Author Archives: Emergency Sewer and Drain Experts

If you’ve been browsing the pages of architectural magazines, interior design columns or even Pinterest on your down time over the weekend, chances are you’re got home improvements on your mind! When it comes to design and style, the options are limitless and creativity is a virtue! There are numerously colorful and unique options out there, some home improvements can involve technologically advanced appliances to eco-friendly home installations. Some focus more on value whereas others on design elements and look! We’ll give you some home improvement tips that can help you out logistically as well as suggestions that can add value, spruce up the look or add streamlined functionality to your home!

What home improvements require a permit?

While we all love a good DIY to feel accomplished and to save on expenses, certain fixes pose risks or require expert execution due to their level of difficulty. For these cases, permits are required.

Here are some examples of home improvements that require a permit:

• Changing your roofline
• Re-roofing structural elements like sheathing, skylights or roofing materials
• Expanding your house in any way or changing the envelope
• Installing electrical wires or adding circuits
• Inserts such as chimneys or fire places
• Windows, skylights or doors that require new openings
• Demolishing a load bearing wall
• Building an addition to your home
• Building a garage or carport
• Installing a new HVAC (furnace, A/C or Whole House Humidifier Installation)
• Installing a new water heater (Tankless Water Heater Installation)

Are home improvements tax deductible?

If you undergo home improvements on your personal residence then your costs are nondeductible personal expenses. However, home improvements provide a tax benefit of reducing tax costs when you sell your home. Home improvements are technically added as a tax basis (the amount of investment into your home.)

How can I increase my home value?

You can increase your home’s value with new or partial installations, improved landscaping, interior design elements, remodeling, renovating and more!

What’s the difference between a renovation and remodel?

Renovation involves restoring a state of disrepair to a state of good repair. It involves restoring, repairing or updating existing structures.

Remodeling works to transform the appearance, structure, function or form of something. It involves transforming or improving the existing design and layout of a room.

What adds the most value to your home?

If you want to add upscale value to you home, prepare for the higher prices. Ultimately these fixtures are long lasting and most can be technologically or environmentally beneficial improvements!

Here are some of the best home improvements to increase your home’s value.

• Minor or Major Bathroom Remodels
• Landscaping
• Minor Kitchen Remodel (countertops, cabinets, etc.)
• Exterior Improvements (Front Entry, Vinyl Sliding)
• Open Floor Plans (attic to bedroom conversion is most popular)
• Solar panels on your roof
• Metal Roofing

Budget Home Improvements

If you want to spruce up your place but don’t want to shell out the big bucks, there are lots of quick fixes that will add a splash of color and freshness to your home!

• Paint: whether it’s adding an accent wall in your kitchen or setting up a color scheme for each room, you can greatly add to the aesthetic and feel of your home!
• New Handles or Pulls: from glass, marble to polished nickel these embellishments are great accents to your cabinets and doors and instantly modernize or provide elegance to a room’s theme.
• Light Upgrades: light provides ambiance and mood to the barest rooms! No matter your lighting personality, options range from color lights, Victorian gas lamps, hanging incandescent bulbs, chandeliers and more!
• Smart Technology: a variety of technological advancements can improve the functionality of your home and all of them can even be connected and programmed to follow a schedule on your phone or tablet! Smarts speakers, doorbell and thermostats are popular choices!

Home Improvements for Seniors

If you’re in your golden years and want improvements that will directly benefit your comfort and accessibility to features of your home or you want easy mobility, here are some home improvements for you to consider!

Keep in mind, seniors 62 years and older living in eligible areas and who meet low-income standards are able to receive federal loans and grants for home repairs!

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  Home improvements with senior living in mind can greatly assist in safety, mobility & comfort!

  Walk-In Shower: curbless showers make accessibility easier as it eliminates the threshold that you must step over and also provides wheelchair friendly use. Aside from these logistical benefits, these types of showers have actually become very popular due to their sleek and streamlined look.

• Master Bedroom on First Floor: doesn’t require the use of stairs which decreases risks of falls and assists you when you are too tired to climb.
• Comfort-Height Toilets: toilets that are a few inches higher make getting on and off easier.
• Grab Bar Installations: adding these in bathrooms can prevent falls from slippery floors and tubs.
• Ramps: this is perhaps the most popular improvement as well as the most beneficial for movement in, out and around the home!
• Adjusting Countertops: adjusting the height of countertops can improve food preparation for those in wheelchairs and scooters.
• Slip Resistant Flooring: more traction can be added with linoleum or vinyl floors and also adds a softer surface for a fall. Bamboo and cork are popular choices though they are more expensive options.

If you can’t provide for full fixtures, consider partial ones on areas where you know the extra help is essential and necessary for your comfort! Home improvements are great to implement as they assist in the longevity of your home while keeping fresh with the latest trends on the market!

If you would like to advance the fixtures of your home with home improvements in the Oak Park, Il area contact Emergency Sewer and Drain Experts at 708-934-4115!

When the time comes to replace the water heater, more and more homeowners make the switch to a tankless unit. A tankless water heater can provide for several benefits over standard tank models. The most prominent of these, the provision of a nearly endless supply of hot water, is dependent on the size or number of units you install in your home. Of course, tankless water heaters also have their drawbacks. At Emergency Sewer and Drain Experts, we serve as the premier installer and repair team for any tankless water heater in Oak Park, Il. If this article fails to answer any question, or if you’ve decided to make the switch and want to schedule installation, give us a call at 708-934-4115.

Tankless Water Heater Installation

Before you commit to tankless water heater installation, you should consider all of the relative benefits and drawbacks. Many people simply hear “endless supply of hot water”, and are immediately sold. Tankless water heaters are not magic, however, nor are they without flaws. At the same time, they can certainly represent an excellent choice for many homes. A tankless water heater performs its duty as water passes through it on the way to your shower or sink. This “as-needed” production can save a homeowner money, as a tankless device does not have to keep an entire storage tank of water at a constantly high temperature.

As for tankless water heater installation, you can put them in a great variety of places. Utility rooms, attics, basements, garages, bedrooms, bathrooms, or even an outside wall can host a tankless unit. This presents a clear advantage over traditional water heaters, which require not only enough room to accommodate their size, but more than a foot of clearance on all sides. As for the digital controller that regulates the temperature of your water, you can place it anywhere, even right in the bathroom for those times when you want to soak in an extra-hot bath.

How Does a Tankless Water Heater Work?

These units heat water directly and on-demand, and so have no need of a storage tank. When you turn on your hot water tap, cold water begins to pass through the heater. This signals the ignition of the electric element or gas burner, which can heat between two to five gallons of water in a minute. Gas heaters create more hot water than electric, but heavy usage can stretch the capabilities of any device. If you want to wash a load of clothes and take a shower simultaneously, for example, you may need more than one tankless heater.

Why Tankless Water Heater vs Tank?

There exists no such thing as a perfect water heater, and even the most expensive models have drawbacks. To know whether a tankless device can ideally serve your needs, consider the various pros and cons.

Tankless Water Heater

Advantages

• Save Money on Energy Bills
• Longer Lifespan – Up to 30 years
• Takes Up Less Space
• Constant Supply of Hot Water
• Virtually No Wait for Hot Water

Drawbacks

• Much More Expensive to Purchase
• More Expensive to Install
• Demand from Multiple Sources Can Overcome Output
• Necessitates Multiple Units in High Demand or Large Households

Which Tankless Water Heater Is Better?

Your choice of tankless water heater involves a number of factors. Things to consider include:

• Your Budget
• Your Home’s Size
• Number of People in Your Household
• Whether You Prefer Gas or Electric

Tankless water heaters come in a great variety of price points, from economical models intended for small homes or apartments, to very costly units such as the Rheem RTGH-95DVLN Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater. The size of your home plays a major role, since a small residence can take full advantage of cheaper tankless water heater options. Tankless units come in a great variety of sizes and capacities, and some homes will require more than one unit. Your preference between gas and electric devices also matters a great deal. Though most people spring for gas, electric units have their benefits. While a gas heater is more cost-efficient and heats water faster than an electric model, electric heaters are cheaper to purchase and do not require a rooftop vent. Aside from the additional labor involved with vent installation, it also creates one more point of concern for your next roof inspection.

Common Questions About Tankless Water Heaters

Are Tankless Water Heaters Better?

This depends entirely on situational factors. If you have a small house, or can afford multiple units, a tankless water heater may represent a perfect solution for continuous hot water. If you have a limited budget, standard water heaters are cheaper to purchase, cheaper to install, and require less costly repairs.

Is Tankless Water Heater Gas or Electric?

Tankless water heaters are available in both gas and electric models. The kind you choose should depend both on preference, and the cost of utilities in your area.

How Big of a Tankless Hot Water Heater Do I Need?

This choice will depend on your expected flow rate — i.e. how many gallons of water per minute you expect to need heated — and the desired temperature of the water. A handy online guide can help you determine this for your own household.

Do Tankless Water Heaters Need Maintenance?

Yes. Just as with a standard water heater, you should schedule annual maintenance to ensure the optimal operation and continued health of your device. Unless you have a whole house water softener, the water that passes through your heaters, both standard and tankless, will contain some amount of calcium and magnesium. These minerals will gradually coat your heating element or plug water passageways to limit your heater’s ability to function. The primary purpose of maintenance is to “descale” your heater, and remove the accumulated sediment.

How Long Does a Tankless Water Heater Last?

If properly maintained with annual maintenance, a tankless water heater can last for 20 to 30 years.

At Emergency Sewer and Drain Experts, we are the local experts for the installation, repair, and maintenance of any tankless water heater in Oak Park, Il. For additional questions, service requests, or installation appointments, give us a call today at 708-934-4115.

 

One of the things we use every single day in our homes is water. We use it to wash dishes, take a shower, cook, and clean our clothes. Because water is such an integral part of our day, it’s important to have a water heater that is able to deliver the very best water for our homes. There are tons of water heaters on the market, so choosing one can be kind of difficult. Everyone always wants to know the best water heater, but each water heater has their own characteristics that make them unique. Depending on what you are looking for in a water heater will depend on what you consider the best water heater. Below is a list of some of the best types of water heaters to make it easier for homeowners to choose from.

What Type of Water Heater Is Best?

• Storage Tank Water Heater: A storage tank water heater, or a conventional water heater, is a water heater that stores and heats water when it is needed. Homeowners are able to get gas and electric storage tank water heaters for their homes.
• Tankless Water Heater: Unlike a storage tank water heater, a tankless water heater only heats up water when you need it. So instead of holding all the water in a tank, it uses coils to heat up water when you turn on your water. While it can be used as an electric water heater, it is preferable to use gas.
• Heat Pump Water Heater: While this isn’t the most common type of water heater, it is certainly the best in terms of energy efficiency. Instead of using electricity or gas to heat up water, a heat pump water heater uses the heat from the air to heat up your water.

For water heater repair in Oak Park, Il, call Emergency Sewer and Drain Experts at 708-934-4115.  If you live in Illinois, it’s important that whether you want water heater repair or electric furnace repair, you get professional service from a licensed technician.

There are many situations where replacing a pipe or a section of your plumbing may become necessary, from a burst water pipe to whole home re-piping. When you find yourself in this situation, you may start to research into different, strong piping solutions for your home. Among these, PVC and PEX piping are currently popular choices for those looking to restore their plumbing. PEX piping is a very flexible piping material used within a home plumbing, made of cross-linked polyethelyne. While PEX is flexible, PVC comes in a variety of durability levels. This is done by the adjustment of the polyvinyl chloride formula when first made. As both of these pipes are flexible, which is best for your home plumbing project?

Which Plumbing Pipe is Best?

PEX and PVC are made of durable plastics and give quality protection. However, because of their construction, they have different benefits to offer your home. It is important to consider the benefits as well as the purpose of the piping when making a final decision on your re-piping project:

• Water Temperature: Your pipes carry hot and cold water to you for your needs. While both of these pipes can deliver the water, PVC has a greater chance of wearing quickly due to the heat. PEX, on the other hand, is designed to deal with hot water.
• Durability: PVC and PEX can handle damage, chemicals, and potential daily wear due to their plastic nature, ensuring you do not have to worry about damage from surrounding issues.
• Versatility: PEX can be formed to fit the space where you require the pipe and need fewer joints in order to get started. They can also connect with various other pipes. PVC on the other hand quires being set into place upon installation, inevitably creating a great seal.
• Cost: Both are relatively low priced for the home, giving you the best bang for your buck. This means you can get your plumbing flowing again at a low cost.

While PVC may not be great for handling your home hot water needs, it is an ideal pipe for outdoor plumbing necessities. need to get started on a repipe or burst pipe repair service today in Oak Park, Il? Emergency Sewer and Drain Experts is always available to assist you! Give us a call today at 708-934-4115 for your plumbing needs.

Your sewer line represents one of the most important pieces of your home’s plumbing system. Problems with the sewer line can quickly become messy catastrophes, so always call for service at the first sign of trouble. If you notice any of the following, you likely have a need for sewer line repairs. 

Bad Smells

A sewer line is sealed and buried several feet below the ground. Because of this, you should never notice the smell of sewage around your property. If you do, then you likely have either a sewer line leak or more serious issue. If you ever notice the telltale stink of a sewer, call a trusted plumber for immediate service.

Yard Issues

Issues in your yard can also serve to signal the need for sewer line repairs. Unusually green patches mean that a leaking sewer line has begun to act as fertilizer for a localized area. You may also notice areas actually soggy from a leaking or burst sewer line. Along with these, the sudden appearance of rodents and insects can result from their attraction to your leaking sewage.

Clogged Drains

A clog in your sewer line will eventually lead to slow drains around the house. If you notice a drain that seems obstructed or clogged, check others in your home. Multiple clogged drains almost always have a shared source down in the sewer line. This represents a serious issue that deserves immediate attention. If you ignore it, you could quickly find yourself with backed up drains filled with sewage.

At Emergency Sewer and Drain Experts, we’re the local experts for sewer line repairs in Oak Park, Il. To  learn more or schedule service, give us a call today at 708-934-4115.

When we are looking to update our home, the first room we tend to renovate is the bathroom. Whether you are looking to make your bathroom more practical or upgrade to new fixtures, bathroom updates have a ton of benefits. So what are the benefits of bathroom updates? Learn more by reading our list of benefits below.

Add More Aesthetic Appeal

Is your bathroom have light fixtures or a bathtub that is from over 30 years ago? Updating your bathroom is a great way to stick with your personal aesthetic and enjoy that way it looks.

Make It More Spacious

A lot of people choose to update their bathrooms because they tend to be on the smaller side. With renovations and updates, you can either make your bathroom bigger or appear much larger.

Better Energy Efficiency

Are you looking to go greener? A perfect way to do this is by updating the appliances and fixtures in your bathroom with more energy efficient items.

Increase Your Home’s Value

Bathrooms are one of the best rooms to update because they add value to your home. Because it’s one of the most used rooms, it’s worth getting it updated. Not only that, if you are planning on selling your property in the future, this could really help.

Fix Problem Areas

This could either be the appliances or fixtures in your bathroom, but it could also apply to anything that is always leaking or needing constant repairs.

If you are interested in bathroom remodeling in Oak Park, Il please call Emergency Sewer and Drain Experts today at 708-934-4115.

As a homeowner you are always looking for ways to save money, including on your water bill. Even a small seemingly minor savings per month can add up to hundreds of dollars per year. At Look no further than Emergency Sewer and Drain Experts, our expert, licensed and professional plumbers are able to identify easy ways you can save water, and thus save you money. Here are a few tips on how to conserve water and help knock down that water bill.

Check the Status of Your Water Heater

If you have a water heater that is more than ten years old, it may be time to replace it. When looking for a replacement water heater, pick one that is energy efficient and saves water. You may want to consider investing in a modern tank-less model.

Use Stove or Microwave to Heat Water

Many people do not know this but if you ever find yourself needing hot water a quick tip, that will save you money on your utility bill, is to heat or boil your water using your microwave or conventional stove. Ding this rather then letting the sink run until the water is hot can result in incredible savings on your monthly water bill.

Turn off the Faucet 

When you are brushing your teeth in the morning, do not leave the water running. Doing this wastes more water than you do when running your dishwasher. To save money next time turn off the water when you are not using it.

Upgrade Your Toilet

If your home has an older model toilet, upgrade and replace it. Many modern toilet models use less water when flushed and are very eco-friendly.

Look For Leaks

Water leaks in your pipes or faucets can be a real hassle. Not only do they waste unnecessary water but water leaks and drippy faucets can cause mold and mildew growth, leading to a whole new set of expensive and nasty problems. Our team of pros at Emergency Sewer and Drain Experts will thoroughly inspect your property and locate any trouble areas.

Call Emergency Sewer and Drain Experts Today!

These are just some easy things that you can do right now to start saving money on your water and utility bills. If you notice any issues in your home, give us a call at 708-934-4115 to schedule an appointment in the Oak Park, Il area today!

So many people don’t think twice about what they are putting down their garbage disposals. This is actually something you should be thinking more about than anything else. With so many different foods that are commonly tossed down the drain, do you ever stop to think about what should or should not be put in there? It seems that this knowledge is not talked about or people just don’t care. The problem with not caring, is, that then pipes end up getting clogged and that means plumbers are having to come out more often and replace garbage disposals or clear out pipes. This is wasting your hard earned money because you can be preventing this. Here are a few common foods that you should not put down your garbage disposal.

Rice – Rice seems like it would be okay because it is small and squishy, but that is actually part of the problem. When food like rice gets wet, it expands and ends up filling drains and clogging them over time. This holds true with many other starchy foods because they expand and end up not letting other food or water move through the pipes.

Bones – This one might seem like common sense, but people still do it anyway and think they will go away. The only thing that will go away is your garbage disposal because, it will be broken.

Grease – If you put grease down your drain, it will end up getting clogged and things will get stuck in it. Just because you cannot see it anymore, doesn’t mean it is not there still.

If you need a plumbing repair, call Emergency Sewer and Drain Experts at 708-934-4115 and we will be happy to help you.