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Technician Seal of Safety
This seal indicates a company's dedication to protecting the safety and well-being of you and your family. While it is rare that employees of home service contractors are involved in crimes against homeowners, it can and does happen. You can minimize your risk when hiring a home services contractor by going with a contractor who displays the Technician Seal of Safety.
You owe it to yourself and your family to make sure that you are inviting individuals into your home who have been screened by a pre-employment background check and who are tested for illegal drug use as permitted by law. Visit www.mysafetyseal.com for more information.
Franklin Plumbing Spotlight: Emergency Service
June 23, 2011 by admin · Leave a Comment
There are many different times in your life when you need a plumber.
For example, you need a plumber during new construction. If you’re building a new home in Franklin, you’ll need a plumber who can install new water supply lines and drainage pipes in your new kitchen, bathroom, and utility room. You’ll also need a plumber to install plumbing for outdoor living: installing outdoor spigots is only the beginning.
Another time you might need a good plumber in Franklin is if you’re renovating or remodeling the house. Upgrading the kitchen often means installing a new sink, changing the kitchen faucet, installing new appliances such as refrigerators or dishwashers that need water supply and drainage lines, and more. Renovating the master bath or adding a half bath for the kids? A great Franklin plumber is your best resource!
Franklin Emergency Plumbing Service
Another time you’ll need a plumber is when you have a plumbing emergency. There are many types of plumbing emergencies. For example, your toilet can clog, causing it to overflow and creating a big mess in the house. Frozen pipes can burst, flooding the basement or even the interior of your house. Heavy rainfall and flood events can leave you needing a new sump pump fast. Who do you call?
The best time to find a plumber to handle your plumbing emergencies is before you have a catastrophe! Talk with your neighbors and colleagues who live nearby. Discover who they call when they have a plumbing emergency. You want to work with a plumber who offers 24/7 emergency response service, who answers calls quickly and promptly, and has the resources to respond when you need them.
When you call for emergency service, try to explain as best you can what the problem is, what, if anything, you’ve done to deal with the problem – such as shutting off the water, and have clear directions to your house. That will help your Franklin plumber get there faster!
Central MA: Need A Great Gift for Father’s Day? Ask Your Plumber!
June 8, 2011 by admin · Leave a Comment
What did you give Dad for Father’s Day last year?
Can you remember?
More importantly, can he?
This year, knock your Father’s socks off with a gift that delivers luxury, comfort, and style – all at a surprisingly affordable price! Just get your Central MA plumber on the phone and tell them you want to talk about having a vertical spa installed. This year, you can make Father’s Day memorable.
What is a Vertical Spa?
A vertical spa is a special shower unit. There are multiple shower heads – the one in the picture has six! – that can be set to deliver water at exactly the temperature and pressure that your Dad likes the best. Experiencing a vertical spa is like walking into luxury. The water cleans and soothes the body, leaving you feeling invigorated and energized. A vertical spa is a great way to unwind after a tense day in the office or after a particularly tough workout.
Central MA Vertical Spa Installation
Vertical spas are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. You can find a vertical spa to complement any home decor – or if your Dad’s bathroom hasn’t had an upgrade since 1973, installing a vertical spa can be part of a whole new look!
Many people ask if installing a vertical spa is a do it yourself job. The answer to this question is that while some homeowners who have advanced plumbing skills would find the job doable, the majority of homeowners will want to turn to their Central MA plumber. Your plumber can remove your old shower, installing the new vertical spa, install the multiple showerheads, install and set the controls, and leave your Dad’s bathroom looking better than it ever has before.
Vertical spas are a particularly great gift for the active Dad. If your Dad works a physically demanding job or works out regularly, they’ll really appreciate how a vertical spa can leave them looking and feeling great!
Worchester County: Secrets of The Sump Pump
May 23, 2011 by admin · Leave a Comment
Image: think4photop / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
No one has released any official statement yet, but it’s pretty easy to see that this has been one of the wettest springs in recent Massachusetts history. Heavier than usual snowfall this winter has coupled with lots and lots of rain this spring to produce high water conditions throughout the region.
While we’re lucky to not be facing as much water as some of the rest of the nation, localized flooding and heavy rain can lead to water in basements throughout the Worchester County area. When that happens, you need to have a strong, dependable sump pump.
Worchester County Sump Pump
Sump pumps are your home’s first line of defense against water in the basement. Whether that water enters your home as a result of a flood event, heavy rains, snow run off, or a burst pipe within the home, you want it out as soon as possible. Water doesn’t have to be in your home long before it starts doing damage. In a finished basement, this can mean ruined carpeting and wallboard – not to mention any possessions you may have stored in the basement. Treasured holiday decorations or an entire season’s worth of clothes can be gone.
Sump pumps are installed in the lowest point in your basement, where water would naturally accumulate. You can do this yourself, or have your Worchester County plumber do it for you. This is often the best choice as sump pump installation can require digging a sump pit in the basement, installing the new sump pump, installing a check valve to prevent water from flowing back into your basement, and connecting your sump pump to the drainage pipes that carry water away from your home.
Talk to your Worchester County plumber to select the best sump pump for your home. Sump pumps with battery backup provide peace of mind: you’ll be able to keep your basement dry even if the power goes out!
Worchester MA Plumbing Spotlight: Constantly Running Toilet
May 5, 2011 by admin · Leave a Comment
What Are The Signs Your Toilet Is Running Too Much?
There are two ways to tell if your toilet is running too much. The first is the noise. The sound of a toilet striving to fill the tank is distinctive. You’ll hear the sound of running water, just as you do after a normal flush, but the sound continues for a long time: minutes, sometimes even hours. The second way to tell if your toilet is running too much is to glance at your water bill. A spike in usage, which often accompanies a higher than expected bill, can be a sign that your toilet is running too much.
What Causes The Toilet To Run Continually?
Your Worchester, MA plumber can tell you that the primary cause of a toilet that runs too much is a problem with the toilet’s flushing mechanism. This mechanism is simple but has several parts. If any of these parts are broken, compromised, or failing to perform as required, your toilet will run continually.
There is a flapper that is supposed to seal the bottom of your toilet tank while it is being refilled. Often this flapper is the source of all of your problems. The rubber it is composed of can deteriorate; allowing water to escape all the while your toilet valiantly struggles to fill the tank. The result? A constantly running toilet!
What Can Be Done About A Constantly Running Toilet?
The one thing you don’t want to do if your toilet is running constantly is ignore the situation. It’s not good for your water bill or your sanity! The sound of running water can be soothing – but when you know you’re paying for every drop of water that’s being wasted down the drain, it’s just not the same.
Call your Worchester, MA plumber. They will inspect your toilet and determine the cause of your constantly running toilet. Repairing or replacing the flushing mechanism will get your home’s toilet running properly again.
Millbury Plumbing: What Trustworthy Means
January 26, 2011 by admin · Leave a Comment
Owning a home is a big responsibility. There’s a lot on your plate. Upkeep and maintenance on a home in the Millbury area is a big job, make no mistake. As such, you’re continually bombarded with messages from service professionals of every type – plumbers, heating contractors, drain cleaning services, and more – touting their skills and services. They want you to trust them with your home.
Let’s be real here. After reading this news story it’s clear that you’re trusting your Millbury plumber with far more than your pipes and fixtures. Any time we let someone into our home, we’re making ourselves vulnerable. Our homes, our possessions, and most terrifying of all, our children and grandchildren, are being exposed to someone we hardly know at all.
This story, like far too many news stories like it, will take center stage for a while, creating fear and anxiety for homeowners who need to get their plumbing fixed. When the toilet’s backed up or the sewer line breaks, doing the repairs yourself is really not an option. You need professionals to service the furnace and restore lost water pressure. How do you know that the plumber you’re letting into your home is trustworthy?
Finding a Millbury Plumber
There are no guarantees in this world, but you can take steps to minimize the chances that you, your home, and your loved one becomes the victim of an unscrupulous plumber. Child safety experts recommend the following:
- Do your research. Find out what you can about a plumber before letting them into your home. Established, professional plumbing companies are considered safer than one-man operations, where there is no accountability or oversight.
- Keep your kids away from the plumber. Little children, especially boys who like to tear everything apart and girls who want to see how things work, often want to ‘help’. Unfortunately, this can present an opportunity for abuse. Keep the kids in another room, supervised. Do not leave your children alone with any unknown adults.
- Be alert. Pay attention to where the plumber is in your home and what they’re doing. Your plumber may need to work in the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room to effect repairs. They may also need to access the basement, where pipes are. There’s no reason for your plumber to access other areas of the home: if they tell you they need to, accompany them.
Boylston: Your Home’s Plumbing – When Attention to Detail Matters
January 19, 2011 by admin · Leave a Comment
Controversial musician Kanye West creates buzz with every statement that he makes. The latest tempest in a teapot has to do with Kanye’s displeasure over his snacks. He’d tweeted Room service uguugh! I hate when I order fruit and I can taste the other food they cut with the same knife. Beef flavored pineapples Love him or hate him, you’ve got to admit the rapper has a point: there are times when attention to detail matters.
Boylston homeowners know that one place where detail matters is your home’s plumbing. Our homes are our largest investment. The maintenance and upkeep of our homes is not something to take lightly.
Boylston Furnace Service
One of the areas where it’s essential to pay attention to every detail is your home’s heating system. This has been one of the roughest winters in recent memory, and we’re all depending on our furnaces and boilers to keep us warm.
If you haven’t had your furnace serviced recently, you’ll want to schedule a call now. That way you can have the peace of mind of knowing you’ll have heat for the remainder of this brutal winter. Forecasts include potential record low temperatures yet again over the next few weeks: don’t take chances with your family’s safety.
Attention to detail matters during a furnace service call. During a furnace service call, your Boylston plumber is performing all of the tests and checks needed to make sure your furnace is operating safely and efficiently. This includes checking and replacing filters and belts as needed. Fuel nozzles and electronic components are inspected to make sure everything is working properly. The entire unit is checked for cracks and leaks. A thorough cleaning and inspection can identify problems before they start – and save your family from a chilly surprise on a frigid February night!
Boylston Plumbing
Water heater installation, sump pump replacement and drain cleaning services are all common jobs for your Boylston plumber. Attention to detail matters: something as simple as ensuring your water heater is perfectly level can really impact the performance you can expect from your water heater. Don’t be afraid to ask your plumber questions! They take pride in doing the job right – down tot he last detail!
Worcester Mass Plumbing Resolutions to Save You Money
January 14, 2011 by admin · Leave a Comment
Worcester Mass Homeowners: Save Money in 2011!
The calendar is winding down. Old Father Time is about to usher out the old year and bring in the new. It’s the time of year to make resolutions and plan how you’ll make 2011 better than 2010 ever dreamed of being!
If you’ve resolved to spend money wisely in 2011, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the most out of every dollar you spend on plumbing. That means making plumbing upgrades that offer immediate savings on your energy and water bills. Preventative maintenance also plays a role.
To make the plumbing changes that will help your family save money in 2011, you want to:
Bathrooms For Men: The Do’s and Don’ts!
January 12, 2011 by admin · Leave a Comment
If you look around the Spencer area, you’ll notice one thing right off the bat — approximately half of the people who live here are male.
All these guys need somewhere to shave, shower, and do other things! Let’s talk about what goes into making a great bathroom for your guy!
Do: Think Comfort and Simple Luxury
You’ve heard that a man’s home is his castle. Shouldn’t it be good to be the king? Bathroom design should focus on comfort! Plan your Spencer bathroom remodel with a goal to create at least one point in your home where your guy can feel fabulous. Vertical spas are the latest and greatest thing: multiple shower heads delivering water at the perfect pressure and temperature. They’re the perfect way to relax after a long, tough day.
Don’t: Overdo the Cute Factor
He might love football, golf, or even fox hunting — but chances are that your guy doesn’t want his bathroom littered with dozens of knicknacks and themed curtains, towels, wallpaper, and more. A little goes a long way! Free up that space for things your guy will appreciate — including plenty of room for his shaving gear!
Fixture selection should be both tasteful and well designed. Stainless steel faucets are a tried and true favorite that work with any decor.
Do: Think Long Term & Save $
Remodeling your bathroom to make it the perfect guy’s bathroom can save you money in the long run. Talk with your Spencer plumber about water heater installation — newer water heaters use less energy and water to operate, which is good for your budget and the planet! Choosing the right toilet can save you money. If your guy has health concerns or mobility issues, your Spencer plumber can help you fit out the bathroom with a walk-in tub, comfort height toilet, and other universal design bathroom fixtures that will meet his needs now and for years to come — all while reflecting his style!
Kid’s Bathroom Remodeling Ideas
January 6, 2011 by admin · Leave a Comment
Do you have kids? Then you know the value in having a kid-friendly bathroom.
What Is a Kid Friendly Bathroom?
Kid friendly bathrooms are designed for the youngest family members. They often feature lots of color and easy to clean surfaces. Footstools to help growing folks reach faucets and climb safely on and off the toilet are a must. What else goes into kid friendly bathroom design?
Ask your Millbury plumber! Simple choices such as installing a touch-free faucet rather than one that requires knobs or levers to work can make it much easier for a toddler to use the bathroom independently. Additionally, your Millbury plumber can make sure the water temperature is set in a safe range, preventing scalds and burns.
Adjustable showerheads and hand showers make bath time less of a battle. Many children feel more of a sense of control and less fear when they can direct the water themselves with a handshower. Of course, older children, teens, and adults enjoy handshowers as well, making this an upgrade you can enjoy for years.
Leading plumbing manufacturer Kohler has a few other recommendations that parents may want to incorporate into their kid friendly bathroom design:
Put a Toybox In The Bathroom
This one’s kind of a no-brainer. You want your kid to take baths, you want them to spend time in the bathtub willingly, without screaming or fussing or carrying on. It makes sense to create an environment they’ll find interesting and entertaining – and for kids that means toys! Ideal toyboxes will stand up to wet conditions: wicker or plastic baskets to contain bath-friendly toys are ideal.
Think Texture!
Kids love color, and they love texture. Incorporating different types of surfaces, from stone tiles to shiny mirrors, nubbly towels and rugs with squishy rubber bath mats, will make the bathroom more appealing to your kid.
What Does The Blizzard of 2010 Mean for the Plumbing in Your Auburn Home?
What a storm! The blizzard of 2010 is one of those storms that will live in our memory for a long, long time: the driving winds, the unbelievable snowfall, roadways choked with drifting snow, trees bent under the weight of the storm. All throughout our region, people are still digging themselves out.
The Impact of Winter Weather on Your Home’s Plumbing
There are several things that Auburn homeowners need to be aware of. Significant snowfall and cold temperatures can play havoc with your home’s plumbing system.
The first hazard to be aware of is the potential for your pipes to freeze. Pipes that are exposed to the storm’s fury and frigid temperatures can freeze. In a worst case scenario, frozen pipes can burst, releasing ice and water into your basement or living areas.
If your pipes are frozen, exercise caution! Every year, at least a few house fires are started by homeowners who try to thaw frozen pipes inappropriately. Never use torches, salamanders, or open flames of any type to thaw frozen pipes! Your Auburn plumber has the tools needed to do the job safely! Protect your home and family’s safety!
If your pipes have burst, call your Auburn plumber immediately. Shut off your home’s water supply at the shut off valve. Avoid stepping into any pools of water: you don’t know what lies beneath, and this could be hazardous.
Sump Pumps Play A Critical Role
Snow melts. The forecast holds the promise of steadily rising temperatures, which means the snowy drifts outside our windows will soon turn to water – and water has to go somewhere. Too often, that means the basement! The purpose of a sump pump is to remove accumulated water quickly and efficiently from your basement. Make a point of keeping an eye on your sump pump this week. If it is not operating properly, notify your Auburn plumber right away. Timely replacement of a faulty sump pump can save your home from flood damage!
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Get the Red Carpet Treatment
Sure there are a lot of hard-working plumbers available to you. But how many of them will truly give you the Red Carpet Treatment?
FiveStar Services will literally roll out a protective red carpet before stepping foot in your home. We work hard to treat you the way we like to be treated when inviting a service professional into our home.
We show up when we say we will. We listen to you to properly diagnose the problem. And we clean up after ourselves leaving your home in pristine condition.
Experience a true professional plumbing and heating company by calling 1-866-Fivestar or submitting a service request right now.