Bell Home Solutions Blog : Archive for the ‘Services’ Category

Are You Looking for Plumbing Supplies in the Denver Area?

Friday, March 1st, 2013

Denver Plumbing SuppliesYour plumbing is one of the most important systems in your home. It is a large, complex system with many different components performing many different functions. You need to know that the supplies that are used in your plumbing system are of the highest quality. If you need any plumbing supplies in the Denver area, Bell Home Solutions is here to help. We are more than happy to offer you our expert advice on any DIY plumbing projects you undertake. We’ll help you find and order the exact parts that you need to get the job done right. Come by today for more information.

At Bell Home Solutions we appreciate the do-it-yourself attitude, but we also want to make sure that our customers have the proper supplies and knowledge to complete their project safely and effectively. At our parts counter we can share our expertise with you to ensure that you are fully prepared for whatever projects you undertake.

Our parts department is guaranteed to provide you with everything you need to finish your DIY plumbing project effectively. Whether you need a new fixture for a light remodeling project or a replacement drain trap, Bell Home Solutions can help. We keep an extensive selection of fine plumbing parts and components on site. If you need something more specific that is not in stock we are happy to special order that part for you.

The advice of a professional plumber is indispensable when you undertake any plumbing project on your own. No matter how simple the job may seem, it is important that you ask any questions you may have. Our goal at Bell Home Solutions is to guarantee the success of your home plumbing system. We will gladly answer any questions you may have in order to do so.

Not every plumbing job can be accomplished without professional plumbing services. When you have a small job you’d like to complete yourself in your Denver home, though, come by Bell Home Solutions for the high-quality supplies you need. We have everything necessary to make your plumbing project a success.

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How to Choose the Right Furnace for Your Home

Monday, February 25th, 2013

Choosing a Furnace for Your Denver HomeFurnaces are one of the most popular home heating system options in Denver. This is for good reason. With a professional installation, routine maintenance and high-quality repair services, a furnace can provide you with years of efficient, effective heating performance. Make sure that you get the best performance possible from your heater by scheduling your professional furnace services with Bell Home Solutions. Our expert plumbers have the years of training and experience necessary to help you find the perfect heater from your home. Call us today for some great advice on how to choose the right furnace for your home.

The size of the furnace that you purchase for installation in your home is more important than many homeowners realize. Bigger is not always better, and an oversized furnace can be just as inefficient as an undersized one. Bell Home Solutions has the tools and skills necessary to complete an accurate heat load calculation to ensure that your new furnace is the right size for your home.

Our technicians also want to make sure that you get the most efficient furnace that your budget will allow for. The more efficient a furnace is the more expensive the initial cost tends to be. This investment can be offset by the potential energy savings that a new, efficient furnace can help you achieve, though. Contact us today for more information about AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) ratings to ensure that you get the most efficient furnace possible.

At Bell Home Solutions we believe that homeowners deserve a variety of furnace options to choose from. When you choose our team to handle your furnace installation you’ll have plenty to choose from. We are proud to carry a fine selection of furnaces from top manufacturers, including Rheem, York and Armstrong. Contact us today to learn more about your furnace installation options.

Your comfort is too important to gamble with. Let Bell Home Solutions help you choose the right furnace for your home. We have the expertise to provide you with the efficient, effective furnace performance that you deserve.

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What Is a Whole House Water Filter System?

Monday, July 23rd, 2012

When you think of water filters, you may imagine a faucet attachment or a pitcher with a filter installed. But there is an easier and more convenient way to provide filtered water to all areas of your Lonetree house, and that is a whole house water filter system. These units are becoming more and more popular as people begin to realize that it is not just the water you drink that needs to be filtered. In fact, there are many reasons that you may want to filter the water you shower and wash your clothes in as well.

Impurities in your water can affect you and your family even if you do not drink it. And that is why whole house water filtration systems remove contaminants from your water before it even comes near any of the faucets in your home. These types of systems are attached to the main water source for your home and can treat the water as it comes in and before it is distributed elsewhere.

These are generally simple systems, which makes them relatively inexpensive to install and maintain. Of course, your filter will need to be changed on a regular basis and that is an ongoing expense. But most of these filters are designed to filter between 10,000 and 100,000 gallons of water. While each filter will come with a recommendation for how often it needs to be replaced, it is important to remember that you may need to replace yours sooner rather than later depending on the amount of contaminants in your water supply.

You can also get different types of filters depending on the kinds of contaminants you are most concerned with removing from your indoor water. For instance, some water filters are better for removing bacteria and viruses, while others will do a better job of eliminating things like iron or other specific types of minerals and chemicals.

There are many good whole house water filtration systems out there, but finding the right one for your home can be tricky. For that reason, it is a good idea to consult with a professional Lonetree plumber like Bell Home Solutions who can help you determine which product is right for your home.

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Water and Energy Saving Tips

Monday, July 16th, 2012

The cost of the heat, air conditioning and water supply to your Denver home continues to rise – it’s no wonder you want to cut your bills so much. Here are a few simple energy and water saving tips to make your life easier.

  • Patching Leaks – Two of the biggest wasters of water are dripping faucets and leaky pipes. The amount of water wasted by a single drip every second could provide for multiple baths per year – it adds up fast. Not only are leaky faucets and pipes easy to fix; they tend to develop into bigger problems as time passes.
  • Drains and Flushing – If you put a piece of toilet paper in the toilet used to clean an eye or wipe the counter, don’t flush. It’s a waste of water. If you notice some extra toothpaste in the sink, don’t rinse yet. You can always use the water from brushing your teeth or washing your face to clean it out. Multi-task and minimize how much water goes down the drain to save water.
  • Fully Loaded – A partially filled washing machine or dish washer is a huge waster of water. Fill it up and wait to run the device until it’s at the brim – the same amount of water is used no matter how much is in the device.
  • Insulate Pipes – Hot water pipes without insulation waste a tremendous volume of energy every year. The cost of running a hot water tank continuously every day can be quite expensive,
  • even with insulation. Consider the cost without it to keep the water warm as it passes to your fixtures.
  • Lower Water Flow – Don’t crank your faucets up to the max just to get a glass of water or to check for hot water. It’s a waste of energy and it’s often unnecessary, especially when waiting for water to hit the right temperature.

If you’re interested in getting the most out of your home’s water supply, there are hundreds of little ways to save water that will add up over time. These are just some of the easiest ways to get started. For more tips on how to upgrade your Denver plumbing, give Bell Home Solutions a call today!

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Water Tank Diagnosis & Repair Guide

Monday, July 9th, 2012

Having trouble with your water heater tank? Try this brief guide, which may shed some light on the difficulties you are having.

 Problem #1: Not enough hot water

This problem could be the result of decreased supply or output, caused by leaking or sediment. The problem may be with the dip tube. This tube is meant to deliver cold water to the bottom of the tank for heating, but when it breaks, it spills water into the top of the tank. Since the water supply draws from the top of the water heater tank, it may seem like you’re not getting enough hot water as a result.

Problem #2: Water is too hot

First, check the temperature setting on your heater to make sure it is set at the right temperature. If it is normal, then the problem could be that the water heater is not turning off when it hits that set temperature. The temperature-pressure relief valve may be faulty, or there may be a bad sensor. If you hear sounds like water boiling from inside the heater, or your faucets are shooting out steam, call a Denver plumbing professional right away.

 Problem #3: Hot water is discolored or smells bad

Water that is discolored or has a foul odor has usually been contaminated by either sediment, bacteria or both. To correct the problem, call a professional to flush all the water out of the tank and thoroughly clean the inside with a bleach solution or a commercial cleaner.

 Problem #4: Not enough hot water pressure

Low water pressure could be caused by a number of things. One likely culprit is sediment that has built up somewhere in the system. It could be in the faucet supply line, the dip tube in the water tank or even in the main supply line. This is one complaint that can be hard to pinpoint, and is therefore difficult for most homeowners to diagnose and repair.

If you tried the tips above and you are still having water tank troubles, or if your problem isn’t listed in this guide, call Bell Home Solutions to repair the water heater tank.

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Free Guide to Kitchen & Bath Design in Denver: Best Practices Home Page

Monday, July 2nd, 2012

When designing a new kitchen or bathroom in Denver, or remodeling an existing one, it is important to consider not only form, but function. These rooms are characterized by particular appliances and fixtures that serve important roles within the space. Following best practices about how and where to lay these major pieces of the room out will help turn a plan into a dazzling and functional space.

Kitchen Best Practices

The design of a kitchen traditionally revolves around three main appliances: the range, the refrigerator and the sink. These are the basic, standard pieces of equipment you will find in every kitchen. Your vision may involve more fixtures, appliances and work areas, and that’s fine. What’s important is to establish space for work and traffic flow when laying these things out.

For example, during the design phase, consider the aisles and walkways in your kitchen. If you have an island, there should be at least 42 inches of space between it and the closest counter or appliance on all sides. This is to allow for enough space to, say turn around while carrying a roast from the oven, or be able to slip past someone who is getting a glass of water at the sink. Carefully consider how many people will be using the kitchen at one time and where the high traffic walkways are.

Bathroom Best Practices

You may not realize it until giving it some thought, but the considerations for bathroom design are very similar to those of kitchen design. That is, you want to have a space that gives enough room around all the major fixtures to move naturally and comfortably, while also using materials that will be durable and easy to clean.

The number one consideration here is safety, and it should guide all the questions you ask yourself and your contractor during the design process. Is the shower big enough for each person to turn around without banging into the wall or door? Is there enough space between the tub and sink to maneuver safely and comfortably? Are the floor and tub made from materials that provide enough traction to be able to stand safely, even when wet? Consider all these variables when consulting with your contractor on what materials to use and where each fixture or appliance should go.

By all means, have fun with your design project. It’s fun and exciting to design a new room the way you have always pictured it. Just be sure to also consider some best practices while you do it, so that you wind up with a room that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also safe and functional. For any help remodeling your Denver home’s kitchen or bathroom, give Bell Home Solutions a call!

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Why Buy WaterSense Labeled Fixtures?

Monday, June 25th, 2012

If you have been shopping for new plumbing fixtures in Denver lately, or even just wandered through that section of the home improvement store, you have probably noticed that some of them bear a familiar label.

“Just what is this ‘WaterSense’ company and why have I never heard of them before?” you may ask yourself. “Are they a new manufacturer?”

No, it’s not a new fixture company. WaterSense is a program in partnership with the Environment Protection Agency designed to make it easier for consumers to find, identify and choose products that use water more efficiently. You can find it on a number of faucets, shower heads and toilets. Even some newly built homes that exclusively have WaterSense fixtures installed bear the certification.

In order to wear the WaterSense label, a product has to meet strict criteria, such as using water at least 20% more efficiently than its average competitor, while also performing at least we well, and obtaining certification from an independent third party.

That’s all well and good, buy why should anyone buy a WaterSense labeled fixture? What are the benefits? In contrast to older or less efficient products, fixtures with the WaterSense label:

  • Are kinder to the environment
  • Reduce water consumption
  • Operate more efficiently
  • Employ more advanced technology
  • Perform as well as or better then competing products
  • Save you money on utility bills

As with the EnergyStar label that graces so many appliances and electronic devices these days, in this case what is good for the environment is also good for your wallet. The added efficiency of WaterSense products reduces water consumption, which not only conserves water for everyone, but conserves money for you.

So, for Denver homeowners who are in the market for new plumbing fixtures and like to save the planet as well as some money, WaterSense labeled products are the way to go. For more information about the best plumbing fixtures for your home, give Bell Home Solutions a call today!

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Common Types of Building Supply & Drain Piping Materials

Monday, June 18th, 2012

Have you ever wondered what the various pipes in your home and other buildings are made of? How come some Denver plumbing systems use different materials than others? What are the differences between common types of pipe materials? This brief guide covers all those questions.

Plastic

The newest piping material is plastic. Usually made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plastic piping has been in use in some form or another for about 50 years. Although many purists tend to shy away from plastic piping, it is popular as a material for both water supply and drain piping because it is cheaper and easier to cut than copper, and doesn’t present the corrosion problems of other metal piping materials.

Sometimes, plastic piping can crack or break because it was installed improperly, especially when done by an installer who is not used to working with ABS or PVC materials. These pipes have to be installed differently than copper would be, so it is important to use a contractor with expertise.

 Copper

Despite the relatively recent popularity of PVC and ABS, copper has been and remains the industry standard for most piping jobs, especially building water supply lines. Copper has advantages over other metals in that it is softer and easier to manipulate, doesn’t corrode easily and isn’t toxic to humans and animals.

There are three kinds of copper piping used in plumbing, which are assigned letter types depending on the thickness of the pipe walls. Type M is the thinnest and is used for above ground plumbing, while Type L and Type K copper piping have thicker walls. Occasionally, flexible copper tubing is used for plumbing, but because of the high cost, use is usually limited to spaces where the extra flexibility is essential.

 Steel

Galvanized steel piping is not commonly used for drain piping or building water supplies any more, with both copper and plastics being far more common choices for new construction. The zinc coating on galvanized pipes stalls rust, but doesn’t prevent it completely, which can shorten the life of the pipe and cause flaking on the interior pipe walls.

 Cast Iron

Although not often used in new construction, cast iron can still be found in a lot of buildings because it has been used as a plumbing material for more than a hundred years.

 Lead

Lead has been found to be toxic to water supplies and should never be used in new construction. Nearly all buildings with lead piping have had the water supply and drain piping replaced with newer, safer materials.

To have the pipes in your Denver home replaced or for any plumbing repair, give Bell Home Solutions a call!

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Why Water Line Replacement and Repair is Not a Do-it-Yourself Job

Monday, June 11th, 2012

Even if you are comfortable doing some of the minor plumbing repairs in your Arvada home, you should never attempt to replace a main water line on your own. You could potentially hit an underground utility line and do major damage, not only to your home, but the homes around you as well.

Only a qualified plumber has the experience and required tools to perform pipe replacements. Additionally, the sooner you call a qualified plumber to repair or replace your main water line, the less potential there will be for further damage to your home. If you aren’t sure whether or not you need repair work on your water line, there are some definite signs to look out for.

Water backing up in your yard is one of the most obvious indications of a main water line break or leak, but you could also notice drops in water pressure or high water bills before this happens. If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to call a plumber before it turns into a major hassle and expense.

While extreme weather can cause a water line to break, it’s typically caused by corrosion or root penetration. This is another important reason to have your pipes and plumbing system inspected once a year by a qualified plumber. Video scans of your pipes can detect any issues before they get worse.

Plumbers are also able to repair and replace the water line in your Arvada home with advanced technology that does not require digging up your yard. Call Bell Home Solutions if you notice any obvious problems or suspect a leak in your main water line. Replacing a water line should be handled by a professional, and we have the experience, skills, and proper equipment required to get the job done safely and efficiently.

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Common Water Line Problems for Commerce City

Monday, June 4th, 2012

Everyone needs water. It keeps us clean, provides us with a clean drinking source and helps us cook food and wash clothes. So, when a problem occurs with the water line in a Commerce City home, it can be disruptive to every aspect of everyday life. Here are some common water line problems and solutions you can implement to solve them as fast as possible:

  • Burst Pipe — The biggest problem you can have is a burst pipe. This is a major problem and one that needs to be solved immediately. If your pipe bursts or starts to leak, turn off the main water supply immediately and call an emergency plumber. You’ll want to have it patched as soon as possible, and consider a pipe replacement to return normal water service to your home.
  • Noisy Pipes – Noise in the pipes is a slightly less disastrous problem but it can lead to bigger problems down the road if not dealt with. Usually, it is due to air in the pipes which can create a loud banging sound. If your pipes are vibrating or banging, the easiest solution is to turn off the water supply and drain your pipes completely, then fill them back up to remove the air build up.
  • Water Pressure – Low water pressure can be due to a number of problems, from a small leak somewhere to an issue in the incoming water supply. If you notice water pressure dropping in your home, call a professional to inspect the problem and offer potential solutions.
  • Sediment in the Pipes – If suddenly you are seeing excess sediment, rust, or other debris in your water it is probably from an aging pipe. While this doesn’t necessarily signal that your pipe is about to burst, it can be a sign of potential problems in the future. Build up from hard water or erosion can both be major problems if not fixed right away.

Water line problems can range from small nuisances to major disasters that threaten your entire home, but they should all be treated with equal import. If something happens to your water line, don’t waste time trying to track down a solution. Turn off the water supply and call Bell Home Solutions right away.

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