Plumbing Services in West Michigan & Surrounding Areas

Freezing temperatures can cause exposed or poorly insulated pipes to freeze and burst. Homeowners in West and Mid Michigan can reduce the risk by:

• Insulating vulnerable pipes: Add pipe insulation in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and other unheated areas.
• Allowing warm air to circulate: Open cabinet doors beneath sinks located along exterior walls.
• Maintaining indoor temperatures: Keep your thermostat set to a consistent temperature, even when you are away from home.
• Running a slow drip: Allow a small stream of water to flow from faucets connected to vulnerable pipes during extreme cold.
• Disconnecting outdoor hoses: Remove garden hoses and shut off exterior water lines before freezing weather arrives.

The best way to prevent clogged drains is to keep materials that collect, harden, or expand out of your plumbing system. Avoid putting the following items down household drains:

• Cooking grease, fats, and oils
• Hair
• Coffee grounds
• Fibrous food scraps
• Paper towels and hygiene products
• Paint, chemicals, or harsh cleaning products
• Plastic and other solid objects

Use drain screens in sinks, showers, and tubs to catch debris before it enters your pipes.

Unpleasant odors near a faucet are often caused by bacteria and organic material accumulating inside the drain. The gases produced by this buildup may smell like sulfur, sewage, or rotten eggs. If the odor comes directly from the water rather than the drain, the cause could be your water heater, water supply, or well system. A plumber can identify the source and recommend the appropriate solution.

Low water pressure may be caused by mineral buildup, a partially closed shutoff valve, a faulty pressure regulator, corroded pipes, or a hidden plumbing leak. If the problem affects only one fixture, the aerator or faucet may need cleaning. When low pressure affects the entire home, a professional plumbing inspection can determine whether the issue is located within your plumbing system or the municipal water supply.

Common signs of a hidden plumbing leak include unexplained increases in your water bill, damp or discolored walls, musty odors, peeling paint, warped flooring, reduced water pressure, and the sound of running water when fixtures are turned off. Michigan homeowners should schedule leak detection promptly because moisture can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and expensive repairs.

Sump pumps should generally be tested every three to four months and professionally inspected at least once a year. In West Michigan, it is especially important to check the system before spring snowmelt and periods of heavy rainfall. The inspection should include the pump, float switch, discharge line, check valve, backup power source, and sump pit.

A water heater may need professional attention if it produces inconsistent temperatures, makes unusual noises, leaks around the tank, delivers rusty water, or no longer provides enough hot water. Traditional tank water heaters often require replacement when the tank begins leaking or the cost of repeated repairs becomes impractical. A plumber can evaluate the unit’s age, condition, efficiency, and repair history to help you make an informed decision.

Call an emergency plumber when a plumbing problem threatens your home, health, or access to essential water service. Examples include a burst pipe, major water leak, overflowing toilet that cannot be stopped, sewage backup, failed sump pump during heavy rain, or complete loss of water. While waiting for service, shut off the nearest fixture valve or your home’s main water supply when it is safe to do so.