Author: Maximum Plumbing

Tips to Avoid Rising Water Costs

If homeowners notice their water bills rising, there are several steps they can take to reduce their household’s water usage and save money on water bills. This post will share some simple ways to save on water costs, including reducing how much water is used for essential tasks, installing water-saving plumbing fixtures, and repairing leaks quickly.

Reduce Water Usage

One way for households to reduce their water bills is by decreasing how much water is used on essential or daily tasks. Households can use the following tips to reduce the amount of water they are using inside their home:

• Turn off the water while brushing their teeth and shaving
• Use the dishwasher instead of washing all the dishes by hand
• Take shorter showers
• Wait until there is a full load of laundry or dishes in the washing machine and dishwasher instead of doing numerous small loads

Property owners should also take steps to reduce the amount of water they use outside the home, such as:

• Don’t water the lawn and plants in the middle of the day when it’s hottest, and the water will evaporate faster, requiring more water to be used. Instead, water the yard in the morning.
• Install an irrigation controller to reduce the amount of water that gets used by the sprinkler system. It will also allow them to be set on a schedule to avoid watering at the wrong times.
• Avoid watering the lawn and outdoor plants when it rains to prevent wasting water.

Install Water Saving Plumbing Fixtures

Another easy and highly effective way for property owners to conserve water and save on water bills is to replace their old, inefficient plumbing fixtures with new, water-saving fixtures. These plumbing fixtures provide homeowners with the same conveniences and comforts they are used to while using less water. Some common types of water-saving devices are:

• Water-saving toilets, such as gravity-assist toilets, dual flush toilets, etc.
• Low-flow showerheads that can come in many styles and allow for good water pressure while using less water
• Low-flow faucets also come in many styles and can mix air with water to reduce water usage while maintaining good water pressure

Schedule Water Leak Repair as Soon as Possible

Homeowners should also quickly identify any water leaks and call for water leak detection and repair to stop water waste and reduce water bills. The longer a leak persists, the more water is wasted, and more money will be spent on water costs. Some common signs that can indicate a water leak include:

• Higher than usual water bills
• A drop in water pressure
• Water stains or wet spots on the walls, ceilings, or floors
• Musty odors or signs of mold
• The sound of water running when fixtures are off

Additionally, homeowners can use their water meter when all the plumbing fixtures and water-using appliances are off to identify a leak. As soon as a water leak is suspected, homeowners should schedule professional leak repair and leak detection services with a plumber. The faster the leak is detected and repaired, the more money can be saved and the better the chance homeowners have of avoiding costly water damage.

About Maximum Plumbing

Maximum Plumbing is a commercial and residential plumbing company serving Florence and surrounding areas. They offer straightforward pricing, the latest technology, and a beneficial membership program. Call them for plumbing services in Florence, KY.

What Is a Sump Pump?

When homeowners think about plumbing fixtures and devices, they shouldn’t overlook the importance of having a sump pump. Sump pumps are devices that automatically pump water out of a sump pit to prevent flooding and water damage. These systems also play a huge part in protecting homes by keeping water away from the foundation. This post will explain how sump pumps work, their benefits, the different types, and how to keep them working well.

Sump Pumps and Their Benefits Explained

Sump pumps play a crucial role in keeping homes dry and preventing flooding, as well as the negative consequences of flooding, like water damage, foundation damage, and mold and mildew growth. These units remove and pump water away from the home when water accumulates in a sump pump basin.

The sump pump, activated by a float switch when the water reaches a certain level in the basin or sump pit, pumps the water out of the pit and away from the house through a discharge pipe to a designated area where it can drain harmlessly. This process not only prevents water damage and flooding but protects the structural integrity of the home and reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth, contributing to a safer and healthier living environment. 

Common Types of Sump Pumps

Homeowners have options when it comes to selecting a sump pump. Two of the most common types of primary sump pumps are submersible and pedestal pumps. Here are some of their differences: 

• Submersible sump pumps: As their name suggests, the motor for these pumps is submerged in the sump pit. While they are typically more expensive and have a shorter lifespan than pedestal pumps, they also have several advantages. Submersible sump pump systems are more powerful and operate quieter than pedestal pumps. 
• Pedestal sump pumps: The motor of these pumps is above the sump pit. While this can cause more noise when they operate, it can also make it easier for plumbers to access them for maintenance and repairs. They are also less powerful than submersible pumps but are typically less expensive and have a longer lifespan than submersible pumps. 

Ways to Ensure the Sump Pump Works Well

Homeowners must ensure their sump pump works correctly so it’s prepared to protect the home before a major storm occurs. Property owners should call a plumber to conduct regular sump pump maintenance to keep them operational. Homeowners can also perform routine tests to ensure the sump pump works, especially before the rainy season starts.  

Testing can be as simple as pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit until the float switch triggers the pump and starts to remove the water. This method checks the pump’s operation and helps assess its speed in water removal. Installing a backup for the sump pump is also a crucial step that can ensure the home remains protected from flooding, even during a power outage. 

About Maximum Plumbing

Maximum Plumbing is a residential and commercial plumbing company serving Florence and the surrounding areas. They provide flat rate pricing, the latest technology, and customer education. Call them for sump pump installation and services in Florence, KY. 

What Does Plumbing Maintenance Entail?

Homeowners do not want to deal with unexpected plumbing issues. From clogged drains to malfunctioning water heaters, these problems can quickly leave homeowners without essential plumbing appliances and systems.

Fortunately, homeowners can help avoid these problems by scheduling routine plumbing maintenance services. This article will explain things that should be done as a part of plumbing maintenance and their benefits.  

Drain Cleaning

When blocked drains or clogged sewer lines occur, homeowners should call a plumber to quickly and safely remove the clog and get the system flowing properly again. Experts can use numerous techniques to remove the blockage, such as a drain snake and hydro jetting. But hydro jetting can also be used for clog prevention since it uses water at a high pressure from a special nozzle to not only blast through clogs but also remove debris in the line that could lead to a clog. 

Property owners can also do some drain cleaning of their own to help prevent blockages between professional drain cleanings, including using baking soda and vinegar and then hot water. However, homeowners should avoid using chemical drain cleaners. These can cause harm to plumbing systems, including corroding the pipes and causing leaks. 

Schedule Maintenance With a Pro

One of the best ways homeowners can avoid unexpected issues in their plumbing system is to schedule routine plumbing maintenance with a plumber. These services can provide many benefits to households, including locating potential problems before they get larger, preventing issues, helping extend the plumbing’s lifespan, and saving money by catching leaks and other issues before they turn into more costly problems. 

During maintenance appointments, plumbers will perform numerous tasks, including:

• Performing a general inspection of the system
• Checking for issues like leaks, clogs, and corrosion
• Checking the water pressure 
• Inspecting the faucets, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures
• Inspecting and testing the shut-off valves

Water Heater Maintenance

Households rely on water heaters to provide hot water but to keep the water heating system running correctly, homeowners need to schedule routine water heater maintenance services. During these appointments, plumbers will perform tasks such as:

• Draining and flushing the water heater to remove sediment 
• Inspecting the anode rod and replacing it if necessary
• Checking the water heater for issues like leaks or corrosion and rust
• Testing the pressure relief valve

There are many benefits to scheduling routine water heater tune-up services with a plumber. They will help prevent issues, catch problems before they worsen, extend the water heater’s lifespan, and improve efficiency. Routine maintenance also saves homeowners money by lowering water heating costs, avoiding early replacement, and avoiding more costly issues. 

About Maximum Plumbing

Maximum Plumbing is a residential and commercial plumbing company serving Florence, KY, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, the latest technology, and a beneficial membership program. Call them today for plumbing services in Florence, KY. 

Why Install a Whole House Water Filter at Home?

When households turn on the water in their home, they trust that it is pure and healthy. But it might not be as clean as it should be. There can be contaminants in the water – including chlorine and bacteria – that need to be removed. To eliminate these, homeowners can install whole-home water filters. A water filtration system can help prevent contaminants from entering the home’s water supply, keeping family members safe and improving the taste of the water. 

What Do Water Filtration Systems Do?

When homeowners consider a water filter installation, they have numerous systems to choose from. Each system performs different duties and offers various benefits, so property owners need to work with a plumber to determine the best system for their house. But generally, a water filtration system removes contaminants from the home’s water, making it cleaner and safer to drink. 

Some common types of water filtration systems are:

• Whole house carbon filters
• Reverse osmosis systems
• UV water filters
• Alkaline water ionizer
• Water distillation systems 

Benefits of Water Filtration Systems

Whole-house water filters have numerous benefits for households. Some of the top advantages of these systems are:

• Improved taste of the home’s water supply
• No more foul odors from the water
• Removal of harmful contaminants like chlorine, bacteria, and more from the water
• Healthier drinking water by removing dangerous substances
• Cost savings by not needing to purchase bottled water

Signs a Home Needs a Water Filtration System

When determining if a whole-home water filtration system is needed for their household, homeowners can identify signs indicating they need to install one. Plumbers recommend watching for the following symptoms:

• The water has an odd smell. 
• The home’s water tastes bad or off.
• The water has a brown or yellow tint, is otherwise discolored, or appears cloudy.
• Homeowners have concerns about the quality of their home’s water and the contaminants in it.
• The home’s water supply comes from a well.
• The house is old.

If property owners experience these issues, they should call a plumber to have their water quality tested and determine if a water filtration system is needed.

About Maximum Plumbing

Maximum Plumbing is a residential and commercial plumbing company serving Florence, KY, and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward pricing, the latest technology, and a beneficial membership program. Call them today for water filtration system installation in Florence, KY. 

About Tunnel to Towers and Our Donation

Maximum Plumbing, a local plumbing company serving Florence, KY, and the surrounding areas, recently donated $1,200 to Tunnel to Towers Foundation in December 2023. Tunnel to Towers is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to veterans and families of fallen first responders.

The foundation’s name is a reference to Stephen Siller, who was a firefighter who was off duty on September 11, 2001, when he heard about a plane hitting the North Tower of the World Trade Center over his scanner. He got his gear and drove to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, which was closed. He then ran on foot with 60 pounds of gear through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he lost his life while saving others.

In honor of his sacrifice, the foundation provides mortgage-free homes for Gold Star families and families of fallen first responders. The foundation also builds specially adapted smart homes for injured veterans and first responders. These homes are designed to make life easier for the veterans and their families. Tunnel to Towers is also committed to helping eradicate veteran homelessness. The foundation provides financial assistance to veterans struggling to find or maintain housing.

About Maximum Plumbing

Maximum Plumbing is a residential and commercial plumbing company serving Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati Area. They offer flat-rate pricing, the latest technology, and honest and quality work with every job. Contact them for plumbing services in Florence, KY.

Why Install a Sump Pump? 

This year, many items might be on homeowners’ to-do lists. Plumbers are making a case to add another thing – a sump pump. There are many benefits to installing a sump pump. These appliances prevent major flood damage in homes, letting homeowners avoid costly repairs. Keep reading to learn the advantages of a sump pump installation, the most popular types of systems, and why homes need a secondary pump. 

Benefits of a Sump Pump

There are many reasons for homeowners to install a sump pump. These systems prevent heavy rain or excess water from flooding homes and causing costly water damage. This will not only prevent homeowners from spending extra money on home repairs but also save them precious time needed to clean up and repair water damage.

Sump pumps remove water that enters homes by pumping it away from the house and foundation. One essential part of a sump pump system is a sump basin located at the lowest part of a home, where floodwater collects. When the water rises, it will trigger a float switch, which will turn on the system so it can begin removing water and protecting the home. 

Most Common Types of Sump Pumps 

When selecting a sump pump, there are two main types of primary sump pump systems to choose between. They are submersible pumps and pedestal pumps, and there are important differences between these systems that homeowners need to be aware of:

• The submersible sump pump: The motor of a submersible pump is housed in the sump pump basin and runs underwater. Its main benefits are that it’s more powerful and quieter than the other system. 
• The pedestal sump pump: The motor of a pedestal pump sits above the sump pit and doesn’t get wet. Its benefits over the other system are that it’s cheaper to install, has a longer lifespan, and the location of the motor makes it easier to access for maintenance and repairs. 

Why Install a Secondary Pump or Sump Pump Backup?

A secondary or backup sump pump can also be very beneficial to protect households. If a blackout occurs and a home loses power, homeowners can rely on the backup system to take over and prevent flooding. Secondary sump pumps are also useful for homes that experience heavy rains and flooding. If there is too much water for one system to handle, the secondary unit can help pump out the water. 

Backup sump pumps are also helpful if the primary pump breaks down or the sump pump float switch is broken. When it malfunctions, the secondary pump can kick in and pump out the water to prevent flooding. Some backup options for a sump pump system include a battery backup for the sump pump and a water-powered sump pump backup. 

About Maximum Plumbing

The team at Maximum Plumbing are reliable plumbing experts serving Florence, KY, and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward pricing, the latest technology, and a beneficial membership program. Call them today for sump pump installation and repair in Florence, KY. 

Why Winterize Your Hose Bibs?

Hose bibs, also known as outdoor faucets or spigots, are the valves that control water flow to garden hoses. During the winter months, temperatures can drop below freezing, causing any water left in these pipes to freeze and expand. This expansion can lead to burst pipes, leaks, and costly damage to a home, leaving homeowners without a functioning outdoor faucet and leading to water damage because the water from a burst pipe can seep into the home’s foundation and cause further damage.

How to Prepare Hose Bibs for Winter

Winterizing hose bibs is a simple task that can save time, money, and headaches in the long run. Follow these steps to prepare a hose bib for winter:

1. Shut off the water supply: Locate the shut-off valve for the outdoor faucets and turn it off.
2. Detach hoses: Next, detach garden hoses from the spigots, making sure to drain them before putting them into storage.
3. Drain the water: Drain any remaining water from the hose bibs by opening the valve and allowing the water to run out.
4. Store hoses: After disconnecting and draining garden hoses, store them in a warm, dry place to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.
5. Leave outdoor faucets open: Once removing and storing garden hoses, turn any outdoor spigots or hose bibs to the “on” position and leave them open for the winter. This will prevent ice from expanding inside a closed system where it could crack or damage the pipe or hose bib.
6. Insulate and cover: Wrap outdoor faucets with insulating material, such as foam covers, to provide extra protection against freezing temperatures, or use insulated faucet covers. These covers protect the hose bib and pipes from snow and freezing temperatures.

Properly preparing hose bibs for winter is an important task that should not be overlooked. It can prevent costly damage and ensure they will continue functioning correctly in the spring. Don’t wait until the first snowfall to take action. Start preparing hose bibs now and add this task to the winter preparation checklist to avoid unnecessary headaches or expenses and enjoy a stress-free winter season!

About Maximum Plumbing

Maximum Plumbing is a local plumbing company serving Florence and Northern Kentucky. They offer flat-rate pricing, customer education, and the latest technology. Call them today for a burst pipe or leak repair in Florence, KY.

How to Avoid Plumbing Issues This Autumn

While many homeowners might stress about walking through a haunted house this Halloween season, others might be focused on something even scarier – a plumbing emergency. When plumbing problems like a burst pipe, malfunctioning water heater, or clogged drain occur at a house, it can leave property owners scrambling to get urgent repairs, treat water damage and flooding, and handle all the harmful effects of the problem. In this post, plumbers provide tips for how households can avoid these problems, including how to prevent clogs and why scheduling maintenance services is essential.

Avoid Clogs With These Easy Tips

Clogged drains and sewer lines are common nuisances in households. While showering in standing water or dealing with a clogged sink can be uncomfortable for homeowners to deal with, it can also be prevented. But if households do notice slow-draining sinks, backed-up toilets, or other signs of clogged drains or clogged sewer lines, they need to schedule drain cleaning services to remove blockages. Hydro jet drain cleaning services can also be used to clean the lines and prevent clogs.

Additionally, to help prevent clogs, households need to avoid putting the wrong items down the sink drains, even ones with garbage disposals. Some examples of food scraps that should never go down the sink are bones, eggshells, pasta or rice, starchy foods, coffee grounds, and grease and oil. 

Another way to avoid blockages and sewer line clogs is to only flush waste and toilet paper down the toilets. In particular, families should never flush paper towels, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, diapers, cotton balls or swabs, and other items. To avoid having the wrong things flushed, homeowners should place a small trash can in the bathroom where items can be tossed. 

Schedule Regular Plumbing Maintenance 

While plumbers have a lot of different tips for ways homeowners can prevent plumbing problems, one of the most essential tips is scheduling routine plumbing maintenance services, usually around once a year. These appointments let experts inspect the plumbing system and look for leaks and other defects. If they detect these early, they can repair the problems quickly before they lead to larger issues. 

Plumbers will also inspect the home’s plumbing fixtures, like the water heater and toilets, to ensure everything is working correctly. Regular plumbing maintenance has many benefits, such as preventing problems, extending the lifespan of the plumbing, and saving homeowners money.  

Book Routine Water Heater Maintenance 

Households rely on water heaters every day to provide hot water for daily tasks, including baths, showers, and dishwasher and washing machine cycles. If water heaters malfunction, it can inconvenience a household greatly, so regular maintenance at least once a year on them is essential. 

During these appointments, experts will clean and flush the tank, check the system for leaks or defects, inspect the pressure relief valves, check the anode rod, and ensure everything works correctly and efficiently. Water heater maintenance is beneficial as it will prevent issues, help prolong the system’s lifespan, improve its efficiency, and reduce energy bills. 

About Maximum Plumbing

Maximum Plumbing is a reliable plumbing company serving Florence and the Greater Cincinnati Area. They offer straightforward pricing, the latest technology, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for plumbing services in Florence, KY. 

Maximum Plumbing CEO Donald Hoskins Is a Next Gen All Star Top 20 Under 40 Winner

Maximum Plumbing, a plumbing business located in Florence, KY, is proud to announce that its CEO, Donald Hoskins, has been chosen as a 2023 Next Gen All Star Top 20 Under 40 winner by Supply House Times. This award recognizes professionals 40 years old or younger for their contribution to the plumbing industry.

Donald Hoskins is a third-generation plumber who has been in the plumbing industry for 10 years. As CEO, he has led the company to tremendous growth and success, establishing it as a leading plumbing service provider in the region. He also teaches people new to the plumbing trade at the Enzweiler Institute in Covington, KY, helping more young people begin their plumbing journey.

In addition to giving back to other plumbers, Donald has given back to his community using Maximum Plumbing to donate thousands of dollars to Go Pantry, which is a nonprofit feeding hungry kids outside of school hours. He also plans to donate thousands more to animal shelters and Tunnels 2 Towers, a nonprofit providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young kids and building specially adapted smart homes for injured veterans and first responders.

Being chosen as a 2023 Next Gen All Star is a testament to Donald’s dedication and hard work, as well as his vision for the future of the plumbing industry. In addition to this award, Donald has also received numerous other accolades throughout his career, including his company Maximum Plumbing being named a 2023 Spark Awards winner by Better Business Bureau Cincinnati.

Maximum Plumbing, a plumbing business located in Florence, KY, announced that it has been named a 2023 Spark Awards winner by Better Business Bureau Cincinnati.

BBB® Cincinnati has recognized Maximum Plumbing for the company’s commitment to integrity and ethical business practices. Maximum Plumbing was selected by a panel of local business leaders for the organization’s character-driven operations, extraordinary workplace culture, and dedication to the community.

The owner of Maximum Plumbing, Donald Hoskins, said this about the award:

“We are honored to have been recognized by BBB for our ethical business practices and the integrity with which we serve our clientele. This is a testament to who we are and what we strive to be. It is not an individual award, but truly a team award. It is also a testament to our great clients. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.”

Launched in 2019, the BBB Spark Awards celebrate outstanding young entrepreneurs, business owners, and startup founders (35 years old or younger) and distinguished new businesses (in operation for three years or less). Spark Awards winners were revealed live onstage at the 2023 Torch Awards for Ethics and Spark Awards Gala on Wednesday, October 4, at Cincinnati Art Museum.

“This year’s Spark Awards winners are an extraordinary class of young and innovative entrepreneurs leading their companies with drive, character, and trust,” said Jocile Ehrlich, president and CEO of BBB Cincinnati. “We’re proud to honor these emerging leaders with a distinction they can proudly display as they advance in their careers.”