By Donald Jordan 1 November 04, 2017
We came home from vacation to a flooded basement. Called Todd at TMZ on the recommendation of a neighbor. He installed a new sump pump because the old on had failed. All good right? Three months later during the next big rainstorm we came home from diner to....you guessed it, a flooded basement. The power cord had slipped because Todd did not take the time to secure it properly and blocked the float so the pump did not engage. ...read more
By vvcephei September 25, 2015
Rich P. did an outstanding job installing my new and improved water heater. He also did it in less time than originally estimated. Thank you for a job well done! ...read more
By Morton Friedman September 06, 2015
Hot water heater sold and installed. Mike P the plumber was expert, polite, and his answers to my questions demonstrated integrity. These are good people to work with. ...read more
Every holiday season millions upon millions of people resolve to lose weight, exercise more or just generally take better care of themselves. While those are great personal goals, I can’t help but wonder why more people don’t resolve to take better care of their homes.This idea came to me as I was being flooded with emergency water heater replacement calls during the holidays. All sorts of Naperville residents had gotten all ready to celebrate the New Year, when BAM! They were shocked to be met with ice-cold water. And each one of these now frigid customers asked me the same question, “Why does this always happen around the holidays?”After I joke that if they left their favorite Naperville plumber cookies and milk, this whole situation could have been avoided, I explain the cold, hard facts of the mysterious water heater.Your water heater’s sole purpose is to furnish a home with nice, hot water. It heats up the water piped into your home and disperses it as you use the shower, dishwasher, laundry machine etc. It sounds simple, so why do they always go out at the worst time ever – when it’s really cold out?Well, there are a few things to blame; and none of them are related to a lack of cookies:1) It’s cold outside which means your source of water, be it theCity of Napervilleor a well, is cold. Your heater has to work harder to supply you and your family with hot water. It’s like running 2 miles more than you usually do.2) The cold water is denser, so when it’s heated it creates what’s called “thermal expansion.” Thermal expansion creates more pressure in the heater. It’s like running 2 miles more than you usually do, and then having to run uphill.3) Finally, water heaters are typically located in a basement or garage; two places known to be cold. This means the water sitting in the heater cools off quicker, requiring the heater to heat more often to keep up with your hot water needs. It’s like running 2 miles more than you usually do, and then having to run uphill in the freezing cold… that puts a little stress on your body; imagine your water heater!Unfortunately here in Naperville the cold weather cannot be avoided, but you can take precautions to avoid a water heater holiday disaster. Periodically check your water heater for leaks and other signs of stress. If something doesn’t seem right, be sure to call Jim Wagner Plumbing, andschedule a service call. We’ll be happy to help! ...read more
By Jim Wagner Plumbing, Inc. October 12, 2011
We've just published a new edition of our newsletter! You can check it out on our website and get the latest information from Jim Wagner Plumbing, Inc.. Let us know what you think! Read It Now Here ...read more
By Jim Wagner Plumbing, Inc. February 02, 2011
This week we have had temperatures above freezing and have had rain. We also received several calls with pumps running constantly. The main reason was frozen sump pump outside discharge piping. Exterior discharge piping has to be able to drain out. If piping holds water it will freeze. If your pump is running constantly and you expect your discharge piping is frozen the piping as it exits the house needs to be disconnected so pump can actually discharge water. Your pump also has to be able move water away from the house. A piece of 2 inch PVC maybe added temporary above ground to pump water away from the house. For more information visit oursump pump installation pagefor more details. If you live in Naperville visit theresitefor information in regard to discharging into the storm sewer. If you are considering a new sump pump system visit oursump pump product pagefor our sump pumps priced with installation. ...read more
By Jim Wagner Plumbing, Inc. February 01, 2011
Many people have baseboard or wall heaters that are used as primary heat sources or as add-ons for heat in certain rooms of their homes. They are both economical and very easy to use. Should one become damaged or just go out you can repair it yourself with little or no effort without having to replace... ...read more
Many people at some point in their lives have used a humidifier, but many people do not have whole house humidifiers. Whole house humidifiers are used to regulate the moisture in the air for a number of reasons. For people with respiratory problems, for example, a humidifier can make all the differenc... ...read more
