Plumber Secrets Revealed: Seven Mission Critical Plumbing Tips to Keep Your Family's House Running Smoothly

Morton Grove, IL, October 14, 2009 --(PR.com)-- "Colder weather, holiday guests and entertaining can be a stress on plumbing and related 'mission critical' home functions," says David Bogot, President of LJ Brown Plumbing Services. "Over the years we have learned where typical issues can occur, and now our certified plumbers do a 7 point safety check for all of our customers. I guarantee a short inspection by a certified plumber this time of year will save you money in the long run. And let's face it, healthy home plumbing is key to a successful New Year's Eve party."

Bogot reminds north suburban Chicago homeowners to make sure you are using licensed, certified plumbers. "There are serious health and safety issues related to your home's plumbing that can be quickly checked out by a trained plumber. Get it done right the first time, then you can concentrate on better things, like which snack to feature at your New Year's Eve party."

Home Plumbing Safety Checklist:

1- Valve Tags & Emergency Stickers

Brightly colored valve tags should be placed on important main shutoff valves, such as the main water supply and the gas supplies for the furnace and water heater. In an emergency, nobody wants to waste time searching for a valve. Water heater emergency stickers should contain important information about how to shut off the heater in the event of a problem, and of course lists your plumber's phone number so you won’t have to go looking for it.

2- Water Heater & Furnace Flue Pipe

Devices which burn natural gas, such as your furnace and water heater, produce harmful gases which must be vented away to the chimney by the flue pipes. A quick exterior visual inspection of your home’s flue pipes will make sure that there are no obvious visible problems with these most critical safety components. Realize that a basic inspection will not reveal problems with the insides of the flue pipes or chimney.

3- Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors

It is 'mission critical' that your home is protected by working CO detectors. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced when natural gas in your furnace and water heater is burned off. There are many things that can prevent gases from exiting properly, and for this reason CO detectors are imperative. Should a problem occur, CO detectors can warn you and your family (much like a smoke detector) before harm is done.

4- Approved Appliance Gas Connectors

In some older homes, flexible appliance gas connectors (gas stove, dryer, oven) may not meet current safety standards. Old connectors can break, allowing a dangerous gas leak to occur. Inspecting gas connectors visually can verify if they are the approved, modern type.

5- Operable Main Water Shutoff Valve

In the event of a water related emergency, it is extremely important that the main water supply can be quickly shut off where it enters the house. The ability to shut off water quickly can mean the difference between an inconvenience and a catastrophe. It is important to locate and tag your main valve, and check to be sure you are able to operate it yourself. If not, look into ¼-turn ball valves, which are not only easier to operate than old-fashioned valves, it’s simple to tell if the valve is open or closed by looking at the handle.

6- Reliable Sump Pump & Battery Backup

The drain tile system and sump pump help keep groundwater from seeping through the joint between your basement walls and floor. Especially during heavy storms, a significant amount of water can flow directly into the sump basin in your basement. Water infiltration can be devastating, even in unfinished basements. It is absolutely critical that every home with a sump basin be equipped with a reliable system to keep the water pumping out. That system must have a backup power supply, because of the likelihood of a power failure increases during storms.

7- Braided Stainless Steel Washing Machine Hoses

Few people realize that one of the most common causes of property-damage related insurance claims is a failed washing machine supply hose. These unassuming devices are usually hidden in the dark recesses behind our laundry machines, and are seldom if ever thought about until they fail. Stainless steel washing machine water supply hoses are the type recommended by insurance companies, and will minimize the chances of this common problem happening to you.

LJ Brown Plumbing provides fast, clean certified plumber services to the following primary service communities:

Skokie

Niles

Morton Grove

Evanston

Park Ridge

Lincolnwood

Chicago Northside

For more information visit: http://www.ljbrown.com/

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