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Restaurant Plumbing Maintenance Tips You Need to Know

Restaurant Plumbing Maintenance Tips You Need to Know

You’re in the middle of an evening dinner rush and walk into a kitchen filling with water. A customer comes up to you on a busy Saturday and lets you know the toilets seem to be overflowing. This is just a few of the many nightmares a restaurant manager faces when restaurant plumbing repair has been placed on the back burner.

The good news is that these costly plumbing issues can be avoided. All you need is good restaurant plumbing maintenance protocol and regular plumbing services. Here are some important maintenance steps to keep in mind.

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Keep Drains Clear

Neglecting restaurant pipes is a recipe for disaster. Between grease, food, straws, and pieces of paper and plastic, a restaurant drain is abused on a daily basis. Grease is especially hard on pipes, leading to sludge and build-up.

The end result is clogged pipes that are difficult to clean. These clogged pipes can lead to waste water backing up into your kitchen, or restrooms that are inoperable.

In order to avoid backed-up drains, be sure to schedule quarterly professional pipe cleaning service for restaurants. This includes pipe water jetting, or high pressure water cleaning. A jetting hose travels down through curvy pipes and quickly eliminates any sludge that has accumulated.

If you’ve had an ongoing problem with a clogged drain, it’s a good idea to include a video pipe inspection service into your check ups, as this will enable your plumber to see the drains interior and clear up any issues before they become a recurring problem.

Despite your staff’s best intentions, food scraps and grease inevitably end up going down the drain. If they are particularly diligent at keeping your drains clear of food particles, grease, and other solids, you may only need to have plumbers use a snake and a degreasing solution every four months.

Another serious concern we see in restaurant kitchens is insects, such as flies, that can choose your drains as breeding grounds. If this becomes a problem, a commercial plumber can add a microbial solution to the mix when drain cleaning.

A few things your maintenance crew can do to help prevent a plumbing issue is to check screen drains on a regular basis.

We also recommend a proactive stance. If you notice water pooling, call plumbing experts for immediate service.

And don’t forget your bar drains that become a beacon for straws, paper napkins, cocktail garnishes and other paper or plastic products. Make sure your staff or cleaning crew keep these items from collecting before they become a problem and you find yourself in need of a plumbing emergency service call.

Additional preventative measures include making sure kitchen sinks have a strainer to stop food particles from entering the drain lines.

Check Grease Traps

Your commercial kitchen probably has grease traps that help to prevent the fat and oil used in cooking from making its way into drains and sewer lines. Also known as grease interceptors, they are designed to “intercept” solids and greases and will go a long way in helping prevent this sticky sludge from clogging drains.

These traps need to be cleaned on a regular basis, at least every week and more than that in a busy kitchen. In addition to this weekly maintenance, plumbers recommend monthly professional cleaning in order to remove grease that has accumulated in difficult-to-reach spaces.

Commercial plumbing protocol includes ensuring that you have the right-size grease traps and covers.

It’s important to note that the high-pressure water cleaners we mentioned have a vibrating hose feature. This service speeds up the process and is crucial to restaurant plumbing repair. Using your pressure washer with an attached cleaning hose does not mimic these drain cleaning marvels, and can be dangerous to both you and your pipes.

Inspect Bathroom Plumbing

Bathrooms are additional areas of concern, and ones that require business plumbing maintenance. We’ve seen some incredible items end up in toilets, including cell phones and car keys that your customers misplace. Restaurants and bars are prone to backed-up toilets as well as a clogged sink and broken faucets.

Keep an eye on faucets to ensure they are functioning properly. Even a small leak can lead to enormous costs. If these conditions go unnoticed, additional equipment may be needed for costly repairs—and, of course, your water bill will most likely spike.

Look for leaks under and around the sink, as well as along the various types of faucets and pipes of your restaurant. You may also consider installing a low-flow aerator which saves water and energy.

The importance of maintaining a clean, functional restaurant bathroom was revealed in a survey published by Food & Wine magazine. Over half of the respondents said “they would definitely or probably spend more money at businesses with well-maintained restrooms,” which proves that a clean bathroom is part of the customer experience.

Include a bathroom inspection in your quarterly service call so that leaks can be detected before they become a bigger problem.

Service Sewer Pipes

We’ve all heard the horror stories of tree roots that have taken over sewer lines. All roots need is one crack that they can infiltrate. Before you know it, the roots grow beyond the pipes’ ability to hold them, and the sewer line breaks.

Know where your sewer line is located and determine if tree roots are an issue. If you’re not certain where these lines are or how to determine possible plumbing problems, call and add this to your plumbing maintenance services.

A professional plumber will use a camera probe to inspect a sewer line and take action before sewage backs up into your kitchen.

A preventative measure includes planting slow-growing trees near sewer lines. These include flowering dogwood, cypress, and paperbark maples.

A combined pipeline is one that uses one pipe for both sewage and storm water. When massive rain storms overwhelm the system, sewage-storm water can flood a kitchen drain. Should this occur, there is little option but to close restaurants until a plumbing project resolves any safety issues and a health inspector clears the business.

Get the Help You Need

At Bobby Blue Plumbing, we have extensive experience in commercial plumbing fixtures and equipment. Water damage restoration Rancho Cucamonga CA is our speciality, and customer service is our calling card. We provide 24- hour plumbing services should there be the need for prompt action in an emergency situation.

Our dedicated team provides plumbing needs for restaurants that includes drainage services, water main services, backflow prevention, checks for gas lines, and sewer line replacement. We can even remodel the entire plumbing system to ensure efficiency and improve your business.

We’ll be more than happy to discuss your plumbing needs, and you can be reassured your business will have a top rated, go-to plumbing service ready for your everyday and emergency plumbing repair. Give us a call at Bobby Blue Plumbing today.

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Ways to ensure a fully-functioning home kitchen

Local Plumber in Upland

Are you planning on designing or renovating your kitchen? It takes a lot of planning and preparation to ensure that your new kitchen is fully functional and that the layout is perfect for your lifestyle and needs.

It is important to keep in mind both small details and the big picture so that all of your design ideas can be incorporated in a useful and practical way.

Keep reading to find out how you can create the best kitchen for your home and what you need to consider in terms of plumbing, fixtures, and design layout to bring everything together.

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Create a Solid Plan

From socializing to cooking, you will end up spending a lot of time in your new kitchen. That means you need to make a space that is both welcoming and accessible.

Before you start any work on your kitchen, you should make a comprehensive kitchen design that covers everything from the dimensions of the room to where you want your appliances to be kept. This will make sure that you have enough space for everything–including moving easily throughout the kitchen!

The best way to create a design plan is to consult a professional team who can, at the very least, take measurements of the room and create an initial blueprint. This information will help you as you begin to install things like cabinets, a kitchen island, and other storage units.

Are you about to start planning your dream kitchen, consider one of these hot tips:

  • Choose a simple layout: don’t get bogged down in the detail before you choose the overall layout. There are plenty of options, but many people enjoy an L-shape or U-shape floorplan.
  • Know your style: instead of getting inspiration from items that you find, try to begin with a vibe or style that you want to emulate and then begin to purchase appliances and kitchen furniture.
  • Have help on standby: renovations can get messy. That’s why it is essential that you already know who to go for in the event of a lighting disaster or a plumbing emergency. It is always a good idea to check with your local plumber in Upland that they provide an emergency plumbing service so that you are never left without essentials like running water or a working water heater.
  • Take your time: renovating a kitchen is a huge undertaking. Taking your time during the planning stage may well save you time later on.

Understand Your Needs

You will also need to know what you and your family needs to get out of the kitchen. A single person will need vastly different things than a large family and these different requirements should be addressed.

A well designed kitchen will provide a place that has a good flow and enough room for food prep, cooking, and socializing throughout the day.

A great way to understand your kitchen necessities is to think about how much you typically use your current kitchen or how you envision using your new kitchen.

If you would like to use your kitchen to socialize more, you may consider installing a kitchen island with bar stools so that you can chat while you prepare food or drinks.

Curious about how to meet all of your kitchen requirements? Try some of these tips:

  • Expand the space: if you have a small space to work with, it may be more difficult to make space for everything. in this case, it is very important to rely on clever storage hacks and multi-functional furniture, such as a kitchen island with storage space hidden underneath.
  • Document your inspiration: this is an easy method to keep track of how you envision your future kitchen to be used. One method to do this is to keep a board, journal, or file that displays all of your design goals and so that you can stay motivated and inspired.

You should also bear in mind cost and budget. Due to the amount of fixtures needed, you will need to stay on top of your finances and plan in a holistic way from the beginning. Choosing to splash out on custom cabinets can result in having to buy cheaper appliances and other items later on.

Choose Your Fixtures Carefully

One thing that you should get excited about is all the new appliances you will be installing! From small appliances like hand mixers to sinks and faucets, there is a lot of options available to ensure that you have a fun and functional kitchen in your home.

Many people consider lighting and plumbing fixtures to be the most important because of how much they are used and relied on every day. You should contact your local plumber and electrician early on to avoid delays. Their work will be essential to the success of your renovations and entrusting a professional will make your life a lot easier!

It is best to choose appliances and fixtures that have matching counterparts because this will bring cohesion to your kitchen area.

For one example, choose a dishwasher and refrigerator that come from the same manufacturer. Not only will these two look great together, but the installation can take place at the same time and by the same team. This will save you time and money.

Remember that everything in the kitchen area should be easy to use and accessible. There is no need to incorporate overly complicated cabinets or storage spaces for the sake of style, especially if you don’t need them.

Choose the Right Team for the Job

An essential aspect of any renovation is picking the right team to help you along the journey. We pride ourselves on our team’s extensive experience and expertise across all home plumbing services.

We will work with you to design your dream kitchen that is both practical and has all of the design elements you are looking for! There’s a reason why Bobby Blue is the best plumber Fontana has to offer, so call us today.

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What you need to know about commercial property plumbing

What you need to know about commercial property plumbing

If you are the manager or owner of a commercial property, handling the maintenance of the building is essential.

Commercial plumbing requires diligence, planning, and a good understanding of the building pipe and drain system. You also have to stay on top of a revolving list of repairs, services, and checks for things like pipe leaks, drain clogs, and other potential plumbing damage within the building.

Looking for some extra advice or tips? This article will walk you through everything you need to know about how to get to grips with managing the plumbing in a commercial building. You will find out about which commercial plumbing services are essential, how commercial plumbing differs from residential plumbing services, useful tips, and much more!

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Commercial vs Residential Plumbing Maintenance

Plumbing problems occur at every type of property, but how you handle these problems will vary between residential and commercial buildings.

Consider these differences and tips when you start to manage the plumbing maintenance and repairs at a commercial building:

1.Keep Track of Large Scale Plumbing Systems

Perhaps one of the most important things to understand about managing commercial property plumbing is that the plumbing system is likely to be much more complex and will need more regular maintenance throughout the year.

There are numerous things you will need to stay on top of to ensure that the tenants of the property are satisfied and have access to necessary services such as reliable water pressure, well-functioning drains for water flow, and a minimized risk of issues like a pipe leak or clogged pipes.

While a residential property also requires an amount of diligence and plumbing services to maintain quality, the scale is much different.

To help stay on top of commercial plumbing maintenance, it is a good idea to work with a reliable professional plumber who will become familiar with your company and property. Maintenance can then be scheduled in advance which will make your life much easier.

2.Understand Company Needs

When managing a commercial property’s plumbing system, you will also want to understand your company’s or business tenants’ needs. It is also important to know how many people will be using the commercial plumbing facilities as this will have an impact on the maintenance required.

A business that has a high volume of visitors each day will place a strain on the property’s plumbing system and sewer. Businesses like restaurants will also rely on a clean water supply and drains and pipes that are free of clogs or debris.

Ensure that your clients are kept satisfied by understanding how their businesses function and how this will affect the building’s plumbing system. You may want to call a professional plumber to visit the building to assess for any underlying problem or issue that needs to be addressed.

3.Look for Experienced Commercial Plumbers

Choosing the right commercial plumbing team is vital. You will want to hire professional plumbers or commercial plumbing contractors who have years of experience handling the maintenance in buildings of a similar size and scope.

This will make sure that your plumber can provide the necessary help and services. An experienced plumbing company will also use state of the art equipment and plumbing techniques that are more efficient and cost-effective, so that you can avoid unnecessary delays.

You will want to be confident that your commercial plumbing team will provide you with the best repair choices and commercial plumbing services.

Common Commercial Plumbing Problems

Even the best maintained commercial building will run into a plumbing problem every once in a while. It is important, therefore, that you know what warning signs to look out for to make sure that your plumber can provide a service repair as soon as possible.

Here are some of the most common issues you will run into and what type of repair services your plumbing team will offer:

Water pressure problems:

One of the most common issues that arise in all plumbing systems is weak or fluctuating water pressure. In a commercial building, this can be indicative of an issue with the water supply or the pipes. You should also look for signs of a leak near the water heater or water main as this may be the root of the problem.

If you cannot quickly locate the site of the issue, you should have your plumber in Rancho Cucamonga visit the building to evaluate the situation.

Leaks:

Even a small leak that goes unchecked can wreak havoc on your building and cause widespread damage, including structural. Leaks are often found near water heaters, faucets, and in bathrooms.

Take care to notice common signs of a water leak, such as the sound of running water, weak water pressure, or damp areas around the building. Leaks can be easily repaired so don’t delay getting in touch with your plumbing team. Your clients will be grateful that you took speedy action and prevented further damage from occurring.

Clogs and Damaged Pipes:

To maintain your building’s plumbing systems, you will need to make sure that pipes and drains are kept clean and clear of clogs. While residential properties will only require an annual drain cleaning, for commercial properties this will probably not be enough. Even if your commercial property is on the smaller side, the level of use will mean that regular check-ups are required.

One way to stay confident that your pipe and drain systems work is to schedule regular drain cleaning. Most plumbers will use a hydrojet, which uses water pressure to get rid of any build-up, clogged material, or debris that has become trapped in the pipes. This service is efficient and very safe on plumbing systems because it uses no harsh chemicals.

How Bobby Blue Plumbing Can Help You

We know that finding the right plumbers in Fontana CA can be difficult, but with years of experience and countless happy clients, you can rely on Bobby Blue Plumbing for any plumbing service you require.

Contact us for more information on the services Bobby Blue Plumbing can provide your commercial property. You can call a member of our team at 909.944.8999 or through our contact page. We also offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services for those plumbing issues that require help immediately!

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3 Plumbing Horror Stories that Will Make You Cringe

Bobby-Blue-Plumbing Rancho-Cucamonga Residential-Plumbing-Services plumber-in-Upland

Your home’s plumbing system is not something you probably spend a lot of time thinking about… until something goes wrong. And when things go wrong with the plumbing, they tend to go very wrong. These horror stories show just how important it is to reach out to an Upland plumbing team before it is too late and the damage spreads through your home.

In this article, you’ll find a bunch of plumbing horror stories straight out of your nightmares, as well as some warning signs and steps you can take to avoid the same happening to you. 

If you happen to be suffering from your own plumbing nightmare, call an emergency plumber as soon as you can. The team at Bobby Blue offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services throughout the Upland area. We will be at your property as soon as we can to mitigate any damage and provide the solution to your plumbing problems.

Keep reading for some cringe-worthy plumbing horror stories and how you can prevent them from happening to you!

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1. Tree Root Disaster

We hear a lot about tree roots disrupting our clients’ plumbing systems, but when this is left unchecked, it can become a very messy and unsanitary problem.

One plumber shared his experience of what happened when carrying out maintenance on a toilet that had been shaking and leaning to one side when being used. When the toilet was removed from the ground, the plumbing team discovered tree roots were poking all the way into the house!

Tree roots often invade piping throughout gardens and can wreak havoc on any home’s plumbing system. When roots penetrate pipes, they cause major damage and leaks, which can cause sewage to leak back up into your home.

Not only is this a major hygienic issue, but it is likely that your pipes will need to be replaced throughout the property to ensure a similar issue does not happen again.

If you are worried about your home’s pipes, there are a few things you can do to prevent tree roots from causing damage. Try one of these simple methods:

  • Barrier System: to make sure tree roots don’t get close to your home’s sewer or water pipes, you can build and install some barriers around the pipes. These barriers should be made out of thick planks of wood or plastic and placed in deep trenches all along the pipes. Tree roots will not be able to penetrate these barriers, keeping your pipes safe.
  • Smart Gardening: you can also make a gardening strategy that will just take a little bit of research and planning. Make sure you plant any trees far away from pipes and if you want to plant anything near the pipes, choose plants that have either shallow roots or roots that grow together in a ball shape.

2. Flooding Disaster

Another plumber recounted his experience of a water shut off valve that was broken. This meant that water was rushing into the house through a broken pipe and it couldn’t be shut off! To remedy this particular plumbing nightmare, the local city council had to get involved, but usually, this isn’t necessary and a quick call to a plumber in Upland is all that will be required.

For a burst pipe, you will need to immediately shut off the water (something the unfortunate client in this story wasn’t able to do) and then call your local plumber ASAP, no matter time of the day or night it might be. Your plumber will be able to assess how serious the break is and provide you with the solution.

In some cases, the pipe will be repairable. However, other broken pipes will need to be replaced altogether. We recommend either copper or PEX repiping because these materials are exceptionally strong and reliable. You will not have to worry about either copper or PEX corroding or breaking.

3. Garbage Disposal Mishap

One plumber remembers showing up to a distressed family the day after Thanksgiving. Thinking it wouldn’t be a problem, one of the members of the family tried to dispose of the turkey by pushing it slowly down the garbage disposal. This caused the entire sink to malfunction and clog up and a long job of pulling bones out of the sink drain ensued.

While it might be tempting to send everything down your sink when you have a garbage disposal, they are actually more delicate and temperamental than many people realize.

We recommend that to avoid a garbage disposal nightmare, you follow a few of the following steps:

  • Scrape Plates First: before you start washing your dishes, it is a good idea to scrape off any remaining chunks of food into the garbage or compost bin. This ensures that only minimal food is sent down the drain. While chunks of food can certainly go into a garbage disposal, there is no need to make it work harder than necessary.
  • Bones and Coffee Grounds: these two are big offenders when it comes to damaging your garbage disposal. Bones will simply spin around the blades causing damage and rarely actually make it into the pipes.

Coffee grounds might slip down the drain with ease, but they can also build up quickly and will create an obstruction over time. Both bones and coffee grounds should be kept far away from your garbage disposal.

  • Avoid Putting Down Oils and Fats: Just like with coffee grounds, oil and fat might seem like it goes down the drain easily, but it could actually lead to big problems later on. When the grease and oil cools, it will harden and create clogs and blockages that will need to be cleaned professionally. 

No matter what plumbing problem you are facing, a plumbing professional in Upland, California will be able to help. You can get in touch with a member of our team today if you are facing a plumbing issue that you need help with. If you have an emergency, contact our 24/7 helpline and we will send out a plumber as soon as possible from our team of experts here at Bobby Blue.

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5 Problems that Cause Your Water Bill to Shoot Up

Bobby-Blue-Plumbing Rancho-Cucamonga Residential-Plumbing-Services experienced-plumber-in-Rancho-Cucamonga

Have you noticed a big and inexplicable jump in your monthly water bill? Not only is this type of unforeseen circumstance a financial burden, but it could also signal that there is a serious plumbing problem going on! To get ahead of any problem before it becomes a bigger issue that could require extensive and expensive repairs, it is important to know what to watch out for.

If you find a spike in your water bill or any of the following warning signs, get in touch with an experienced plumber in Rancho Cucamonga. The plumbing experts at Bobby Blue will carry out an evaluation of your property to identify the problem. Then, our team can discuss the best solutions available for your situation.

Keep reading to find out about the five most common problems that will cause your water bill to shoot up.

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1. A Leaking or Running Toilet

A toilet that is left running or has a leak is the most common reason you will find a spike in your water bill.

Due to the high rate of usage of toilets in any home, a leak is quite likely to occur. Unfortunately, a leak or running toilet is not always obvious and, if left unchecked, can lead to 6,000 gallons of wasted water each month. This means possibly hundreds of dollars will be heaped onto your water bill without you even realizing it!

To check for a toilet leak, try one of these two methods:

  • Listen Closely

Simple, but effective. A quick sound check could let you know if your toilet is continually running or leaking. While located near your toilet, take a few quiet moments to listen closely. If you can hear a hissing noise, this could be a leak. 

Take a look at a few other areas of the toilet as well, including the tank flatter, seals, and water line connections. Taking a few minutes to do this check could solve the mystery of your water bill.

  • Carry Out a Dye Test

If you cannot hear anything or want further confirmation of a leak before calling a plumber, you can try the dye test. After removing the lid from your toilet’s tank, place a few drops of food coloring or a dye tablet into the tank. After about 10-20 minutes have passed, check the toilet bowl for dye. If there is any color in the toilet bowl, it is indicative of a leak between the tank and bowl.

To fix this type of leak, simply call one of your local plumbers in Rancho Cucamonga. A quick check by a qualified plumber will verify whether there is a leak or not, which will then be quickly fixed.

2. Leaking Faucets

As with a leaking toilet, other leaks around the house can be just as much of a nuisance—and drain on your resources! Loose or leaking faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures can let out small amounts of water that really add up over time.

This is easy to check for though since all you need to do is look around your house to see any leaks. Usually, these leaks are caused by a faulty rubber washer found within the faucet handle. Shutting off the water and replacing this rubber washer can solve your plumbing woes.

If replacing the washer does not solve your problem, you should contact a professional who will be able to better assess the situation. It may be that something else has gone wrong and needs to be replaced or fixed.

3. A Slab Leak

Unlike a leaking toilet or faucet, a slab leak can cause major damage and disruption to your home. This is a leak that occurs underground and can affect your home’s foundation. Slab leaks are often caused by a corroded pipe that needs to be replaced.

If you are worried you might have a slab leak on your property, watch for these warning signs:

  • Damp Corners: if you notice that certain corners inside your home have become inexplicably damp, it could be due to a slab leak. Watch for regular dampness and call a plumber as soon as possible.
  • Constant Sound of Water: after shutting off your home’s water source, listen for the sound of running water. If you can hear gurgling or a hissing sound, it means there is a water leak somewhere in your house.
  • Poor Water Pressure: have you noticed your shower isn’t quite as satisfying recently and you can’t wash out shampoo or soap as easily? Your water pressure may be affected by a leak that needs to be identified and fixed ASAP.

Some slab leak repairs may require our PEX repiping services. When you have recurring leaks, it is usually time to call in the plumber to have your pipes replaced. PEX is a very convenient material because it does not deteriorate and is very durable. This piping material is also flexible and less expensive, which means you will save money while upgrading your home’s plumbing system. Replacing your old, corroded pipes will ensure that no further slab leaks occur and that the damage caused to your property is halted completely.

4. A Broken Pipe

A broken pipe will likely be very easy to recognize since it will cause a loss of water throughout the home and may even result in flooding in parts of the home. To remedy this problem, shut off your water immediately and call an emergency plumber. For Rancho Cucamonga pipe break repair, the team at Bobby Blue Plumbing has years of experience and will help you remedy this situation very efficiently. To ensure that damage is contained, you should make sure that you call our team as soon as you realize a pipe has been broken.

5. Wasteful Water Usage

Sometimes, an unusually high water bill is simply caused by irresponsible water usage. You can save a lot of water—and money—by following a few simple water saving methods. For instance, try to always shut off taps and faucets when they are not being used, keep showers short and efficient, and install environmentally-friendly showerheads that reduce water usage by over 30%.

You can never be too sure with checking leaks in your home, so call an expert today from Bobby Blue Plumbing.

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Why You Should Leave Plumbing Repairs to the Professionals

Why-You-Should-Leave-Plumbing-Repairs-to-the-Professionals

Are you suffering from plumbing problems at home? While you may be thinking that you can DIY it, plumbing issues are best left to the professionals. After all, toilet and kitchen repairs can be messy, and DIY stints can end up making the problem worse. This is why calling a plumber in Upland should be your first priority when you’re facing any sort of plumbing issue.

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Why Should You Let a Pro Fix Problematic Plumbing?

Professional plumbers can easily fix common toilet problems or even complex kitchen plumbing issues. Whether it’s from persistent clogged drains or water gathering at the base of the toilet, they can fix the problem quickly without mistakes or complications. Indeed, there are several reasons why calling for an Upland plumbing service is a better idea than a DIY fix.

  • You may not have the right tools for the job

A plunger works well for a minor clog in your toilet and a pipe wrench may enable you to do more. However, when it comes to more complicated issues, chances are you don’t have the tools needed to fix it. On the other hand, there are specialty tools that plumbers use that most homeowners don’t have to solve the problem, and purchasing them will only lead to more costs. 

  • You don’t know to install fixtures correctly

Do you need to install a sink? Unless you have significant experience in plumbing, you probably don’t know if you should install a top-mount, under mount, or pedestal sink. This is a job better left to the pros in order to avoid leaks or other major problems during installation.

  • You are not sure if you should repair or replace

You might think ahead and consider replacing a pipe or fixture when in reality, a quick repair will solve the problem. This goes vice-versa as well — you might assume that a quick fix is all you need when the issue calls for a full replacement.

  • You don’t have the time

This applies especially if you’re someone who has a full-time job or has kids to tend to. As the majority of plumbing problems have to be fixed in one go, doing it on an installment basis may cause some major trouble. Fortunately, plumbers can work on your toilet for long hours, which may be something you can’t afford to do.

  • You can damage other stuff while fixing a particular problem

This refers to pipes, fixtures, and other structures surrounding the main problem. Only a plumber with years of experience knows how to leave these untouched or unharmed while working on what needs to be fixed.

Bobby Blue Plumbing

Common Plumbing Issues That Are Best Left to the Pros

If you encounter any of these problems, call the plumber right away and skip the DIY plans.

  • Clogged Drains

Slow-draining sinks in bathrooms and kitchens are usually caused by blockages due to hair, food particles, and other gunk. While minor clogs can be solved easily by supermarket products designed to clean the drains, using these for a long time may damage your drains in the long run. 

Alternatively, a plumber can manually clear your drains without using harmful chemicals.

  • Leaky Faucets and Pipes

Even beautifully installed pipes can start to wear down after years of use. This can lead to leaking, which shows very obvious signs. A huge wet spot pooling in your ceiling signals that a pipe around that area has a leak in it. There are other signs that are not so evident but also points to the same problem.

For instance, if you notice mold and mildew growing in your bathroom, musty smells coming from there or the basement, and cracks in your foundation, you may have a leaking problem. If you notice that your water meter is always running even if the faucets are off and that you are having a series of high water bills, it’s most probably time to call your trusted plumber.

When it comes to faucets, having them fixed as soon as possible is important in order to save water. A single drop of water from a faucet every second can gather more than 3,000 gallons of water every year. Faulty faucets are usually caused by worn-out O-rings, old cartridges, or bad valve seats/washers.

  • Burst Pipes

If you’re living in an area where it gets freezing cold during the winter, there is a risk that your pipes could freeze up and eventually burst. This leads to not just water damage in your home, but also possible threats to your safety. There are things you can do to lessen the chances of having burst pipes, but if you already have this problem, you really need to call your emergency plumber right away.

  • Low Water Pressure

Unless there’s an issue in your area’s water supply, low water pressure is most probably an internal problem, especially if it happens often. When you are experiencing low water pressure, it could be that your water meter valve or water shut-off valve is closed. This could also be caused by blockages in your plumbing system as well.

  • Build-up in Your Sewer Line

This is easily one of the worst problems that you may encounter in your plumbing system.  A clogged sewer line sends disgusting bacteria-filled sewage back into your home. Not only can this put your health in danger, it will also cause extensive damage to your plumbing system as well. This is another situation that calls for emergency plumbing services.

Are you dealing with any of these problems with your plumbing? Let a professional plumber in Upland take care of it and restore your plumbing to an excellent condition. 

We have over 10 years of plumbing experience, and we offer free estimates, guaranteed work, and 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call Bobby Blue Plumbing for reliable, 24/7 plumbing services in California.

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Η Εξέλιξη και η Γοητεία των Σύγχρονων Καζίνο

Τα καζίνο έχουν από καιρό ταυτιστεί με τη διασκέδαση, την πολυτέλεια και τη συγκίνηση του ρίσκου. Από την απαρχή τους ως αποκλειστικά παιχνίδια για την ελίτ, μέχρι τα πολυσύχναστα, υψηλής τεχνολογίας κέντρα δραστηριότητας που είναι σήμερα, τα καζίνο έχουν εξελιχθεί σημαντικά, προσφέροντας υπηρεσίες σε ένα ευρύ φάσμα παικτών και γούστων. Αυτό το άρθρο εξερευνά τη γοητεία και την εξέλιξη των σύγχρονων Καζίνο LeonBet, εστιάζοντας στην ιστορία, την τεχνολογία και τη σημασία τους στην ψυχαγωγία.

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Ιστορική Αναδρομή

Τα πρώτα καζίνο εμφανίστηκαν στην Ευρώπη κατά τον 17ο αιώνα, με διάσημο παράδειγμα το καζίνο του Ριντόττο στη Βενετία. Αρχικά, τα καζίνο εξυπηρετούσαν μια μικρή, ελίτ πελατεία, προσφέροντας λίγα αλλά πολυτελή παιχνίδια. Με την πάροδο των χρόνων, οι πόρτες άνοιξαν για το ευρύ κοινό, και τα καζίνο εξελίχθηκαν σε κέντρα μαζικής διασκέδασης.

Η Σύγχρονη Εποχή των Καζίνο

Σήμερα, τα καζίνο είναι πολύ περισσότερο από απλά χώρους τυχερών παιχνιδιών. Οι τεχνολογικές εξελίξεις έχουν μετατρέψει αυτά τα ιδρύματα σε πολυδιάστατα κέντρα ψυχαγωγίας. Προσφέρουν μια ποικιλία παιχνιδιών, από κλασικά τραπέζια όπως το blackjack και τη ρουλέτα, μέχρι μηχανήματα κουλοχέρηδων τελευταίας τεχνολογίας και online πλατφόρμες. Η εμπειρία του παίκτη έχει γίνει το επίκεντρο, με την ψηφιακή εποχή να προσφέρει πιο εξατομικευμένες και συναρπαστικές εμπειρίες.

Οικονομική και Κοινωνική Επίδραση

Τα καζίνο έχουν σημαντική οικονομική επίδραση στις τοπικές κοινωνίες. Εκτός από τη δημιουργία θέσεων εργασίας, συμβάλλουν στην ανάπτυξη του τουρισμού και την αύξηση των εσόδων μέσω φόρων. Παράλληλα, αποτελούν κέντρα κοινωνικής συγκέντρωσης, προσφέροντας ψυχαγωγία σε ένα ευρύ φάσμα ανθρώπων.

Το Μέλλον των Καζίνο

Με την εξέλιξη της τεχνολογίας, το μέλλον των καζίνο προβλέπεται ακόμα πιο καινοτόμο. Οι πλατφόρμες εικονικής πραγματικότητας και οι blockchain τεχνολογίες αναμένεται να φέρουν επανάσταση στον τρόπο με τον οποίο οι άνθρωποι παίζουν και αλληλεπιδρούν με τα καζίνο. Επίσης, τα online καζίνο συνεχίζουν να κερδίζουν δημοτικότητα, προσφέροντας ευκολία και προσβασιμότητα στους παίκτες παγκοσμίως.

Τα σύγχρονα καζίνο αποτελούν ένα συνδυασμό παράδοσης και καινοτομίας, προσφέροντας εμπειρίες που καλύπτουν τις ανάγκες του σύγχρονου καταναλωτή. Είτε κάποιος είναι λάτρης των κλασικών παιχνιδιών είτε της νέας τεχνολογίας, τα καζίνο προσφέρουν ατελείωτες επιλογές διασκέδασης και ευκαιρίες για περιπέτεια.

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When Is It Time to Replace My Piping?

When-Is-It-Time-to-Replace-My-Piping

Replacing the piping system in your home at Rancho Cucamonga is one of the biggest home repairs you’ll encounter. However, when faced with issues, most people don’t know when to call professionals. This is why it’s essential to know the right time to call a plumber in Rancho Cucamonga.

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The Importance of Replacing Piping Regularly

Fixing pipe problems is not just for the safety of your property and family, but it’s also about saving water. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, an estimated 10 percent of all homes have water leaks, leading to 90 gallons or more of water being wasted each day. This amounts to 10,000 gallons of water a year, or 270 loads of laundry. 

Even a small tear in your hose can lead to wasting 6,300 gallons of water per month. That said, fixing even the tiniest of leak problems can save about 10 percent of your water bill. 

Not to mention, keeping old and corroded pipes can become a danger to your home and lives later on, not to mention expensive. When the blockages become severe, water pressure can build in your pipes and can lead to tearing, rupturing, or bursting. Burst pipes are very dangerous.

Also, if the quality of your pipe’s walls are compromised, it can cause heavy metals or other harmful materials to dislodge from your pipes and leak into your water supply. This can damage your water appliances, make cleaning difficult, and even make your water undrinkable.

This should be something to consider especially if you live in an older home. If you have a piping system that was installed before the 1980s, they may have harmful lead components. If this is the case, you should be preparing for a thorough piping replacement.

Why Do Pipes Wear Out?

While pipes are built to last, they don’t last forever. Over time, older pipe walls can develop corrosion or build-ups of scale and other materials. This can affect your water pressure, as it stops the momentum needed and can even lower the performance of your water-based appliances.

There are several reasons why pipes get eroded over time.

  • Material of the pipe. Metal pipes are vulnerable to rusting. Pipes made of galvanized steel can become corroded, which results to the formation of pinhole leaks. The same is true with copper pipes, especially at the seams and joints. These lead to larger leaks that progress until the pipes fail completely. So far, PVC and PEX pipes are the most durable of them all.
  • Chemical makeup of water. Highly acidic water destroys pipes easily, eating away at metal surfaces and results in chemical leaching, no matter if it’s metal or plastic pipes.
  • Temperature. Pipes are more prone to erosion when continually exposed to high heat. Because of this, pipes in hot water and steam lines get easily corroded compared to pipes in cold water lines.
  • Velocity and water pressure. Water travelling in high velocity leads to high  water pressure, which in turn makes erosion faster on pipe walls. The micro-sandpaper effect brought on by the dissolved solids in the water scrapes the inside walls until cracks and leaks form. 

Bobby Blue Plumbing

How Long Do Pipes Last?

This will depend on the material that your pipes are made of, which is why pipes in older homes deteriorate more quickly. These are the materials used for pipes and their corresponding life span:

  • Copper: 50+ years
  • Brass: 40 to 45 years
  • Cast Iron: 75 to 100 years
  • Galvanized Steel: 20 to 50 years
  • PVC piping: Can last indefinitely

The latest pipe material that is fast becoming popular among property owners is the PEX pipe, which is a cross-link of polyethylene, a material that is durable, flexible, and non-corrosive when used as a water piping system.

If you want to make your pipes last, consider getting PEX repiping services. After all, PEX pipes can last for a minimum of 40 years, and are more flexible compared to other pipes. This makes it easier to install, which can lower costs.

You may think that these are long years, but you also have to consider joints, fittings, and mechanical components that go with your plumbing system. If these are already old and faulty, it can also become a factor for leaks and water backups.

How to Tell If My Pipes Are Already Corroded?

Fortunately, if your pipes are already bad, it’s almost impossible to miss. If your water has a rusty color, it means your pipes already have extensive corrosion. Don’t drink it. This also means that you have a considerable problem and that you need to arrange for repiping services, especially if you have copper or other types of water pipes.

The tricky part is when your pipes are somewhere in between good and terrible, as it’s harder to tell if your pipes are corroded in this state. If this is the case, you will have to do some troubleshooting and ask yourself the following:

  • Are your toilet and drains more clogged up than usual?
  • Are you having trouble fixing minor problems?
  • Is your water pressure inconsistently low?
  • Is your water bill higher than you expected, especially if your usage has remained the same?
  • Are your pipes leaking a lot recently?

If your pipes are clogging up a lot or leaking, plus your water pressure just won’t get better no matter how you try to fix it, it’s more likely that your pipes are already corroded.

What Should You Do About Your Worn-Out Pipes?

The best way to handle any plumbing-related problems is to call for professional plumbing services.

During consultation, your plumber will be able to tell you what your pipes are made of, when they are made, and it’s overall condition so far. If it’s just a minor problem, your plumber will most likely be able to fix it in a non-invasive way.

Whether it’s a tree root that grew into your sewage system, or an appliance that simply got pushed or bumped, a plumber can get these fixed in no time. Even if your plumber advises you to go for a total pipe replacement, you’ll still be able to choose a solution that suits your needs and budget.

Get the Best Care for Your Pipes

If you are unsure about the state of your pipes, why not do away with the guessing game and call for a Rancho Cucamonga pipe break repair service for your peace of mind? 

Bobby Blue Plumbing has been in the service business for more than 10 years in the Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana area. Give us a call immediately for same-day service at your commercial or residential building, 24/7.

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4 Most Common Restaurant Plumbing Issues

Anyone who has managed or worked in a restaurant knows that it is one of the most stressful work environments around. There is constant moving in the kitchen and rarely a moment to catch your breath. This can make it difficult to make sure that all the restaurant’s plumbing is properly functioning from day to day. 

Our Fontana commercial plumbing team has years of experience fixing all types of plumbing issues and mishaps that occur in restaurants. We deal with small and large scale commercial establishments alike so there is no need to worry if you run a large restaurant — we will easily handle any plumbing problem that comes our way!

Keep reading to learn about 4 of the most common restaurant plumbing issues and how our team can help fix them. 

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1. Clogged Drains

The sinks in restaurant kitchens will inevitably have a large amount of food waste, soap, and other bits of waste washed down them. Most kitchens will have multiple large scale industrial sinks to hold dishes and large stove parts that require regular cleaning. These sinks will have large drains that allow a lot of debris to pass through and clog further down in the drain. If the sinks in a restaurant kitchen are not properly looked after, it can result in regular clogs and blockages that will obstruct water flow and impede the general use of the sink.

When grease and oils are sent down kitchen sinks, they also contribute greatly to clogs and can damage the overall condition of your restaurant’s plumbing system. Due to the high volume of oils and grease used in restaurants, these types of blockages are much more common and regular than you would expect from the average household.

While some clogs can be fixed by simply snaking the drain, we recommend hydro jetting your commercial kitchen sinks. We believe this is the most effective and safest way to clear drains quickly and thoroughly. A hydro jet uses forceful water pressure to break down debris inside the drain and push it through the pipes so that it flows into the public sewer system. Your restaurant’s pipes should drain perfectly once our professional team has hydro jetted its plumbing system.

Liquid drain cleaners should not be used because they are harmful both to the pipes and to those who might be breathing in the fumes caused by the unknown mix of chemicals. This is especially true for commercial settings where food is in the immediate vicinity. Hydro jetting only uses water pressure, which means your restaurant will maintain a healthy environment while being far more effective than liquid drain cleaners.

Also read our article on Clogged Drain? Here’s What Plumbers Suggest You Do

2. Issues with the Gas Lines

Keeping your restaurant’s gas lines well maintained is essential not only for the functioning of the kitchen, but also for safety reasons. A problem with your gas lines can be a serious safety risk and might even result in severe injuries to your staff and customers as well as property damage. To avoid this danger, it is vital that you have a reliable Fontana plumber who can perform regular safety checks on the gas lines and carry out any necessary maintenance or repairs as soon as it arises. 

3. Toilet Clogs

With customers coming in and out of your restaurant every day, it is only normal that your bathroom facilities will have a lot of traffic and clogs will occur. This is not only because of the amount of use, but also because some customers will flush sanitary products or other items down the toilet instead of binning them. This will cause a serious blockage, which can be a major sanitation problem.

When you constantly have to unclog your restaurant’s toilets, it is a sign that there is an obstruction further down the pipe that must be dealt with. Try to call a plumber as soon as possible or you might face sewage backing up into the bathroom. This is a serious sanitation issue for any commercial space, but especially for restaurants.

You should also aim to be proactive about this issue. You can hang up signs asking customers to only flush toilet paper and to use the provided receptacles for anything else that might need to be disposed of. It is also a good idea to call your plumber for regular inspections and hydro jetting to ensure that the entire plumbing system is kept clean and clear of obstructions.

4. Grease Trap Overflow

Grease traps are used by restaurants to catch grease, oils, and fats so that this type of waste does not end up clogging the main sewer line. However, it is essential that the grease trap is regularly cleaned and maintenance is also kept up with. Otherwise, you might have to deal with an overflowing grease trap that not only floods your restaurant’s kitchen with old grease and fat, but also allows grease to enter into the sewer line.

Most professionals advocate for grease traps to be emptied when the trap becomes a quarter-full. This ensures that there is no risk of clogs or grease floods so that your restaurant can continue to function at full capacity. Just remember to keep on top of the maintenance schedule and no major mishaps will happen!

If you require a Fontana restaurant plumber, look no further than Bobby Blue Plumbing. Our team is dedicated to setting your plumbing right and making sure that your kitchen is fully functioning as quickly as possible. We understand how important it is for your business’s success and that’s why we focus on providing an efficient service with long-lasting solutions. 

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How Tankless Heating Works and Why it Saves Energy

How Tankless Heating Works and Why it Saves Energy

Whether you want your home to feel more spacious or are looking to run a more eco-conscious household, a tankless water heater just might be the perfect upgrade for your home. In recent years, they have surged in popularity because of how reliable and eco-friendly they are.

If your water heater is on its way out, now would be the right time to consider investing in a tankless water heater to improve your home’s energy-efficiency. Our expert plumbing team offers comprehensive services including Rancho Cucamonga water heater installation and repair. 

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How Tankless Water Heaters Work

As the name suggests, a tankless water heater is much like traditional water heaters except that there is no storage tank for the water. That means that water is only heated as needed, which saves energy by eliminating the need for a standby operation. Don’t worry though, you won’t face a delay in receiving hot water. 

This is because as the cold water is drawn into the heater, a sensor activates the gas burner and the heat exchanger is quickly warmed. This is all done very efficiently and still makes sure that water always leaves the heater at a set temperature. Unlike traditional water heaters, a tankless heater does not have to maintain an entire tank full of hot water that might not be utilized for hours at a time. 

This ensures that tankless water heaters are much more efficient than traditional water heaters benefiting both the environment and your household in the long run. On average, a household uses 64 gallons of water every day and the U.S. Energy Information Administration has found that water heaters are the second-highest contributing factor of energy consumption. 

By cutting down on how much energy your water heater consumes, you can quickly bring down your overall energy use. Not only that, you’ll also have the added bonus of saving space in your home that a tank would otherwise take up!

After the installation, it is important to know a local plumber to contact for tankless water heater repair in Rancho Cucamonga if any issues arise. Your plumber will also be able to assist in the process of deciding which make and model of tankless water heater to install and can explain the maintenance these heaters may require.

Other Benefits of Using a Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters typically cost more than their traditional counterparts. However, we have found that their many benefits greatly outweigh this initial cost. Just consider the following advantages you will enjoy when you install a tankless water heater:

  • Longevity 

We are often asked ‘what is the average lifespan of a tankless water heater?’ It is important to compare this with traditional water heaters so you know what to expect. Thankfully, all the evidence points to the lifespan of a tankless water heater being over 20 years. Compare that to the tank water heaters, which usually last between 10-15 years, and it is clear that investing in a tankless water heater is well worth the upfront investment. 

  • A Lower Energy Bill

By decreasing the amount of energy your household consumes throughout the year, you will see a lower energy bill coming through the mailbox each month. This is a great benefit and goes a long way to offset the upfront cost of installing a tankless water heater.

  • No Risk of Tank Malfunctions

Because there is no tank unit, there is zero risk of a tank explosion or a major malfunction. This not only provides peace of mind that your home is kept safe from this type of accident, but also prevents expensive repairs on your home and unexpected water heater replacements. 

  • You Won’t Run Out of Hot Water

There’s nothing worse than the water turning cold in the middle of a shower. Fortunately, that won’t happen with a tankless water heater because the supply is unlimited as the water quickly heats on an as-needed basis.

  • Much Safer

When you think about it,  tankless water heaters are actually safer than water heaters with a storage unit. There is a lower risk of burns because you have the ability to control the temperature precisely. You also have a lower risk of being exposed to high concentrations of minerals and particles that often build up in water heater tanks. 

When to Install a Tankless Water Heater

The best time to switch to a tankless water heater is when your current water heater begins to deteriorate and stops working properly. The following are some of the most common warning signs that your water heater needs to be replaced:

  • Never Enough Hot Water

When your water heater ceases to supply a sufficient amount of hot water, it could be signaling that something is wrong with your water heater. While this problem can sometimes be fixed by simply flushing the water heater and clearing it of sediment build-up, if the problem consistently occurs, it is probably time to invest in a new water heater. 

  • The Water Heater Unit is Leaking

A leaking water heater means something is seriously wrong with the unit and it almost certainly needs to be replaced as quickly as possible to prevent further damage from occurring. 

  • Weak Water Flow

Lower water pressure can be caused by excessive sediment inside the water heater unit. A thorough clean can often fix this problem, but sometimes the sediment can end up damaging the unit too much. This is why tankless waters are so beneficial—you won’t have to worry about sediments inside a tank causing day to day issues or disruption to your water supply.

  • Rusty or Discoloured Water

Discolored water or water that has an odd or foul smell is a clear sign that something is very wrong with your water heater. It might be that there is bacteria inside the tank which is affecting the quality of your water, which is not only unpleasant to deal with but may have health implications.

To learn more about what might be going wrong with your water heater and to learn about the services our plumbers provide, click here. 

For a more energy-efficient home, a tankless water heater is the best option available on the market. Not only do these units consume less energy and waste less water, but you will find that the upfront cost is quickly recovered by future savings.