The History of Plumbing.

Let’s take a moment to celebrate the fact that we have indoor plumbing!  Plumbing originated during ancient civilizations.  As public baths developed, there was a need for potable water (water that is safe to drink and to cook with).  Just as vital, was the need to remove wastewater for an ever-growing population.

Ancient Rome saw the rapid development of aqueducts and the wide-spread use of lead pipes.  The word "plumber" dates from the Roman Empire.  The Latin word for lead is plumbum.  With the fall of the empire there was nearly a thousand years of regression and stagnated water was the norm rather than the exception.

In America today there is safer copper piping and waste treatment plants.  The safety of your plumbing system in the Central and Southern Fox Valley may be confidently trusted to Bee Plumbing Inc.  Count on Scott and his crew on every call that you might make in 2020.  From the Swanson family to yours Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Dec 13-15, Oswego Holiday Express

Dec 13-15, Oswego Holiday Express 

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Book your Magical Journey! Put on your pajamas, don your warm-est apparel, and we will stamp your tickets at the trolley on the way to the top of the world.

 

EEEEEK…It’s a Snake!

In most cases, if you see one in your house you push the panic button.  If you have a snake in your house when your drains are clogged it can be your best friend.  If neither cleaning the trap nor plunging over and over clears a plumbing clog, your final weapon is a drain auger which is also known as a snake.

The basic process is –

1.  Push the end of the snake into the drain and turn the handle on the drum.

2.  Keep pushing the snake until you feel resistance.

3.  Rotate the snake against the blockage until it moves freely.

Does that sound like a lot of upper-body strength to you?  One thing is for sure, if you are lying in a hospital bed you can’t enjoy your Fox Valley home.  In and around Yorktown, Sandwich, Aurora, etc. call on the drain cleaning experts at Bee Plumbing.  Just go to bee-plumbinginc.com and call the appropriate phone number near you.

Small Does NOT mean Cheap.

Whether the subject is diamonds or plumbing, small does not mean cheap!  In the world of plumbing often times the more expensive job is the smaller one.  Take a “free” estimate for example.  The plumbing company may say, sure we will give you a free estimate, then jack up the price so that you pay for it (and more) in the end.

Remember what your parents told you…nothing in life is free!  The bottom line is… If you can’t afford a nominal dispatch fee you can’t afford quality affordable plumbing work.  Please consider that point carefully before you fall for the “free estimate” routine.

Scott and his crew at Bee Plumbing will forthrightly charge a $50 dispatch fee.   Please understand that every plumbing company both large and small has fixed expenses that must be paid by someone.  The folks at Bee Plumbing just wanted you to know.  Visit bee-plumbinginc.com on the web and call the number that is closest to your home in the Fox Valley.

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, Nov 28th

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, Nov 28th

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Where Grateful Hearts Gather

Thursday, November 28, 2019

8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. CT

State Street, From Congress to Randolph

Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line.

It is something you don’t want to be a part of on your Western Suburban Chicagoland property, but it is a reality for some homeowners.  Before the ground freezes, you want to note any signs of a clogged sewer line.  If your main sewer line is clogged, you will have issues with waste water draining from the house.  Sewer line clogs usually cause water to back up.

What exactly, causes a clogged sewer line?   Broken pipes, debris and tree roots can all cause improper draining throughout the sewer system.  Tree and shrub roots can grow into an old sewer pipe in search for water, causing a ruptured or clogged sewer line. Debris, can also catch on small obstructions in the pipes, causing major clogs.

It all adds up to one thing…if your home’s sewer line is clogged you need the help of a true plumbing professional who can troubleshoot and clean up the problem.  That man in the Central and Southern points of the Fox Valley is Scott Swanson and his team from Bee Plumbing.  Go to the web and visit bee-plumbinginc.com in order to call the correct number in your area.

Veterans Day events and deals in Chicago

Veterans Day events and deals in Chicago

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There are a lot of restaurants and other businesses that want to thank our veterans and active military members on Veterans Day by offering them FREE or discounted food or services on Monday, November 11 (unless another date is noted).  Always call to check that a location is participating before you head out for a deal.

 

Drip…Drip…Drip.

It is annoying at the very least.  A leaking faucet in your home or office is more than just an aggravation in your daily life.  Did you know that even a small leak can send three gallons of water down the drain a day?  If you leave it that way for a year, you'll have wasted enough water to fill a swimming pool!

Here are some of the most common causes –

1.  A loose or worn-out O Ring

2.  The cartridge may need to be replaced

3.  The valve seat wears out.  It connects the faucet and the spout.

4.  Problems with the washer that rests against the valve seat

5.  The issue could be water pressure.

There are several more potential problems that could cause a leaky faucet.  Suffice to say you could use a professional plumber to troubleshoot those problems and repair them.  If you live in the Fox Valley and the surrounding area please visit bee-plumbinginc.com on the web and call the phone number nearest to your town.

Naperville Festivals. Traditions and Events for 2019

Naperville Festivals. Traditions and Events for 2019

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Hello Up There…We’re Clogged.

If the drains coming into your home could talk, that’s what they might yell out.  Drain functionality is essential to the smooth operation of your home’s plumbing.  Every single time you turn on a faucet, run the washing machine, or flush the toilet, your drainage system should quickly remove waste water without a second thought on your part.

Here are some of the signs of a clogged drain –

1.  The drains are slowing down

2.  Water backs up and toilets gurgle when flushed

3.  There is the smell of sewage

4.  Tiny flies hover around clogged drains

5.  Listen for unusual noises like bubbling

When drain(s) become clogged in your home around the Central and Southern Fox Valley the man to call is Scott.  He is drain cleaning wizard Scott Swanson the owner of Bee Plumbing serving Fox Valley and the surrounding area for all its plumbing problems.  Please visit bee-plumbinginc.com and call the phone number nearest to your town.

Oktoberfest, Oct 24th

Oktoberfest, Oct 24th 

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Thursday, October 24 11am – 1:30pm at Prisco Community Center

"The annual Oktoberfest features a German meal of sauerbraten, German potato salad, carrots, red cabbage, rye bread and pumpkin rolls for dessert. There will be great German music for entertainment and mums will be given away at the end of the event. Deadline to register is Oct.17. There is no reserved seating. The meal is served at 11:30, entertainment is at noon, raffles afterwards."

 

 

Tank or Tankless…That is the Question.

Sometimes, that is exactly the question when your current water heater is about to give out.  Water heaters can be a costly investment for homeowners that you’ll be living with for over a decade.  When it’s time to replace your old water heater it’s important to consider cost, efficiency, and longevity of your new water heater.

What is a tankless water heater?  Tankless water heaters use high-powered burners to rapidly heat water as it runs through a heat exchanger and deliver it directly to your faucets or shower without storing it in a tank.  Tankless water heaters are usually powered with electricity or gas. These types of water heaters were found to be 22 percent more energy efficient!

So, it boils (no pun intended) down to this…initial cost vs. long-term efficiency and savings over time.  Tank or tankless…that is the question.  To get the right answer for your far-West Chicago suburban home contact the water heater installation and repair professionals at Bee Plumbing.  Just visit their website bee-plumbinginc.com and call the phone number in your area.

Business Owners…Remember your Sewers.

It may be one of the last things on your mind, but if a sewer backs up on your property (imagine your restaurant!) you could be shut down for days.  Knowing the condition of your pipes through regular inspection and maintenance may very well prevent a problem before it begins.  Business as usual is always your top priority.

To inspect your business's sewer line, a trained technician will come out and insert a professional video camera into your pipe and will inspect the line.  Since the operator is watching in real time, he or she is able to use the camera to view everything as it makes its way down the pipe from the time it is inserted.

Dirty business?  It can be.  The kind of work only a trained plumber should be asked to do…definitely!  That’s why, if you live in the Central or Southern Fox Valley you call Scott and the pros at Bee Plumbing.  What’s the right number to call?  Just visit their website bee-plumbinginc.com on the web and call the phone number that is right for your area.

Septemberfest Parade, Sept 2nd

Septemberfest Parade, Sept 2nd

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WE ARE UPS FOR DOWNS STRONG! 

Our camo/military themed entry will feature an Army truck!

Septemberfest Parade - Monday, September 2, 2019

Drip…Drip…Drip.

The old TV commercial referred to this as stomach acid.  When your faucets are dripping it is annoying and demands your attention.  So, you’ve cranked the handle on your bathroom sink faucet as far as you can without breaking it off, but the leaking still persists.  Should it be replaced or just repaired?

Here are some talking points –

1.  How much does replacement cost?

2.  How long will it take to merely repair it?

3.  Is the stop gap of just repairing it worth the cost?

Why not let a professional plumber in the far west suburbs of Chicagoland help you make that decision?  Call Scott Swanson.  Scott, or one of his qualified team will come to your office throughout the Fox Valley to troubleshoot the drip…drip…drip.  Just go bee-plumbinginc.com on the web and call the phone number that corresponds to your area.

Back to School Fortnite Tourney | Game is the Name, Sept 14th

Back to School Fortnite Tourney | Game is the Name

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"Come show off your Fortnite talent and compete to win cash prizes, gift cards, and more!" 

When Sewers Become Clogged.

It’s yuckie at best and destructive as well as costly at worst.  A clogged sewer line is the bane of a homeowner’s existence!  Plumbing issues caused by clogged sewer drains can be expensive and frustrating for homeowners.  There are signs of an issue developing and you need to know when to call in a pro.

Watch for these events –

1.  Your drains seem to be running slower and slower.

2.  More than one plumbing fixture is clogged at the same time.

3.  When you flush the toilet, water starts to emerge from the nearby shower.

4.  You run water in the sink and water bubbles up in the toilet.

Unclogging sewer drains is the work of a professional who has done it hundreds of times.  In the far Northwest Suburbs of Chicagoland that man is Scott Swanson along with his crew from Bee Plumbing Inc.  Please go to bee-plumbinginc.com and see the area that they cover.  Then call the proper phone number that corresponds to your area.

I Would Like to Leave a Message.

Have you ever called a service business and all you get is an answering machine?  Many of the larger plumbing companies in Western Suburban Chicagoland suffer from a lack of humanity.  Wouldn’t you rather have a live body to talk to about your plumbing problem?  That frustration is not just confined to plumbers, by the way.

When you call a plumber, you want to know a few things –

1.  How quickly will they respond?

2.  Will they fix the problem that you called about…or look for others when they arrive?

3.  Are they courteous and do they clean up their mess?

4.  Most of all…are they licensed and fully insured?

Check all the boxes when you call Bee Plumbing Inc.  Now that’s peace of mind!  Bee Plumbing Inc. serves an area around the far west suburbs of Chicagoland.  They don’t try to exceed their reach just to make an extra buck.  If you will kindly visit bee-plumbinginc.com you can call the number that properly corresponds to your location for fast service.

Turn your Bathroom into a Spa.

That sounds glorious doesn’t it?  Imagine sinking deeper into a tub of steaming, bubbly water as your mind settles into a peaceful state.  Ahhh, what a great way to unwind at the end of a hectic day!  And, don’t forget, it could increase your castle’s value should you decide to sell your home down the road.

Here are some steps toward that end –

1.  Create a calming color scheme throughout your bathroom

2.  Blend in some soothing scents

3.  Consider hands-free technology

4.  Upgrade your bathroom fixtures

As to that last point, why not hire a plumbing professional with decades of experience in remodeling bathrooms throughout the Fox Valley.  Call Scott Swanson of Bee Plumbing Inc. to make your bathroom dreams come true.  Your next step is type in bee-plumbinginc.com then call the number that properly corresponds to your location and talk to Scott.

Help…I’ve got a Plumbing Emergency!

People may have varying opinions of what constitutes a plumbing emergency.  For the handiest amongst us in Far Western Suburban Chicagoland, one person’s emergency may be another’s quick fix.  If you are like most of us, you realize that trying to repair any of the following yourself could result in a much larger problem.

Some plumbing emergencies include –

1.  An overflowing toilet…messy at best.

2.  A stopped-up sink…maybe more common in the summer.

3.  Pipes that suddenly burst…Yikes!

4.  Pipes that leak…for now it is ONLY a leak.

5.  Sump pump failure.

6.  A water heater going bad.

Plumbing emergencies come in all types and different levels of immediacy.  For any and all of them in the Southern Fox Valley west of Chicago there is one correct solution.  Call Bee Plumbing Inc.  Scott and his crew thrive on plumbing emergencies.  Visit bee-plumbinginc.com then call the number that properly corresponds to your specific location for emergency service.

Kitchen Sprayers Gone Bad.

It sits there for years looking like a penguin with a cow-lick.  Your kitchen sprayer that is.  Beneath the mechanism is a long hose that can develop a leak and now it needs to be replaced.  There are many different reasons a person may need to replace their kitchen faucet pull-out spray head. 

In many cases, a kitchen faucet pull-out spray head becomes clogged with mineral deposits or the handle on the nozzle breaks.  Those are a couple of typical examples.  To replace it you will need to unscrew the hose from the main connection point, remove the hose from its location, connect the new hose by perfectly positioning it at the connection point.

Or…you could just call Scott.  That is southern Fox Valley plumbing professional Scott Swanson of Bee Plumbing Inc.  Something as innocuous as a sprayer can alter the way you use your most important room.  Please visit bee-plumbinginc.com on the web then call the number that properly corresponds to your specific location for fast, reliable service.  

How is a Backflow Test Performed?

One thing to understand at the start is that a certified inspector is required to test backflow devices.  Some plumbing-related jobs may be DIY…this one definitely is NOT!  I am here to just show you what steps I will be taking in testing for backflow.  And, by the way, I have been doing this for three decades.

Here are some of the steps –

1.  I will turn off the number 2 shut off valve.

2.  I then place a test kit on the device.

3.  The test kit will use water left in the backflow.

4.  Once the test is complete, I will turn the water back on slowly.

In addition, I will ensure that no damage is done to your property, be it residential or commercial.  My name is Scott Swanson the owner of Bee Plumbing Inc.  I serve the far western suburbs of Chicagoland with any of its plumbing needs.  Just go to bee-plumbinginc.com then call the number that properly corresponds to your specific location.

Warranty or no Warranty…That is the Question.

From what we have seen, warranties are one of the most misunderstood concepts in the building and plumbing industry.  Many owners, plumbers and contractors think they have put a one-year warranty in their contracts, when in fact they are 100% wrong.  Many times, they don’t understand what it covers, and how long the contractor or vendor is on the hook.

Here are some examples of express warranties –

1.  Work is “guaranteed” to be performed in a “workmanlike” manner.

2.  The materials used will be new and of “good quality”.

3.  The work will conform to the requirements of the original contract.

It sounds like a lot of mumbo jumbo, doesn’t it?  Let Bee Plumbing Inc. clear up the confusion.  If you feel that an appliance is still under warranty, but you are not getting the answers that you seek, call us.  We offer warranty service on many manufacture products.  Go to bee-plumbinginc.com then call the number in far west Chicagoland that properly corresponds to your specific location.     

To Tank or not to Tank…That is the Question.

With all due respect to the Bard this is a modern question that people throughout the far Western Suburbs of Chicagoland may be asking.  It refers to tankless or traditional tank water heaters.  Which is better?  Well, there are pros and cons for both.  Hot water on demand vs. the overall cost is one of them.

If you have several residents in your household, you may be all to familiar how difficult it is to get a hot shower when others have beaten you to it.  A tankless water heater uses high powered burners to rapidly heat water as it runs through the heat exchanger and is delivered directly to the faucets without a storing tank. 

We are not here trying to convince you to have one or the other installed.  After you have done the research, the next logical question is whom to hire to install it.  May we suggest Scott Swanson of Bee Plumbing Inc?  Please visit his website at bee-plumbinginc.com then call the number that properly corresponds to your specific location.

Keeping the Cost Down.

Don’t you love seeing that?  No matter what service you can think of, if the cost is more reasonable without sacrificing quality, it is an absolute plus!  There is a plumber who serves the far Western Suburbs of Chicagoland without trying to outkick his coverage.  He could send his crew to Palos Hts., but he would sacrifice price.

That man and his crew is Scott Swanson of Bee Plumbing Inc.  Take a look at this list…Aurora, Sandwich, Plano, Yorkville, Sugar Grove, Algonquin, Barrington, and Crystal Lake.  It still encompasses hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses in Chicagoland, just not past a certain point.

To not be greedy and to consider quality and price over quantity is a tough discipline.  Many businesses have made that fatal mistake of trying to be “all things to all people”.  That is NOT true of Scott and his team at Bee Plumbing Inc.  He wants to service your plumbing needs if you live in the above areas.  Visit bee-plumbinginc.com and call the appropriate phone number.

Who is Testing for Backflow?

Illinois law requires a licensed plumbing and backflow prevention contractor to certify, repair, or install a backflow prevention device. You need someone who is knowledgeable in the prevention of water contamination as well as cross connection control devices. Every backflow device must be in compliance with statewide and local EPA Laws.

This is what you will get from Scott Swanson –

1.  Annual testing

2.  Repairs to get the job done once and for all

3.  Installing a new system

4.  Emergency repairs when needed

As the owner of Bee Plumbing Inc. Scott is a licensed, certified backflow inspector in the State of Illinois and you can hire him with complete confidence!  Now that spring has sprung, backflow may be an increasing problem in the far Western Suburbs of Chicagoland.  Please visit bee-plumbinginc.com and call the right phone number in your area.

Drip…Drip…Drip.

Man oh man that IS annoying!  Of course, for some there is DIY repair for a leaky faucet in your home.  The hardest step to fixing a leaky faucet is usually finding the right replacement parts for fixes like a Moen faucet repair, for example.  How do you find the right parts?  Two questions…are you able to do the job?  Do you want to?

There are three main types of single-lever faucets: rotary ball, cartridge and ceramic disc.  Before you start, examine the dripping faucet closely to determine where the water is coming from. Leaks around the base of the spout require a different repair than a drip from the end of the spout.  The first step, of course is to turn off the water supply to the faucet.

From there, complications may arise.  What if you mess up the entire job?  Now you have a full-blown mess on your hands!  May we suggest Scott Swanson of Bee Plumbing Inc.?  It seems like tasks such a fixing a leaky faucet should be easy, but it rarely is.  If you are in the southern Fox Valley please visit bee-plumbinginc.com and call the appropriate number. 

When Reliable Things Go Bad.

No, this is not some salacious expose on nice people making bad decisions.  This is about your home’s reliable drainage system slowly grinding to a halt.  Every day in your home as the years go by, the drains are slowing down imperceptibly.  In the final stage they will back up all together and create a BIG problem.

We understand that your first inclination is to use that good-ole’ reliable plunger.  It sits in a corner 365 days a year waiting for something to do.  If and when you discover that the obstruction is further down the drain line you may think that you can successfully use a cable auger or snake.

Go ahead, we understand that you want to make the problem of a clogged drain a DIY one.  Realistically it may be beyond your pay grade.  If you have made attempt after attempt to clear that clog please give us a call at Bee Plumbing Inc.  We serve the southern Fox Valley and all of its plumbing needs.  Please visit bee-plumbinginc.com and call the appropriate number.

Backflow Problems in Winter.

Backflow devices are found north, south, east, and west protecting our drinking water from contamination.  Everywhere from the deserts of the Southwest to the frozen tundra of Duluth and right here in Chicagoland there are backflow problems.  There are differences in backflow prevention in climates that enjoy all four seasons.

One constant is that there needs to be an annual inspection of assemblies and the administration of programs. It doesn’t matter what the annual rainfall or average temperature is.  In cold weather though, assemblies and their meters must be protected against freezing.  More damage can be done in winter weather like we have now.

This time of year, wind, snow, and nighttime frost can (and will) take their toll on access doors and equipment.  There’s always a perfect solution around here in far western suburban Chicago.  It’s Bee Plumbing Inc.  That is whom you call for any and all backflow problems.  Visit beeplumbing-inc.com and give Scott a call today at the phone number closest to you.

Understanding your Ejector Pump.

There may be several thousand more interesting topics, but a consistently functioning ejector pump is essential to maintaining a household.  Your sewage ejector is basically a big hole in the floor!  In said hole, you will find a special pump that will collect all of the waste from the plumbing fixtures in your home.

Here are some tips in keeping it clean –

1.  Throw things in the trash first.

2.  Make sure that the grinder pump is clean.

3.  Sniff around for odor.

4.  Make sure nothing is attached to the vent.

5.  Schedule yearly maintenance.

As to that last point, make sure that you have Scott or one of his crew from Bee Plumbing Inc. come to your home every year.  By having your ejector pump maintained each year you will not incur the big expenses of an emergency.  Visit the website beeplumbing-inc.com and you will find the phone number for the Western Suburban Chicago area in which you live.

Fox Valley Ninja Warrior

Fox Valley Ninja Warrior

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"Calling all girls and boys! Drop in and put your ninja skills to the test! Compete against yourself, your friends and the ninja course to achieve the top time! There will be two different age appropriate courses, 4-6 years old and 7-11 years old. Each participant will create their own ninja headband."

Water Mains Gone Wild in Winter.

Go ahead, try this.  Walk out into your backyard right now and try to dig a hole.  Water freezes when the temperature drops below a certain point even if that water is embedded in the soil.  This is called the frost line…just like the frozen tundra.  As temperatures stay below 32 degrees that frost line moves down and down until it reaches underground pipes.

That frozen ground adds pressure to anything below it including the underground service lines that pump water throughout the many communities in Far Western Suburban Chicagoland.  Most of the water mains are a minimum of 5 feet underground.  In the winter, the downward force on a pipe is 400 pounds per foot or more!

That kind of pressure can get to anything no matter how well constructed it is.  When a water main cracks or breaks in our area you can count on us. We are Bee Plumbing Inc.  Our job has been to protect our area properties from plumbing emergencies for many years.  Give us a call by visiting www.beeplumbing-inc.com for the phone number in your area.