Russo in the Daily Record

Russo Bros. & Co. was featured in the Daily Record December 27, regarding "Simple steps [to] help lower homeowners' heating costs." You can read the article at the Daily Record website.

Read more heating tips >>

Happy Holidays

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." - William Arthur Ward

Everyone here at Russo Bros. & Co. would like you to know that we appreciate being able to serve you, and we look forward to helping you and your friends whenever the need arises.

We sincerely thank you for your patronage.

Happy Holidays

Holiday Tips

The holidays are imminent, bringing together family, friends, and a few plumbing emergencies.  Many Americans take part in holiday celebrations with 10 or more guests.  These additional guests put a strain on your home's plumbing system, which results in more emergency calls to plumbing and drain companies like us.

Big holiday meals require a busy kitchen.  Too much grease and food finds their way into the kitchen drain or disposer.  Holiday guests also equate to extra showers, bath, and lots of extra toilet flushes.  It all adds up to potential plumbing disasters.

Pipes clog because of gradual buildup of grease, hair, soap, food particles, etc.  All it takes is one major overload, like a house full of guests, to exasperate the situation and cause a clogged drain.  Follow these tips to avoid having to call us in an emergency:

In the kitchen:

-Avoid pouring fats or cooking oils down the drain, because liquid fats solidify in the pipes and cause clogs.  Wipe congealed grease from pots.

-Never put hard-to-grind, stringy, fibrous waste into the garbage disposer (poultry skins, carrots, celery, pumpkin pulp, banana peels).  The disposer can't sufficiently grind these items and they will clog your sink drain.

-Run cold water down the drain for about 15 seconds before and after using the garbage disposer to flush waste down the main line.

-Turn on the disposer before adding food debris.

-Run the dishwasher and washing mechanism at night or at off times to conserve water temperature and pressure for your guests.

Learn more about Russo Bros. & Co. >>

Lower your heating bill

To help lower your heating bill follow these tips:

• Set your thermostat to 70 degrees or lower during the day.
• Lower the temperature at night or when you are not at home. For every one degree you set your thermostat back you save 1-3% on your annual heating costs.
• Consider installing a humidifier. Humid air feels warmer than dry air and increasing the humidity in your home will help you resist winter colds and moisturizes dry skin.
• Install an automatic setback thermostat that can be programmed to turn the temperature up and down at preset times.

Visit us on the web at www.russobrosplumbing.com for additional tips and coupons.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Everyone here at Russo Bros. & Co. wishes you a happy holiday! If you need plumbing, heating, drain, or water conditioning service please keep in mind that we ARE open the day after Thanksgiving.

Call 1-800-MR-RUSSO to reach a live person and book an appointment.

Keep your bathroom clean

Clogged shower drain? Pour a cup of baking soda down a clogged drain, then a cup of white vinegar followed by a pot of boiling water. This should help clean a lot of the debris out of the drain. Clogged toilet? Put petroleum jelly on the rim of your plunger for greater suction. If neither of these tricks work, call 1-800-MR-RUSSO and we'll have a trained technician fix the problem for you.

Visit RussoBrosPlumbing.com for more tips >>

Check out our coupon page for the latest savings >>

We want to hear from you!

Do you have a question you'd like the Professor of Plumbing to answer? Click the comment link below and leave us your question. We'll be sure to answer in next week's blog.

Need service? Here's what to expect from Russo Bros. & Co. >>

Don't forget to insulate!

It's getting colder and it's a good idea to insulate your hot water pipes to keep them warm and reduce the wait for hot water at the tap. The foam sleeves are inexpensive and help cut energy costs. You can get an insulating blanket for your water heater for the same reason.

Each month Russo Bros. & Co. sends out one email with our monthly special(s). The savings range from $10 to $500, depending on the promotion. We don't sell your email address or let anyone else use it and if you want to unsubscribe it's just one click away. Sign up now and start saving. 

Check out RussoBrosPlumbing.com for more information >>

Watch out for pumpkin pulp!

Halloween is approaching and pumpkins are aplenty.  If you're going to make pumpkin pie be careful where you dispose of the pumpkin pulp.  The pulp and seeds don't break down like most foods - instead, the pulp and seeds harden and can clog your drain.  Don't flush them down the drain or garbage disposal! Russo Bros. & Co. suggests you carve your pumpkin on clear plastic wrap and throw it in the garbage when you are done.

Happy Halloween!

Read about our drain cleaning services >>

Save energy and be comfortable

Winter is about here and everyone is turning on their heating systems.  Here are a few tips to stay warm and still save energy:

• Set back your thermostat by a few degrees at night and when you are away during the day.  For each degree you lower your thermostat in winter you can save up to 5% on the heating portion of your energy bill.
• Heat rises!  Use ceiling fans on the reverse setting to force warm air near the ceiling back down into the room.
• If you tend to spend most of your time in one area of your home, lower the thermostat and use a space heater.
• The average home loses about 25% of heat through leaky windows, so seal around the windows with weatherstripping.
• Have your heating system inspected and tuned-up annually to keep your system running at optimal efficiency.  Russo Bros. & Co. provodes this service - call 1-800-MR-RUSSO to have a trained technician tune-up your system.  (You can also use our website to schedule service.)

Read more safety tips from Russo Bros. & Co. >>

It's time to schedule your sprinkler turn-off

Russo Bros. & Co. is taking appointments to turn off sprinkler systems.  We are in the following towns this week:

Oct 15 - Morris Plains, Morristown, Parsippany

Oct 16 - Maplewood, South Orange, West Orange

Oct 17 - Livingston, Millburn, Short Hills

Oct 20 - Essex Fells, Parsippany, Whippany

Oct 21 - Caldwell, North Caldwell, West Caldwell

Your can schedule your appointment during the following appointment windows:

          8:00 am to 10:00 am

          9:00 am to 1:00 pm

          10:00 am to 2:00 pm

          12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

          1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Call 1-800-MR-RUSSO to schedule your sprinkler winterization.

Check out what people are saying about Russo Bros. & Co. >>

It's time to schedule your sprinkler turn-off

Russo Bros. & Co. is taking appointments to turn off your sprinkler system.  We are in the following towns this week:

Oct 7 - Livingston, Millburn, Short Hills

Oct 8 - Berkeley Heights, Mountainside, New Providence, Springfield, Summit, Warren

Oct 9 - Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Montclair, Verona

Oct 10 - Boonton, Fairfield, Little Falls, Montville, Pine Brook

Oct 14 - Basking Ridge, Bedminster, Bernardsville, Far Hills, 

Your can schedule your appointment during the following appointment windows:

          8:00 am to 10:00 am

          9:00 am to 1:00 pm

          10:00 am to 2:00 pm

          12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

          1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Call 1-800-MR-RUSSO to schedule your sprinkler winterization.

Take care of your drains

The number one cause of clogged drains and sewage spills is grease. Properly dispose of fats, oils, and grease in the trash – not down the drain. You can refrigerate used grease in a container so it won’t spoil in the garbage can. Then put it in the trash the day your garbage is picked up.

Call Russo Bros. & Co. at 1-800-MR-RUSSO if you need help unclogging a drain.

Stop that drip!

If a drip from your faucet fills an eight ounce glass in 15 minutes, it will waste 180 gallons per month and 2,160 gallons per year.

Call Russo Bros. & Co. at 1-800-MR-RUSSO and stop that drip.

Weak shower pressure?

If your shower’s stream is weak, consider that the water pressure may also be in use elsewhere. It could be a filling toilet tank, the dishwasher, washing machine, or your sprinkler system. If you still have ample pressure at the other faucets in your house, your shower head may be clogged by hard water deposits. If the blockage is severe, you must remove and clean the shower head. If the blockage is not too severe, you may be able to clean it in place. To clean it in place, pour a cup of vinegar into a plastic bag, place the bag over the shower head, and secure it with a twist tie. Leave it there overnight. In the morning, remove the bag and use a toothbrush to gently scrub the softened deposits from the holes. If the stream is still weak (even after taking apart the shower head) you should call a professional plumber to locate the clog and clean it.

Call 1-800-MR-RUSSO and let us help you find and fix that pesky clog.

Catch a hidden leak

A hidden leak can be costly if it is allowed to run for a long period of time. How do you protect yourself against leaks that can’t be seen? Simple: Read your water meter before and after a two hour period when no water is being used. There is a leak if the meter does not read exactly the same each time.

If you have a leak and you can’t find out where it is, call Russo Bros. & Co. at 1-800-MR-RUSSO and we will find and fix it.

Save water with every flush

By law, all toilets now have low-volume flush features. You can buy volume displacing hard-fired bricks to put in the tank, but don’t use a common construction brick – they crumble and can cause blockage. As an alternative, use plastic bottles weighted with pebbles.

Read more tips from Russo Bros. & Co. >>

Buying a clothes washing machine?

If you’re in the market for a clothes washer, keep in mind that front loading machines use up to one-third less water than top loading machines. The front loading machines can also be stacked with dryers or installed under countertops. Top-loaders use 40 to 60 gallons per wash. Do only full loads or adjust water level for smaller batches.


Found the right washing machine but need help installing it? Call 1-800-MR-RUSSO and we can install your washing machine for you.

Insulate!

Insulate hot water pipes to keep them warmer and reduce the wait for hot water at the tap. The foam sleeves are inexpensive and help cut energy costs. You can get an insulating blanket for your water heater for the same reason.

If you’d like help, call 1-800-MR-RUSSO and we can insulate your pipes and your water heater for you.

Timing is everything, part II

Last week we talked about managing your sprinkler timer to optimize the effectiveness and expenditure of your sprinkler system. The same goes for your air conditioning system. The best way to manage your system is by installing a timer on your thermostat. You can set your air conditioner to run less or not at all while you are not at home. This can greatly help lower maintenance expenses. This technique can also be applied in the winter to your heating system.

If you don’t have a timer on your thermostat, call 1-800-MR-RUSSO and we can install one for you.

Read more tips from Russo Bros. & Co. >>

Timing is everything

If you have a sprinkler system you most likely run it using a timer. Timers are an effective way to keep a worry free watering schedule, but, unless you have a rain sensor, your timer will still water regardless of rain. If it is raining, has recently rained, or is due to rain, it is a good idea to manually override your sprinkler system and turn it off. This will keep your system from drowning your plantings and also help lower maintenance expenses.

If you would like Russo Bros. & Co. to come to your home and show you how to do this, call 1-800-MR-RUSSO.

Read more tips from Russo Bros. & Co. >>

Don’t break your back lugging heavy bags of salt for your water softener

Call Russo Bros. & Co. We won’t drop your salt at the curb and run. When you call us for salt we:

• provide a delivery appointment window
• drop the salt off where you want it
• fill the softener tank
• check your system to make sure it is working properly

Try getting that level of service from the big box stores! Call 1-800-MR-RUSSO for prompt delivery!

Garbage Disposal Tips

We’ve put together a few dos and don’ts to keep your garbage disposal running at 100%. For a general guideline, don’t put these items down your garbage disposal:

• Bones or shells from shellfish and the shells when peeling hard-boiled eggs.
• Fruit pits and foods that are fibrous, such as corn husks, artichokes, or celery.
• Grease of any kind.
• Caustic drain cleaners.
• Plastic, glass, or china pieces.

Use plenty of cold water when you run the garbage disposal – it will help flush everything through the disposal and pipes.

If you don’t have a garbage disposal but are interested in getting one, call 1-800-MR-RUSSO and let Russo Bros. & Co. come to your home and give you an estimate.

Check our safety tips page for more tips!

Is my toilet leaking or is it condensation?

When trying to detect a tank leak, add food coloring to the tank water if you can't tell whether your toilet is leaking around the tank bolts or just sweating. Wait an hour; then touch the bolt tips and nuts under the tank with white tissue. If the tissue shows coloring, you have a leak; otherwise, it's condensation.

Flush Your Water Heater

Russo. Bros. & Co. recommends draining your water heater every 12 months.

Don’t feel bad, not many people remember to check or drain their water heater. This is the very reason why your water heater probably runs out of hot water every day. Minerals, rust, and other “hard water” elements flow into your water heater and get trapped. This makes your water heater rust and rot from the inside out. Did you know that 93% of all water heater repairs can be avoided through prevention?

Call Russo Bros. & Co. at 1-800-MR-RUSSO if you’re ready to enjoy having non-stop hot water!

Conserve Water Outside

The summer is here and everyone is using more water to keep their lawns looking fresh. Last week we shared some ways to balance your water usage and conserve water inside your home. Here are ways to save water outside:

• Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours, when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.
• Divide watering cycle into shorter periods to reduce runoff and allow for better absorption.
• Put down a layer of mulch to slow moisture evaporation and discourage weed growth.
• Weed regularly. Weeds compete with other plants for water, nutrients, and light.
• Use a hose nozzle and turn off the water while you wash your car.
• Sweep sidewalk and driveway with a broom instead of washing away dirt with a hose.
• Cover pools and spas to reduce water evaporation.
  

Check our safety tips page for more water conservation tips!

Conserve Water in the Bathroom

The summer is here and everyone is using more water to keep their lawns looking fresh. Last week we shared some ways to balance your water usage and conserve water inside your home. Here are ways to save water in the bathroom:

• Take a five-minute (or less) shower instead of a bath.
• If you do take a bath, plug tub before turning water on and adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
• Install a water-saving shower head.
• Fix all running toilets.
• Drop tissue in the trash instead of in the toilet to eliminate unnecessary flushing.
  

Check our safety tips page for more water conservation tips!

Conserve Water in the Kitchen

The summer is here and everyone is using more water to keep their lawns looking fresh. Last week we shared some ways to balance your water usage and conserve water inside your home. Here are ways to save water in the kitchen:

• Limit dishwasher use to full loads. Let really dirty dishes/pans soak to speed washing.
• Use one glass each day for your drinking water to cut down on the number of times you use the dishwasher.
• Store drinking water in the refrigerator to keep cold instead of running the tap when you want cool water.
• When washing by hand, fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
• Don’t use running water to thaw food – defrost in refrigerator or microwave.
• Install an instant water heater near the kitchen sink to avoid running the water while it heats up.

Check our safety tips page for more water conservation tips!

Conserve Water this Summer

The summer is here and everyone is using more water to keep their lawns looking fresh. Here are a few ways to balance your water usage and conserve water inside your home:

• Turning off the water while your brush your teeth can save 4 gallons of water a minute. That's 200 gallons a week for a family of four!
• Turning off the water while you shave can save more than 100 gallons of water a week.
• Fixing a leak can save 500 gallons of water each month.
• Every toilet flush you eliminate can save between two and seven gallons of water.
• Taking showers instead of baths can save 30 gallons of water. (Filling up the bathtub uses about 50 gallons of water!)
• Keeping your shower under 5 minutes can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
• Using a water-saving shower head can save your family 500 gallons a week.
  

Check our safety tips page for more water conservation tips!

It’s time to schedule your sprinkler turn on.

Russo Bros. & Co. is taking appointments to turn on your sprinkler system. We are in the following towns this week:

May 27 – Berkeley Heights, Mountainside, New Providence, Springfield, Summit, Warren
May 28 – Boonton, Denville, Fairfield, Montville, Pine Brook
May 29 – Livingston, Millburn, Short Hills
May 30 – Chatham, Florham Park, Madison, Mendham, Morristown, New Vernon

Your can schedule your appointment during the following appointment windows:
8:00am to 10:00 am
9:00am to 1:00 pm
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Check out our sprinkler page for a list of all turn on dates, as well as information regarding sprinkler agreements.

It’s time to schedule your sprinkler turn on.

Russo Bros. & Co. is taking appointments to turn on your sprinkler system. We are in the following towns this week:
May 19 – Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Little Falls, Montclair, Verona
May 20 – Caldwell, North Caldwell, West Caldwell
May 21 – Livingston, Millburn, Short Hills
May 22 – Chatham, Florham Park, Madison, Mendham, Morristown, New Vernon
May 23 – Maplewood, South Orange, West Orange
Your can schedule your appointment during the following appointment windows:
8:00am to 10:00 am
9:00am to 1:00 pm
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Check out our sprinkler page for a list of all turn on dates, as well as information regarding sprinkler agreements.

It’s time to schedule your sprinkler turn on.

Russo Bros. & Co. is taking appointments to turn on your sprinkler system. We are in the following towns this week:
May 12 - Basking Ridge, Bedminster, Bernardsville, Far Hills
May 13 – Cedar Knolls, Convent Station, Morris Plains, Morristown, Parsippany, Whippany
May 14 – Maplewood, South Orange, West Orange
May 15 – Livingston Millburn, Short Hills
May 16 – Essex Fells, Roseland
Your can schedule your appointment during the following appointment windows:
8:00am to 10:00 am
9:00am to 1:00 pm
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Check out our sprinkler page for a list of all turn on dates, as well as information regarding sprinkler agreements.

It’s time to schedule your sprinkler turn on.

Russo Bros. & Co. is taking appointments to turn on your sprinkler system. We are in the following towns this week:
May 5 – Livingston, Millburn, Short Hills
May 6 – Berkeley Heights, Mountainside, New Providence, Springfield, Summit, Warren
May 7 – Chatham, Florham Park, Madison, Mendham, Morristown, New Vernon
May 8 – Boonton, Denville, Fairfield, Montville, Pine Brook,
May 9 – Livingston, Millburn, Short HIlls
Your can schedule your appointment during the following appointment windows:
8:00am to 10:00 am
9:00am to 1:00 pm
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Check out our sprinkler page for a list of all turn on dates, as well as information regarding sprinkler agreements.

It's Time to Turn on your Sprinkler

Russo Bros. & Co. is taking appointments to turn on your sprinkler system. We are in the following towns this week:

April 28 – Caldwell, North Caldwell, West Caldwell
April 29 – Maplewood, South Orange, West Orange
April 30 – Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Little Falls, Montclair, Verona
May 1 – Caldwell, Essex Fells, North Caldwell, West Caldwell
May 2 – Denville, Mountain Lakes, Randolph, Rockaway,

Your can schedule your appointment during the following appointment windows:
8:00am to 10:00 am
9:00am to 1:00 pm
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Check out our sprinkler page for a list of all turn on dates, as well as information regarding sprinkler agreements.

It’s time to schedule your sprinkler turn on.

Russo Bros. & Co. is taking appointments to turn on your sprinkler system. We are in the following towns this week:
April 21 – Berkeley Heights, Mountainside, New Providence, Springfield, Summit, Warren
April 22 – Essex Fells, Roseland
April 23 – Basking Ridge, Bedminster, Bernardsville, Far Hills, New Vernon
April 24 – Chatham, Florham Park, Madison, Mendham, Morristown
April 25 – Denville, Montville, Mountain Lakes, Pine Brook, Randolph, Rockaway

Your can schedule your appointment during the following appointment windows:
8:00am to 10:00 am
9:00am to 1:00 pm
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Check out our sprinkler page for a list of all turn on dates, as well as information regarding sprinkler agreements.

It’s time to schedule your sprinkler turn on.

Russo Bros. & Co. is taking appointments to turn on your sprinkler system. We are in the following towns this week:

April 14 – Essex Fells, Roseland,
April 15 – Maplewood, South Orange, West Orange
April 16 – Boonton, Cedar Knolls, Convent Station, Denville, Fairfield, Morris Plains, Parsippany
April 17 – Livingston, Millburn, Short Hills,
April 18 – Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Montclair, Verona

Your can schedule your appointment during the following appointment windows:
8:00am to 10:00 am
9:00am to 1:00 pm
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Check out our sprinkler page for a list of all turn on dates, as well as information regarding sprinkler agreements.

It’s time to schedule your sprinkler turn on.

Russo Bros. & Co. is taking appointments to turn on your sprinkler system. We are in the following towns this week:
April 7 – Maplewood, South Orange, West Orange
April 8 – Caldwell, North Caldwell, West Caldwell
April 9 – Livingston, Millburn, Short Hills,
April 10 – Berkeley Heights, Mountainside, New Providence, Springfield, Summit, Warren
April 11 – Basking Ridge, Bedminster, Bernardsville, Far Hills, New Vernon

Your can schedule your appointment during the following appointment windows:
8:00am to 10:00 am
9:00am to 1:00 pm
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Check out our sprinkler page for a list of all turn on dates, as well as information regarding sprinkler agreements.

It's time to turn on your sprinklers.

Russo Bros. & Co. is taking appointments to turn on your sprinkler system. We are in the following towns this week:

April 1 – Livingston, Short Hills, Millburn
April 2 – Chatham, Florham Park, Madison, Mendham, Morristown
April 3 – Cedar Knolls, Convent Station, Morris Plains, Morristown, Parsippany, Whippany
April 4 – Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Little Falls, Montclair, Verona

Your can schedule your appointment during the following appointment windows:
8:00am to 10:00 am
9:00am to 1:00 pm
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Check out our sprinkler page for a list of all turn on dates, as well as information regarding sprinkler agreements.

Safety warning regarding water heaters

If your water heater, gas or electric, has been submerged in water DO NOT ATTEMPT to repair, install or operate the product. Due to the conductivity of water along with its corrosive properties all operational controls are rendered unsafe. As for the insulation properties of the product, it would have become saturated with water, which cannot be removed resulting in exterior corrosion and failure of the product.

The affected water heater(s) should be removed, made unusable and replaced.

As a further note, manufacturer’s warranties will not be applied when the product has been damaged by flood.

If you are unsure whether your water heater has been affected by a recent storm, contact Russo Bros. & Co. at 1-800-MR-RUSSO (1-800-677-8776) and a qualified technician will evaluate your situation and recommend all available options.

Refer your friends and family and earn $$$

Just refer any new client to us and you will receive a 10% referral reward just for sending them our way!

Refer your friends, neighbors and co-workers and we will give them the most outstanding service experience ever and reward you as well!

Print out a referral card. Fill your name out on the bottom and pass it on. When the person you’ve referred to us uses Russo Bros. & Co. we will pay you 10% of their first service ticket.*


* Maximum value $250 per referral

Don’t break your back lugging heavy bags of salt for your water softener:

For just $185 (plus tax) Russo Bros. & Co. will deliver 10 bags of salt directly to your water softener, fill your saline tank and check your unit to ensure it is operating at peak efficiency.
Try getting that level of service from the big box stores!

Check out all of our specials, coupons, tips and more at www.russobrosplumbing.com.

More tips to save on hot water:

• Insulate the hot water pipes coming from your water heater.
• Set the thermostat to 120 degrees F or less for normal use.
• If the side of the water heater is hot, install an insulation blanket. Make sure to use the appropriate type for your heater and to follow the manufacturers’ installation instructions carefully.

Vist us on the web at www.russpbrosplumbing.com for additional money saving tips!

More tips to lower your heating bill

• Insulate your attic, walls, ceilings and floors to prevent heat loss.
• Take advantage of passive solar energy by opening drapes during the day to capture the sun’s warmth then closing them at night to prevent heat loss through windows.
• Keep fireplace dampers shut until you prepare to light a fire. An open damper in a 48” fireplace can let as much as 8% of your home’s heat escape through the chimney.
• Avoid heating unused areas by closing off unused rooms and shutting off heat vents.
• Consider installing storm windows and doors. Quality windows can result in cost savings of as much as 15% per year.

Find more tips, ideas, specials and coupons at www.russobrosplumbing.com

To help lower your heating bill follow these tips:

• Set your thermostat to 70 degrees or lower during the day.
• Lower the temperature at night or when you are not at home. For every one degree you set your thermostat back you save 1-3% on your annual heating costs.
• Consider installing a humidifier. Humid air feels warmer than dry air and increasing the humidity in your home will help you resist winter colds and moisturizes dry skin.
• Install an automatic setback thermostat that can be programmed to turn the temperature up and down at preset times.

Visit us on the web at www.russobrosplumbing.com for additional tips, tricks and coupons.

Prevent winter water disasters

To prevent winter water disasters follow these tips:

• Winterize your outdoor hose bibbs and irrigation systems to prevent frozen and broken pipes.
• Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
• Locate and label the main water shutoff valve for your home.
• Consider wrapping or insulating water pipes, especially pipes near outside walls, under the house or in the attic.

Visit us on the web at http://www.russobrosplumbing.com for additional tips, seasonal specials and coupons. Also find out how you can earn money through our referral program.

Tips to unthaw a frozen pipe

Last week’s tip addressed how to prevent a frozen pipe. Now we look at what to do if a pipe does freeze:

• Shut off the water at the main shutoff valve and open the faucet nearest to the frozen pipe so it can drain as it thaws.
• Waterproof the area with containers and plastic drop clothes in case leaks occur.

Use one of the following methods to gradually warm the frozen pipe. Be sure to work from the faucet toward the iced-up area.

• Run a hair dryer like a torch over the frozen section to gently defrost the pipe.
• Wrap a heating pad around a length of the frozen pipe.
• Leave a vanity or cabinet door open to circulate warm air around pipes.
  

Remember, Russo Bros. & Co. technicians are equipped with professional pipe thawing equipment and can tackle any emergency.

Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes

When the cold weather hits, your pipes may be in danger of freezing. Any faucet or plumbing fixture that will not provide water may be frozen. If you act quickly you may prevent a burst pipe, an expensive repair, and a nasty clean up:
· If you think a pipe is in danger of freezing; keep trickles of water running through the faucet.
· It may be necessary during extremely cold weather to leave a vanity or cabinet door open to circulate warm air around pipes.
· Inspect exposed water pipes (especially those running along outside walls) and use foam insulation to wrap the pipes.
· Keeps doors open between heated and unheated rooms

Could you turn off the water in an emergency?

It’s a New Year and time to review some of the basics of plumbing safety:

• If the emergency involves a specific fixture or appliance, first look for its shutoff valve and turn it clockwise to shut off the water to that fixture or appliance only.
• The valve is usually located underneath a fixture such as a sink or a toilet, or behind an appliance, such as a clothes washer, at the point where the water supply pipe (or pipes) connects to it.
• If the problem is not with a particular fixture or appliance, or if there's no shutoff valve for the fixture or appliance, use the main shutoff valve to turn off the water supply to the entire house.
• You'll find the main shutoff valve on the inside or outside of your house where the main water supply pipe enters. In cold climates, look just inside the foundation wall in the basement or crawl space. Turn the valve clockwise to shut it off.
• If you need a wrench to turn the valve, keep one, specially labeled near the valve so it's handy.
• Tag the main shut off and water meter with two phone numbers; the water company’s and 1-800-MR-RUSSO (1-800-677-8776)
• If the main shutoff valve itself is defective and needs to be repaired, call your water company; they can send someone out with the special tool that's required to shut off the water at the street before it reaches the valve.
• Ask any Russo Bros. & Co. technician to tag these shut offs so they can be found easily in an emergency.