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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.”

Ways to Avoid Drain Clogs

Clogged drains and sewer lines on a property can lead to major headaches for homeowners. These issues can cause massive messes that must be cleaned, blocked drains, clogged toilets, bad smells, and slow draining.

Fortunately, homeowners can prevent sewer line blockages by following simple tips from plumbers. Drain cleaning experts recommend that property owners schedule regular drain cleaning services, install mesh drain screens, and avoid putting certain types of foods down the sink.

Drain Cleaning

Plumbers recommend that homeowners schedule routine drain cleaning services to avoid sewer line blockages. These preventative services can remove debris and sediment that has built up in the lines and keep the water flowing properly through the pipes. These services can also be used to clear existing clogs. 

During these sewer line cleanout services, plumbers can also inspect the sewer line and look for larger blockages and defects, like tree roots. If large obstructions like these are spotted, professionals may need to perform specialized methods to remove them, like hydro jet drain cleaning, before performing any necessary repair. 

If plumbers suspect cracks or other defects are present, they might also opt to perform sewer video inspections. These examinations will reveal the extent and location of clogs and other issues, so plumbers know if repairs need to be made and where to do them. After plumbers perform drain cleaning services, they can provide additional tips on preventing blockages from forming in the future.

Mesh Drain Screens

A common cause of sewer line blockages is debris that goes down the drains. This can include everyday things like soap residue, food particles, and even hair. Plumbers suggest homeowners install mesh drain screens to prevent this debris from going down the drains and forming clogs. 

These can be used in the drains of showers, bathtubs, bathroom sinks, and kitchen sinks. Drain screens are cheap and easy to install, remove, and maintain, making them a good option for homeowners to add and clean themselves to prevent clogged sewer lines.

Avoid Putting Food Waste Down the Kitchen Sink Drain

Another common cause of sewer line blockages is food scraps that go down the kitchen sink drain. This may happen frequently in households, especially if families have a garbage disposal since homeowners might mistakenly think all food scraps can go down the disposal. However, plumbers recommend food get thrown in the trash to prevent clogs. 

Certain types of foods should never go down the drain, even one with a garbage disposal. These can include cooking fats and grease, which can form clogs when solidifying as they cool. Plumbers also recommend never putting eggshells, pasta, rice, starchy vegetables, fruit peels, stringy vegetables, bones, and meat down the drain. If property owners suspect they have a clog, they should call a plumber to schedule drain cleaning services and clogged drain repairs.

About Maximum Plumbing

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

Plumbing Basics You Need to Know

Plumbing issues can cause water damage and quickly cause major problems for homeowners. Property owners need to understand the basics of how their plumbing system works and some vital information to avoid potentially messy and expensive repairs. This can include how to spot the signs of a problem and the importance of plumbing maintenance. This post will share some plumbing basics to help people take better care of their plumbing and save money.

Water Saving Plumbing Fixtures

Homeowners might not realize it, but their plumbing fixtures can be costing them money. If their faucets, shower heads, bathtubs, and toilets are old and running inefficiently, have leaks, or are otherwise malfunctioning, it can result in wasted water and higher water bills. However, there are ways property owners can solve this issue and save money.

One way is to schedule plumbing fixture installations of water-efficient fixtures, like new water-saving toilets. Dual-flush toilets are one type of water-saving toilet that conserves water using two different flushing options. Water-saving showerheads and faucets can also save property owners money on water costs. Low-flow showerheads provide adequate water pressure while helping to conserve water. Water-saving faucets have faucet aerators that can reduce the water flow from a tap to reduce water bills.

Common Signs of Plumbing Problems

In order to avoid expensive water damage and other consequences of a plumbing emergency, homeowners need to be able to spot the signs that indicate a problem with their plumbing system. Some common signs a plumber is needed are:

• Noise from the plumbing can be due to many problems, such as a leak, sediment buildup in the water heater, or water hammer. A plumber needs to inspect the system to determine the exact cause.
• Low water pressure from fixtures can be caused by various issues, including leaks or clogs.
• Foul odors from drains can indicate a clog, blockage, or an issue with the garbage disposal.
• Slow-draining sinks can signal there’s a clog in the pipe.
• High water bills indicate a leak is wasting water and costing homeowners money.

The Importance of Routine Plumbing Maintenance

In order to prevent plumbing issues and avoid plumbing emergencies, homeowners need to schedule routine plumbing maintenance. Plumbing maintenance also extends the life of the plumbing. It helps save homeowners money by preventing issues, improving the water heater’s efficiency, and catching problems like leaks early before they can waste more water and money. During plumbing maintenance services, plumbers can check the system and look for signs of wear and tear and other issues that need repair.

During a plumbing inspection, plumbers will perform many tasks, including:

• Check for leaks and water damage
• Examine the pipes to look for rust or corrosion
• Check the fixtures like faucets, shower heads, toilets, bathtubs, and sinks for problems
• Determine if there are clogs in the pipes. If there are buildups, they will perform drain cleaning services.
• Perform water heater maintenance, including flushing the tank and inspecting the unit for signs of wear and tear and corrosion.

About Maximum Plumbing

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