Helpful tips for handy people

You've got a drain that won't cooperate. Maybe the kitchen sink takes forever to empty, or the shower leaves you standing in ankle-deep water. You've tried a plunger, but the problem hasn't budged, or worse, it clears up briefly and comes right back. When you call a plumber, you might hear about two options: drain snaking and hydro jetting. Both can restore drainage, but they work differently. The right choice depends on what's blocking the pipe, where the problem is, and the

Water heaters aren’t completely silent. You might sometimes hear the burner turn on, or heating elements activate, or water move through the pipes. But a water heater that suddenly begins popping, rumbling, humming or hissing is often a sign that it needs attention. Water heater noises can signal sediment buildup, restricted water flow, a loose component or a developing leak. Knowing the difference can help you address a small problem before you lose hot water, or worse, find

Early September in Cincinnati never feels like fall. But wait just a few weeks, and things start to cool off. Suddenly, fall doesn’t seem that far away at all, making it a great time to check your plumbing. The coldest months are the toughest on our plumbing system, so you’ll want to get a head start and be ready. A little preventive attention now can help you avoid frozen pipes, water damage, sewer problems and a water heater failure on the first truly cold day. Here’s our f

A slow sink or clogged shower drain is usually a localized plumbing problem. But when drains throughout the house begin acting strangely, or the same clog keeps returning, you may be left wondering if the problem could be in your sewer line. Knowing the difference can help you respond before a minor inconvenience becomes a basement backup or more extensive plumbing repair. And while sometimes the signs overlap, there are some important clues to look for. One Slow Drain Usuall

Heavy rain can often reveal plumbing problems that stay hidden during dry weather. For many Cincinnati homeowners, the first warning is water rising from a basement floor drain, a toilet that suddenly will not flush, or a strong sewage odor coming from downstairs. If your basement drain backs up when it rains, it can point to a blockage, damaged sewer line, or drainage system that simply can’t handle a sudden increase in water. Why heavy rain can cause a basement drain backup

It can be hard to know if you’re plumbing problem warrants immediate attention. While some plumbing issues can wait. Others should not. A slow drain, minor faucet drip, or running toilet may be able to wait for a regular service appointment. But if there is active water damage, sewage backup, no working toilet, or a major leak, it is better to call right away. A good rule of thumb: if the problem could damage your property, create a health risk, or stop your home or business

Allied Reddi-Rooter has served Cincinnati homeowners, businesses, restaurants, and facilities since 1950. Over the years, plumbing systems, tools, neighborhoods, and customer needs have changed, but the company’s focus has remained simple: provide quick, practical plumbing help when customers need it. We recently asked Allied Reddi-Rooter owner Ray Connaughton some questions about the company’s long history, customer service approach, and what makes Allied different from larg