Related Links:
Life @ Mahoney Plumbing was created to provide periodic tips, tricks & insights that the plumbers & HVAC technicians know and leak out in small doses to the rest of us. The following posts contain lessons learned from these hard working professionals. Of course, life at Mahoney Plumbing isn't all business so we'll share some fun stuff too.
Slainte! (Meaning good health in Gaelic) from all of us @ Mahoney.
Life @ Mahoney Plumbing - Older Posts
Heating Cooling
More than 50 Years of Quality Service - Proudly serving the North Shore since 1960
NOW AVAILABLE
- TOP LINKS -
Older Posts
Working with Good People
by All of us at Mahoney on 05/09/2011
Providing the highest quality technicians is important to us. Our plumbers and HVAC technicians are the best trained in the industry. Listen as Dan Mahoney talks about some of the training our team goes through, click here>
Party Time - Visit us for Free Sushi, Cocktails & Fun
by All of us at Mahoney on 05/05/2011
Mahoney Plumbing is participating in the Chamber of Highland Park’s “Spring into Summer at Our Progressive Business After Hours” with Dream Kitchens at 799 Central Ave in Highland Park on Monday, May 23rd between 5pm-7pm. Details at http://business.chamberhp.com/Events/details/progressive-business-after-hours
Got a Pool? Sprinkler? Boiler? Get it Certified!
by All of us at Mahoney on 04/27/2011
If you have a pool, a sprinkler system or a boiler over 200,00BTU, you should have a backflow prevention device (frequently referred to as an RPZ) that needs to be annually certified. Backflow device certification, frequently required by local municipalities, ensures that the drinking water isn't being poisoned. If you have received a notice that you are required to certify your RPZ, please be sure you comply. Cities can, and will, turn off your water if you miss the deadline. To schedule your RPZ certification, call us at 847.432.0320 or visit http://www.mahoneyplumbing.com/Appointment.html. Prices still held at 2008 rates!
Electronic Air Cleaners
by All of us at Mahoney on 0425/2011
If you hear a clicking noise coming from your electronic air cleaner check your filter to be sure it's not dirty. Often when an EAC makes a clicking noise, it's because enough air isn't coming through the filter. So, if you hear a clicking noise from your air cleaner, try swapping out the filter before getting too worried.
Energy Star Product Ratings Resource
by All of us at Mahoney on 04/01/2011
Check out the rating of your home's systems according to Energy Star by clicking here. Plumbing, heating and AC systems are outlined along with a neat savings calculator that will show you what you can save in energy when you update your equipment. Check it out.
EPA's WaterSense Fix A Leak Week Tip: How to Identify if you Have a Phantom Leak
by All of us at Mahoney on 03/07/2011
The EPA annually takes time to remind Americans to check their homes for leaks. With the numbers they have compiled showing wasted water, it’s no wonder why! “The amount of water leaked from U.S. homes could exceed more than 1trillion gallons per year. That’s equivalent to annual water use of Los Angeles, Chicago & Miami combined” (www.epa.gov/watersense/pubs/fixleak.html).
Make sure you aren’t contributing to the problem with this quick test. Plan a time when you will not use water for two hours. Visit your water meter & take note of where it is when no water is being used in the house. Two hours later, head back to the meter & confirm that the number hasn’t moved. If it has, you probably have a leak. Leaks do nothing but literally throw your money down the drain. If you have one, be sure to schedule an appointment (you can even make one online @ http://www.mahoneyplumbing.com/Appointment.html )
Wipes & Plumbing Don't Mix
by All of us at Mahoney on 02/25/2011
Yesterday we returned to a house for the third time in less than two months because the sewer was backing up. Normally at this point we'd be reviewing if the underground pipes were broken & a dig up was required. In this case the trouble keeps happening because the homeowners flushed wipes down the toilet that keep collecting in the pipe & causing the backups. Even though the wipes say they are flushable, they are not. They will cause you trouble - for this customer the trouble has cost them hundreds in needless emergency sewer rodding. Having seen us pull back pound after pound of the wipes when rodding, they now realize that the only things flushable are human waste & toilet paper. Product manufacturers want to sell their product as convenient - of course they aren't mentioning the possible plumbing effects you'll have to deal with. Please remember wipes and plumbing just don't mix.
When to Repair or Replace Your Heating System
by All of us at Mahoney on 02/09/2011
Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program (http://www.chicagolandrebates.com/ ) just came out with a great list of questions to ask when considering when to repair or replace your heating system. Quite frankly, we think these questions extend to many system repair/replace considerations as well.
1. Will the repair extend the life of the system?
If the system won’t last another year, repair is probably not a good investment.
2. Will the repair help my system operate more efficiently?
An older or inefficient system costs more to operate, so compare your energy bills with the savings you could gain with a new, premium efficiency system.
3. How much will the repair cost?
Don’t postpone a replacement just to avoid costs - you’ll pay for the repair and may need a new system soon anyway. Additionally, parts for older systems may
be difficult to obtain.
Identifying Your Water Shutoff Valves
by All of us at Mahoney on 02/07/2011
Water is a life source, but when it’s leaking in your home it’s more like a pain source. Just this week, we had a customer who couldn’t find her shutoff’s & thus sustained more damage to her home than necessary. In an emergency, the very last thing you want to do is struggle to find your water shutoff valves. We strongly encourage you to get to know your home & where the shutoff valves are located. In the event of a leak, this information can save you thousands in unnecessary water damage.
There are two types of shutoff valves – the main shutoff which controls the entire house & supply shutoff’s that control water to specific fixtures & appliances. While every home is built differently, the logic of these valves is usually similar. Supply shutoffs are found near the fixture or appliance. To see an example, take a look behind your toilet at the knob on the left side as you face the toilet (most toilets have these but certainly not all do). Here is a picture of what one style of shutoff looks like. Yours could look like your water hose shutoff or more similar to a pull lever. If you can’t see a shutoff behind the toilet, check your other fixtures like your kitchen sink or laundry machine. These should have 2 - one for the hot; one for the cold.
If the leak is major, then sometimes the supply will not stop the water. You should know where the main shutoff valve is to turn all the water off to your house. The main shutoff is typically located near the water meter. Around here, the valve is typically inside in a basement. The shutoff will be on the water line coming into the house and will always be before the first fixture or appliance such as a water heater. As a starting point, check around your water main or in the mechanical area of your home.
If you have trouble finding these valves on your own, please have one of our plumbers label your shutoffs the next time we perform a service call. Knowing how to stop water from flooding your home can be an extremely useful piece of information & takes just a few minutes to understand.
Cold Weather Plumbing Tips
by All of us at Mahoney on 01/21/11
Today’s frigid temperatures has many North Shore residents dealing with plumbing issues. Mahoney Plumbing offers the following tips to steer clear of frozen pipes & some pointers on how to deal with them.
Winter Tips to Keep Your Pipes from Freezing
Ice is one of pipe's worst enemies. You can ward off the possibilities of frozen or burst pipes with these winter tips.
1.Open Your Cabinets Closed cabinets can be up to 20 degrees colder than the air outside them
2.Keep the Temperature Above 65 degrees
3.Run Water On those really cold days, if you have pipes susceptible to freezing (i.e. pipes on outside walls or ones that have frozen in the past), keep a little water running. Running water cannot freeze (physics doesn’t allow it). You'd like to have a steady drip. If you can count the drops coming out of the faucet, you aren't running enough water. Beware, both hot and cold lines can freeze. Also, be aware, if you have your drain line going through an unheated garage, it is possible to have a drain line freeze. This can cause flooding in your home as well.
Already Have Frozen Pipes?
There are some simple things you can do to try to thaw a frozen pipe yourself. Beware, however, while frozen pipes can be annoying, burst pipes can lead to thousands in repair & replacement costs. Keeping a close eye on your frozen pipes during thawing is essential.
Our tip - defrosting speeds up when air is allowed to easily reach the frozen area. Open things like the shower curtain or kitchen cabinet near the pipe. You can also use a blow-dryer or space heater to promote thawing. NEVER, EVER use an open flame to thaw out a pipe!
If your attempts aren't successful, Mahoney Plumbing has specially designed tools that thaw out pipes using an electric current. Call to schedule an appointment at 847.432.0320 or click here to request service click here.
To start receive plumbing tips in your inbox, sign up for our eNews letter by signing up at the bottom of this page.
Seven Things You Should Not Flush Down the Toilet
by All of us at Mahoney on 01/11/11
Many products say they are flushable. Remember, product manufacturers want to sell their product as easy to use. Unless you have money to spare for plumbing calls, the following should not be flushed down the water closet. Ever. Waste & toilet paper are the only approved flushable items. If you do flush these naughty seven, just be sure to have our phone number handy (847.432.0320) because you’ll likely need us soon.
7. Disposable Diapers :: Even though they hold waste, these belong in the garbage. Do not listen to what the packaging says - if you put diapers in the toilet you are asking for plumbing trouble.
6. Condoms :: Trash ‘em otherwise you might get an embarrassing visit from us to unclog your drain.
5. Cleaning Wipes :: These are thicker than toilet paper and can clog your toilet & your sewer way before it should they ever should.
4. Cotton Balls/ Tips :: Cotton tips often stick in the toilet causing trouble causing clogged drains. Balls do the same to your sewer line.
3. Dental Floss :: Just yesterday floss clogged an ejector pump causing totally unnecessary repairs. It also often collects in the sewer causing major trouble. Garbage can please.
2. Tissue :: Facial tissues & paper towels are not made to be flushed. While they might seem like toilet paper’s twin- they are the evil twin that comes back to haunt you with clogged water closets & stuffed up drains. Please throw these items in the garbage.
1. Tampons :: Tampons frequently cause clogged sewers & toilets. Any plumber will tell you, flushing a tampon down the toilet is asking for a visit from us.
Underperforming Systems- Why it Happens & What to do About it
by All of us at Mahoney on 01/10/11
Check out January's issue of our eNewsletter :: Underperforming Systems - Why It Happens & What to Do About It including how to plunge a toilet, dishwasher detergent changes, eco-friendly drain cleaner & sewer information - http://p0.vresp.com/z3rr7v
Brainstorming for a New Perspective - Leslie Levine Article
by All of us at Mahoney on 01/03/11
Leslie Levine is a long time customer of Mahoney Plumbing who during a recent call gave us a PR idea to gain exposure that we would have totally overlooked without her unique perspective. It seems fititng that as the calendar turns to 2011 we all take a moment to begin, as Leslie puts it,
"Brainstorming for a New Perspective". Check out her article @ http://www.allbusiness.com/real-estate/real-estate-agents/15400091-1.html
And remember, if your new perspective involves some remodeling, don't forget to include Mahoney Plumbing - http://www.mahoneyplumbing.com/remodeling.html
Carbon Monoxide Detectors + Furnace = Good
by All of us at Mahoney on 12/29/10
With heating systems running full-time these days, please be sure to cehck your carbon monoxide detectors to be sure the batteries are working. Just yeterday a detector went off alerting a customer to what could have been a very dangerous leak. Don't wait, check them today.
Thawing Frozen Pipes
by All of us at Mahoney on 12/27/10
Frozen pipes? There are some simple things you can do to try to thaw a frozen pipe yourself. Beware, however, while frozen pipes can be annoying, burst pipes can lead to thousands in repair & replacement costs. Keeping a close eye on your frozen pipes during thawing is essential.
Our quick fix tip - defrosting speeds up when air is allowed to easily reach the frozen area. Open things like the shower curtain or kitchen cabinet near the pipe. You can also use a blow-dryer or space heater to promote thawing. NEVER, EVER use an open flame to thaw out a pipe!
If your attempts aren't successful, Mahoney Plumbing has specially designed tools that thaw out pipes using an electric current. Call to schedule an appointment or to request service click here.
Garbage Disposal Tips
by All of us at Mahoney on 12/24/10
With the holidays upon us, we'd like to remind you that garbage disposals while handy can create a holiday nightmare for you if you aren't careful. When using your garbage disposal be sure to use plenty of cold water before, during & after grinding food. With family & friends over garbage disposals see a lot more action than normal around this time of year so to steer clear of a clogged kitchen sink by disposing of your food waste in small bathes. While we are available for clogged kitchen sink rodding over the holidays, we know we aren't your most wanted guests. Use plenty of water in small batches & you'll be doing your part to stay away from a clogged kitchen sink line. Cheers!
Dual Flush Toilets Found Abroad
by All of us at Mahoney on 12/13/10
Over Thanksgiving one of our staffers took a trip to Ireland & came back inspired to discuss dual flush toilets. The dual flush style toilet is making appearances everywhere from small B&B's to chic hotels. For those who haven't yet run into this eco-friendly plumbing product, the dual flush toilet offers the option between a full flush for solid waste or a water-saving half flush for liquid waste. Click here to see Kohler's dual flush two button activator that lets you choose the amount of water you want to use. If you are in the market for a new toilet, be sure to review this sleek option for your home.
Beware: New Homeowners Without Heat
by All of us at Mahoney on 12/08/10
In the last two weeks we have twice run into trouble with the local gas company leaving new homeowners without gas - meaning without heat which is not only uncomfortable but risks frozen/burst plumbing.
Please be sure not to assume that the gas company will be available to TURN ON the gas immediately upon closing. Both our recent calls had our customers waiting SEVEN DAYS (7) to get service back.
If you are closing on a new home, please be aware of this change in policy & prepare for it's implications. Historically the gas company was able to turn off the meter & then within hours turn it on for the new owners, this has not been true recently.
There has to be a better way to handle this situation than the emergency winterizations we've been forced to do to save our customers new homes.
Toilets - Buying 'Em For Comfort, Fit & Style
by All of us at Mahoney on 11/09/10
Today we are installing two replacement toilets for a customer who got sick of repairing her old toilets. To her surprise we didn't simply take her "new toilet" request & process it without a quick discussion of her needs. There are a number of factors you need to consider when buying a toilet as they - despite our lack of awareness - are not one size fits all.
Distance from the Wall - This critical dimension is the most important factor when selecting a toilet. Toilets come in 10, 12 or 14 inch rough dimensions. Most are 12 inches, but if your home has a different configuration you cannot install the toilet without repiping & tearing up the floor. Determining your rough is a simple process (we will walk you through the measurement over the phone) but is an essential first step in the buying process. To determine your rough dimension, you measure the distance from the toilet's bolts to the wall (not the tile, base board or other decorative trim). This measurement can be likened to shopping for shoes - if you are a size 10 & you get a size 7 shoe you'll never survive a day of walking.
Shape - Toilets come in round front or elongated front shapes. As their names suggest, the elongated front stretches out a bit further. If you're looking for a toilet for a small bathroom, be sure to take into consideration the distance between the toilet and the door. Many people find the elongated front more comfortable.
Height - Today's toilets come in standard height and what is referred to as comfort height (formally known as handicapped height). We've found that many of our customers prefer the comfort height as it's easier on the knees. Of course, if you are on the shorter side the comfort height can leaving you feeling like your feet are dangling.
In addition to these factors things like the flushing power, water levels and durability all play into selecting the right toilet. When working with our customers, we review each aspect to select the right toilet. If you are looking at getting a new toilet installed, call us at 847.432.0320 & Peg Mahoney will help you narrow your choices. Having helped hundreds of customers with their selections, Peg knows exactly what you need to look for when selecting a toilet.
Backed Up Sewers
by All of us at Mahoney on 11/08/10
Today we've had a flood of calls dealing with sewage. One sewer backed up through the toilet, while another flooded a crawlspace & a third alerted the homeowner with the infamous sewer gurgle. Regardless of where your sewer backs up in your home & how it alerts you - when the sewer is clogged we have the tools & talent to get your home operational. Using powerful rodding equipment, our plumbers are able to clear out roots & get things working again. Learn more about sewers and ways to prevent them from backing up at http://www.mahoneyplumbing.com/Sewer.html
Cold Weather Hits Heating Systems
by All of us at Mahoney on 11/05/10
Today we've had an influx of homes without heat. Regardless of the reason why, when a home doesn't have heat no one is comfortable or happy. While there are dozens of reasons the heat can break, the worst call for us HVAC technicians is when it's not working due to a dead battery in a thermostat. When the batteries in a thermostat have died so does your heat.
Join our eNews Mailing List
Submit your email address
Would you like bigger discounts & longer warrantees? Get them for just $8/month. Click for Details>
Schedule an Appointment Email us your appointment request.
Our North Shore and Chicago area services include: Highwood, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Glencoe, Winnetka, Bannockburn, Deerfield, Lincolnshire, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Northbrook, Northfield, Riverwoods, Buffalo Grove and Glenview, Illinois. We do travel outside these areas for new construction, remodeling and other services.
501 Bank Lane, Highwood, IL 60040 - PH 847.432.0320 - FX 847.432.0581 - Info@MahoneyPlumbing.com
Trained, licensed & insured service technicians - IL license# 058-099144
