Archive for the ‘Plumbing’ Category

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Champaign IL Bathroom Plumbing: What is the U-Shaped Pipe Under My Sink?

Friday, May 17th, 2013

The plumbing in our homes, particularly in our bathrooms, is one of the most important systems therein. Modern plumbing makes our lives incredibly convenient and keeps our homes hygienic. Despite the immense importance of this plumbing system and the role it plays in our day to day lives, many homeowners have no real understanding of the various components that make up their plumbing systems. While any plumbing services should be completed by a qualified professional, the plumbers at Lanz Heating & Cooling think you should learn a few basics. Here is some information about an important part of your Champaign, IL bathroom plumbing system.

The U-shaped pipe beneath the sink in your bathroom is called a drain trap. This piece of piping is not only present beneath your bathroom sink; there should be a drain trap beneath every sink in your home. While many homeowners may be confused as to why there is a curved pipe beneath their sink, there is very good reason for it. While you may think that this pipe may be better off straightened out, it is actually the shape of the drain trap that allows it to function.

As water goes down your drain, the drain trap keeps a bit of water stored in the bend of the pipe. This helps to stop sewer odors and gases from coming back up out of your sink. Such odors are not only very unpleasant, but can also be dangerous under the right conditions. These gases can contain methane, and extended exposure to methane is very undesirable. The sewer trap beneath your sink, like many other plumbing components, is far more important than many homeowners understand.

If you are curious about any other plumbing fixtures in your home, contact the Champaign, IL bathroom plumbing pros at Lanz Heating & Cooling. Our licensed plumbers can answer any questions that you may have. Should you experience any problems with the plumbing in your home, it is important to contact a qualified professional immediately. In the meantime, get to know the various components of your plumbing system a little better. Contact us today for more information.

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Champaign, IL Kitchen Plumbing: What Not To Put Down Your Garbage Disposal

Monday, April 15th, 2013

Your kitchen plumbing system is a huge part of your daily life. You probably use it on a daily basis to make food or wash dishes. The garbage disposal in your kitchen sink is an incredible convenience that allows you to easily dispose of food scraps. The kitchen sink is a common place for clogs because people often put things down them that they shouldn’t. If you need at Champaign, IL kitchen plumbing repair call the friendly technicians at Lanz Heating and Cooling. We thought it would be very helpful if we put together a quick list of the things that you shouldn’t put down your garbage disposal.

What Not To Put Down Your Garbage Disposal

  • Stringy foods – Stringy food items like celery shouldn’t go down your garbage disposal. The long fibers can get wrapped around the motor of your garbage disposal.
  • Starchy foods – Pasta, rice and potato skins shouldn’t be put down your garbage disposal. Starches tend to expand when they come in contact with water. When they get down into your pipes they can expand and cause clogs.
  • Fruit pits – Large fruit pits like avocado or peach pits shouldn’t go down your garbage disposal. While many people think that their garbage disposal is indestructible, it actually can jam on those types of large items.
  • Animal bones – A good rule to remember for your garbage disposal is that if you can’t chew it up it probably shouldn’t go down your garbage disposal. Chicken bones or steak bones should not go down your garbage disposal.

Why Get Regular Kitchen Plumbing Maintenance

With all the use that your kitchen plumbing system gets it is probably a good idea to get it regularly inspected and cleaned out. Call the Champaign, IL kitchen plumbing maintenance and repair plumbers at Lanz Heating and Cooling. If you haven’t been watching what you put down your kitchen sink there could be clogs forming in your kitchen plumbing. By scheduling regular drain cleaning you could be able to remove those clogs before they actually cause any problems.

The Champaign, IL kitchen plumbing repair and maintenance pros at Lanz Heating and Cooling are able to provide you with complete plumbing services.

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Champaign, IL Repiping & Pipe Repair

Monday, April 1st, 2013

Have you noticed a significant drop in water pressure or excessive corrosion on your piping? While plumbing problems depend on a number of factors, it may be necessary to run new pipe in your home, rather than continue to perform only temporary repairs. Repiping is a major undertaking, but it may necessary in cases when there has been significant systemic damage to your home plumbing. If you find yourself making frequent repairs to your plumbing or if its age and condition concern you, speak to your local professional about your options. For Champaign, IL repiping and pipe repair, call Lanz Heating & Cooling today!

Let’s take a look at a few pipe problems that could indicate you need repiping:

  • Corrosion. While most materials used by plumbers today are excellent at resisting corrosion, such as copper and PVC, older homes may have used iron for piping, which can often become corroded and lead to cracks and perforations in the pipes. The risk of corrosion depends upon the mineral composition of your water, the design, age, and condition of your piping, and these factors vary from home to home.
  • Low water pressure. If your water pressure is significantly low, then it could indicate a serious problem with your pipes, such as accumulated mineral deposits or some other blockage. While the symptoms of low water pressure are relatively easy to spot, the causes vary widely, but repiping may be necessary if the issue is systemic.
  • Water color. If you notice brown or rusty colored water coming out of your faucets and fixtures, then it may indicate a systemic problem with your piping. If it only occurs when you turn on your hot water, then it probably indicates a problem with your water heater. However, if it occurs when you use both cold and hot water, then it may be time to repipe your home.

These are only several things to look out for. While repiping can be a major undertaking, it may also be necessary for the safety and comfort of your home. For Champaign, IL repiping and pipe repair, call the specialists at Lanz Heating & Cooling today!

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Lanz Heating & Cooling, Inc. Earns Esteemed 2012 Angie’s List Super Service Award

Thursday, February 28th, 2013

We did it again! Thank you to all of our loyal customers who have continued to support our business and rank us highly with review sites such as Angie’s List. We are forever grateful! Check out the full press release from Angie’s List below! As always, we appreciate your feedback, so feel free to let us know how we are doing using our easy online survey. Thank you again!

 

Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

Lanz Heating & Cooling, Inc. has earned the service industry-coveted 2012 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor awarded annually to approximately 5 percent of all the companies rated on Angie’s List, the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies.

Lanz Heating and Cooling has been serving customers in the greater Champaign-Urbana area since 2002, offering heating, cooling, plumbing, duct cleaning, and commercial refrigeration services. Lanz, Inc. kicked off 2013 with extended hours, now servicing homes from 8AM-8PM, Monday through Friday, and 8AM-6PM on Saturdays.

“In our ten years of business,” stated owner Troy Lanz, “we have been named dealer of the year multiple times and have been accredited by the Better Business Bureau, but the Angie’s List Super Service Award means so much more because it came from our customers. Angie’s List has been a great tool for us in evaluating the teamwork, honesty, and integrity of the entire staff.”

“It’s a select group of companies rated on Angie’s List that can claim the exemplary customer service record of being a Super Service Award winner,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “Our standards for the Super Service Award are quite high. The fact that Lanz Heat & Cooling, Inc. earned this recognition speaks volumes about its dedication providing great service to its customers.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2012 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, including earning a minimum number of reports, an excellent rating from their customers and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality. Members can find the 2012 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

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Champaign IL Plumbing Tip: The Importance of Routine Backflow Prevention Device Testing

Monday, December 17th, 2012

Access to clean running water in our homes has become so commonplace and expected that we tend to give it little thought. Just because there is a dependable supply of water to your Champaign IL home, though, does not necessarily guarantee the quality and safety of that water. A backflow prevention device can help ensure that water in your home is clean and pure for consumption and use by you and your family. It is necessary to have this backflow prevention device routinely inspected and tested to be sure it is operating properly. Contact Lanz Heating & Cooling to have your backflow prevention device tested today.

Backflow in your plumbing system allows your drinking water flow to be reversed. If an exit drain backflows into your water supply line the water that is normally fine for consumption in your home can be contaminated by chemicals and wastewater. A backflow prevention device, when properly maintained, will keep this from happening. In the event of a sudden drop in water pressure your backflow preventer is responsible for keeping your water supply safe. A series of locks will prevent back-siphonage from contaminating your water.

As with any other system, though, parts and components suffer wear and tear and can degrade overtime. If you fail to have your backflow prevention device routinely tested you have no way of knowing that it will operate properly when you need it to. Do not take any chances with the quality of your drinking water. Have your backflow prevention device inspected today.

For more information about how your backflow prevention device operates or why routine testing is so important contact Lanz Heating & Cooling. We want to help keep your water supply in Champaign IL safe. Let us answer any questions you may still have about the necessity of routing backflow prevention device testing.

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The Importance of Water Testing in Champaign, IL

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

At Lanz Heating & Cooling, we know how important it is to you and your family to have access to fresh, clean water in Champaign, IL. Whether you are on a municipal system or a well, here are some questions to ask and reasons to get your water tested. Once we test, we can choose the right water treatment system for your home.

Have you recently bought a new home?

If you have recently bought a new home or you are looking at homes, have the water tested. There could be a number of contaminants, from lead to nitrates. Know what’s in the water before you buy.

Are there known lead issues?

If your home plumbing system is old or contains lead pipes, you should have your water tested on a routine basis. Most of the time, plumbers will recommend replacing lead pipes, but testing will ensure that there’s no lead in your fresh water supply.

Does your water cause rust stains or have bad odors?

Any time the water in your home causes excess stains or corrosion in your fixtures, you should test for high iron and manganite levels in your water. Other metals may also be in the water such as zinc or copper.

Do you have a well?

All well pumps should have a screen that protects the pipes from getting clogged, but depending on the size and depth of your well, you may need more routine water testing. If you need a water treatment system for your well, we will ensure that you get the right type for your specific well.

No matter what type of water system you have, the Champaign IL plumbers at Lanz will help you select the right model for your needs and budget. Contact Lanz Heating & Cooling today!

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When to Call for Plumbing Service in Urbana

Monday, November 26th, 2012

There are times when you may be tempted to fix your plumbing problems yourself. However, most plumbing repairs should be done by a professional plumber. While a fix may seem simple, you may end up doing damage to your plumbing system if the job isn’t completed correctly. Even still, knowing when to call your plumber might be a difficult determination to make. We’ve put together a quick guide to help you figure out exactly when you should.

Drain Clogs

A simple toilet clog can usually be fixed with a plunger. Sink clogs can sometimes be fixed using chemicals to dissolve blockages. However, there are certain times when you should call an Urbana plumber to fix your clogs. If you notice that multiple drains are clogging when the water is running then you should definitely call a plumber as this can be a sign of a very serious problem. If your drain clog can’t be fixed using traditional methods then the services of a plumber is probably required.

Running Water

If your faucet is leaking or if your toilet won’t stop running, this is usually a pretty simple fix. However, if you have your sink or toilet fixed but still hear running water this might be the sign of a water leak somewhere deeper in your plumbing system. This problem should always be repaired by a professional.

Leaking Pipes

If you discover that you have a water leak in one of your pipes, this is definitely the job for a professional plumber. The water to your home will need to be shut off and extensive equipment will be required to perform such a repair.

Leaking Water Heater

When your water heater starts leaking it is never a good sign. This can sometimes mean that the inside of your water heater has rusted or corroded. If this is the case, you will most likely have to replace the entire unit. A professional plumber should always be used to install such an expensive and important appliance in your home.

Flooded Basement

If your basement floods, it should be pretty obvious that you need professional assistance. Not only do you need to pump all that water out, but there may have been extensive damage to your home’s foundation and slab. A plumber will be able to inspect the damaged area and determine exactly what needs to be done.

If you have a plumbing issue but aren’t sure, just call one of the friendly Urbana plumbers at Lanz Heating & Cooling, Inc. We can answer any questions you have and walk you through the process. Contact Lanz Heating & Cooling, Inc. today!

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Does your home have smelly drains? Try these methods to freshen them up!

Friday, November 9th, 2012

When you think about all the stuff we put down our drains, it’s not a surprise that odors can build up inside them. Food, hair, and bacteria are just a few examples of the things that contribute to smelly drains. But just because our drains can get smelly doesn’t mean we can’t do anything about it! Below are some tips for Champaign, Urbana area homeowners on how to prevent and control smelly drains in your home.

Smelly Drains: Prevention Method

Minimize food down the drain. Food is one of the most common reasons for smelly drains, especially in sinks without garbage disposals. If you don’t have a garbage disposal, minimize the amount of food that goes into your drain by using a stopper when you wash dishes and discarding food scraps into the trash or compost. If you do have a disposal, make sure to always use it with running water to make sure the food scraps get all the way down the drain.

Use a strainer. Strainers can be installed in your shower and in any sinks in your home for just a few dollars. These allow water to flow down the drain while trapping larger objects like hair and food.

Smelly Drains: Solutions

Ice cubes. If you already have smelly drains in a sink with a garbage disposal, try putting some ice cubes down the drain. Grind them up until you don’t hear a crushing sound anymore and wash it away with water. You can follow this up with a few pieces of lemon.

Baking soda. Baking soda is a tried and true substance for controlling odors. You can add baking soda to any of your smelly drains and let it sit for around 20 minutes. Wash it down with a pot of boiling water (be careful) and see if it gets rid of the problem.

Citrus. Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges are very potent, which makes them great for fighting off bad smells in your drains. You can add a few slices to your garbage disposal every couple of weeks to keep your drains smelling fresh. However, be careful not to overdue this method because the acidic content of the fruits can cause damage to your pipes if done to often.

If you have any questions about smelly drains, or if you’d like a plumbing system serviced or installed in your home, contact Lanz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing serving Champaign, Urbana and surrounding area.

 

Troy Lanz

 

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Integrity

Friday, November 2nd, 2012

What does the word integrity mean to you?  When looking up the definition, the dictionary says it means honesty and truthfulness or accuracy of one’s actions.   Here at Lanz Heating, Cooling and Plumbing, we strongly believe in basing this company around integrity.

As our customers all over the Champaign/Urbana area call us with their concerns and problems with their HVAC systems or plumbing needs, they are putting their trust within our technicians to come to their homes and diagnose the issues honestly and as accurately as possible to ensure safety for their families.  Each one of our NATE certified technician’s/plumber’s takes pride in doing just that!

Although practicing integrity is a priority here at Lanz Heating, Cooling and Plumbing, as humans we still make mistakes from time to time, but we can guarantee that we will not stop until your problem is resolved.  Each day is a learning experience for most of us no matter what field we work in!  As we are faced with these difficulties, we know that we work for a company where the training never rests.  This is how we can promise each of you that we are a company of integrity.

By: Shannon Farmer

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Champaign Plumbing Basics

Monday, October 15th, 2012

There are a lot of pipes, drains, fixtures and appliances in your Champaign home carrying out some pretty incredible tasks. For most people, plumbing is just another system that makes their lives easier. But, if something goes wrong, it’s important that you know exactly what to do and for that, you need to know how your system works.

Fundamental Plumbing

Plumbing is based entirely on the properties of gravity and water pressure. A plumbing system has two basic systems – one that brings water in and one that removes that water once you’ve used it. To bring water into your home, it is pressurized. With enough pressure, it can travel against gravity, rising in the pipes to your fixtures.

Every fixture in your home has a valve on it that allows you to shut off the flow of water when making repairs or if there is an emergency. If the emergency is big enough, you can turn the main water supply valve off outside your home as well.

Drainage Systems

While the water coming into your home is relatively simple – pressurized cold water goes directly to the fixtures and hot water comes from your hot water heater – the drainage system is slightly more complicated.

Once water has exited the faucets in your fixtures, it is no longer pressurized so gravity is needed to remove it. Each drain consists of a few basic parts – the flange, tail piece, trap, and drain extension. When you put water down a drain it goes into the trap and flows into the drain extension, eventually to the sewer line.

The trap is designed to always hold a small amount of water so that sewer gasses cannot back up into your fixtures. Vents are installed in your home as well to ensure there is always air in the plumbing system. That air ensures a vacuum doesn’t generate. If it did, water couldn’t flow out of the house. It’s the same as pouring from a small hole in a can – if you poke a hole in the opposite side, it flows much faster because air enters the can to displace the liquid.

Fixing Your Problems

A plumbing system is surprisingly simple to work on if you understand the basics. But, that doesn’t mean a professional isn’t needed for most major jobs. Because a single fixture or pipe can have an impact on the entire system and because water leakage can be incredibly damaging, it is best to call a professional whenever you need a second opinion or are unsure you can handle it on your own.

Contact Lanz Heating & Cooling today if you need any plumbing repairs in the Champaign–Urbana area!

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