Sewer Line Protection Tips
If this gorgeous spring weather has your green thumbs itching for action, you may be tempted to grab a shovel and dig right in! But if you’ve got a septic tank in your backyard—and an expansive drain field just below the grass—a little caution can save you from a big plumbing bill this season. It never fails, every spring, Omaha homeowners call Burton out to repair their drain pipes after an over-enthusiastic shovel, a runaway tiller, or a heavy equipment cuts, crushes, or snaps their septic drainage system. And the consequences of a destroyed leach field range from smelly to [...]
Omaha Air Duct Cleaning
Your air ducts are your home’s main circulatory system. They control the comfort, air quality, and humidity of your entire home. They can transport fresh air and a cool breeze, or seasonal allergens and a musty stench. And yet, most homeowners hardly give the health of their ducts—or just what they’re circulating—a second thought! You change your air filter regularly. But when was the last time you gave your ducts a good dusting? Why is cleaning out your ductwork worth the work? Incorporating vacuuming out your air ducts into your spring-cleaning routine gives you fresher air all year. Over time, [...]
3 Pain-in-the-Drain Line Problems You Should Never Ignore
Drain lines are the network of pipes that connect to your septic tank and distribute wastewater out to the surrounding yard, away from your home. These lines can be anywhere from 30 to 150 feet long, stretching far across your backyard. When your drain lines are working properly, they pull the liquid out of your home’s septic system, allowing it to slowly percolate into the soil and evaporate through what’s called your “leach field.” Not only does this process clean the wastewater, it empties your septic tank faster than it’s filled. But when your drain lines fail, you can experience [...]
Got Noisy Pipes? Here’s Why
Older houses can be as noisy as they are charming! Creaky stairs, squeaky doors, and whistling windows may come with the territory, but if you’ve got noisy pipes, there can be a bigger problem just below the surface… Here’s why your pipes go bump in the night—and morning and afternoon! Loose fasteners Notice a knocking sound even when no one’s at the front door? Loose pipes may be to blame! When you turn your water on and off, a powerful shock wave travels through your pipes. Known as a hydraulic shock, this wave of pressure causes your pipes to jump—resulting [...]
3 Serious Signs Your Main Sewer Line is Clogged
Dear Burton, I’ve noticed some strange plumbing symptoms lately—our downstairs toilets are gurgling when the dishwasher runs, and our bathtubs are taking a long time to drain. I’m nervous this could be a big issue. What should I do? Gurgling in Gretna Dear Gurgling, One noisy toilet or slow-draining tub typically isn’t a cause for immediate concern, but you’ll want to have a plumbing service out as soon as you can. Your home plumber should perform a drain opening before the pressure damages your pipes and connection points. While a single slow drainer may not be a significant concern, multiple [...]
5 All-Too-Common Water Pressure Issues — and How We Fix Them!
At Burton, we know water pressure problems can be frustrating. That’s why our local plumbers are highly trained on the most effective ways to diagnose and repair the water pressure issues that disrupt your home. Because your shower is your sanctuary, your kitchen is your common ground, and your home appliances keep your household running smoothly— and caring for your plumbing is our top priority. In the course of assessing, repairing, and restoring the water pressure in thousands of homes across the Greater Omaha area, we’ve come across five causes that are almost always the source of a slow or [...]
Drain Opening or Drain Cleaning: Which is Right for You?
Dear Burton, I’ve seen ads for your $93 or FREE drain opening special. Is drain opening the same as drain cleaning? - Drained and Confused Dear Drained, A lot of homeowners assume a drain cleaning and a drain opening are the same. And they do serve the same purpose— to rid your pipes of damaging debris and cantankerous clogs, thereby restoring your free-flowing plumbing. But the process and outcome of drain opening and drain cleaning are very different. Drain opening is the quickest way to open the floodgates Drain opening is a simple process that involves [...]
7 Tips to Protect Your Plumbing From Freezing This Winter
Ahh Omaha winters… The perfect time of year for cozy fireplaces, warm scarves, hot chocolate, and taking extra precautions to protect your plumbing! If you’ve spent a winter in a snowy town, you already know just how dangerous cold weather can be for your pipes. The lower the temperature drops, the higher your risk of frozen plumbing, burst pipes, and a flooded basement, attic, or garage. But with a bit of foresight, an eye on the forecast, and these 7 handy tips, you can stop this emergency plumbing repair before it starts. Follow these 7 simple tips to keep your [...]
Hunger Action Month: It’s Time for Happy Homes and Fed Families
September is Hunger Action Month— our opportunity to unite in the fight against hunger. Hunger Action Month is an initiative launched by Feeding America, the largest hunger-relief organization in the nation. Every September, Feeding America partners with hundreds of food banks and thousands of Americans to restock pantries nationwide, just in time for winter. At Burton, we take every opportunity we can get to serve and support this local community. And Hunger Action Month is no different. That’s why we’re bringing back our annual hunger-fighting special for the 4th year in a row: This September, a $55 Furnace Inspection and [...]
3 Savvy Homeowner Tips For Keeping a Clean Garbage Disposal
Ever notice a…. questionable… smell coming from your sink? You clean and clean, but you just can’t seem to shake the stink? Chances are, your garbage disposal more closely resembles garbage than a disposal! Prevent odors from taking over your kitchen by following these three quick disposal maintenance tips: 1. Run the disposal often, even if it’s empty Did you know the blades of your garbage disposal can rust and get stuck in place? But running your disposal for a few minutes a week with a strong flow of cold water can stop this corrosion before it starts. [...]
Homeowner Hacks: Top Tips for a Clean and Clear Garbage Disposal
In a perfect world, your garbage disposal is a mean, clean, grinding machine. But without proper maintenance, over time, it’s likely to become your kitchen’s #1 source of noxious odors. If a stenchy (or subpar!) disposal is doing your kitchen dirty, today’s Homeowner Hack is for you! We’ll be covering: How to fight even the worst disposal stench How to prolong the life of your disposal Three things to try when it just won’t turn on https://youtu.be/R9wR4uCNKqE Ready to DIY your disposal like a Homeowner Hero? Let’s get to the hacks! As you use your disposal, all sorts of [...]
Are Water-Saving Devices Really Worth the Hype?
The short answer is…. YES! The best water-saving devices are efficient, easily installed by your home handyperson or local plumber, and have little to no impact on your comfort. Trust us, green plumbing has come a long way from the trickling shower you probably think of when you consider water conservation. From high-efficiency toilets to shower timers, water-saving is the biggest trend in modern plumbing for good reason. These are the most common (and convenient!) water-saving devices we recommend and install for our Burton customers: Dual-flush toilet triggers. These two-button toilets give you the option of a full flush or [...]