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The Evolution of Firefighter Safety
Firefighter uniforms have changed drastically over time. The flammable street clothes and leather boots worn in the 1600’s offered little protection. Flash forward 100+ years to the introduction of the helmet, which was originally designed to deflect falling debris, prevent water from running down the firefighters’ backs and allow them to use the pointy crown to break windows. Yet another 100 years passed before the mask was created to protect firefighters from heat.
8 tips for avoiding plumbing emergencies this holiday season
If your commercial property is like most in Chicagoland during the holiday season, it’s a hectic and busy time. The food preparation area plumbing takes a real beating, and if you’re hosting large work parties, your bathroom is also going to see extra usage, which can lead to some plumbing emergencies you weren’t expecting.
What to do when you have a water pipe leak at your business?
Water pipe leaks are no laughing matter. When not attended to quickly, they can lead to large-scale damages to the property, becoming much more than just a plumbing emergency.
Unfortunately, many businesses experience property losses due to leaky pipes. In some cases, the leaky pipes are caused by collision leading to rupture, but in other situations, the leak is something that builds up over time, and being proactive can prevent such occurrences.
How to get rid of sewer/drain flies?
You’ve likely never heard the term “Psychodidae,” but you’re probably familiar the pest that’s been assigned this scientific moniker. Most homeowners know these pesky insects as drain flies, sewer flies, moth flies, sewer gnats or sink flies. They’re short and furry, giving them a moth-like appearance, and while they’re native to humid climates, it’s not uncommon to find them in plumbing drains and sewage systems throughout Chicagoland.
What type of water heater is the best for your building?
For year after year, we turn the knob for hot water and it always comes out. It’s one of those things we never think we have to be worried about. However, when the day comes where you turn the knob and all you get is cold or tepid water, confusion sets in, and then the thought finally washes over you – my water heater is broken.
Drain cleaning methods: the pros and cons of the best options
Drain cleaning methods range from simplistic to complex. The worst cases might require a complete repair of the drain system, meaning it will take a professional plumber to get you back in working order. However, many can be tackled without great expense. What are some of the best methods for cleaning your drains?
10 most common myths about commercial fire sprinklers
Many of the myths about commercial fire sprinklers come from Hollywood. Yes, think of any scene from a movie where the sprinkler system is activated and it’s almost always not a factual situation. There has even been a website launched to track every film and television show where sprinklers are misrepresented going back as far as 1937.
The most common plumbing problems you want to avoid this summer
You’ve come out of winter unscathed, even though you were sure you’d have frozen pipes to tend to at some point during the frigid months. Does that mean you can sit back and relax now that the sun is out and temps are up? Unfortunately, there are many plumbing issues you still have to watch out for, and here’s our list of some of the most common.
Home Fire Sprinkler Day – NFPA’s Fire Sprinkler Initiative
For the first time ever, May 19 is now recognized as Home Fire Sprinkler Day. This national effort is aimed at raising awareness of the life-saving technology that is fire sprinklers. This day will aid in breaking down the myths and legislative barriers that hinder the use of fire sprinklers in homes.
Quality hot water supply systems: make sure your employees have warm water
Have you experienced a drop in the temperature of your hot water, which now more suitably fits the definition of tepid or cold water? Have you noticed a power and water bill increase with seemingly no explanation? Is there water located around the base of your hot water heater? These are all symptoms of a water heater that is failing.
Why a video camera inspection is the first step in fixing your plumbing problems
Every plumbing problem deserves a solid troubleshooting effort. However, if you’ve got a slow draining toilet, a floor drain that just won’t take any more water or a sink that’s backed up and now completely off limits, you can’t afford any guesswork – you need to get to the bottom of the problem immediately. This is where a video camera inspection becomes an integral tool for plumbers.
Fire sprinkler requirements for commercial buildings
All business owners want to keep their property and employees safe, and one of the biggest concerns is fire safety. Fires in a commercial setting are significant as they can lead to injury and death, not to mention they can wipe out an entire inventory and reduce a sizeable structure to ash. For these reasons, commercial buildings should be equipped with fire sprinkler systems.
Tips for commercial property owners to follow: how to prevent frozen and burst water pipes and what to do if it happens
The deep freeze that hits the region this time every year does more than make us shiver and our bones ache – it can be highly damaging to our commercial plumbing – particularly our pipes. Frozen and burst pipes represent one of the biggest challenges commercial properties face during the frigid winter months.
Top three fire hazards in the workplace
When it comes to property loss, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and floods aren’t the top culprit – it’s fire. Roughly $12 billion in property loss occurs every year as a result of fire. However, if you are prepared for the worst, you can often prevent even the smallest of disasters from occurring.
Warning signs it’s time to replace your water heater
Your water heater is an appliance. It might not be as much fun as that fancy mixer or your espresso machine, but it plays a vital role in your home, and unfortunately, it will break down just like any other appliance. Here are some signs to look for that could indicate it’s time to replace your water heater.