Our Blog

Our Blog

• Strike Out Fires This Holiday Season

  Ensure a safe and joyful holiday season by following these decorating and entertaining tips: keep Christmas trees away from heat sources, choose flame-resistant decorations and LED lights, and be cautious with candles. Test smoke alarms before guests arrive, supervise cooking in the kitchen and ask smokers to use designated outdoor areas. For plumbing or HVAC needs in the Chicagoland area, rely on ABC Plumbing's trusted service with over 70 years of experience.
  READ MORE

• Holiday Cooking Tips, What Can and Can't Go Down the Disposal

  As the holiday season approaches and you prepare to host gatherings, remember to avoid putting certain foods down the garbage disposal to prevent costly repairs. Items like vegetable peels, grease, meat scraps, and non-food items can cause jams and damage the disposal's blades. Instead, dispose of these items in the trash to avoid plumbing issues. If you encounter a disposal problem, rely on the experts at ABC Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, Cooling, and Electric for assistance.
  READ MORE

• How to Reduce Air Drafts from Electrical Outlets and Switches

  When addressing air drafts in the home, don't overlook electrical outlets and switches as potential sources. Gaps between the box and drywall around these fixtures can allow air to enter, especially in uninsulated interior walls or poorly insulated exterior walls. Installing pre-cut foam insulation pads behind outlet covers is a simple and affordable solution to seal these gaps and prevent drafts.
  READ MORE

• How To Drain a Water Heater Tank

  This blog discusses how To Drain a Water Heater Tank by following 5 steps.
  READ MORE

• Preparing Your Home For Guests This Holiday Season

  As the holiday season approaches and guests are expected, ensure your home is ready by checking the thermostat, stocking up on bathroom essentials like a plunger and toilet paper, and maintaining drains with products like BioOne. Additionally, clean towels should be prepared for overnight guests, and water and energy should be conserved by running the dishwasher only when it's full.
  READ MORE

• Why Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is So Important

  As temperatures drop, it's crucial to locate your main water shutoff valve to prevent frozen pipes and potential water damage. This valve controls the water supply to your entire house and can be found in various locations like the basement or near the front wall. Knowing its location and how to use it can help you quickly respond to plumbing emergencies and avoid costly repairs. If you're unsure about locating the valve, contact ABC Plumbing for expert assistance in Chicago and surrounding areas.
  READ MORE

• Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working? Here's What to Check

  If your ice maker isn't making ice, check the water supply line and valve for blockages or kinks, ensure the shutoff arm is in the correct position, and verify the freezer temperature is around 5 degrees Fahrenheit. If these steps don't resolve the issue, test the ejector gear, motor, mold heater, holding switch, thermostat, and inlet valve for malfunctions.
  READ MORE

• Learning Thermostats - The Future of Home Comfort

  The blog discusses the benefits of Learning Thermostats, also known as smart thermostats, which adapt to users' routines and track activity in the home to create customized temperature schedules. It highlights features such as automatic adjustment based on movement in the home, economy mode activation when occupants are away, energy-usage tracking for better management, and early warning alerts for potential emergencies like furnace malfunctions.
  READ MORE

• What are Some Common Plumbing Problems in Older Homes

  When considering purchasing or renovating an older home, it's crucial to be aware of potential plumbing issues. Common concerns include outdated pipe materials like lead, galvanized steel, or polybutylene plastic, which may need replacement to ensure water safety and prevent leaks. Additionally, regular inspections of sewer and drain lines, as well as other plumbing fixtures like roof vents, floor drains, and water heaters, are essential to identify and address any issues promptly.
  READ MORE

• The Importance of Electrical Outlet Maintenance

  Faulty outlets are a leading cause of electrical fires and accidents at home due to issues like old, ungrounded outlets, worn-out receptacles, improperly installed or damaged outlets, lack of childproofing, and absence of ground fault interrupters (GFI) in wet locations.
  READ MORE