It’s Freezing Out Here.

By far the most common problem in the winter months in Central Illinois is frozen pipes, which obviously happens when the weather gets so cold that the water in your pipes freezes.  The first thing to do is turn off your water at the supply to keep any more water from clogging up and bursting the pipes.

Another side effect is the potential for a water line break.  When water freezes inside a line, it can cause blockages that will likely grow and eventually cause major leaks.  There are pressure relief valves that can be installed in your water line in certain areas to help make sure these blockages don’t occur.  That typically requires professional help.

Voila…enter the plumbing professionals at Dave Bailey Plumbing!  Dave and his team serve the needs of Morton, East Peoria, Pekin and the surrounding area.  Frozen pipes are just one of his areas of expertise in this cold winter of 2020.  When pipes freeze call Dave of Dave Bailey Plumbing at (309) 265-6788. 

Sump Pumps and Winter.

It’s not a great combination.  There are certain times of year in which you need to keep a close eye on all the installations and appliances in your home that use water, particularly during the dead of winter when it is unbearably cold.  Sump pumps are most often used in areas where there is high water. 

Here are some tips to keep your sump pump running this time of year –

1.  Have the water running slightly to keep it from freezing.

2.  Put your sump pump on a slight slope.

3.  Insulate the discharge section.

4.  Increase the distance between the pump and the waste water area.

All of these things will help you get through another Central Illinois winter.  One thing’s for sure, when your sump pump needs to be repaired or replaced there is one man to call.  That’s Dave Bailey of Dave Bailey Plumbing.  He and his crew handle plumbing mishaps in Morton and the surrounding area.  Just call (309) 265-6788.

Into Each Life a Little Rain Must Fall.

Anyone who has lived in Central Illinois for any length of time knows that mid-summer can be a wet and wild time weather-wise.  July is often a particularly rainy time with frequent thunderstorms dotting the calendar.  This is the time of year when your sump pump needs to be in tip-top condition and ready for potential flooding.

We generally install sump pumps around the lowest area of your basement.  This prevents flooding and keeps the lower part of your home nice and dry.  Now, if it is after the fact, and your basement has been flooded you need a real plumbing pro to fix it.  We hope you don’t reach that point!

Whether or not your current sump pump is broken, or you need a brand new one, we are the answer!  Call us at Dave Bailey Plumbing for not just your sump pump needs, but ALL of your plumbing problems be they emergencies or not.  We are Dave Bailey Plumbing serving Morton, East Peoria, Pekin, and the surrounding area.  Give us a call at (309) 265-6788.

Keep on Grinding.

Let’s talk about something called a grinder pump.  What, exactly is a grinder sump pump?  Here is a dictionary definition: a grinder sump pump is a conveyance device used to eliminate wastewater.  The way it works is that when wastewater is inside of the tank and it reaches a certain level the pump turns on.  Then it grinds up all of that waste and harmlessly eliminates it into a sewer system septic tank.

There are actually two types of grinder pumps.  One is known as a semi-positive displacement while the other is defined as centrifugal.  Normal household pumps run between one and two horsepower.  There is something called a level sensor as well.  It may be built into the pump or attached externally which are called floats.

All of this may mean little or nothing to you until your Central Illinois home needs a grinder pump.  That is where Dave Bailey Plumbing comes in.  Dave and his crew specialize in repairing and replacing sump pumps in the area around Morton, East Peoria, and Pekin.  Call Dave Bailey Plumbing anytime at (309) 265-6788.

What is a Power Vent Water Heater?

Are you familiar with it?  Let’s describe it here.  Power vent heaters have a fan that blows exhaust gases out of the vent pipe.  Where and when would they be the preferred type?  Generally, they are used when the heater location is far inside a building and long, possibly horizontal vent runs are needed.

Basically, the difference between a power vent and direct vent power heater is that the power vent one removes combustion gases from the atmosphere via a powered venting fan while a direct vent moves these gases into the outdoor atmosphere using a chimney or exhaust pipe.  They are generally more expensive than simple water heaters.

What is right for your Morton Illinois area home?  Whether it is tank, tankless, power vent, or direct vent we hope that you will consider us to install it.  We are Dave Bailey Plumbing located here in Morton and serving East Peoria and Central Illinois with a variety of plumbing services.  For a new water heater call us at Dave Bailey Plumbing (309) 265-6788.   

Do I Need a New Sewer Line?

Those of us who live in an older home in the Morton Illinois area know that many things can go wrong each season.  Now that spring has sprung is your property in need of a new sewer line?  It starts with a sewer line inspection.  This will determine whether or not the drain needs to be repaired or replaced.

Without an efficient sewer line, we turn back the clock centuries.  No one wants to live that way!   Although we might not think about sewer lines very often or even see them, they provide a valuable service.  If you know what to watch for it can help reduce the stress involved in dealing with sewer-related issues.

Repair or replace…ultimately that is the question.  It is answered with the help of the plumbing professionals at Dave Bailey Plumbing.  They have been proudly serving downstate Illinois in the Morton, East Peoria, and Pekin area for many years.  If you are seeing sewer line problems on your property call Dave today at (309) 265-6788.  

Do You Want to Know More about Sewer Cleaning?

There is a topic that can make some folks feel queasy.  It is a task that some people are actually trained to do.  Because you are NOT one of those people it is important to know that an abundance of unscrupulous sewer cleaning “specialists” in the sewer and drain-cleaning business have caused an all-time low in trustworthiness for the industry!

Here are some tips to avoid sewer cleaning scams –

1.  Listen for the wrong questions about your personal life especially as an elderly person.

2.  Be skeptical if they are traveling in pairs distracting you with various conversations.

3.  If you are watching a video inspection is it really being done live on YOUR property.

4.  Do some research on the sewer cleaner that you hire before you make the call.

Dave Bailey of Dave Bailey Plumbing brings integrity, experience, and licensed bonding to the table.  Yes, Dave has been up to his knees in (you know what) more times than he can remember, and YOU can always count on him!  For honest sewer cleaning in the Morton, East Peoria, or Pekin Illinois area call Dave at (309) 265-6788. 

Prevent Freezing Sewer Lines.

This is an absolute must in the frigid climes of Central Illinois in the winter.  We have a long way to go before spring has sprung.  As a Morton area home owner, you need to take precautions.  One of the most overlooked areas is your plumbing and sewer system.  A frozen sewer line may not be common, but it can be devastating.

What are some of the causes of freezing sewer lines?

1.  Faulty installation around the pipes

2.  When the temperature drops precipitously overnight

3.  Lower water flow through an exposed drain

4.  A malfunction of your thermostat

Try to prevent a frozen sewer line if you can, but if the problem rears its ugly head on your property this winter remember Dave Bailey Plumbing.  Dave and his crew handle all plumbing problems both large and small in the area around Morton, East Peoria, and Pekin.  Call Dave Bailey Plumbing anytime at (309) 265-6788.

Are You Dreaming of a White Christmas?

Many people in Central Illinois are doing just that…one inch or more of snow in the Peoria/Morton area would (by definition) indicate a white Christmas.  Snowfall is always difficult to measure with two nearby sites having different, measurable results because of sunlight and wind.

Generally speaking, the odds of our area having a white Christmas are about 20-40 percent.  If you want to increase those odds, then travel to Chicago for the holiday where the odds increase to nearly 50-50.  The whitest Christmas Day in Illinois history was 1951 (ask your grandparents).  There was 31 inches of snow north of us in suburban Aurora!

Whatever the meteorologists have in store for us is not nearly as important as who we spend it with.  We at family-owned Dave Bailey Plumbing in Morton, Illinois hope that you and yours will gather together for the most rewarding Christmas season you have ever experienced.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Dave Bailey Plumbing of Morton. 

Time to Turn to your Kitchen.

Doesn’t it seem like you are spending more and more time in your kitchen this time of year?  I mean with Thanksgiving just behind us and Christmas coming your kitchen is getting quite a workout.  The upcoming winter should be a busier time as well for that under-appreciated and heavily used room in your home.

Here are some planning tips we hope will help –

1.  Study your existing kitchen to find its flaws.

2.  Think about where future traffic patterns will occur.

3.  Make it ergonomically sensible.

4.  Choose all of the right fixtures.

Kitchen remodeling starts with you and ends with us.  We are Central Illinois’ kitchen remodeling professionals Dave Bailey Plumbing.  From installing a dish washer to gas piping we will do the job for you.  Call us today and realize your dream.  If you live in the Morton, East Peoria, or Pekin area that’s Dave Bailey Plumbing at (309) 265-6788.

Have you Looked at your Toilet?

That sounds like a good time, doesn’t it?  I mean, have you checked the water level in the bowl recently?  Sewage could be backing up into your toilet, and if it happens you won’t get a warning notice, believe me!  Sewer lines are designed to carry waste away from your property NOT in its general direction.

When they are functioning at peak efficiency they will not let the waste that builds up contaminate the fresh, clean, water.  A sewer line can easily crack (even a slight fissure) or worse, even break entirely.  Of course, if it breaks the emergency is major and immediate.  Either way, you need to react as quickly as possible.

If you live in Morton, East Peoria, Pekin, or other Central Illinois towns you know exactly whom to count on for sewer pipe repair and replacement.  It’s Dave Bailey and his professional team of plumbers at Dave Bailey Plumbing.  Don’t let a cracked or broken sewer pipe make you want to evacuate your castle!  Call Dave Bailey Plumbing at (309) 265-6788.

What is Backsiphonage?

No, it’s not something you get when you drink bad water or eat contaminated food.  Backsiphonage is the reversal of normal flow in a system which is caused by a negative pressure (vacuum or partial vacuum) in your home’s piping.  What causes it?  It can be created when there is a stoppage of the water supply.

You may have many other questions such as –

1.  What is pressure backflow?

2.  When does my home have a cross-connection?

3.  What is an atmospheric vacuum breaker?

4.  Where is an atmospheric vacuum breaker used?

5.  Where is a house bibb vacuum breaker used?

These and many other questions about backflow in your home are answered by Dave Bailey and his professional team of plumbers at Dave Bailey Plumbing.  Those of us who live in Morton, East Peoria, Pekin and the surrounding areas of Central Illinois have trusted Dave and his crew for many years.  For backflow and other plumbing problems call (309) 265-6788.

The Old Reliable…My Home’s Water Heater.

It is the workhorse of appliances don’t you think?  That hard-working giant continues to heat our water to a desired temperature day-in and day-out.  It seems like it will never grow old, but eventually it needs to be replaced.  You could build a new home every five or years and perhaps you would never have to replace your trusty water heater.

Here are some signs that it is about to give out –

1.  Look at the serial number.  It shows the birth date.

2.  Does your water appear rusty?

3.  Is it making more and more noise?

4.  Does water is forming at the base?

A reliable water heater is necessity in your home.  Be aware of its shelf-life and don’t let an old faulty one bring your household to a screeching halt.  When that old unit has seen its better days, it is time to call the water heater replacement professionals in Central Illinois.  That’s Dave Bailey Plumbing in Morton at (309) 265-6788.

Get Un-Galvanized.

This is probably not a word, but it should be something that you pay attention to especially if you live in a Central Illinois home with some age on it.  What are galvanized pipes?  They are steel pipes that have been dipped in a protective zinc coating to prevent corrosion and rust.  Galvanized piping was commonly installed in homes in our area built before 1960.

At the time it was invented, galvanized pipe was an alternative to lead pipe for water supply lines.  Today, however, we have learned that decades of exposure to water will cause galvanized pipes to corrode and rust on the inside.  As they age, they will change in color.  Some may have even been painted over during the years.

To discover if you have galvanized piping in your Morton, East Peoria, Pekin or other Central Illinois home you should call in a pro.  That man is Dave Bailey of Dave Bailey Plumbing.  Not only will Dave and his crew assess the age and condition of your pipes, but give you an honest recommendation of what to do next.  Just give him a call at (309) 265-6788.

Ahhh…the Refreshing Taste of Agua!

If you live in Central Illinois you may already be enjoying clean, filtered water each day.  Did you ever consider that morning shower?  If the water that you shower in is unfiltered your skin is absorbing toxins.  Not only does this increase your chance of illness, but it even enhances your risk for cancer!

A water purification option is the ONLY option if you want to keep your family healthy.  There are different options such as filters, water softeners, whole-house systems, and reverse osmosis units.  Chlorine, lead, iron, etc. are your enemies when drinking or bathing or even taking that daily shower.

Call us and we will come to your home to assess the right water filtration system for your Morton Illinois’ area home.  We are Dave Bailey Plumbing serving all of Central Illinois’ plumbing needs for many years.  Call Dave and bring purity and good health to your home today and for years to come.  That phone number is (309) 265-6788.

The War is Nearly Over.

What war…did I miss something?  No, unless you don’t or have never had kids.  Summertime, with everyone tracking through the kitchen, may seem like a skirmish at times.  But take heart, the kids are going back to school.  Now it is time to take control of that frequently used part of your domain…your kitchen.

Is it time to consider remodeling or installing some new appliances?  When we say that we do it all including the kitchen sink, we really mean it!  We replace or repair necessary commodities that have taken a beating over the last few months such as garbage disposals, ice makers, leaky faucets or dishwashers.

Here at Dave Bailey Plumbing we have proudly served homeowners around East Peoria, Pekin, Morton and the surrounding area of Central Illinois for well over two decades.  People count on us for all of their plumbing needs and we aim to deliver EVERY time!  Call us at Dave Bailey Plumbing and take back control of your kitchen at (309) 265-6788.

Commercial Plumbing…Excellence and Experience Needed.

A great residential plumber does not necessarily mean that individual or company is a great commercial one.  The jobs may be more challenging.  A mistake could affect hundreds instead of just one family.  If you are seeking a superior commercial plumber in Central Illinois, you should think about doing some research.

Here are some questions you might ask –

1.  How much commercial plumbing experience does the individual or company have?

2.  Hire someone with repair and installation experience.

3.  Look for someone who can get to your office in a timely manner.

4.  One that is licensed and bonded.  That is becoming more and more important these days.

When you call Morton, Illinois area plumbing professional Dave Bailey you check all of the boxes.  Dave’s company has decades of commercial plumbing experience.  He repairs and installs routinely.  He is licensed and bonded…of course!  Call Dave Bailey Plumbing first for all of your commercial plumbing needs at (309) 265-6788.

Small Town Service.

Being a good service company is what everyone in the plumbing business should strive for.  If you offer fair prices, quick response, and thorough work then you will get a great reputation within the communities that you serve.  If you service a smaller populated area you had better concentrate on reputation.  It is the benchmark of a great small-town plumber.

Look at an example of what they are saying about Dave Bailey of Dave Bailey Plumbing in Morton Illinois.  “We were blown away by Dave’s service!  We happened to call another plumber and they never called back.  Then we called Dave.  Within less than a day we had a new water heater working at our home”.

So, there it is.  Efficiency combined with care and responsiveness is what a small-town plumber strives for.  Dave and his crew get high marks for both AND their prices are always competitive.  They can’t have it any other way.  If you have a plumbing problem in Morton, Pekin, East Peoria, or the surrounding area call Dave Bailey Plumbing first at (309) 265-6788.

What Did You Flush Down There?

How many times have you already said that this summer and the season is only half over?  The kids are home and things get put into garbage disposals and flushed down toilets in your home that are not the norm.  A blocked toilet is one of our worst household fears.  It happens to the best of us…rich and poor.  Toilets do not respect social status!

If it looks like the water might overflow out of the toilet, one suggestion is to take the lid off the tank as quickly as possible and closing the toilet flapper.  Now, if you’re worried that your flush has a good chance of turning into a flood, take off the top before you pull the trigger.  Then, hold your breath and flush.

The results may not be what you hope for.  The truth is, we all seem to think that we can troubleshoot a potentially flooding toilet.  Why not just call the toilet clogging repair experts in our area?  That’s Dave Bailey Plumbing serving Morton, East Peoria, Pekin and related areas around Central Illinois.  Give Dave a call at (309) 265-6788. Turn around don’t drown…LOL!

Troubleshoot that Tank.

No, this is not some WWII war strategy.  We are talking about your electric Hot Water Heater tank.  Electric hot water troubleshooting starts out with some testers to track down your problem. To make it worse, the testers are not that easy to use. Add to that, the significant danger involved with the 240-volt power that is feeding your electric hot water tank.

Has the breaker tripped for some reason?  If so, hit the reset button on the heating elements.  We are talking about serious electricity here…240 volts at thirty amps. People have been killed from that kind of current!  Don’t even think of looking at the situation unless the power is turned off.  This may not be a quick fix, even though having no hot water is a real bummer.

A professional plumber is needed in this situation.  For those of us from Morton, East Peoria, Pekin, and the surrounding Central Illinois area the answer is water heater troubleshooter Dave Bailey.  He and his trusted crew at Dave Bailey Plumbing will discover the problem and repair or replace it.  Call Dave right away at (309) 265-6788.