Archives: Press Releases

Meet These Women Plumbers This Women's History Month

These Women Changed the Plumbing Industry 

For centuries, plumbing has been a male-dominated profession. According to Statista, while under two percent of plumbers are women, this number is slowly (but surely) rising. However, that hasn't stopped certain women from entering this field. 

For example, Adrienne Bennett made waves when she became the first African-American plumber to become a master plumbing. Lillian Ann Baumbach in the 1950s was more than a pretty face; she was a plumber with over 250 pen pals in the 1950s. Although women plumbers only make up a fraction of the workforce, interested parties can learn more about their stunning achievements this Women's History Month. 

Data Suggests That Women Contractors Are on the Rise plumbing woman

As previously mentioned, women only make up a fraction of the plumbing industry. However, data from other sources suggest that, as a whole, more and more women are becoming contractors. Data from the Air Conditioning Contractors of America suggests that nearly nine percent of HVAC contractors are women. They are rapidly filling the 115,000 vacancies in the HVAC field. 

At this rate, women could make up a good portion of the plumbing industry by 2050. This could be just one of the many things that could bridge another gap between men and women. 

Meet the Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers 

At the turn of the 20th century, life for married women is vastly different than most people realize. For instance, women did not have the right to vote, and after marriage, there was little to do except raise a family and take care of the household. 

That's where the Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers came in. Plumbers wanted their wives to socialize while at work, so a group founded this organization to host luncheons, charity events, and "hangouts." For a while, the committee was just that. 

Yet, once women took over the committee, they changed the focus from socializing to advocacy work. One of the organization's biggest campaigns was public bathroom sanitation––namely Texaco. The committee noted that if public bathrooms were cleaner, this would limit the spread of disease. The committee was very successful – and eventually expanded their social rights campaigns to other causes, such as supporting female plumbers. 

While the Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers now exists under a different name, it still exists. One thing's for certain: this committee has a firm place in American women's history. 

plumbing woman Meet Lillian Ann Baumbach, the "Pretty Plumber" 

Lillian Ann Baumbach was born in 1930. From a very young age, her father took her on service calls, where he worked as a plumber. Baumbach knew that she always wanted to be a plumber, and she's credited with being the first female master plumber in the United States. 

Yet, that's just one part of her life. Not only did she go out on service calls, but she also managed her businesses for years to come. Then, in the 1950s, she became a pinup girl and many soldiers favored her in the Korean War. At one point, she had over 250 admirers––many of which proposed marriage without even meeting her face-to-face. 

Baumbach passed away at the age of 70 from leukemia. Yet, her many accomplishments live on. 

 

About West Plumbing LLC 

West Plumbing LLC strongly advocates for Women's History Month and its many pioneers. In addition to providing some fun facts this March, these professionals also offer a host of home improvement services. Contact them today for reliable Chandler plumbing services. 

Distribution Links +

What to Do When a Leaky Faucet Ruins the Mood

There Are Few Things Less Romantic Than a Dripping Faucet 

Listening to a faucet drip is not romantic. What else is not romantic? Losing money. When a faucet leaks, it is quite literally money dripping down the drain. Wasting water is a waste of money, and it is also bad for the environment. Fixing a leaking faucet drip right away is essential to prevent potential dangers like water damage and mold growth. 

Don't Put Off Leaky Faucet Repair water bill

Putting off leaky faucet repair is a bad idea for homeowners. Even if the water drip seems slow, it can add up to a significant amount of wasted water over time. Putting it off for too long can cause a myriad of problems. 

One of the dangers of a dripping faucet is property damage if the leak causes water damage in the home. Along with water damage may come the growth of dangerous molds, whose spores can be poisonous when inhaled. Repairing leaky faucets right away is essential to protecting the home's health, safety, and structure. 

Potential Causes of a Faucet Leak 

Most kitchen and bathroom faucets get daily use, and the parts may become worn over time. When the components inside the faucet become corroded, this can result in a leaky faucet. There are natural minerals in water that separate into solid sediment, and over time these mineral deposits can create friction inside of the faucet and corrode the parts. 

Keeping the faucet clean from built-up mineral deposits can help to prevent leaks in the future. Most modern faucets use an O-ring to connect the faucet to the water pipe. A worn-out O-ring is likely the culprit when the faucet is leaking from the base. 

No parts last forever, so sink repairs are regular every once. After too many sink repairs, the homeowner may want to consider upgrading to a newer model that needs less maintenance. 

faucetThe Easy Fix to a Leaky Faucet 

This plumbing trick to fix a dripping faucet may not work for every faucet, but it will work for any that have worn-out cartridges. The cartridges help regulate the water flow from the sink, so when they get worn-out or cracked, it can cause a leak to spring from the faucet. 

Homeowners can determine whether or not they have a cartridge faucet or a compression faucet by looking at how the water turns on. If they press down on the handle to turn on the water, it's a compression faucet. If they turn the handles one way or another, it's a cartridge faucet. 

To replace an old cartridge with a new one, homeowners must first ensure that the water supply is completely shut off with the valve firmly shut. One should cover the drain to prevent any parts from accidentally going down it during the leaky faucet repair. Then the homeowner or the plumber can remove the handles to get to the plastic cartridges inside to replace them. 

It is an easy fix to an easy faucet that can take less than an hour. Every faucet differs slightly, but in most cases, all that homeowners need to get the job done is a wrench and a screwdriver. 

About West Plumbing LLC

The team at West Plumbing LLC is proud to serve its community with high-quality plumbing services from experienced local plumbers. Give them a call today to schedule an appointment for plumbing repair or installation in Chandler, AZ. 

Distribution Links +

Tips for Improving Plumbing in the New Year

How Homeowners Should Maintain Their Plumbing Systems

Plumbing that performs well in the home can help keep the household operating smoothly. Even the most basic jobs, such as toilet repair, drain cleaning, or water leak repair, can become difficult without proper plumbing maintenance. Knowing how to increase homeowners’ plumbing performance will assist them in taking care of their home and keeping things running properly. 

Keep an Eye on What Goes Down the Toilettoilet

A clogged toilet is one of the most irritating problems any homeowner may face. Certain household items that are flushed instead of thrown away might block drain pipes or even cause environmental damage. Because drain pipes are only four inches wide, even little, seemingly innocent things can require some serious plumbing maintenance or repair. 

Here are a few things that should never get flushed:

  • “Flushable” Wipes
  • Feminine Products
  • Kitty Litter
  • Cigarettes
  • Fats, Oils, or Greases

Look Out for Possible Water Leaks

Plumbing leaks are frustrating, but water leak repair can be a major cost for any homeowner if gone unnoticed for too long. Some water leaks are noticeable and simple to fix. Leaks hiding inside walls or ceilings, on the other hand, are sometimes difficult to spot and can cause significant damage before homeowners ever realize there is a leak. Early discovery of a water leak may save a lot of money in plumbing service.

Signs there may be a water leak:

  • Higher water bill: If the water bill rises for no apparent reason, there is certainly a water leak somewhere in the home. Even minor leaks can build up quickly, losing hundreds of gallons of water and skyrocketing homeowners’ water bills.
  • Mold and Mildew: Both grow as a result of persistent water leaks. In addition to being unappealing, mold can cause upper respiratory problems and aggravate allergy and asthma sufferers. In severe situations, water leaks can result in the growth of poisonous black mold. 
  • Damaged Flooring: If the bathroom floor is warping, stained, or has a soft patch, the source is most likely a concealed leak from the toilet or a pipe beneath the floor. Tiles can become loose in a kitchen, and caulking can crack and peel. Carpeted sections of the home that grow damp or acquire a musty odor are also indicators of a leak beneath the flooring.
  • Strange sounds from plumbing: The homeowner’s plumbing should be reasonably quiet when everything is in order. There are several possible causes for rattling or other odd noises in the plumbing system. Vibrations or rattling noises may indicate a loose-fitting or mount along the lines. If that’s the case, it might be the source of a leak that needs plumbing maintenance. If the homeowners hear water flowing while the fixtures are turned off or hear hissing in their pipes, it’s critical to find the source and repair the water leak. 

calendar Benefits of a Regular Drain Cleaning

Homeowners probably don’t give much attention or effort to their home’s drainage system. This is common among Chandler residents; after all, a functioning plumbing system shouldn’t be on their minds all day.

On the other hand, keeping drains moving smoothly needs some preparation and planning. Drain cleaning services should be scheduled at least annually to eliminate undesirable obstructions that might lead to terrible blockages or toilet repair in the future.

About West Plumbing LLC

What’s better than seeing a friendly face ready to answer any question on a stressful day? That’s one of the many things that West Plumbing offers, founded in 2014 and serving homeowners around the valley ever since. Their goal is to provide the highest-quality plumbing maintenance and services that are quick and efficient. 

Distribution Links +

Finding the Right Plumbing Company During the Holidays

3 Things Every Plumbing Company Should Have

Searching for a reputable plumbing company can be overwhelming. Add the holidays into the mix, and it can be too much to handle. Most people shy away from looking for contractors because of bad experiences, but savvy customers can easily find the right plumbing service. 

This year, make it easy to find the right plumber. Take this advice from local Chandler plumbers and know exactly what to look for to pick out a reliable and honest company.  

Numerous Positive Reviews on Multiple Platforms 

hand pointing at 5 starsIt may or may not be obvious, but one of the first places to look when shopping around for a Chandler plumber is on the Internet. Typing the name of a company into Google will return Google reviews. These are separate from reviews that may be found on other platforms. By consulting reviews in different places, customers can get a more robust picture of how a company handles customer service. 

When consulting reviews, don’t just look at stars. Stars are important but they don’t tell the whole story since it's easy to leave undetailed reviews that may artificially inflate the ratings. While taking the starred rating into account, be sure to read expanded reviews, both positive and negative. 

Positive reviews should share information about customer experiences that coincide with what the customer is looking for in a plumbing company in Chandler. Even negative reviews can give details of what to expect and most platforms give the company an opportunity to respond to negative reviews so their potential customers can see their attentiveness to their past customers. 

Proper Licensing and Insurance

After a company is determined to have good reviews, the next step is licensing and insurance. These too are vitally important to make sure that the owner’s property is protected and the work will be covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy. The first place to look for licensing is on a state’s trade website. Each state has a public database where potential clients can verify their license status. A good plumber will be licensed to do the work they say they can do and also keep their license up to date. 

After a plumber obtains licensure, they are eligible for insurance. Bonding insurance is a special type of insurance that ensures a plumber’s customers are covered in the event something with their work goes wrong. Additionally, worker’s compensation insurance keeps homeowners from being liable for any accidents that may happen during a project. 

Plumbing Maintenance and Membership Plans 

plumber gesturing under sinkThe best companies place plumbing maintenance at the top of their to-do list. Plumbing problems that are prevented do less damage and are less inconvenient than emergencies that cause extra problems. To carry this out, plumbing companies offer maintenance and membership programs in addition to services that are designed to be preventative. 

Maintenance programs and memberships are designed by plumbers to help protect homeowners from emergencies. They cover things like: 

  • Routine drain cleaning
  • Pipe inspection
  • Hot water heater maintenance
  • Sewer line inspection

Whether offered as a package or as individual services, a good plumbing company will always place a high value on plumbing maintenance. 

About West Plumbing LLC

West Plumbing LLC is the local choice for reliable plumbers. Their licensed technicians provide friendly plumbing services with highly-rated reviews and award-winning service. Call today to get a plumber in Chandler, AZ, that is on time and offers flat-rate pricing.

Distribution Links +

Now Is the Time To Be Thankful for Plumbers!

Plumbers Provide Absolutely Essential Services!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means now is the time for homeowners and their families to really think about the things they are most grateful for this year. One of the most important things that homeowners, in particular, should be thankful for is the absolutely essential services that plumbing contractors provide.

Sure, this may not sound like one of the most obvious answers, but local plumbers provide critical services that are likely very easily taken for granted. From the drains to the sinks, toilets to water heaters, and everything in between, plumbers provide a number of important services. Continue reading to learn about all the essential services they provide and more!

Fixing Clogged Toilets

Man plunging a toiletFirst and foremost, plumbers can help homeowners with clogged toilets. Of course, this is a service that homeowners can often take care of themselves. However, there are some cases where professional clogged toilet repairs are necessary. For example, it is possible that there is a backup leading to the clogged toilet that needs to be addressed.

It is also possible that some sort of object or objects got stuck in the toilet, other than normal things like waste, toilet paper, tissue paper, and more. If this is the case, then a professional repair will be required since a proper fix will necessitate specialized expertise and tools/equipment that only plumbers can provide.

Some clogged toilets may also lead to overflowing water and, if further unattended, pretty significant water damage. As such, even if homeowners have basic clogged toilets, they should address it right away. And they should call for immediate help if they have more complex clogged toilet issues.

Servicing Water Heaters

Man fixing a water heaterThe next critical service that professional plumbers provide has to do with the water heater. In particular, water heater repairs and water heater installation are two services that homeowners should be especially grateful for this year. These are no easy tasks and require very specific expertise that only professionals will hold.

Water heaters are critical to the home as they facilitate the distribution of warm water. Thus, proper installation, maintenance, and repairs are absolutely necessary. Professionals can also help make recommendations to homeowners who want new water heaters. For example, they can recommend tankless water heaters for those who are interested.

Servicing Sewer Lines

Last and perhaps most of all, professional plumbers provide essential services when it comes to the sewer lines. There is almost no worse experience for homeowners than running into a problematic sewer line. These can lead to highly unpleasant smells and major issues with backups into other home plumbing components.

Professional plumbers can provide help with sewer line repair and sewer line installation, both of which require highly specialized knowledge that homeowners will likely not hold themselves. Homeowners should call immediately for help if they suspect any issues with their sewer lines, as these problems can escalate very quickly if unattended to.

About West Plumbing LLC

West Plumbing LLC of Chandler, AZ, has been providing quality residential plumbing services since 2014. Their mission is to provide quality, quick and efficient plumbing services in the Phoenix area. With the belief that “you cannot lead until you learn to serve,” their team of experts always puts the needs of their customers first. Call them for help today!

Distribution Links +