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The Holidays are Here Again – Keep Your Plumbing Running Smoothly.

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

The holidays are that wonderful time of year when family and friends gather in your home for food, festivities, and fun. While this season is for special times with those you love, it can also be the time of year when your home’s plumbing system has to work extra hard to keep up with the demands of a full house.

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Nobody wants to think about experiencing a plumbing issue in the midst of a celebration. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep your plumbing running smoothly. In this article, we’ll talk about five steps you can take to steer clear of plumbing issues during the holiday season, and how Boelcke can help if there’s a problem. Keep reading to learn more!

6 Tips to Keep Your Plumbing Problem-Free this Holiday Season

  1. Know what to throw away. In the midst of a busy holiday meal, it can be tempting to scrape plates into the sink. However, this can lead to buildup in your drains, which inevitably can cause your sink’s plumbing to clog. Make sure your sink strainers are in place, and scape plates and serving dishes into the garbage.
  2. Keep your garbage disposal clear. There are certain foods that you should avoid putting down your garbage disposal. Bones, eggshells, fat, grease, and string vegetables like celery and squash should not go in your disposal. They can clog your unit, or cause issues with the blades and motor.
  3. Avoid toilet clogs and overflows. You know what’s safe to flush down your toilet, but your guests might not. As a rule of thumb, items like baby wipes and diapers, personal products, cotton balls, swabs, pads, and cigarette butts should never be flushed down the toilet. Clogs can happen, though, so it’s always a good idea to have a plunger nearby.
  4. Properly dispose of grease. Grease is the word when it comes to common drain problems. Dumping grease down the drain is never a good idea, as it can solidify and cause a clog. Not to mention, grease attracts anything else that might slip down your drain, such as food particles and hair, causing a large clump in your drain pipes. Pour grease into a can that can be disposed of when it cools, or wait for grease in pans to solidify and scrape it into the trash.
  5. Give your drains some extra TLC. Because your sinks and tubs will likely be working overtime this holiday season, you can help keep your drains in good condition with some common household items. Baking soda and vinegar can help keep drains running freely. Start by running hot water down the drain. Next, pour a solution of 1 cup of baking soda, one cup of water, and one cup of vinegar into the drain. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, and flush with hot water.
  6. Keep the hot water flowing. When you have guests staying over during the holidays, and you’re working hard to prepare those fantastic holiday dinners, your hot water heater is working overtime, too. It’s good practice to have a professional plumbing service, like Boelcke, inspect your hot water heater annually to make sure it’s functioning properly. And, if your hot water heater is more than 10 years old, it’s time to consider replacing it.

Can Boelcke help me if I have a holiday plumbing problem?

Despite your best efforts, you could run into a plumbing issue that needs professional attention. That’s where Boelcke comes in. We provide a complete range of plumbing services, so no matter what your concern may be, we can help get your toilets, sinks, and drains back in working order promptly and professionally.

We can even help you get ahead of the game by inspecting your plumbing and fixing any problems that might be a cause for concern once your holiday guests arrive. Just give us a call at (269) 429-9261. We’ll tell you about the different bathroom plumbing products and services we offer, and help you find the solution that best suits your needs.

My Pipes are Frozen! What Should I Do?

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

illustration of woman wrapped in a blanket dealing with frozen pipes

It’s that time of year again when the chill of winter has returned and the temperatures can dip down quickly. When the freezing cold temperatures hit, an unfortunate side effect can be frozen pipes. During extreme cold, water supply pipes are often subject to both freezing and bursting, and that can wreak havoc with your home.

As a plumbing company, Boelcke likes to help people prevent frozen pipes as much as possible. That’s why we’re always happy to share advice, like these tips on how you can keep your pipes from freezing offered by The American Red Cross. But, what if your pipes are already frozen? In this article, we’ll offer some steps you can take to help thaw your pipes safely, and hopefully, avoid or minimize damage. Keep reading to learn more!

4 Steps You Can Take if You Have Frozen Pipes

If the temperatures are below freezing, and you turn on a faucet and only a trickle of water comes out, it’s likely a frozen pipe. Frozen pipes are most common against exterior walls of your home, or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.

  1. First things first. Shut off the water main and open any faucets that are connected to the pipe. This step is crucial because it reduces pressure on the pipes, and can help minimize any flooding if the pipes burst.
  2. Next, thaw the pipe if you can. Use a hair dryer or space heater to thaw the ice blockage. Do not leave it unattended, and make sure any flammable materials have been removed from the area where you will be heating the pipe. Also, never use an open flame.
  3. Then, check the pipes for any leaks. Even with the water shut off, there should be enough pressure in the pipes to reveal any leaks once the ice blockage has thawed.
  4. Finally, call Boelcke to help. We can check out your pipes for any additional ice blockages, and we have the proper equipment to thaw your pipes, get them working again, and make any needed repairs. It’s especially important to give us a call if you’ve had severely frozen pipes, as this can weaken piping material and cause leaks or fractures down the road.

Keep in mind, frozen pipes need to be taken care of properly in order to prevent a disaster. That means, as soon as you discover your pipes are frozen, you need to take the above measures and give Boelcke a call as soon as possible. Our skilled master plumbers can help you get your frozen pipes thawed, and in the unfortunate event of a burst pipe, we can make the repairs needed to your plumbing.

Trust Boelcke for the emergency plumbing services you need.

Frozen or burst pipes mean you need help right away. At Boelcke, we proudly provide our customers with 24-hour emergency plumbing service. If you live in Stevensville, Coloma, St. Joseph,or the surrounding areas and need plumbing products and services for your home, give Boelcke a call at (269) 429-9261. We’ll help you get the plumbing services you need quickly and professionally.

What Type of Heating System is Best for My Home?

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

Family comfortable at homeIf you’re feeling the chill in your Michigan home this winter and have been considering replacing your old heating system, you may be curious about what options are available. Maybe you have an older furnace or boiler that’s out of warranty. Maybe you have an aging, inefficient electric baseboard heating system and are wondering how to heat your home without ductwork. Fortunately, there are many types of heating systems available.

In this article, we’ll talk about the four main types of heating equipment Boelcke provides, and how each can benefit specific types of heating configurations. Whether you’re looking for a more efficient alternative to an old furnace or boiler or would like to add heat to an addition or converted space without having to use a space heater, we can help. Keep reading to learn more!

Learn more about the four main types of heating systems Boelcke provides.

While there are a number of different types of heating options available, the most common are furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and ductless heating systems. Learn more about each type of system below:

  1. Furnace: Many homes have centralized heating provided by a furnace. Most furnaces burn a type of fuel, generally either oil or gas. The furnace’s heat exchanger then transfers heat from the furnace’s burner to the air, and blowers and fans distribute the heat throughout the home’s ductwork.
  2. Boiler: Like furnaces, boiler systems generally use oil or gas as their source of fuel. Instead of heating the air, however, boilers heat water. The heated water or steam, depending on the boiler type, is then sent through pipes throughout the home that are connected to radiators in each room. Sometimes, the pipes are under the floor and provide radiant heating in this manner.
  3. Heat Pump: Heat pump systems don’t require fuel to heat the home. Instead, they work by extracting heat from either the outdoor air or the ground and then pump that heat into the home. A centralized heat pump system uses the home’s existing ductwork to deliver the heated air throughout the home. A benefit of a heat pump system is that in the summer months, the process can be reversed to provide cooling to the home.
  4. Ductless Heating: Ductless heating generally uses a heat pump in order to operate, but unlike a centralized heat pump system, it does not require ductwork. Instead, it operates using a single unit installed in a specific area or zone. Ductless heating can be installed throughout a home using multiple units, or just in one area of the home that doesn’t have access to the centralized heating system, such as an addition or converted space. Like heat pumps, ductless heating can be reversed to provide cooling in the summer.

I’m ready to get improved heating for my home. Can Boelcke help?

When you need heating solutions from a qualified specialist, you can trust Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning. We can help meet all your home heating needs, large or small. You’ll be able to take advantage of a complete listing of heating products and services, including energy-efficient heating equipment installation, as well as maintenance and repair. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Get Your Home’s Plumbing Spring-Ready with These Tips

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

outdoor spigot with spring flowers in backgroundOnce spring arrives, people look forward to getting their homes ready for the better weather to come. Many people embark on spring cleaning inside and out, making sure windows are clean, lawns and gardens are maintained, and home comfort equipment is working properly. It’s also a good idea to make sure that your home’s plumbing is in good working order, too.

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Stevensville: (269) 429-9261
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At Boelcke, we offer complete plumbing services, but we also like to help homeowners by providing a few DIY tips now and then. In this article, we’ll share a few tips on how you can make sure your home’s plumbing system is spring-ready. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Tips to Make Sure Your Home’s Plumbing is Ready for Spring

Want to learn more about how you can make sure the plumbing in your home is ready for the spring season ahead? Here are a few tips that can help ensure your plumbing is prepared:

  1. Make sure your sump pump is working properly. Once spring arrives, so does the rain and unfortunately, basement flooding. Check your sump pump as early in the spring as possible to make sure it’s operating properly so you’ll be prepared for wet conditions.
  2. Consider installing a water softener. Most of the water in Michigan is considered hard to very hard. That means that there are a lot of minerals present in the water that can lead to buildup in pipes, in your water heater, and in heating equipment that uses water, like boilers. It can even cause problems with appliances, such as coffeemakers and ice machines. A water softener can help keep hard water from becoming a problem.
  3. Inspect your home’s water heater. Spring is a great time to make sure your home equipment, such as your air conditioning system and water heater, is working properly. Getting annual maintenance on your water heater from a professional plumber can help ensure it’s running smoothly and efficiently.
  4. Check your outdoor spigots and faucets. In the winter, outdoor fixtures like sprinklers, outdoor faucets, and spigots can freeze and become damaged. You’ll want to inspect your sprinkler heads and hose spigots for any leaks or damages that could have been caused by freezing winter temperatures.
  5. Check gutters and downspouts. During the winter months, debris and vegetation can collect in gutters and downspouts. Sometimes, animals like squirrels use gutters for nesting and food storage during the winter months. So, you’ll want to make sure your gutters are free of anything that could cause clogs that prevent rainwater from flowing freely.

Of course, if you’re uncomfortable with tackling plumbing concerns on your own, no worries – Boelcke is always ready to help you find the best solution.

Need help with home plumbing concerns? You can count on Boelcke.

At Boelcke, our plumbing professionals are always ready to help meet your home plumbing needs. You can count on us for plumbing installation, maintenance, and repair, and we can help you get the equipment you need, including water-softening systems and hot water heaters. If you live in Stevensville, Coloma, St. Joseph, or the surrounding areas and need plumbing services for your home, give Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning a call at (269) 429-9261. We’ll tell you about the different plumbing products and services we offer, and help you find the solution that best suits your needs.

Should I Get Air Conditioning Maintenance This Spring?

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

Summer is right around the corner, and for many people, that means fun in the sun. Whether you’re looking forward to spending the day poolside or hanging out with friends and family on the patio, it’s also nice to know that you can return to a nice, air-conditioned home when Mother Nature cranks up the heat. That’s why it’s important to make sure your home’s air conditioning system is working properly now so that once the heat is on, it’ll be ready to keep your home cool.

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Stevensville: (269) 429-9261
Coloma: (269) 468-4321
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The best way you can ensure that your home’s AC system is ready for the warmer temperatures ahead is by getting it the maintenance it needs. In this article, we’ll talk about some of the benefits of seasonal air conditioning maintenance, and how Boelcke can help. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Reasons to Get Annual AC Maintenance

Many people aren’t sure if getting air conditioning maintenance from a qualified professional is a necessity. They may wonder if it provides any real benefits to their AC system, or they may think their air conditioner has been working just fine. However, there are many real benefits to getting your AC system maintained on a regular basis, including:

  1. Better Efficiency: Over time and through use, air conditioning systems can become dirty. And, that dust and dirt buildup can force the system to work harder than necessary. By choosing an annual AC cleaning and tune-up, your system will be clean, well-oiled, and ready to work efficiently to keep you and your family cool.
  2. More Effective Cooling: Again, once dirt, dust, and gunk build up in your air conditioner, it must work harder to keep your home cool. A neglected system simply will not keep your home as cool as it could, had it been properly maintained.
  3. Longer Life: A well-maintained AC system is likely to last longer than one that has been neglected. Think about your air conditioning system like your car – would you expect it to last very long if you never changed the oil and tires, or had it tuned up and inspected? Probably not. Your AC system is also complex machinery, and benefits from a professional checkup, just like your car.
  4. Warranty Maintenance: While manufacturers differ, some have stipulations in their warranties that render the warranty void if maintenance is not completed by a qualified, licensed professional. This means that while it might be tempting to maintain your AC by yourself, it can also void the warranty – which can leave you with out-of-pocket expenses on repairs.
  5. Small Problems Can Be Identified: Over the course of normal operation, components within your system can experience small issues. Refrigerant lines might develop a leak, parts like nuts and bolts might corrode, and drainage lines might become clogged. These are small problems that can easily be identified through regular maintenance, but if left unchecked, they can turn into larger – and much more expensive – issues.

Can Boelcke help me get the air conditioning maintenance I need?

Absolutely! At Boelcke, your comfort is always our top priority. We want you and your family to stay cool and comfortable, no matter how hot it gets outside. As a full-service air conditioning contractor, we can help with any AC need you might have, including seasonal maintenance. We’ll be glad to schedule a maintenance appointment with you and get your air conditioning system operating at its best and most efficiently. Just give us a call at (269)429-9261, and we will be more than happy to help!

No Need to Rely on Window Air Conditioning – Ductless is an Option.

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

Once the summer weather returns to our area, people start to rely on their home’s air conditioning system to keep them cool and comfortable. For homeowners who either don’t have ductwork throughout their home (such as those with radiant heat) or have added space to their home that is not connected to the duct system, keeping cool often means relying on window air conditioning units.

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Stevensville: (269) 429-9261
Coloma: (269) 468-4321
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While window AC can help keep you cool during the summer, it does have some disadvantages. Often, window units are not as energy efficient as other types of air conditioning might be. They can also obstruct your view, and if not properly installed, can be pulled down by a pet or child. If you’d like to stay cool this summer but don’t want the hassle of adding ductwork to your home, ductless air conditioning is an option.

What is Ductless Air Conditioning?

You may not have heard of ductless cooling, or if you have, you might be unsure about what, exactly, it is. Ductless air conditioning is, quite simply, just what it sounds like – air conditioning that does not require ductwork to keep a home cool. Ductless air conditioning is installed in multiple units throughout the home, or just as one single unit in an area that needs cooling. Ductless systems require minimal construction for installation – the indoor and outdoor units are connected via a small-diameter conduit so only a small hole needs to be drilled into the wall. Unlike window AC, most ductless systems are installed high on a wall or in the ceiling, keeping them well out of the way of your living space.

What are Some Benefits of Ductless Cooling?

While keeping windows unobstructed is a benefit enough for many people, there are other advantages to installing a ductless system in your home. Here are just a few of the benefits you’ll enjoy:

  1. Better Energy Efficiency: Ductless systems generally rely on heat pump technology to operate, which is one of the most efficient means of cooling available. Ductless systems are also much more efficient than most window air conditioners on the market today.
  2. Improved Comfort: Ductless cooling is very effective, whether used in one room or throughout the home. Additionally, ductless offers very quiet operation – much quieter than traditional window AC. Many users describe it as “quiet as a whisper,” making it a great cooling option for bedrooms and TV rooms.
  3. Ease of Operation: Ductless systems are generally operated via remote control – making it easy to control the temperature of your space with a simple click of a button. Some systems are even Wi-Fi capable, so they can be controlled via computer or smartphone, even when you’re not home.
  4. Indoor Air Quality: Because each ductless unit has its own filter, many ductless users notice that the air in their home is fresher and cleaner. And, cleaning the filter is simple enough for most homeowners to do on their own. (We still recommend annual maintenance, as that helps make sure all other system components are working properly.)
  5. Year-Round Comfort: One of the biggest advantages of ductless is that many models can provide heating during the cooler months as well. This means that ductless cooling and heating can be a viable option for replacing old, inefficient electric baseboard heating.

Can Boelcke help me get ductless for my home?

If you’re interested in ductless cooling and heating for your home, you’ll be glad to know that Boelcke can help. We’re pleased to provide our customers with quality ductless systems that can help them enjoy better home comfort all year long. When you need ductless cooling and heating from a qualified specialist, you can trust Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning. We can help meet all your home comfort needs, large or small. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Staying Safe When Outdoor Air Quality Is Poor

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

With the recent wildfires in Canada and the subsequent effect they’re having on our local environment, you may be wondering what you can do to stay safe when the outdoor air quality is poor. It isn’t as simple as staying indoors until the poor air quality warnings expire, because that outdoor air can find its way into your home and cause issues for you and your family. If you’re worried about the current air quality and want to safeguard yourself and your family, here are a few simple suggestions you can follow.

  1. Wear a mask if you must go outdoors. Masks can help you keep from inhaling pollutants, like pollen or smoggy air. Make sure the mask fits tightly around your nose and mouth.
  2. Keep your windows closed. While it’s always tempting to open windows this time of year, on days when the air quality outside is poor it’s a good idea to keep them shut – and keep the pollutants outside.
  3. Avoid running window fans and AC units. This can bring polluted air indoors. And while you can’t see the particles in the air caused by fires or pollinating plants and trees, they’re there, and can easily enter your home via your fans or air conditioners.
  4. Check the air quality regularly. As we’ve seen recently, the air quality can change dramatically over the course of just a few hours. The AirNow website has up-to-date information as well as air quality forecasts so that you can plan accordingly.
  5. Consider air purification. An air purifier can help to remove pollutants from the air in your home. You can buy portable air purifiers at most larger department and home improvement stores. If you or a family suffers from respiratory conditions, you may want to talk to an HVAC professional about whole-home air quality solutions.

Of course, you can always count on Boelcke to help you should you have any additional concerns about the air quality in your home. Just give us a call at(269) 429-9261 and we will be more than happy to help you.

At Boelcke, We’re Much More Than Cooling & Heating

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

Technician servicing a hot-water heaterCustomers who trust Boelcke for their home cooling and heating needs know we’re prompt, professional, and reliable. That’s because it is always our top priority to make sure our customers are safe and comfortable. But did you know that we also offer many additional products and services? When we think of home comfort at Boelcke, we know it goes beyond staying warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s important to have reliable plumbing, backup power, and clean indoor air, too.

We’re ready to help meet a wide range of your home comfort needs.

Of course, you can always count on us for your cooling and heating repair, maintenance, and installation needs. But we’re also pleased to offer complete plumbing, generator, and indoor air quality solutions as well. Keep reading to learn more about how Boelcke can help meet these needs in your home as well!

Plumbing Products & Services from Boelcke

Whether you need new bathroom or kitchen plumbing installed, your drains cleaned, or repairs on pipes or water mains, Boelcke is ready to help meet the plumbing needs of your home. We also offer products that help improve your home’s water quality, including water softeners and water filters. And, if you need a hot water heater replacement, we provide installation of both tank and tankless water heaters.

We Offer the Generators You Need, Too.

An extended power outage is not only inconvenient, but it can also cause expensive damage to home appliances and costly food spoilage. The best way to weather any storm – and extended outage – is with a quality home generator. At Boelcke, we proudly provide our customers with reliable Honeywell whole-home backup generators, available in many configurations to meet your home, lifestyle, and budgetary needs. Plus, we’ll provide generator maintenance and repair service, so you never have to worry about going without power.

You’ll Breathe Easier with Indoor Air Quality Products from Boelcke

Having fresh, clean indoor air is important for everyone, and is vital for anyone who suffers from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory concerns. Fortunately, there are many indoor air quality products available that can help clean the air in your home. At Boelcke, we offer air sterilization, high-efficiency filters, and UV lights that work to keep particulates and contaminants out of the air in your home. And, if your home’s air is either too damp or too dry, we can help make it just right by installing a dehumidifier or humidifier for you.

And of course, you can always count on Boelcke for your cooling and heating needs.

We’re pleased to offer our customers quality cooling and heating products from trusted brands. Whether you’re looking for a central AC to help you stay cool in the summer, a furnace or boiler to keep you warm in the winter, or a heat pump or ductless system that can help you stay comfortable year-round, Boelcke is ready to meet your needs. Plus, we provide maintenance and repair on all types of HVAC equipment as well, so you can count on us to get the cooling and heating services you need, all year long.

Whether you need HVAC, plumbing, generator, or indoor air quality products and services, you can trust Boelcke. We can help meet all your home comfort needs, large or small. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

How to Stay Safe During a Power Outage

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

lightning bolt strikes during stormThere is much to enjoy once the summer season rolls around. Outdoor activities, backyard barbecues, and weekend getaways with family and friends are all part of what makes summer such a great time of year. Unfortunately, though, the summer season can also mean some seriously stormy weather. Severe thunderstorms and high winds can cause tree branches and other items to fall on electrical wires – and that can mean a prolonged power outage.

You may be wondering what you can do to protect yourself and your family during an extended power outage in your area. In this article, we’ll give you a few practical suggestions you can follow, and we’ll also let you know what Boelcke can do to help you weather any storm, no matter what the season. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Tips on Staying Safe During a Power Outage

Nobody likes to think about losing power in their home, and especially for several hours – or even days. If you find yourself without power, there are a few things you can do to help you stay safe. Here are five tips you can easily follow:

  1. Make sure to have an emergency kit prepared. This should include a flashlight, battery-operated radio, extra batteries, matches/candles, bottled drinking water, non-perishable foods, charged backup chargers for cell phones, medical supplies, blankets, and extra clothes appropriate for the weather.
  2. Stay informed about the storm. Listen to the battery-operated radio we mentioned above or keep track of the local news on your cell phone. Most utility companies also provide an estimated wait time on their website, so you’ll be able to better plan for a prolonged outage.
  3. Keep away from downed power lines. If there has been a severe windstorm or tornado in your area and you are without power, it’s safe to assume that there are downed power lines. If you see a downed power line, stay at least 35 feet away from it and call 911.
  4. Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible. A full freezer will keep food safe for consumption for 48 hours, and a fridge will keep it safe for up to four hours. These estimates are without opening and closing the appliances. According to the government’s food safety website, if you have any doubts about food spoilage, throw it out. You can visit their website to learn more about how long most foods are safe – and at what point they should be discarded.
  5. Do not use grills indoors. While it can be tempting to pull your grill into a garage or enclosed porch to cook during a power outage, this can be very dangerous. That’s because grills produce carbon monoxide. Outside, the CO easily dissipates into the outdoor air, but inside it doesn’t have anywhere to go, and can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

What can I do to avoid losing power in my home?

While the tips we’ve shared above can help keep you and your family safe during a prolonged outage, you may be wondering how to avoid losing power in your home altogether. Fortunately, Boelcke can help! We offer our customers the quality Honeywell generators they need, to weather any storm. You’ll never have to worry about going without power again – and this is vitally important if you or someone in your family relies on electricity for medical equipment. When you choose us to help, our expert technicians will provide you with professional generator installation. We can help you choose the right generator for your home, based on your family’s needs.

Learn more about our home generator solutions.

Honeywell generators provide backup power for everyday life. They come in a variety of sizes that can power your entire home. Boelcke’s home backup solutions provide the power you need during an outage, without the need to start the unit. We proudly offer our customers some of the best home generator solutions available, including:

  • Whole-Home Backup Generators: Honeywell automatic backup generators help guard against potential dangers that power outages can bring. These generators automatically turn on when they sense a utility power disruption and provide power until your main power is restored.
  • Portable Generators: Portable generators can be used for home backup, work, or recreation. They are a great option for emergency backup power for your home and can be used in a variety of different settings based on your needs. These are available upon request.

While we can’t prevent power outages from happening, we can help keep you and your home safer if one occurs. Simply give us a call at 269.429.9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you with your home generator needs.

How Can I Keep My Bathroom Plumbing Running Smoothly?

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

A cozy farmhouse bathroom with a wood cabinet, marble countertop, and subway tile shower.You might not think about it very often, but your home’s bathroom is a busy place. Between the sink, tub, shower, and toilet, there’s a lot of water flowing into your bathroom every day, and wastewater flowing out. That’s why it’s so important to keep your bathroom plumbing in good shape.

Nobody wants to think about clogged pipes, plugged toilets, or leaky faucets. Fortunately, there are many things you can do as a homeowner to help keep your bathroom plumbing flowing freely. In this article, we’ll share some tips on what you as a homeowner can do, as well as how Boelcke can help.

7 Tips to Keep Your Bathroom Plumbing Working Properly

While you should always call your plumber for serious clogs or leaky pipes and faucets, there are a few things you can do to help keep your bathroom plumbing in good working order, including:

  1. Maintain your bathroom sink. Toothpaste, hair care products, lotions, and soap chips can build up in your bathroom sink’s drain, especially if hair has collected there, too. Using a mesh drain cover in your sink can help keep any hair out. Run hot water down the sink weekly to help break up any residue.
  2. Put a mesh drain cover in your shower drain. This can help catch things like hair and lint, which can end up clogging your shower drain. Avoid pouring chemicals or greasy substances down your shower drain, too.
  3. Don’t flush unflushable items down your toilet. Ideally, you will only want to flush waste and toilet paper. Paper towels, baby wipes, cotton swabs, and sanitary products should never go down the toilet.
  4. Check for toilet tank leaks. If you’re concerned that your toilet tank is leaking into the bowl, you can test it by putting some red food coloring into the toilet tank and waiting an hour or so. If it leaks into the bowl in that time, you’ll want to call your plumber as the tank ball will likely need to be replaced.
  5. Clean the showerhead with vinegar. Mineral buildup, especially in areas where the water is hard, can stop the water from flowing freely from your showerhead over time. To clear mineral deposits, simply unscrew your showerhead and soak it in vinegar for 24 hours. This should help remove the deposits, allowing the water to flow freely again.
  6. Be cautious of what household chemicals you use. Some chemicals are very caustic and can corrode your plumbing over time. While approved for cleaning surfaces in your home, they can do a number on your plumbing. Some cleaners can become especially corrosive when combined.
  7. Clean tub and faucet aerators. The aerator is just the cap on your faucet with tiny holes in it. Unfortunately, hard water can cause those holes to clog up with mineral deposits. Carefully unscrew your aerator and gently brush vinegar on the aerator to remove any sediment.

Rely on Boelcke for the bathroom plumbing services you need.

Whether you need new bathroom plumbing installed, your drains cleaned, or repairs on pipes or water mains, Boelcke is ready to help meet the plumbing needs of your home. We also offer products that help improve your home’s water quality, including water softeners and water filters. And, if you need a hot water heater replacement, we provide installation of both tank and tankless water heaters. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.