A few weeks ago, I traveled to Columbus along with fellow members of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association of Ohio (PHCC). The purpose of our trip was to discuss a residential licensing bill for plumbers. When I first started in this industry, residential licensing laws existed throughout the state. We were required to attend school, complete an apprenticeship and pass an eight-hour exam. That changed in 2001 when the state of Ohio decided to take over this process. The goal was to unify and standardize the licensing process so we could…
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Should You Call a Professional Contractor or Handyman?
Keeping a residence or commercial business in good condition is a tough job. Water pipes may leak, toilets can overflow and the electricity can go out in the blink of an eye. Property owners must also pay close attention to how the outside looks, as to not violate any city code violations. A handyman or professional contractor may be consulted for these issues – but there are major differences in the qualifications and duties of each profession. In simplistic terms, a handyman is someone who works with their hands. A…
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‘Greener’ gardening in Cleveland
Think you are not a water hog? Think again. The average person uses about 400 gallons of water per day. Even more surprising is the amount of water used outdoors. According to the EPA, almost half of the water consumed is used outdoors! But there are ways to reduce your water use, and still maintain a beautiful landscape. As we enter the heat of summer, here are a few tips you can implement today: Select your plants carefully. Local varieties of plants will perform better than those from a different…
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Avoiding water damage in Cleveland
Most people would agree that you can’t live without water. It keeps your family clean, healthy and happy. Unfortunately, water is the most common source of home damage – whether it’s from big storms, leaking pipes, roofs or appliances. The best way to avoid water damage is to prevent it before it becomes a problem. Here are a few tips from Approved Plumbing to avoid costly water damage: Inspect household appliances regularly, looking for leaks or signs of wear. You should inspect your water heater, washing machines, dishwasher, refrigerator and…
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Out with the old, in with the new
If you’ve been living in your home for a few years, then our description of a typical bathroom might sound familiar. The floor around the toilet is starting to buckle, the faucet is dripping and the caulk and tile is showing evidence of mold. We see this every day. Larry, our general manager and lead estimator has been especially busy that past few weeks meeting with homeowners who want to update their bathrooms. Many homeowners are unsure about the timeline for a bathroom renovation. Below are the steps Approved Plumbing…
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Avoid clogged drain Broadview Heights
Five items you should never put in your drain We see it every week. Clogged drains, blocked by items that don’t belong there. Often it is children who are responsible, but sometimes adults aren’t aware of what can and can’t be washed down the drain. Here are five items that should never be near your drain. Cooking grease, oil and butter should never be washed down the kitchen sink. For example, warm bacon grease will start to cool as is flows through your drain, clinging to debris. This debris along…
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April showers bring more than May flowers
Springtime is sump pump time at Approved Plumbing! This is when April showers can bring a lot more damage than you’d think. Sump pumps are used to remove excess water that has accumulated in a sump pit. A large volume of water can quickly enter the sump pump due to thawing of snow, excess ground water and most likely and unexpected heavy rainfall. These are commonly found in the basement of homes where the water table is above the foundation of a home, but can be found in industrial and…
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Four design aspects for handicap bathrooms
The one aspect of design that is often overlooked is functionality for the handicap or those with limited mobility. Public bathrooms are designed to accommodate this audience, but what about your home? A bathroom is of vital importance. Any modifications for a disabled person need to be considered carefully so they can get in and out without difficulty. Here are a few ways this can be done: The bathroom should either have a ramp at the entrance or be completely flat. This makes it easier to maneuver into and out…
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Planning for your next water heater
The average family spends between $400 and $600 per year to heat water for cleaning dishes and taking showers. This is a significant expense when you consider the efficiency (or lack of efficiency) of a home’s water heater. Most consumers use a typical gas storage water heater that is no more efficient than water heaters sold 20 years ago. For a number of years, we’ve been urging customers to go tankless. When compared to conventional water heaters, the gas tankless water heaters will last homeowners twice as long and can…
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Consider your options for aging in place living
The desire among Americans to retain mobility in their homes is growing rapidly. Often known as aging in place, this trend centers around making modifications to your current home so that you can live comfortably and safely in your own space. For many years, it has been common practice to move the elderly into assisted living facilities without considering the array of options well in advance. With proper planning, aging in place can be an ideal solution for independent living. The options for aging in place range from small modifications…
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