Frequently Asked Questions About Plumbing in Denver

• What Should I Do in a Plumbing Emergency?

  During a plumbing emergency, quick response is crucial to minimize damage. First, turn off the main water supply to prevent further flooding or leaks. Identify the source of the problem if possible; this will help when you contact a plumbing contractor. For burst pipes, turn off electrical circuits in the affected area to avoid accidents. At Blue Sky Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, we recommend reaching out to our emergency services immediately, as our team is equipped to provide swift response and efficient repairs.

• How Can I Prevent My Pipes from Freezing in Winter?

  Frozen pipes are a common issue in Denver’s cold winters. To prevent this, ensure your pipes are well-insulated, particularly those in unheated spaces like basements and attics. Let faucets drip slowly during extensive cold spells to keep water moving. Keeping your home temperature consistent and closing indoor valves that supply outdoor faucets can also help. Installing pipe insulation can be an effective tool to maintain pipe temperature and avoid costly repairs.

• What Are Some Preventative Maintenance Steps For My Plumbing System?

  Some important maintenance tips include:

  • Look for signs of leaks around your home’s foundation, near visible pipes and where pipes run through walls. Puddles of water and watermarks on walls, floors or ceilings all indicate possible leaks.
  • Look for signs of corrosion. Leaks and bad pipe connections can result from pipe corrosion if not addressed. Green stains around on shutoff valves and copper and brass fittings are a sign of corrosion.
  • Test water pressure. Water pressure measures the force of water as it flows from sinks, faucets and showerheads. Low water pressure can indicate an issue with the water line or of sediment build up in the faucet or showerhead.

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• How Often Should I Schedule Maintenance for My Plumbing System?

  Regular maintenance is pivotal in preventing unexpected plumbing issues. Scheduling professional inspections at least once a year can identify potential problems before they escalate into significant repairs. This includes checking for leaks, updating worn-out fixtures, and ensuring efficient operation of water heaters. Proactive maintenance maximizes system efficiency, prolongs the lifespan of your plumbing, and ultimately saves money by reducing the likelihood of emergency repairs.

• What Steps Can I Take to Conserve Water at Home?

  Water conservation is a growing priority in Denver, and there are several ways to implement it in your home. Installing low-flow showerheads and faucets can significantly reduce water usage without sacrificing performance. Avoiding tap water for lawn irrigation can preserve both resources and the environment. Regular maintenance to fix leaks promptly and using efficient fixtures enhance water preservation efforts. Consider consulting with Blue Sky Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric for further guidance on sustainable practices that can be integrated into your plumbing system.

• Why is my drain clogged? I’m so careful!

  We believe you when you tell us that you are so careful about putting grease down your drains. Unfortunately, most people end up putting it down accidentally no matter how hard they try to do the opposite. When you rinse plates, bowls, pots, and pans in your sink, they often have a thin layer of grease on them. This gets rinsed down the drain with the rest of the debris from your plate. When this grease contacts a cold pipe downstream from the kitchen sink, it solidifies and attaches to the pipe wall. Over the years, even the smallest amounts of grease can build up and cause clogs. Don’t worry, though! Your Blue Sky plumber will get that clog out fast!

• What kind of sink should I get?

  When it comes to getting a new sink, you have many options. These include:

  • Cast iron
  • Stainless steel
  • Corian
  • Fiberglass
  • Enameled steel
  • Acrylic
  • And more!

  When our experts help you install a sink, we’ll ask you what you plan to do with it. Will you wash dishes in it regularly? Is it likely you will drop dishes or silverware in it? Then, we’ll ask you about your preferences. Do you want a large sink or a small one? Do you want a sink that sits on top of the counter or below the counter level? Once we know the answers to these questions, we’ll work with you to find the perfect kind of sink for your home. In general, cast iron and stainless steel are more durable than some other types of sinks, but they may require special care.

• What kind of water heater should I get?

  Most of the time, the type of water heater you get will be determined by the type of connections you already have. Unless you are highly motivated to change the type of water heater that you have, the best choice is usually to get the same kind that was installed before. If you are in a place to change the type of water heater that you have, gas is often the better option. It is cheaper and can heat larger quantities of water faster. However, gas water heaters are usually larger than electric ones and you cannot store flammable liquids nearby.

• Does Blue Sky Offer Commercial Plumbing Services?

  Absolutely. No matter if you are a homeowner or a business owner, we’ve got your plumbing in Denver covered! We offer full commercial plumbing services for old or new buildings. Visit our Commercial Plumbing page to learn more about our plumbing services for businesses!

• What is hydro jetting?

  Hydro jetting offers a way to clean your drains without digging up your yard or pulling your home apart to access clogged pipes. Instead, we use a tool that sprays highly-pressurized water into your pipes. We control the pressure of the water and where it sprays, so we can remove your clog and clean your entire pipe. A hydrojetting tool has one nozzle that sprays forward and 6-8 that sprays backward. On the first pass, the reverse-facing jets propel the nozzle forward while the front one breaks up clogs. When we pull the nozzle back through the pipe, the reverse jets scour the edges of the pipe until they look like new. If your plumber thinks that hydrojetting is a good option for you, we’ll let you know and get the job done fast.

• What is the best kind of pipe for my home?

  Most of the time, we suggest plastic or PEX/PVC piping for your home. This material lasts for a long time because it doesn’t rust and is less likely to crack or break than some other types of pipe. Unless you are in a very specific situation, which our plumbers will discover, we highly recommend this type of piping for your home.

• How do I know if my toilet is leaking?

  Toilet leaks are more common than you might think. This can make your water bill sky-high and leave you wondering what is going on. Here are a few signs that your toilet is leaking:

  • You frequently have to jiggle the handle to make the toilet stop running.
  • You have to hold down the handle when to flush to get the tank to empty.
  • Water runs over the top of the overflow pipe.
  • You hear sounds of water running in the toilet when it is not being used.
  • Water runs down the sides of the toilet bowl long after the toilet was last used.
  • You hear the toilet tank refilling even though it hasn’t been emptied recently.
• What can I put down my garbage disposal?

  As long as you use enough water, you can put almost any non-fibrous food down your garbage disposal. This includes bones up to ½” in diameter, coffee grounds, eggs and egg shells, orange rinds, apples, and potato peelings. Most problems occur when you don’t use enough water and don’t allow the water to run for at least 10 seconds after the food disappears.

• What plumbing services does Blue Sky offer?

  We offer a complete line of plumbing services. No matter what is going on with your home’s plumbing, we can fix it, replace it, or install a new one. We can also help you make plumbing-related upgrades to your home. Need a new toilet, tub, sink, shower, or faucet? We have you covered. Finally, we can help you with your water heater, your water softener, or your water filtration. Call us today with all of your plumbing-related questions and we’ll get you the answers you need.