for repairs. Modern washers also consume less water and energy than old models. This means you can save on utility charges while helping the environment.

These Outdoor Plumbing Tips will Help Your Home Through Spring

It’s not uncommon for homes in Annapolis, MD to get hammered during wintertime, which can do a number on your outdoor plumbing. As temperatures begin to rise and the weather gets warmer, it’s always a good idea to perform an inspection of the outside of your home and perform maintenance to ensure everything is in top condition throughout the spring.

Ignoring these tasks could result in further damage and costly repairs to your home’s plumbing system. Make sure your outdoor plumbing can handle the spring climate. Here are some tips to help your home through the season.

Check Out Your Sprinklers

It’s a good idea to run your sprinklers as soon as the weather becomes warm enough. Run water through all the sprinkler heads to ensure they’re working properly.

If there are any problems, conduct a thorough cleaning or contact a professional plumber to solve the problem.

Don’t forget to inspect the hoses to see if there are any cracks or leaks. This could affect water consumption and how your lawn gets watered.

Inspect All of the Hoses

A leaky hose can waste thousands of gallons of water every month, depending on how often you use your home’s outdoor plumbing.

Before spring is in full swing, check all hoses and connections for cracks or anomalies. It’s easy for hoses to become damaged by cold winter temperatures, even if they’re not connected to any plumbing.

It might also be worth it to call in a professional to conduct a leak inspection on all components. They will be able to quickly locate and patch up any problems.

Clean Out Your Gutters

One of the first things you should do when the snow melts is clean out your gutters. A lot of leaves can accumulate during the fall and even more dirt and debris during the winter, which can impact drainage capacity.

This can cause clogs and backups, which can wreak havoc if obstructions aren’t cleared before any rainfall. The result could be flooding and water damage to your property. The best way to avoid these problems is by cleaning out your eavestroughs as early as possible.

Take a Look at Outdoor Faucets

Before you connect any hoses to your exterior faucets, turn them on and off again. If the faucet begins to drip, you may have a problem on your hands. It could be the result of a broken pipe or something as simple as a worn out washer.

Either way, it could waste thousands of gallons of water and cause damage to your home and result in standing water around your property. You should have a professional diagnose and fix the problem as soon as possible.

By performing an inspection of your home’s outdoor plumbing system, you can save yourself a lot of time and money by identifying any problems early. Always remember to conduct these simple maintenance steps at the beginning of every spring.

Winter Checklist Tasks You Should Get Done Before the Snow

It’s the time of the year when the cool temperatures begin to arrive, and homeowners across the region are faced with considering how to protect their property and their families for the months ahead.

Before you start your home maintenance routine, you might consider building a checklist. In this latest post, we’ll highlight the items that should be on your home maintenance checklist as you begin your winter preparations in Annapolis, MD.

Insulation and Ventilation Maintenance

The home insulation is one of the most important protective elements during the winter season. It helps keep warm air in the home and prevents it from escaping to the outside.

Your home insulation will also help you to consolidate your energy costs as you spend money heating the property. Make sure the insulation is in peak condition, and speak with home maintenance professionals if you find a problem in the insulation in the coming months.

Make you should also have your home ventilation systems checked and cleaned, to keep airflow consistent throughout the property.

Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The home detection systems used to keep your family safe are of immense importance throughout the winter season. Make sure you check the batteries in the detectors and ensure that you test your smoke detector regularly throughout the winter.

This is the peak period of the year for home cooking, as the cool weather makes home cooked meals preferable to leaving the comfort of the property.

You should also check the performance of home fireplaces so that any problems can be resolved before the coolest of the winter weather arrives.

Make Sure You Have De-Icing Salt

The pathways outside your home can become a dangerous place during the wintertime. It takes just a moment’s lack of concentration for you to slip and fall.

Make sure that you have de-icing salt to clear the pathways, driveway space, and plumbing system ready for the winter season. It’s also important that you pack de-icing salt with you in your vehicle for the coming months.

You might find that your workplace has an issue with ice, which can be resolved quickly by simply placing salt on the ground.

By following the checklist highlighted in our latest post, you can stay safe throughout the winter season. Work with your family to secure your home and plan ahead to keep warm throughout the coming months.