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Happy New Year From Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating – Worcester, Boston

26 Dec 2013

Happy New Year from Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating! We would like to thank our customers and vendors for allowing our business to be part of your lives. We wish you a wonderful and prosperous 2014!

If we have had the pleasure of helping you with your plumbing needs, we hope that we solved all of your plumbing problems with the highest level of customer service available. If you are thinking of building a new home, remodeling a kitchen or bath or have any other plumbing need in 2014, we hope that you consider Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

It is our sincere wish that in the New Year you are surrounded by warmth, family, and friendship. From all of us here at Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating, have a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.

Sincere best regards to you all.

Loud Banging Soundin Your Pipes Can be Stopped – Worcester, Boston

18 Dec 2013

Do you hear that loud banging sound in the pipes? It sound  like it is coming from inside the wall or the depths of your basement whenever your washing machine stops filling? That’s called ‘water hammer’. It’s caused by valves that close quickly, such as solenoid-type valves in washing machines and dishwashers, but it can also be a valve in your toilets, faucets and other fixtures. When the valve closes suddenly, all that flowing water in the pipe stops abruptly and backs up into itself, creating a lot of pressure. In fact, it is more pressure than your system is designed to handle. It also creates kinetic energy that causes the pipe jump to bang against the framing or other neighboring structures.

In many cases, the problem of water hammer is compounded by loosely secured pipes, which move more than they should, allowing them to get a nice, full “swing” before striking against the framing, and other stuff in your walls. This movement and hammering is not only annoying to you, it’s also bad for your pipes. It stresses the pipe joints and can ultimately lead to pipe leaks and other failures.

Effectively reducing or eliminating  water hammer usually involves two solutions: securing the pipes and installing one or more water hammer arrestors. A water hammer arrestor is a capsule-shaped device that installs into a water supply pipe. The capsule contains an air- or gas-filled sealed chamber that acts as a shock absorber to suppress the pressure surge inside the water line. Often installing a water hammer arrestor require soldering pipe, which is a job for a plumber unless you really know what you’re doing.

For help with banging pipes contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

networx.com

Frozen Pipes are a Common Winter Problem You Want to Avoid – Worcester, Boston

11 Dec 2013

During the winter in Boston and Worcester plumbing service companies get a high number of calls from people needing their water lines fixed.  As the cold weather settles in, many homeowners are worried about their heating costs rising and keeping their houses warm. Another cause for concern this time of year is frozen pipes.

Most of the plumbing problems this time of year are due to freezing pipes. Typically the frozen pipes are caused by open cracks in foundations, windows, and doors that leave pipes susceptible to the outside elements.

Make sure all windows are closed and that cracks are sealed. Any pipes that are within 10 to 12 inches to the outside walls should be insulated.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation where your water pipes burst there are steps you need to take immediately in order to prevent a lot of damage in your home. First find the water meter, typically there is a main shut off valve there. Immediately shut that valve and then call your local plumber. Even just a minute of water running from a burst pipe can do thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to your home.

Also, to prevent frozen pipes, undo and turn off the water to your outside hoses and spickets. If you have an older home with a history of frozen pipes and the temperature is very cold, let some water slowly drip from your faucet overnight or while away. You can also keep the cabinet doors open underneath your sinks to let in the heat.

If find yourself with frozen pipes, contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

You Need a Plumber to Install Gas Lines for Gas Fireplaces and Inserts - Worcester, Boston

02 Dec 2013

When you think of plumbers you think of faucets, toilets, clogged drains or other ‘water flow’ issues and problems. But, you also need a plumber if you are thinking of installing anything gas related in your home. This includes gas stoves, gas fireplaces and gas fireplace inserts.  This makes sense, because the water and gas systems in your home rely on pipes to supply the various appliances.

Many do-it-yourself homeowners will tackle a leaking faucet or a clogged drain on their own. They may even replace toilet innards as well. You may even do light electrical work. But, even if you or someone you know is handy, when it comes to gas you should leave it to a plumber.  Plumbers can guarantee that all the gas work at your home is done with the highest standards of quality as well and safety.

Gas is dangerous and toxic. Gas lines refer to both natural gas and propane. And both can be used in a home for cooking and heating. Plumbers are trained and licensed in the installation of gas lines. Therefore, in the event that something does go wrong, you have recourse. If you have a fire or sickness as a result of a faulty or poorly installed gas line, and that gas line was not installed by a licensed and insured plumber; besides the damage you have another problem, all of you insurance coverage will be null and void.

Gas pipes can leak and this will obviously impact the performance of the water heater, stove or fireplace, but gas leaks can also serious health and safety risks. Additionally, if you are installing a gas fireplace or insert in your home, a plumber is needed to pull the permit for the installation and can also let you know if your chimney requires a liner.

Anything propane or gas-related in your home involves a plumber. Plumbers may specialize in drains and anything related to water, but they are also qualified and experienced in professional natural gas line installation and repair. A plumber can help you detect issues with your gas supply, install new gas lines, move gas lines and provide you will all of the necessary installation and repair work you need to get your home safely outfitted with natural gas. Contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.


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