When is it Time to Install a New Sump Pump?

We are in this together, Columbus. A sump pump is the last line of defense between you the Columbus Ohio homeowner and a flooded basement, overwhelming water damage, and extremely expensive home repairs. There is a lot at stake when you have ignored your sump pump for a long period of time!

Even if you have a professionally installed sump pump put in by someone like sump pump expert Brett Staats of Staats Plumbing, it still only has a “shelf-life” of about 7-10 years. Because your home’s sump pump really only runs when it is needed and may NOT be needed for weeks at a time, you may not even notice when it has finally worn out for good.

If you suspect that your sump pump has served its last heavy rain, call Brent at Staats Plumbing of Columbus. Nobody in the area knows sump pump replacement and installation in the area better than Brent Staats the owner of Staats Plumbing. Give him a call at (740) 625-5284. Brent and his team have plenty of plumbing skills. Visit the website at staatsplumbing.com.

How Did Columbus Become the State Capital?

It started in 1803 when Ohio’s first state capital was Chillicothe (believe it or not!). In 1810 the capital city of the Buckeye State became Zanesville. Finally, in 1816 Columbus officially became the capital of our fair state. Not Cincinnati, not Cleveland, but Columbus…which was founded on Valentine’s Day 1812.

Today, our city is a teaming metropolis of nearly 900,000 residents. It is the most populous city in the State of Ohio and the 14th most populous in the nation. Except for Phoenix and Austin, it is the most populous of all the state capital cities in the US. We are rightfully proud to be residents of Columbus Ohio!

Here at Staats Plumbing we take our responsibility very seriously. We serve the plumbing and backflow testing needs of this large metropolitan area. When you need emergency or routine plumbing maintenance in the year to come, we hope you will think of Brent and his team at Staats Plumbing. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Staats family to yours.

So, You Bought a Home. How Old is the Water Heater?

It’s a question that any new homeowner should ask before signing the papers.  The water heater might be one of the first appliances that need to be replaced.  When you were looking at the house, you were cognizant of certain things such as the foundation, the roof, the yard, kitchen appliances, etc., but what about the water heater?

The short answer here is subtract from 10 (maybe 12).  Whatever you discover about the age of the existing water heater, you SHOULD have that many years less than 10 of peak efficiency.  This does not, of course, include extraordinary wear and tear that have caused premature leaks, cracks, and noises from the existing unit.

When the time comes (and it definitely will) that you need your Columbus Ohio area home’s water heater maintained or replace count on the expertise of Staats Plumbing serving Columbus and the surrounding areas.  The correct phone number to call for most any plumbing need you may have in your “new castle” is (740) 625-5284.  

Replacing a Toilet.

Now there is a fun thing to think about this summer.  The truth is, with the kids home the toilet has probably been used more than usual these last two months.  While toilets are very durable fixtures, sooner or later you'll likely want to replace one or more of them in your home.   

When you do, here are some of the tools needed to remove the old commode. 

1.  An adjustable wrench

2.  Perhaps a hacksaw

3.  One or more large sponges

4.  Obviously, a bucket

5.  A putty knife

There are more really, and don’t forget, unless you are an Olympian weight lifter you won’t be able to lift and move it out of the way by yourself.  Back surgery is much more expensive than calling Brent.  That’s Brent Staats of Staats Plumbing serving the Columbus Ohio area.  He has replaced more toilets than he would care to remember.  Call him at (740) 625-5284.

Why Business Owners Need Backflow Testing.

Here’s a good reason…it’s the law that business owners have a backflow test performed every year.  A certified plumbing company needs to perform the test. The backflow testing process typically takes about 20 – 30 minutes to complete, if there are no repairs that need to be made.  Valves are opened and closed to check for any irregularities in this process.

Why is the test important and not just some money-grab?  Drinking water flows through pressurized water taps from the source to your tap.  It generally flows in one direction but on some occasions, it may flow in the opposite direction.  If it does, it may contaminate the water supply.  That should be reason enough!

Becoming a certified backflow tester in the State of Ohio and the Columbus area in general is not something that is handed out indiscriminately.  Brent Staats, owner of Staats Plumbing is just such an individual serving the needs of business and homeowners in Columbus Ohio.  Give Brent a call for professional backflow testing at (740) 625-5284.

Fasten Your Hose Bib.

No, this is not information for moms with their babies.  It is that thing outside of your Columbus area home that dispenses water.  It’s an outside spigot, located on the exterior of your house.  This time of year the hose bib gets a workout after it laid dormant all winter long.  Now, it may be time to replace it.

To fix it a plumber will –

1.  Turn off the water at the source

2.  Unscrew the packing nut located beneath the handle

3.  Grasp the handle and pull the valve stem out without causing damage

4.  Then remove the screw on the valve stem holding the washer

Maybe it is a DIY job, but it is probably left to a plumbing professional who has done it hundreds of times.  In the Columbus Ohio area that man is Brent Staats the owner of Staats Plumbing in Columbus.  For any and all plumbing problems that may occur on your property be it residential or commercial call Brent at (740) 625-5284.  

How to Buy a Sump Pump.

It is probably rarely on your mind, but if you are a Columbus, Ohio area homeowner you will have to consider it now and then.  Start with this - not all sump pumps are created equal!  Some sump pumps will far outlast and outperform their competition.  The inner workings of a sump pump are much more involved than you may think.

Start with these tips –

1.  Buy a sump pump that does NOT burn out…no “can” motor.

2.  Think submersible.  They are the quietest and most reliable.

3.  Look for the right pump switch.  The best use a pump float switch.

4.  It needs to be clog resistant.

The bottom line is to trust someone in the Columbus area who has had decades of experience installing and repairing sump pumps.  That man, Brent Staats, and his company Staats Plumbing is always the right choice.  For sump pumps, backflow testing, and much more think of Brent at Staats Plumbing.  Call (740) 625-5284.

Clearing Kitchen Drains.

So, you think you're Joe the Plumber.  Were you that guy giving out your political opinions a few years ago?  I see, well maybe you need to be realistic when you try to fix common plumbing problems around your home.  Just in case you are that rare DIY guy who rolls up his sleeves and fixes things like clogged kitchen drains, here are some tips.

You could try some of these –

1.  Pour a pot of boiling water down the sink.

2.  Run the disposal to see if that clears the clog.

3.  You might pour a half-cup of salt into the drain.

4.  Have you tried vinegar and baking soda?

5.  Of course, there is always that good-old plunger and plenty of elbow grease.

Then there is a Staats Plumbing professional such as Brent.  He or one of his reliable crew will come out to your home or office and clear those drains once and for all.  Best of all, it is economical, environmentally safe, and guaranteed!  The next time you have clogged drains in your kitchen call Brent at Staats Plumbing.  That’s (740) 625-5284.    

Repair or Replace…That is NOT the Question.

Let’s make something clear immediately.  If a gas line is faulty it needs to be replaced NOT repaired!  The cost of said will be determined by the cost of labor and materials.  There’s a lot in common in the piping for a plumbing system and the piping that carries natural gas.  That is why you hire a plumber to do the replacement.

Here is the bottom line… The majority of natural gas piping is made from copper because of its corrosion resistance and light weight. Plumbers use plastic pipes for some specific uses, such as flexible piping for small areas and narrow gas lines. A well-trained plumber knows that it’s vital to make sure gas piping gets the same attention as other types of piping.  You can’t afford a leak!

So, the solution is simple.  Pick up your phone and call plumbing and gas piping replacement expert Brent Staats.  Staats Plumbing has been replacing Columbus Ohio area gas pipes for many years and you can take comfort in knowing that the job will be done safely, promptly, and efficiently.  Call Brent at (740) 625-5284.  

Backflow…Discuss.

These days you can know as much as you care to about a subject by “googling” it.  So, google the word backflow and look at the explanation on the Wikipedia page.  It simply says…backflow is a term in plumbing for an unwanted flow of water in the reverse direction.  That could be enough information for some, but if you wish, read on.

It can be a serious health risk for the contamination of potable water supplies with foul water.  Backflow occurs for one of two reasons, either back pressure or back siphonage. 

What is this back siphonage thing?  It is defined as the result of supply pressure being lowered below that of the system.

Knowing what backflow is helps some.  Knowing how to deal with it or better yet, prevent it is much more important!  Brent Staats knows backflow like he knows his ABC’s.  He is one of the Columbus Ohio areas experts in backflow testing.  Do not let backflow on your property disrupt your life.  Call Brent at Staats Plumbing (740) 625-5284.

That Good Ole’ Reliable Toilet.

You use at least one every day.  We definitely take that hard-working toilet for granted.  Just like other major appliances in your home, your toilet will probably need to be replaced after years of use.  How do you know when it’s time to call a plumber to install a new toilet?  Many of us fancy ourselves as being able to replace certain parts, but we are talking full-out replacement.

Here are some signs that replacement NOT repair is the answer –

1.  Cracks and fissures in the tank

2.  Age.  Is it more than 20 years old?

3.  It wobbles when you sit on it

4.  It has needed frequent repairs in the last few years

Maybe it’s time for a newer more modern toilet.  They have evolved a great deal over the years.  The answer is to call Columbus Ohio toilet repair and replacement plumbing professional Brent Staats.  Brent is the owner of Staats Plumbing.  He will troubleshoot your toilet(s) and recommend repair or replacement.  Call Brent today at (740) 625-5284.

Who is Testing for Backflow?

In the State of Ohio there is backflow testing for certification AND recertification.  The backflow tester certification is a 24-hour class while the recertification is an 8 hour class.  Those are the requirements of Ohio Industrial Compliance Division at the Ohio Department of Commerce.  There is NO getting around that!

Here are some of the logistics.  Prior to registering for an initial “Backflow Tester” certification class, the student must first submit a backflow tester application to the Ohio Department of Commerce.  The State will then review their qualifications and send an approval notification.  That letter must be presented with payment on the first day of class.

Forgetting how skilled one must be in the first place to test for backflow, please take into consideration that this is a nasty job which not many people in Ohio are authorized to do.  Brent Staats of Staats Plumbing is one who is.  He is a Columbus area backflow testing expert with all of the necessary certification.  Give him a call at (740) 625-5284.

Tank or Tankless…That is the Question.

How old do you think the tankless water heater is?  Well, it was introduced 90 years ago!  That is hard to believe isn’t it?  Over the years, tankless water heaters have become know as “on demand” units.  They heat the water ONLY when you turn it on.  That eliminates the extra cost of constantly heating 40-50 gallons of water in a storage tank.

So, what are the disadvantages of tankless?  The primary disadvantage of on demand or instant hot water heaters is the upfront cost. The smaller units that you often see won’t produce enough hot water to serve most households.  Remember that those units only serve one faucet at a time so, no showers while you are doing the dishes!

You know what?  At Staats Plumbing we don’t care which you choose.  We will install your next traditional or tankless water heater in the Columbus Ohio area.  When it comes to plumbing emergencies or routine maintenance, we are here for you in 2019.  We are Staats plumbing serving all of the Columbus area at (740) 625-5284. 

Backflow…Cold vs. Warm.

Backflow devices are found all over the United States to protect our drinking water from contamination.  Everywhere from sunny Florida to frozen Minnesota and right here in Columbus Ohio there are backflow problems.  There are differences in backflow prevention between warmer and chillier climates that enjoy all four seasons.

One constant is that annual inspections of assemblies and administering programs occur nationwide, no matter the annual rainfall or average temperature.  In cold weather though, assemblies and their meters must be protected against freezing.  More damage can be done in cold climates than warm…it’s that simple!

This time of year, wind, snow, and freezing temperatures can (and will) take their toll on access doors and equipment.  There always is a perfect solution in Columbus and the surrounding area.  It’s Staats Plumbing.  That is whom you call for any and all inspections, repairs, and replacements of equipment.  Give Brent a call today at (740) 625-5284.

Leaky Gas Lines Know NO Season.

A gas line leak occurs when the pipe that transports it from one location to another one suffers a tear or a scratch that often results from high pressure.  Natural gas, gasoline, and other substances either in liquid or gaseous form are transported using gas lines.  Obviously, gas leaks are hazardous and need to be repaired immediately.

Call a repair man immediately and he will –

1.  Turn off the gas

2.  Remove the covers

3.  Detach the gas line

4.  Remove the residue pressure

5.  Clean the line

The right man for this precarious job is Brent Staats of Staats Plumbing.  They are Central Ohio’s choice for gas line repair.  Staats Plumbing services the plumbing, backflow, and gas line repair needs of the Columbus Ohio area.  Whenever you smell gas in your home call Brent immediately at (740) 625-5284.

Water Main Breaks in the Winter.

I’ll tell you what…go out into your backyard right now and try to dig a hole.  When air temperatures drop below freezing, even the water in the soil begins to freeze.  The depth of that freezing is called the frost line.  As temperatures stay below 32 degrees that frost line moves further down until it reaches underground pipes.

The frozen ground adds pressure to anything beneath it including the underground distribution mains and service lines that pump water throughout the many communities in the Columbus area.  Most of the water mains are at least 5 feet underground.  In wintertime, the downward force on a pipe is 400 pounds per foot or more!

The pressure can get to anything no matter how well constructed it is.  When a water main breaks in our area you can count on the professional team at Staats Plumbing.  We have been protecting Columbus Ohio properties against plumbing problems for more than 20 years.  Give us a call for preventative or emergency plumbing needs at (740) 625-5284.

How Did Columbus Become the State Capitol?

Here in Central Ohio we are exceedingly proud of our growing city.  It was founded in 1812 and was not immediately chosen as the capitol of the Buckeye State.  For short periods of time in the early 19th century Zanesville and Chillicothe served as capital cities.  Today, Columbus is Ohio’s largest city with nearly 900,000 residents.

Did you know that we are the third most populated state capitol in the U.S. behind Phoenix and Austin?  Our city is the home of five of the Fortune 500 largest corporations in America.  We are also very proud of the fact that Business Week Magazine rated Columbus Ohio as one of the fifty best cities in the country!

For the last 20+ years yours truly Brent Staats has been a plumber and these days is the proud owner of Staats Plumbing.  We have dedicated ourselves to solving the plumbing and backflow problems of Columbus and the surrounding area.  We hope that you will not need our services during the holidays, but we are here if you do.  From my family to yours Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. 

There is a Whole Lot of Cooking Going on Here.

Yes, it is holiday time and your kitchen is getting quite a workout!  Cooking, cleaning, correcting back-ups and overflows.  It is all a part of your increased usage of that important room in your home.  First it was Thanksgiving and now Christmas is coming, and chances are you will experience any and all of the above.

Here are some tips to temporarily fix a backed-up kitchen sink –

1.  Work that plunger, work that plunger

2.  Disassemble the trap

3.  Clean out that trap thoroughly

4.  Insert a snake

5. Turn the snake through the clog

Wait, wait, wait…you say that you are NOT a plumber?  Oh, that could be a bit challenging for the novice.  That is why we are here.  We are Central Ohio’s solution to plumbing problems, especially in your kitchen.  We are Columbus’ plumbing choice Staats Plumbing.  If you have kitchen (or any plumbing emergencies) this holiday season call us at (740) 625-5284.

Become a Big Part of a Growing Company.

Staats Plumbing of Columbus, Ohio and the surrounding area is growing.  Do you want to be a part of a successful plumbing company in Central Ohio?  Maybe the strength and security of an established plumbing firm appeals to you.  Maybe this is a step on the way to owning your own shop.  Whatever the reason, we invite you to apply.

How familiar are you with backflow?  We specialize in backflow testing.  Of course, there are the many areas of expertise that you would expect such as drain cleaning, water heater replacement and repair, toilet and sump pump repair and installation.  Plumbing is an honest and lucrative profession.

Maybe you can be a part of our successful and growing team at Staats Plumbing of Columbus, Ohio.  Give us a call soon and meet Brent and the team as soon as possible.  Let’s get to know each other.  We are Columbus Ohio’s full-service plumbing company and backflow experts.  Call today at (740) 625-5284.

Certified Backflow Testing.

Oh yes, not just anyone can test for backflow in your Central Ohio home.  Becoming a backflow tester requires certification.  Initially, it takes about 40 hours of classroom study.  It costs several hundred dollars to become a certified backflow technician.  When that is completed additional licensing is required.

Next, a plumber needs to acquire a backflow testing gage which also will set them back several hundred dollars.  Then comes the re-certification.  Yes, the re-certification!  A plumber needs to renew his certification every two years and that typically takes another eight hours of time in a classroom or online.

Dedication to the plumbing profession is a must and backflow certification is certainly no exception.  One of the top backflow testing companies in the Columbus Ohio area is Staats Plumbing.  When that annual test is due on your home please call Brent at Staats Plumbing.  That phone number is (740) 625-5284.