When it comes to fixing leaky faucets, leaky toilets, or general home plumbing repairs, the next best thing to having a plumber is having the right plumbing tools.

Below is our go-to list of essential tools for any home or small business toolkit.

1. Plunger – The icon of a plumber’s trade, and found in bathrooms all over America. Plungers are available in two styles, “cup” and “phalange.” Use the phalange style for toilet clogs – the elongated bottom creates a good seal in the toilet bowl and helps ensure a good vacuum during the plunging process. Use the “cup plunger” for use on flat surfaces, such as a basement floor drain area. It’s good to keep both on hand.

2. Small Wire Snips/Cutter – Similar to pliers, a small wire snips are indispensable for cutting copper wire and zip ties. NOTE: Large snips, a.k.a., “tin snips”, are also nice to have on hand, especially if you are tackling a large project that involved metal flashing.

3. Propane Torch – One of our favorite tools. Inexpensive and without equal for removing rusted bolts (on automobile license plates, swing sets, and practically everything in the garage), igniting gas grills, or sweating copper pipe for soldering. “Torch kits” that fit standard hand-held propane tanks are inexpensive and widely available at hardware stores.

4. Dremel tool/rotary tool (and the attachment kits and bits) – Ideal for making access holes in drywall, cutting bolts (when the propane torch just doesn’t get the j-o-b done) trimming floor and wall tiles to fit around drains or fittings, sharpening tools, or grinding down rough edges, or just drilling holes, a rotary tool is an excellent multi-purpose choice.

5. Pipe Cutter (a.k.a. tubing cutter) – Similar to a C-clamp, tubing cutters are ideal for cutting copper or aluminum tubing (useful not only for plumbing, but also for making too-long drapery rods fit small openings. Cutters come in multiple sizes, we prefer the mini-sizes for household needs.

6. Vise-Grips (and other pliers) – A good, solid set of pliers is important when it comes to home repairs. We have two sets of Vise-Grips (one large, one small) — those chunky adjustable pliers that are able to be “locked on” to bolts, pipes, and other objects that require unyielding leverage during a repair job. Vise-Grips are used in conjunction with a second set of pliers or a wrench when superior traction is needed to remove stubborn bolts.

Highly recommended: Needle nose pliers with insulated grips. We would be at a complete loss without our needle nose pliers and Vise-Grips.

7. Accessories (Teflon tape/O-rings/pipe dope/plumbers putty) – Inexpensive, yet imperative to a successful, leak-free repair. A $10 investment will like procure all three of these items and will remain in your inventory for years.

8. Screw Drivers and Allen Wrenches – Many kitchen and bath fixtures are held together with Allen screws –small screws with a hexagonal opening. An Allen wrench set is similar to a Swiss Army knife – every size you need in one handy bundle

9. Pipe Wrench – Another iconic plumbing tool – this adjustable wrench is available in multiple sizes – the large, heavy sizes can be expensive and seldom fit in the toolbox. Note that that wrench teeth can quickly damage brass fittings or finishes on fixtures; use with care. Many an amateur plumber has “laid on the wrench” and ruined the fixture before they realized it. When it doubt, wrap the fixture or fitting with a thick soft towel and proceed with caution.

Water You Waiting For? If tackling plumbing repairs is low on your to-do list, Allied Reddi-Rooter is available 24/7, and we bring our own tools. Call Ray today for a free estimate: 513-396-5300, or Contact us. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service

Plumbing Maintenance, Good Drains and Visual Inspections Make All the Difference.

With the recent wet weather, pools of standing, stagnant water can go unnoticed for weeks at a time, creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Eliminating standing water takes a little effort, but pays off in spades. Below are a few pointers:

Leaking Exterior Faucets
Leaking faucets can create puddles of accumulated water that are attractive to lady mosquitoes. Additionally, leaky faucets are a real drain on your water bill (see what I did there?)
To save money and dry up wet areas, repair or replace leaky or damaged faucets. Use a broom to sweep away any small puddles that have crept into your patio, sidewalk or driveway.

Clogged Driveway Drains and Broken Drain Tiles
Driveway drains can become filled with dirt and flood during heavy rains, which may contribute to a standing water problem. It’s also common for the drain tile that runs from the house to the street to become broken, especially in older neighborhoods.
Broken tiles (a.k.a. main drain lines) can create soggy spots in the yard that are unsightly and may have a sewage odor. And very green grass.

Manage Standing Water by Walking Around…Your Yard
Although the comfort of an air-conditioned living room is delightful, it’s well worth it to stroll the perimeter of the yard and look for standing water. Typical ‘hot spots’ include:
· Gutters – Keep ‘em clean! When gutters are clogged, water builds up and attracts insects (and tiny trees take root).
· Downspouts (the flexi-plastic kind) – Ensure water flows away from the downspout and is not accumulating in any bends or curves.
· Containers (bird baths, wrinkled tarps, buckets, bottle caps, litter, cups, toys, etc) – Even the smallest amount of water can quickly become a habitat for mosquito larvae. For bird baths, replace the water weekly and keep the birdbath container free of algae.
· Old tires – The most challenging container of all- trying to remove standing water from an old tire is hard. TIP: drill water drainage holes into the tire tread or contact your local waste company to find out how to dispose of old tires.
· Window wells – Everything (water, spiders, potato chip bags, toys) collects in the window well! Window well covers are a good investment, especially if standing window water tends to seep into your basement. TIP: a portable utility pump is a handy way to quickly drain standing water.

Water You Waiting For? The professionals at Allied Reddi-Rooter can help with all your water problems, whether it’s standing water or (over)flowing water. Call Ray today for a free quote or over-the-phone consultation. (513) 396-5300, or Contact us. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.

With summer plumbing season in full swing (drain clogs, sump pumps, and standing water are hot topics this summer), a quick review of how plumbers charge for service calls seems like a good topic. As a rule, there are 3 approaches that Cincinnati plumbers when billing out time to customers.

How do Service Call Fees Work?
There are typically three approaches to invoicing customers:

1. Charge a standard “trip charge”, no exceptions – In this approach, a flat fee (sometimes called a service fee) is added to the final bill, in addition to the labor and materials charge. Generally, trip charges cover the plumbing company’s cost of sending the plumbing team to your home or business. Trip charges are a common practice and service to solidify over-the-phone agreements between customers and plumbers.

2. The “no fee/no trip charge” approach – While this seems like a winner, consider that the cost of sending a trained plumber on a house call must be absorbed by the plumbing company, even if no work is performed once the plumber arrives on site. The customer may end up paying more, either in hidden fees, higher prices, or by having work performed by workers with a junior-level skill set. Be wary of this tactic.

3. The “Over the Phone Estimate” – In this scenario, the customer provides a description of the plumbing need (leaky pipes, flooded basement, overflowing toilet, etc.). The plumbing company provides an estimate over the phone. If the customer is agreeable to the phone estimate, an appointment is scheduled and the plumber travels to the job site.

This approach is considered favorable by many – customers have an idea of the job cost and the plumber is able to manage their billable time.

But what happens when the plumber arrives on-site and finds the job is much smaller (or much larger) than the estimate? A reputable plumber will give the customer an honest assessment of the “actual work.” From there, the customer can decide to proceed or decline moving forward with the job. Should a “decline” decision be made, the customer may be charged a trip fee to cover the plumber’s expenses of prepping/traveling to the job site.

The key word here is ‘honest’ – when a plumber travels to a job in good faith, only to find the job scope is much different than described, a trustworthy plumber will explain the situation to the customer in a friendly, professional manner.

Water You Waiting For? Plumbing is a business that depends on happy customers – Allied Reddi-Rooter has more than 60 years of satisfied customers. Ray and his team provide an accurate, no surprises estimates over the phone. Call today at (513) 396-5300, or Contact us to obtain a free quote on your plumbing project. From high pressure water jet cleanings to toilet, sink, or garbage disposal repair and installation, Ray’s team is top-notch.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.

The following is a blog written by Janet Murphy, an Allied customer.

When looking for a tradesperson – plumber or other repair person – one of the number one questions is “Do you charge a service fee?” In our home, one of the hallmarks of a quality small business is when the business owner believes a “no service charge”, consultative approach is the best approach. Yes, he or she might get burned by customers only seeking information so they can do the job themselves. It happens. But in the long run, being consultative and charging a fair rate by-the-job lends itself to a relationship built on trust.

We like trust.

In the world of plumbing, a “the price you are quoted is the price you pay” approach is a win-win situation. The customer calls, explains the problem the plumber provides a fair and accurate quote over the phone. The customer agrees to the quote and an appointment is made. Upon satisfactory completion of the work, the customer pays the bill. If the customer agrees to the work, then backs out for any reason, the customer pays a “trip charge” to cover the cost of the plumber’s house call.

Here’s an example: Last Spring, our exterior faucet water line was leaking inside our basement. My husband Joe was sure it was a busted pipe. We called Allied Reddi Rooter and asked for a quote on installing a frost-free spigot. We accepted the quote – it was in the $300 range to have a new frost-free faucet installed. That day, the Allied plumber arrived, took one look at our exterior faucet and the leak and said “Lady, you already have a frost free faucet, so you don’t need one. Your pipe is not busted, either. The trouble is a tiny drainage valve that’s come loose over the years.”

With that, he pulled a screwdriver out of his pocket, tightened the valve, and charged me $94 for the service call. My husband kind of freaked at that rate, but let’s look at the facts:
· My husband was not going to get around to fixing that leak.
· Allied quoted a price based on my description of the problem; I agreed to the quote.
· Once on site, it became clear the work was significantly less than expected.
· I needed that leak fixed; the plumber was able to fix it.
· Because I had agreed to the original price quote and set up the appointment, I was going to receive a “trip charge” regardless of whether he tightened the screw or not. So, I let him do that work.
· The next time I see a leak on that pipe, I’ll know to tighten that screw on my own.

I am a happy customer – the Allied plumber was honest from the start and he fixed my leak. Because of that honesty, they are my go-to plumbing company. I trust them.

Forget the “high fee” plumbers who charge a fee just for showing up, then line item the additional labor and materials. Beware of the “no fee” plumbers who don’t charge a fee but can nickel and dime you in other areas. Look for the “right price quote” – the one you agree to over the phone.  Call Ray today for a free quote or over-the-phone consultation. (513) 396-5300, or Contact them. They always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for their expert quality of service.

Call the landlord first!

Q: I live in an apartment building. My toilet has clogs constantly and I also have lot of trouble with my kitchen drain. This is a multi-family unit and I’m sure we have sewer issues that require repair. I’ve called several plumbers but none seem willing to help. I am really frustrated. What gives?

A: Here’s the 411: As long as you are a tenant, finding tradespeople to do work at your residence will be a challenge. Reputable tradespeople, including plumbers, can only perform work with the permission of the property owner or management company. Typically, tenants are not authorized to hire anyone for even small repairs, so big repairs such as drain cleaning or unclogging main drain lines can quickly become a sanitation headache.

If you have reported your plumbing conditions to the landlord and your toilet/drain repairs are not made in a timely manner, you have some options:

· Keep records of your conversations with the landlord (documentation matters)
· Contact the local health department
· Put your rent in escrow until the repairs are made
· Find a new place to live

Generally speaking, as soon as a plumber learns that your address is an apartment building, they should advise that they can only proceed with the landlord’s permission. Good luck with your sanitation situation.  Have your landlord or Apartment manager call today at (513) 396-5300, or Contact us to obtain a free quote on your plumbing project.   We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.

Q: The recent rains have left several wet spots in my yard and my window wells are holding water – I’m sure I saw mosquito larvae swimming in them. I don’t need a sump pump, but I’d really like an easy way to drain the water from low areas. Any suggestions?

A: Standing water in your yard and window wells is a sure way to grow a bumper crop of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are a health hazard. Plumbers detest health hazards. Ipso facto — a pump can really help you out. Our best tip is to invest in an good brand of utility pump (sometimes called a “transfer pump). These pumps are portable, less than 1 horse power, may be submersible, and they move water out of areas where you don’t want it. Many can be connected to a garden hose so that you can direct the water to a better place (such as from a rain barrel to the garden or flower boxes). Zoeller and Everbilt are two reputable brands; Amazon.com has a good selection, fair pricing and they deliver.

Call today at (513) 396-5300, or Contact us to obtain a free quote on your plumbing project. From high pressure water jet cleanings to toilet, sink, or garbage disposal repair and installation, Ray’s team is top-notch.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.

Standing water can be hard to get your arms around, especially when it’s pooling in unwanted places. Window wells, low spots in the yard, basements (THANKS, spring rains!) and clogged laundry sinks are a few places that come to mind.

When it comes to moving (or removing) water, we are big believers in automation. That’s where utility pumps (a.k.a. transfer pumps) come into the picture.

What does a utility pump/transfer pump do?
In the simplest terms, a utility pump transfers water from one place to another, without the need for buckets. Utility pumps are both useful and user-friendly.

How do I know which type of utility pump is needed?
There are several varieties available; the proper choice depends on the situation:
· Submersible pumps (can be submersed in water, suitable where the undesired water volume is large).
· Non-submersible pumps (for “around-the-house” water removal applications, such as flooded window wells, aquarium draining, and low-volume applications).
· Electric pumps (use standard household electricity)
· Battery-powered pumps (highly portable; short duration usage)

Fun Fact: Most utility pumps can be connected to a garden hose, giving you flexibility in directing the outbound water. If you have a rain barrel, a utility pump connected to the garden hose is an enjoyable approach to watering the garden.

Water you waiting for? The professionals at Allied Reddi-Rooter are highly skilled at moving bad water to a good place, quickly. Whether it’s installing a sump pump in your basement, or offering insights on the advantages of a utility pump vs. a drainage tile, Ray’s team is available to assist and advise. Call today for a no-cost consultation (513) 396-5300, or Contact us. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service

Draining a tank seems simple, but accidents can happen.

Today in the office, all heck broke loose. This morning, management decided to remove an old 1,000-gallon water tank (full of water) from the roof of our 100-year-old building.

Step 1: Drain the tank.
The contractor opened the valve to drain the tank into the rooftop floor drain. The tank drained. And drained. And drained some more.  The outbound water appeared to be in endless supply.

When the office workers on floors 1, 2, and 3 began to notice water was spewing up  from their respective floor drains, a faint voice down the corridor was heard to say “Houston, we have a problem.”

By the time lunch rolled around, all 6 floors of our building were catastrophically flooded.  It was a big, costly mess.

Step 2:  Identify the points of failure.
There were multiple points of failure on this seemingly simple job.

Step 3:  Dry up the water + repair the damage
For the next 24-48 hours, our building is covered in commercial dehumidifiers and yellow “Caution” tape.  Every electrical/wiring closet is under constant monitoring (electricity, computers/servers and water are a bad combination). Carpets will need to be cleaned and/or replaced and the development of mold is now a concern.  The Flood of 2017 will be a water-cooler topic for months to come.

Water You Waiting For?  Before undertaking a seemingly simple water project, call a reliable plumber for a quick inspection.  An ounce of prevention is worth thousands of dollars in damage repair and insurance headaches.  Call Ray today, he’s terrific on the phone  (513-396-5300).  He and his team of professionals are available 24/7.  Visit our Deals! page for money-saving coupons (http://alliedreddirooter.com/deals).  Call today at (513) 396-5300, or Contact us to obtain a free quote on your plumbing project. From high pressure water jet cleanings to toilet, sink, or garbage disposal repair and installation, Ray’s team is top-notch.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.

Busy households create big demands on sanitation. Below are our favorite “quick hits” for keeping sinks, drains, and toilets bright and fresh-smelling:

Kitchen Sinks
After doing the dishes (and before cooking a meal), scrub away “sink gunk” (the residue that sticks in the corners and under the faucet) with a few drops of dish soap on a sponge. Lather up the sides, then wash the suds down the drain with cold water.

Garbage disposal gaskets can be a source of sink odors. To clean, pop out the gasket, slather grease-removing dish soap onto the toothbrush and scrub away the greasy food waste that coats the gasket. If the odor is too much, hold the gasket under warm running water while scrubbing. We recommend cleaning the gasket weekly to prevent smelly build-up.

Floor Drains
If you notice sewer gas smells coming from your floor drains, “dry trap” could be the culprit. Pour 2-3 gallons of water into the floor drain to re-establish the water barrier between your home and the sewage lines.

If you notice chemical smells coming from your floor drains (which can happen in areas where city sewer lines are shared among businesses and residences), contact the Metropolitan Sewer District for assistance/advice. People have been known to pour caustic substances into floor drains, not realizing that odorous chemicals will seep into neighboring floor drains.

Bathroom Drains
Tub and lavatory (a.k.a. the bathroom sink) drains are notorious for becoming clogged with hair. An inexpensive “hair clog remover tool” (a long flexible wire with hook tape on the end) is a fantastic tool for clearing away drain hair. Yes, it’s a nasty job. It’s totally worth it, however, when the sink doesn’t fill up while you are brushing your teeth.

Toilet Clogs
If your toilet has a “slow flush” (the kind where the toilet paper may or may not go where it should), a good plunging with a toilet plunger (rather than a sink plunger), should do the trick. If you notice that slow flushing is the norm rather than the exception, consider replacing your toilet – all toilets are not created equal with it comes to flushing power and design.

Water You Waiting For? The professionals at Allied Reddi-Rooter are on hand to serve all your plumbing needs. Call or Contact Ray today for a free quote or consultation. 513.396-5300.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.

The Cincinnati home buying market is heating up for summer sales. If you think you’ve found your dream home, make sure your home inspector provides a robust plumbing inspection, including a video inspection of the main drain line. Plumbing in an older home can provide a multi-thousand-dollar negotiating point for buyers.

Below are a few points to keep in mind:

1. If you are considering buying a home where the prior purchaser has ‘backed out’ because of a failed home inspection, you may be able to purchase the home inspection for a discounted rate and use it to your advantage. It’s common for first-time home buyers to be overwhelmed at that thought of a whole-house re-pipe. Don’t be scared away; a good plumber can manage the re-pipe job for you for a few thousand dollars. If a homeowner has lost a sale over a re-pipe need, they may be willing to negotiate in your favor.

2. Is the sewage stack made of aging cast iron?
If so, a re-pipe will likely consist of removing the old cast iron and replacing it with modern piping materials (such as CPVC).

3. Obtain a video inspection of the tile from the house to the street.
Older pipes were typically made from clay, steel or tile – materials that are prone to crumble over time, especially in areas (such as Ohio) with cold winters and freezing/thawing activity in the ground. If the home you are eyeing was built before the 1980s, it is likely that the pipes are made of clay, and overdue for repair or replacement.

Additionally, if the home you are considering is in a neighborhood with mature trees, it’s possible that the tile from the house to the street has been invaded by tree roots. When that happens, pipes can become cracked, clogged or prone to toilet paper blockages. Tree roots are a real headache for homeowners.

Lastly, if the home has a driveway drain, check the drain after a hard rain. If water puddles around the drain grate, it’s highly likely the underground drain tile is broken and excavation may be needed to repair it.

4. Ask the realtor or homeowner about the frequency of toilet clogs or if a backup through the basement drain has ever occurred.
Frequent toilet clogs can either mean that a toilet replacement is needed or can be an indicator of a clogged main drain. Either reason can mean costly repairs to a new home buyer.

Water You Waiting For? Buying a home is an artful negotiation and plumbing is a strong negotiating point. An investment in a sewer video inspection is worth considering — the cost to repair or replace a sewer line can easily run $1500 or more, depending on whether excavation is needed. With an inspection, you can either achieve peace of mind about the condition of your pipes or you’ll have a negotiating point (and a video) regarding upcoming necessary repairs. Call or Contact  Ray today for a free quote (513) 396-5300.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.