Blog | Plumbing Blog | Plumbing Tips & Tricks

Why You Should Switch to Water-Conserving Toilets

June 22, 2023

If you’ve ever been stuck in a bathroom with a faulty flushing toilet, you know how uncomfortable and embarrassing that can be. But it’s not just the embarrassment you need to worry about. A faulty flushing toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water per year! That’s why installing water-conserving toilets is a great choice for any home. Here are some of the benefits of having a water-conserving toilet in your bathroom: Saves Money A water-conserving toilet can save you money every year on your water bill. According to the EPA, a household can save up

Will a New Water Heater Be Safer For My Family?

May 11, 2023

As a homeowner, there are various components of your home that will need to be replaced from time to time. Your water heater is going to be one that needs to be replaced about every 10 to 15 years. One question that you may be asking yourself when it comes to getting a new water heater is whether or not it will be safer for your family compared to your old unit. New Ignitors The short answer to this question is that, yes, new water heaters are designed to be safer than older style ones.

When to Call a Plumber for Plumbing Problems

April 24, 2023

No house is exempt from plumbing problems. While it can be tempting to try a DIY solution, a better option may be to call a professional. It’s important to know when to call a plumber so that you can avoid further damage and make sure the job is done right. Here are a few common plumbing problems that typically require professional help: Leaky Pipes or Fixtures Leaks are one of the most common plumbing problems that homeowners experience. Corrosion, loose connections or a clogged pipe can cause leaky pipes or fixtures. If you have a leaky

How Efficient Is Your Water Heater?

March 16, 2023

Water heater efficiency is a hot topic because heating water that you don’t immediately need uses a considerable amount of energy. If you’re noticing unusually high energy bills, here are two ways to check how efficient your water heater is. Age If your water heater is older, it is possible that it will not meet current efficiency criteria. If your water heater is 10 or more years old, it could be time to replace it with a high-efficiency model. Check the manufacturer’s label on your water heater to

5 Ways to Clean Your Drains Naturally

February 17, 2023

A clogged drain in your home can do more harm than good. Fortunately, you can apply many natural remedies to clean your drains. The following are some of them. 1. Dish Soap and Hot Water You can use dish soap and hot water to clean your drains. Boil 1 liter of water and add a few tablespoons of liquid dish soap. Pour the mixture down your drains. Doing this a couple of times will remove grease and other clogs. 2. Baking Soda and Vinegar A mixture of baking soda

5 Ways to Conserve Water in Your Home

January 18, 2023

If you have high water bills, you may consider conserving water in your home. Whether you have a lot of people in your household or just yourself, there are plenty of ways to ensure that your home is as efficient as possible when it comes to water usage. 1. Turn the Water Off When Brushing Teeth Keeping a cup by your bathroom sink is good because you can fill the cup with water and get your toothbrush wet. You can rinse your mouth and then rinse your toothbrush with the water in the cup.

Good Reasons to Invest in Radiant In-Floor Heating

December 20, 2022

Getting out of bed on a cold winter day in Montana can be difficult. It’s even worse when you swing your legs over the side of the bed and feel your feet touch the ice-cold floor. More than an annoyance, a cold floor in your home can cause your furnace to run more than necessary, meaning your winter utility bills will be through the roof. Fortunately, radiant in-floor heating can combat cold floors and potentially lower your heating costs. What Is Radiant In-Floor Heating? Radiant in-floor heating uses a series of tubes placed under your

Make Sure Your Sump Pump Can Handle This Year’s Melted Snow

November 17, 2022

Winters in Montana are marked by below-freezing temperatures and plenty of snow. Since the cold temperatures keep the snow frozen throughout the winter, there’s not much need for a sump pump during this time. However, when the spring thaw begins, all of that snow will start to melt, suddenly putting your sump pump under a lot of stress. To ensure that you don’t end up with a flooded basement, here are a few tips from our crew at PJ's Plumbing & Heating to make sure your sump pump can handle the snow melt. Check the Pit During the winter,

Is a Furnace or a Boiler the Best Choice for Your Home?

October 20, 2022

Choosing the right heating system for your Belgrade, Montana home is important. After all, not only is this equipment essential for keeping your living environment warm and habitable during winter, but it can also play a hand in determining your indoor air quality and your level of indoor humidity. With boilers and furnaces being two of the top choices for residential heating, following are a few ways to know which option is right for you. The Benefits of Boilers Boilers are recognized as providing incredibly comfortable heating. While furnaces produce hot air to raise indoor temperatures,

Can Montana Winters Cause PEX Pipes to Freeze?

September 15, 2022

When compared to copper, PVC, and other ridge pipes, PEX pipes have the highest level of freeze resistance. This is good news if you’re constantly worried about burst or ruptured pipes in the winter months. Having PEX pipes in your Belgrade, Montana home can help you avoid thousands of dollars in plumbing repairs when the outside temperature plummets. This is especially true if you’re prone to taking long vacations during the holiday season and often leave your home unattended. PEX Pipes Can and Do Freeze, But They’re Unlikely to Rupture PEX piping is made from cross-linked