Is Your House Plumbing Ready for Spring?

Thursday, April 12, 2012 by Scott McCracken

With Spring having now "sprung" here are a few basic tips for making sure you are ready for it from a plumber's point of view.

#1 - Turn on your hose spigots (outdoor faucets), without hoses attached, and let them run for several minutes. Look for any wet spots on walls or floors near the spigot's location. If you see any signs of water it may indicate that your spigot froze during the winter months and needs to be inspected. Low pressure can be a clue as well. After you shut off the spigot, make sure it shuts off the water completely.

#2 - Make certain that any sump pumps and back-up sump pumps and/or alarms are in good working order.  With back-up units make be your batteries are holding a charge well and add distilled water if needed.  You don't want a flooded basement or crawlspace, right?

#3 - With all the fluctuation of tempuratures and atmospheric pressure that comes with Spring weather, it's a good time to keep your eye on the floor around your water heater. Changing weather conditions can sometimes exacerbate tank problems in older water heaters and cause them to leak.

#4 - Check to make sure all of your gutters and downspouts are directing rain water well away from your home's foundation walls. Downspouts that empty too close to the house can overwork the sump pump and cause water problems under your home or in your basement.

If you would like AttaBoy Plumbing to come to your home to make sure your plumbing is ready for Spring, just go here to make an appointment. We service all of the Indianapolis area including Carmel, Fishers, Avon, Greenwood, and Lawrence. Be sure to check out how you can both SAVE and MAKE money with AttaBoy here!

Don't Flood...Check Your Sump Pump!

Monday, April 2, 2012 by Scott McCracken

While this cartoon is light-hearted, I can tell you that I have never seen that reaction in the many real-life  homeowners I've met with flooded basements or crawlspaces. 

The rains are coming because it's Springtime in the Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Greenwood, Lawrence, Avon, Zionsville area.  With the heavy rains your sump pump is going to be working overtime to keep water out of your house.

AttaBoy plumbers are experts in keeping the water going where it's supposed to go. Remember, even the best pumps will eventually wear out and fail, so it's a good idea to make sure you replace your pump before it gets to that point.

So if you are thinking about replacing your sump pump or looking into getting a battery back up system to protect your home in the event of a failed pump or power outage, just give AttaBoy Plumbing a call.  Don't forget to check AttaBoyPlumbing .com for money saving coupons.

Wanna save even more money and even MAKE money?  You've got to check out our Facebook Rewards program!  It's all right HERE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's Raining Sump Pump Failures In Indianapolis

Thursday, July 7, 2011 by Richard Behney
AttaBoy Plumbing Company - Indianapolis PlumbersAs I sit here in the AttaBoy office to write this blog the rain is still pouring down.  There was no morning meeting for the plumbers...just get on with it and to all the poor folks with flooded basements.  I could hear my sump pump just cycling one after another this morning before I left for the office...which a normal Fishers to Castleton "rush hour" drive time takes me about 20 minutes...this morning...and hour and half!  Roads were flooded in every direction we were forced to detour.  By the time I got here the phones and schedule were a buzz with poor or failed sump pump calls.

Sump pumps are one those things we just don't think about...until it's too late.  when asked up front (and when standing in ankle to knee deep water) what are the best considerations when purchasing a sump pump I quickly state: "buy a heavy duty, professional grade pump and have it installed by a licensed plumbing expert.  Now I know...I literally can hear people all over Indianapolis, Zionville, Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Fishers, Geist, Greenwood, and Avon saying, "a sump pump is a sump pump right?" "And, my neighbor's second cousin once removed knows a guy who changes his own oil on his '68 Oldsmoble and will install my sump pump for free because I'm a nice guy."  This is when I usually say something like yes, you can save a hundred bucks by buying that cheap sump pump at the local big box hardware store and having the neighbor install it for you for next to nothing.  That being said consider this, to have your flooded finish basement cleaned up will cost somewhere between $7000-$15,000...and thats before replacing the "stuff".  But here's the thing...it's the personal stuff that is now floating around that can not be replaced and hits the heart (not the wallet) that really hurts.  So, a hundred bucks...really?

Call, Click, or Chat now with an AttaBoy Plumbing sump pump specialist to discuss the sump pump and sump pump back up sytem particulars and value...and don't let a rainy day rain on what is valuable to you.

All Indianapolis Plumbers On Deck!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011 by Richard Behney
AttaBoy Plumbing Company - Indianapolis PlumbersYesterday was one of those days that I know all plumbing companies in Indianapolis (and Fishers, Carmel, and Zionsville for that matter) had to be very busy, I know that AttaBoy Plumbing was extremely busy; our plumbers were doing double duty and overtime.  That extreme weather front that went through Indy not only brought a lot of rain (that's an understatement), but water heater and sump pump failures.  I have explained before in other blogs how a low weather pressure (usually associated with storms) adversly effects a home's plumbing system...one major componet being your hot water heater.  Basically, the expansion pressure caused by the low weather front adversly effects the mechanical...so if your water heater is on the verge of leaking...it is literally pushed to the breaking (or leaking) point by the weather.  And as for sump pumps...well, all the rain pushes them to their breaking point.  So next time you see storms and heavy rain forecasted...give AttaBoy Plumbing a call and be on the front side of a plumbing problem or flooded basement.  And tell'em Richard (that's me, your neighbor and owner of AttaBoy Plumbing Company) said take an additional 10% off for being so smart and proactive!

Tis The Season...For Basement Flooding

Thursday, February 24, 2011 by Richard Behney
As I sit here to write this blog AttaBoy Plumbing Heating and Cooling has three emergency calls being dispatched: a Carmel, Geist, and Broad Ripple basement flooding.  Though I make a living from repairing and replacing sump pump and backup sump pump systems; my heart always aches for those going the the misfortune of their sump pump system failing in one way or another.  I still remember my personal sump pump system failing last year at this time...stepping unto the basement floor and hearing the "sqwish" and seeing my personal family belongings literally floating around the basement...all because I failed to check out my system (and replace my old pump) before the "wet season".  So, don't do as I did and "forget" to head a pending basement flooding problem off.  Call, Click, or Chat AttaBoy Plumbing, Heating and Cooling today and get your sump pump sytem evaluated.

Plumbing on a Budget

Wednesday, February 16, 2011 by Richard Behney
piggy bankThere is no doubt about, these are cautious if not difficult economic times.  My current life experience tells me that every household is feeling the financial pinch.  And so is AttaBoy Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.  As the owner, I have had to make difficult cut backs and have worked closely with suppliers so as to continue to meet our customers needs and expectations...a very difficult task the past couple years.  While our competition has raised prices in order to maintain the status quo, AttaBoy Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has been able to lower our prices while continuing to provide excellent service.  Maybe that is why one of our customers called us the plumbers with "Big City Service, at a Small Town Price".  I like that.  I think that customer described AttaBoy perfectly.  So, whether you are in Indianapolis, Fishers, Noblesville, Geist, Carmel, Zionsville, Avon, or Greenwood; have a leaking hot water heater, clogged drain, gas leak, flooded basement, running toilet, or water softener thats just not getting the job done...you will not find a better value than AttaBoy Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.  Call, Click, or Chat today for service!

Melting Snow and Basement Flooding

Thursday, February 10, 2011 by Richard Behney
AttaBoy Plumbing, Heating and CoolingSump pumps are just not something we think about...but, wish we had when one morning we step off that bottom step and "skwish" unto the basement carpet!  At AttaBoy Plumbing, Heating & Cooling we get calls asking for help from Geist, Fishers, Carmel, Zionsville, Avon, Greenwood, and Indianapolis customers who relate just that same story all to often. 

I have to admit...the same story happened to me and my family last Spring...and I should know better, I'm a plumber for goodness sake!  The good news is, it only take a little bit of preventative attention to keep from experiencing the scenario we just spoke of having to spend a few thousand dollars in restoration costs and emotional hit with loss of valued property and personal effects.  Simply have the sump pump experts of AttaBoy Plumbing, Heating & Cooling give your sump pump a "check up".  We do that kind of thing often with other things in our lives.  Before the start of the year - and my new get back in shape commitment - I saw a doctor to make sure my body was fine to handle the stress I was going to put on it.  Last summer when I took my family on a vacation out west, before we left I took the family "truckster" to the mechanic to have it check out to make sure it was prepared for the road stress I was going to put on it.  We should think of our sump pumps and sump pump systems in the same way.  They may have been sitting dormant for quite awhile and now, all of a sudden, they are going to get a hard "work out" and put some "miles" on the motor.  And, if your sump pump is not up to the task...SKWISH!

AttaBoy Plumbers are sump pump and back up sump pump system experts and are standing by to insure that you stay dry.

How do you find a Plumber?

Sunday, December 26, 2010 by Laura Behney
Say your water heater is leaking or all of your drains are clogged or you are in need of having a gas leak repaired.  Maybe your basement is flooded from all of the melting snow and your sump pump or back up has failed or you finally are going to get a new water softener and get rid of that hard water. You know you need a plumber, but where do you find one you can trust?

Just a few short years ago, we all "Let our fingers do the walking in the Yellow Pages", but times have changed and the majority of us turn to our computers or smart phones and let our fingers do the clicking.  We all know that we can find just about anything (and then some) on the Internet, and that includes plumbers. 

Finding a good plumber online is takes some time.  Anybody can put up a website and get themselves listed online.  Check out the reviews for the plumbing company on the major search engines.   Positive reviews written by actual customers are a great way to feel confident about a local plumber.  While it's not possible to please all the customers all the time, make sure a large majority of the reviews are positive. 

Also check out the plumbing company's website for money saving coupons.  Some companies offer coupons, but you have to sign up for their newsletter first.  AttaBoy has a link to numerous coupons right from our website and these days all of us could use some savings!

So whether you're in Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Broad Ripple or Zionsville, don't drag out that five pound phone book, just pop open your laptop and get Googling!  Or better yet, just call AttaBoy Plumbing, Heating and Cooling.  You'll be glad you did!

Plumbing Emergency!!! Can You Turn the Water Off?

Friday, September 10, 2010 by Buddy the Plumber

Most of the time you probably don’t give much thought to your plumbing system, that is until it's not working correctly.  Nothing will get the attention of a homeowner quicker than a rupture in a water line or fixture that starts pouring water onto their floors. Understanding a few basic facts about how your plumbing system works and what to do in case of a pipe break or system leak can prevent plumbing headaches and even property loss in the future.

First, the location of the main water shut-off is important to know. If a pipe breaks and is flooding your house, the main water supply may be the fastest way to shut off the flow of water. As your plumbing system enters your home either through a municipal water supply or private well you will find a main shut-off at the municipal water supply meter or the pressure tank of a private well. You should also find shut-off valves inside your home.  Many times these are located near the water heater or coming through a basement wall. Newer homes will have emergency shut-off valves for every fixture and appliance. However, in some cases older homes do not have these shut-offs and owners should plan to have them installed.

If after having tried to find and identify the important valves in your home, you are still confused as to where and what they are, you can give AttaBoy Plumbing a call and we'll send out one of our plumbers to locate and identify them for you. While he is there he will also let you know if he finds any valves (or other plumbing components) that may be exhibiting any problems that may be a concern to you.

Remember, we serve all of the Indianapolis metro and surrounding area including, Carmel, Fishers, Greenwood, and Zionsville.

Your Plumber,
-Buddy



 

Gas leak forces evacuation of Noblesville Walmart

Wednesday, August 25, 2010 by Laura Behney

Gas leaks are serious.  Thankfully, this was caught in time.  Here's the story from WTHR from last week:

Noblesville - The Walmart at 16865 Clover Road was evacuated overnight because of a gas leak.

Around 3:30 Wednesday morning, an employee moving boxes in the rear of the store punctured a gas line.

Employees heard a hissing sound and then smelled the natural gas odor.

The manager quickly called the fire department.  They evacuated all the employees and one woman who was shopping.

It took about an hour for the gas company to shut down the line.

Just before 5:00 a.m., the all clear was given and everyone was allowed back in the store.

So follow the actions of this "on the ball" employee....whenever you think you smell a gas leak, leave the premises and call the authorities.  And of course, if a repair needs to be done, that's a plumbing problem and AttaBoy Plumbing can fix it! 


AttaBoy Plumbing Company proudly provides plumbing services for the central Indiana area including, Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Geist, Broad Ripple, Noblesville, Zionsville, Westfield, Beech Grove, Avon, Greenwood, Fortville, Brownsburg, Speedway, Lawrence, McCordsville, and New Palestine.

Your local AttaBoy Plumber can handle all residential and commercial plumbing problems and repairs including:  water heaters, tankless water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, back-up sump pumps, drain clog and cleaning, tree root problems, sewer line replacement, video camera inspections, sewer and drain lines, water lines, basement flooding, toilet leaks, faucet leaks, bathroom plumbing, kitchen plumbing, garbage disposals, frozen and burst pipes, gas leaks, water jetting service, grease traps, backflow prevention and MORE!

Tell a Friend..."I Love my Indianapolis Plumber, AttaBoy Plumbing!"

Wednesday, August 25, 2010 by Laura Behney
I wanted to share another great online review that we received from an Indianapolis customer on our Google account: 

"I had a flood basement caused by a clog in the main line to the Sewer. AttaBoy was able to send someone right away to fix the problem. I was recommended to them from a friend and I will definitely recommend them to mine."

We love getting new customers because an existing customer referred them.  That means a lot to us that our customers trust us with their friends and family!  Also, we have a GREAT referral program that gives you a $25 gift certificate from GiftCertificates.com for EVERY referral you give us that schedules work with AttaBoy!  It's a great deal!

So tell you friends in Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Zionsville, Broad Ripple, and Indianapolis that AttaBoy Plumbing is the only plumbing company you trust with your drains, water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, water softeners, basement flooding, toilets, leaks and all your plumbing problems.  AttaBoy can repair them all!

We're Your Plumber for Carmel, Fishers, Greenwood and All of Indianapolis

Thursday, August 19, 2010 by Buddy the Plumber
Sometimes I will run into friends who ask me who they would call for certain problems at their house and when I tell them "we do that at AttaBoy Plumbing Company" they often tell me they didn't realize we did that. So I want to list some of the common plumbing tasks that we do -- by the way, this will not be an exhaustive list:
  • Installation and repairs of plumbing fixtures such as faucets, toilets, sinks, showers, outdoor hose spigots
  • Sump pump and sewage pumps
  • All types of drain openings, including floor drains and clogged toilets and sinks, main sewer lines (including tree roots)
  • Garbage disposals
  • Gas line installation and leak detection & repair
  • Flooded basements
  • And more!
We service and install plumbing in all of the Metro Indianapolis area, including Carmel, Fishers, Greenwood, Geist, Noblesville, Zionsville, Lawrence, Avon, Westfield, Speedway and Broad Ripple.

So, remember, if it has to do with water at your home or business you know who to call first. . . . . . . . me!
- Buddy



Wyoming Plumbing Problems vs Indianapolis Plumbing Problems

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 by Laura Behney
Our family was recently blessed to be able to take a family vacation to Wyoming.  If you've never been, I highly recommend it!  Spectacular beauty everywhere you look!

We decided to drive to Wyoming (just a short 25 hour trip!) and loaded the family "truckster" for the adventure!  Vacationing with children, you get to check out many bathrooms along the way, which is always a "treat".  Being plumbing company owners, you tend to look at toilets, drains and water heaters in a whole new way.....comes with the territory.  I will tell you that almost every stop we made, the bathrooms were clean and in good working order and the people were always friendly!  (I LOVE Americans!)

While folks in Wyoming don't have to deal too much with flooded basements and water softeners, like we do here in Indianapolis, they do have to worry about frozen pipes and preparing extensively for the harsh, long winter weather.  We spoke with a few locals about, what else, their plumbing, and they certainly have learned how to prepare for the worst.  They are a rugged people!

So this winter here in Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, etc., while we are complaining about our 4-6" of snow  (and the grocery has run out of milk), think of the folks in Wyoming who typically get around 400" each winter and be thankful!  But they say the skiing is GREAT!