It’s Not Always about the Why but the When.

This axiom may apply to many things, but one of them is when to call a plumber.  So many of us try a DIY solution or “wait out the problem” hoping it will heal itself.  Many times, both decisions are not prudent.  If you try to fix a plumbing problem yourself you are likely to make it worse and, believe me, it is not going away on its own!

How about a few tips on WHEN to call a plumber –

1.  One or more of your faucets continues to drip, drip, drip.

2.  All of a sudden, the hot water isn’t so hot.

3.  The water pressure decreases.

4.  Drains become clogged and backed-up

It is probably time to contact a professional to troubleshoot these and other problems.  Tom’s Plumbing Service is your professional plumbing choice in the Northwest Suburbs.  Mike and his team at Tom’s Plumbing have been serving the Elgin area for decades.  Don’t hesitate, give Tammy a call to schedule an appointment at (847) 697-6444.

Breakfast with Santa Schaumburg High School

Breakfast with Santa

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"Schaumburg High School's Girls' Basketball Program welcomes you to join them for Breakfast with Santa on December 16th, 2017 from 9:00-Noon! Tickets are $6.00 (children under 2 are free) and include a picture with Santa, a pancake and sausage breakfast, a raffle and games/crafts for kids!"

Keep that Drain Flowing During the Holidays.

You are in charge!  You see, that line running from your house to the city sewer line is YOUR responsibility as a home-owner.  If the drain clogs, a professional is needed to get it flowing freely again.  A variety of issues may be at play such as things that were flushed down the toilet to tree roots or cracked pipes.

We want you to be aware of a couple of obvious things that you can do to avoid a clogged drain.  Never, ever pour grease down the drain.  It is very tempting to do so during your holiday cooking.  Also, don’t use household drain cleaners.  Those substances can and WILL cause damage to pipes.

Fear not…you are not alone!  Tom’s Plumbing Inc. is your drain cleaning expert in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicagoland.  The professionals at Tom’s Plumbing will have your drains flowing freely again in no time.  At the very first sign of a clogged drain in the Elgin area call on Tom’s plumbing at (847) 697-6444.

Holiday Shows in Rosemont

Holiday Shows in Rosemont

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Get out and enjoy these holiday shows with your family and friends. 

What is Re-Piping?

It is NOT filling up grandpa’s Meerschaum!  It has everything to do with the continued safety and efficiency of your home’s plumbing system.  Re-piping means replacing the plumbing systems (water supply, drains or gas). This replacement process is referred to as a “repipe” or "repiping”.

As brutally cold weather descends on Chicagoland your pipes will be vulnerable to the extreme cold.  We are experienced on how to lay out the job, order parts, install, and inspect the re-piping process. We have expert patching crews in house.  The important message here is…DO NOT wait until it is too late!

Freezing pipes will bring your household to a standstill.  Before that happens call Tom’s Plumbing Inc. to inspect your home’s piping system.  This way you will have some certainty as to what you may be facing during the months ahead.  I know this is a busy time of year, but include a call to Tom’s in your holiday plans at (847) 697-6444.

Holiday Decorating Seminar, Nov 18th

Holiday Decorating Seminar

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"A FREE event! We will be inspiring you for the Holiday season, including indoor and outdoor decor with Fresh Greens. Call into the office to reserve your spot for one of the TWO classes that we are hosting this year! (Saturday, November 18th at 10:00 - 11:30 am OR 1:00 - 2:30pm)"

Hayrides At Pheasant Run Resort

Hayrides At Pheasant Run Resort

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"Bring back that childlike wonder for the whole family when you hop on our hayride. You'll enjoy a tour through the golf course and a stop at the halfway house to hear scary stories and be entertained."

 

Ole’ Man Winter is Coming!

If you have lived in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago for more than a year you already know what to expect over the next several months.  Winter will hit and hit hard.  Maybe you and your family are prepared for the harsh seasonal change, but what about your plumbing and your pipes in general?

Here are some signs that it is time to replace the piping in your home –

1.  Do you see any yellow or brown sediment in your water when you fill up a bucket?

2.  Do you see frequent leakage around pipes?

3.  Are the walls in your home discoloring?

4.  Do you have an older home with lead pipes?

5.  Is the water flow slowing down?

All of these and more, are signs that your home needs to be repiped.  It’s November and there is no waiting for tomorrow!  It is time to call Northwest Chicago’s repiping professionals at Tom’s Plumbing Inc.  The pros at Tom’s have kept Elgin area pipes flowing freely for decades.  Schedule an appointment today at (847) 697-6444.

What’s in your Shower Water?

Do you ever think about that?  You know not to drink contaminated water, but do you think it is okay to shower in it?  The truth is, showering with bad water can be as bad as consuming it.  Unfiltered shower water can contain an array of chemicals like chlorine, not to mention bacteria and fungus from the shower head.  Yech!!!

Here are some reasons why you should use a shower filter –

1.  Absorbing much less chlorine…do some research on why too much chlorine is bad

2.  Keep harmful chemicals out of the air into your bathroom

3.  Protect your skin from irritation

4.  Reduce your family’s cancer risk from those bad chemicals

That last one is reason enough to strongly consider a new water treatment system for all of the showers in your home.  Tom’s Plumbing Inc. will install a reverse osmosis system or Charger water softener in your Elgin area home.  Tom’s Plumbing serves all of your water treatment needs in the Northwest Suburbs.  Call them today at (847) 697-6444.

Halloween Connections & Cocktails Party

Halloween Connections & Cocktails Party

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Oct. 26th - Buffet, bowling, fun & games! Enjoy the buffet from 6-7 pm, bowl from 6:30-8:30 and enjoy 1 hour of arcade games. Cash bar available.

 

Trouble in the Bathroom.

That phrase could take on a number of connotations.  The truth is, bathrooms are frequently used and under-appreciated.  Your day begins and ends in the bathroom.  When a component of that room malfunctions you and your family suffer a set-back.  Maybe it is the toilet, or perhaps the sink, even the tub or shower.  You don’t appreciate your bathroom until something goes wrong.

Unless you are a trained, experienced plumber you may not know if the problem is minor or major.  Then again, maybe there is no problem whatsoever and you are just wanting to remodel that important area of your home to make it as convenient and modern as you can afford.  Once again, a plumbing professional is a necessity.

If you are building, remodeling, or repairing your bathroom please call Tom’s Plumbing Inc.  Tom’s is Elgin’s premier bathroom repair and remodeling professional in the Northwest suburbs.  This is a great time of year to have the pros at Tom’s Plumbing come to your home for an estimate.  Give Mike Curce and his team a call today at (847) 697-6444.

Fall Youth Sports Instructional Classes

Fall Youth Sports Instructional Classes

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Whether your little athlete wants to get involved in basketball, soccer, or both... our department has what you're looking for!

Oh Snap…It Seemed to Happen Overnight.

One day it was 85 degrees then, suddenly it was 40 degrees.  That is how quickly things can change around Chicagoland.  Autumn is just about here followed by a long, grueling winter.  What is the status of your boiler and radiator?  I will bet you haven’t given it much, if any thought since last April.

Soon, that thermostat in your home will have to answer the bell.  Will your castle be properly heated in the months to come?  Do you have all of the hot water that you need?  Look for leaks around your boiler.  Check the water level.  When the radiator is running is it making noises?  Maybe the pilot light will not ignite.

Winter in the Northwest Suburbs is simply too brutal to be toyed with.  You really should call Tom’s Plumbing.  Mike Curce and his team are Elgin’s boiler and radiator repair experts.  They will troubleshoot any problems and beat the big freeze-out!  Do it now…you know we have had sub-freezing nights in October.  Call Tom’s Plumbing Inc. at (847) 697-6444.

Saturday Family Fun at Lockwood Park thru the end of September!

Saturday Family Fun at Lockwood Park

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"Bring the family out to the country to enjoy Saturday afternoons finding fun at Rockford Park District's Lockwood Park, 5201 Safford Rd. in northwest Rockford IL. There's a covered pony ring for children ages 1-7, the Children's Farm Animal Barn with friendly farm animals, and horseback trail rides for riders age 8 and older. To complete their visit, families can relax together on a scenic hay ride through the scenic meadows and woods."

Galvanized Pipes…Be Gone!

If you have lived in the Elgin area and are a homeowner you may be aware that those old galvanized pipes that have held your plumbing together are now old and outdated.  How old is your home?  In the Northwest Suburbs galvanized piping goes back to the 1950’s and was the only logical choice for decades.

These old pipes crack and corrode over time.  The result, of course, is leaking throughout your plumbing system.  At this point, you really only have two choices.  Either call a plumber for frequent emergency repairs…OR simply have your castle re-piped.  The latter will, in the long run, save you time and $$$$$!

Make the right decision now.  Have those old galvanized pipes replaced with new copper ones.  It will not only give you peace of mind, but add value to your home.  Choose the right plumber to do the job.  That is Tom’s Plumbing Inc.  We are the Elgin area’s residential copper repiping experts and have been for many years.  Call for an appointment today at (847) 697-6444.

Visit the Elgin Public Museum!

Visit the Elgin Public Museum! 

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Learn through adventure at the Elgin Public Museum!

 

I Say, Bradford…are you ready to go to work?

This is not a British play.  This is a tribute to a great American brand of water heaters.  Have you heard of Bradford?  The slogan at Bradford White is “built to be the best” and indeed they are.  Bradford White is proud to be American owned with its quality water heaters all made in the good old USA!

Do yourself a big favor if your water heater has shown signs of aging and is starting to leak.  Go to www.bradfordwhite.com.  Browse the resource center for FAQs and warranty information.  Maybe take a few more minutes (if necessary) and look at the credentials of another name brand.  We think you will see that Bradford water heaters are truly built to be the best.

If you live in Elgin or anywhere nearby in the Northwest Suburbs the next step is to make the call to Tom’s Plumbing Inc.  Tom’s has been your area Bradford White water heater installer for quite some time.  We have learned over the years as you will come to know that you have made the best choice for quality as well as durability.  Call Tom’s Plumbing at (847) 697-6444. 

Things to do in Chicago - August 2017

Things to do in Chicago - August 2017

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"Is it August already? Time to get serious about maximizing your swimming pool time and making this summer count."

The When and Why of Hiring a Plumber.

Eventually, nearly every home and business owner will need the expertise of a professional plumbing service.  When that day comes it would be comforting to know when exactly you need to make that call.  We would like to give you some tips on what to look for that would prompt you to call us.

1.  When any one or more of your faucets continues to drip, drip, drip.

2.  No hot water.  I don’t care if it is summer…you still need it.

3.  The water pressure has been reduced to a considerably slower pace.

4.  Clogged drains…you can see direct evidence of this the first time it happens.

No one likes to call a plumber, but absolutely NO ONE wants to wait too long to call one!  We hope these tips will help you make the right decision.  When it’s time, please think of us for all of your plumbing needs in the Northwest suburbs.  We are the Elgin area’s full service plumbing company Tom’s Plumbing Inc.  Give us a call at (847) 697-6444.

Where Were You 21 Years Ago?

That is a cryptic beginning to an interesting memory.  If you were a home owner in the Fox Valley on July 18, 1996 I will bet that you will remember.  In the storm center, 35,000 homes experienced flood damage in a matter of hours as our area experienced a record seventeen inches of rain in 24 hours!

This is not to say that a weather episode of this magnitude will happen again anytime soon.  It IS to say, that this is the time of year when sudden, violent, intense rain storms are likely to hit the Northwest Suburbs.  Now, ask yourself…are you prepared?  Even four or five inches of rain overnight could result in a flooded basement.

Is your sump pump working properly?  Is the battery fully charged?  How about the back-up battery?  Before the next heavy rain hits…and it will (ask those home-owners who weren’t prepared in ’96).  Call Tom’s Plumbing Inc. at (847) 697-6444.  Have them come to your home and double-check all of the components that will keep you high and dry this summer. 

2017 Concert Series - Tanner Park

2017 Concert Series

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Friday, July 21st - GLORIA GAYNOR 

It Sounds Like a Truck in Here.

This summer there is considerable hustle and bustle in your kitchen.  The kids are home and they are pouring heaven knows what into your kitchen’s garbage disposal.  The temptation is to just give up on your current garbage disposal unit when, in fact, many of them could be repaired, restoring peace and quiet to your kitchen.

One of the first things to look for if you are not hearing sounds would be a leak underneath your sink.  In many cases, the problem is not necessarily with the unit, but rather the way it was installed or the pipes leading to it.  So don’t just automatically blame Jimmy for throwing his cereal in there!

What is important is to troubleshoot the problem before it disrupts your entire home.  You need an expert plumber to do that.  In the Elgin area that company continues to be garbage disposal repair and replacement specialists Tom’s Plumbing Inc.  They know their way around kitchens and bathrooms in the Northwest Suburbs.  Keep this number handy (847) 697-6444.

Fireworks in Chicago!!

Fireworks in Chicago!

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CHICAGO — Don’t forget to book plans to see fireworks this Fourth of July! Check out the detailed listing for fireworks displays across the Chicago area.

Get to Know Your Plumber.

In many ways, it is as important to know and trust your plumber the same way you do with your family physician or auto mechanic.  Your plumber can cost or SAVE you thousands of dollars over time.  You better believe that is worth finding the right person and company to trust with all of your plumbing needs!

Let’s read some plumbing reviews.  It’s a “great ma and pop shop that does quality work at reasonable prices”.  “He installed a new water heater for me…did a great job.  I am very pleased”.  “They are the best plumbing company around.  They perform quality work…at very fair prices”.  “Tammy sent Mike out the same day”.

So, who are these two?  This Tammy and Mike?  They are the driving force behind Tom’s Plumbing Inc. of Elgin, IL.  Tom’s Plumbing has proven time and time again to be the Northwest suburb’s choice for every plumbing problem large or small.  The next time you need a plumber call Tammy and Mike at Tom’s Plumbing Inc. (847) 697-6444.   

Things to do in Elgin

Things to do in Elgin

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Take a look at this list of things to do in Elgin and plan your next family outting!

Visit the Farm Zoo!

Visit Lords Park Zoo in Elgin!

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"The farm zoo is located at the north end of the zoo. Animals will include pigs, cows, goats, sheep, llama & a miniature donkey."

Farm Zoo Hours:             June 4 - August 12: 11 am - 3 pm

Drip, Drip, Drip.

You have been putting it off for months.  You know that your water heater needs to be repaired or replaced, but you don’t want to face the reality.  Now that small drip has turned into a puddle.  Soon, it will be an all-out gusher if you continue to ignore the problem.  With summer on its way, it is time to address that leaky water heater.

What is the “shelf-life” of the average water heater?  Well, let’s put it this way, if it has been more than a decade since you had this one installed - then it is probably time.  In replacing a natural gas water heater or a propane one the steps are essentially the same.  Have you considered going tankless?  Not topless…TANKLESS!

These are decisions that should be made with the advice of a professional.  In the Elgin area, that has been, is, and will be Tom’s Plumbing Service.  Mike and his crew are the Northwest Suburban water heater repair and replacement experts.  Don’t wait another day.  Pick up the phone and call (847) 697-6444.

Plan Your Memorial Day Weekend!

Memorial Day Events in Elgin

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Memorial Day Events in Elgin - Family events that commemorate the true meaning of 

Memorial Day.

How does a Sewage Ejector Pump work?

We don’t expect you to devote a lot of time thinking about this, but if your sewage ejector pump malfunctions it will become foremost on your mind.  So, let’s get to know what exactly it is ahead of time.  Homes with finished basements need this essential device.  It quite simply picks up where gravity leaves off.

What it does is “lift” waste out of your home through the disposal pipes in your plumbing system.  If you are refinishing your basement in your Elgin area home this spring or summer you need to consult a professional to get the right ejector pump for the job.  The installation of the right pump insures that you won’t experience a sewage backup problem.

The very thought of that is a nightmare!  You need to contact the right plumbing company and have the job done correctly from the very beginning.  For those of us in the Northwest Suburbs around Elgin we can count on Elgin area sewage ejector pump installer Tom’s Plumbing Inc.  Enjoy your finished basement for years to come and give ‘em a call at (847) 697-6444.

Upcoming Events at the Hemmens Cultural Center - Stay in the Know!

Events at the Hemmens Cultural Center

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Find upcoming events at the Hemmens Cultural Center - Don't Miss a Thing! 

Time for a Battery Check.

In the Spring we check our smoke alarm batteries.  We may have our car battery checked before summer driving begins.  But wait…when was the last time that you checked the battery back-up in your sump pump system?  It is not necessarily the first thing that you think of, and yet here we are in the heart of the season when it needs to function at its peak.

You definitely don’t want to find out the hard way that your sump pump did not work due to a power failure or because of excessive use.  When you have a battery back-up you will get several hours of additional protection in an emergency.  That might be just the ticket that will save your bacon (and your basement) this spring!

Make sure that you are 100% ready for any Chicagoland weather phenomenon.  Heaven knows what will hit us next.  Have your back-up battery system checked and replaced if needed right away.  In this area that part is easy.  Just call Elgin area sump pump repair and replacement experts Tom’s Plumbing Inc.  Give them a call today at (847) 697-6444.

Zoeller Sump Pumps.

This is not a topic to which we give much consideration, but during Chicagoland’s spring rains it may be one you have to address as a homeowner.  When you need a new sump pump you need it right now!  It would be nice to know ahead of time which is the right one for your castle.  Essentially, a sump pump is the heart of a basement waterproofing system.

Let us introduce you to the power and reliability of Zoeller.  Why do people prefer Zoeller?  Well, quite frankly this sump pump outperforms others in many different categories.  The strength of their build, the volume that they pump, their durability, the fact that they resist clogging better than the competition, etc.

The choice is clear!  When it’s time for a new sump pump you know exactly what you need.  Now, where do you find it?  In the Elgin IL. area the answer is clear.  It is Zoeller sump pump installer Tom’s plumbing Inc.  They are proud to be your area’s sump pump installation professionals.  Give them a call at (847) 697-6444.

What’s That Smell?

I will bet you have said that a time or two in your life.  When that smell comes from your home out of nowhere do not laugh it off.  It may be the first sign of a gas leak.  Time is of the essence.  The most sensible thing to do is call a professional to look for the exact source of the leak.  Trust this job to an experienced pro.

If the leak is emanating from inside the home then it is generally the home-owner’s responsibility to have the problem fixed.  Natural gas detectors can give you and your family great peace of mind.  It is vitally important to call an area plumbing expert to troubleshoot the leak and fix it once and for all.

Gas leaks are potentially deadly.  They must never be taken lightly.  The only rotten egg smell that you should ever experience would come from your refrigerator.  At the first sign of an unfamiliar odor of gas immediately call Elgin’s gas leak repair expert…Tom’s Plumbing Inc. at (847) 697-6444.

Have You Checked Your Bibb?

Unless you have little ones around the house what on earth are we talking about here?  No, not the ones that your babies have around their necks, but the ones outside of your home.  A HOSE bib or bibcock is a tap having a nozzle that is bent downward.  Most Chicagoland homes have them as they are used prominently in warmer weather.

So…we have made it (or just about, anyway) through another long winter.  Our World Champion Cubbies start playing next month!  However, you might discover the hard way that, against your plumber’s advice, your hose bibbs have been connected ALL winter without being used.  Guess what?  You could already have a leak and not even know until we get a proper spring thaw.

Let a professional plumber replace those old hose bibbs with new “frost proof” ones.  That way you will never come face to face with this problem again.  A burst pipe can be a disaster.  To help avoid this potential catastrophe call Elgin area plumbing expert Tom’s Plumbing Inc. at (847) 697-6444 right away.

Signs of Sewer Line Problems.

Ahhh Spring - the flowers begin to bloom in Chicagoland and the trees are sprouting their leaves.  While these are wonderful they may have a profound effect on your home’s sewer line.  The major “root” of sewer line problems is an overgrown tree root.  That is not meant to be funny…not when you are up to your knees in backed-up sewage!

I hope that you know this is not a DIY job.  Do not just apply liquid drain cleaner and walk away.  Listen for any gurgling noises - that is a bad sound around your home unless someone is using mouthwash in the bathroom.  If you walk outside and the grass is wet, but it hasn’t rained ask your dog, then assume that you may have a sewage problem.

All in all, your sewage system requires proper maintenance.  This time of year, in Chicagoland, the rains come early and often.  If you live in the Elgin area your plumbing problems always have a solution.  For many years the answer is Elgin, IL plumbing experts Tom’s Plumbing Inc.  At the first sign of sewer problems call Tom’s Plumbing Inc. at (847) 697-6444.

Check Your Sump Pump.

I am sure that you can think of a few thousand things that you would rather do as winter transitions into spring.  One of the most important for the future of your NW Suburban property is to check your sump pump.  If there is blockage or debris caused by winter’s ravages you need to have it serviced so that it is able to drain freely.

When spring rain hits with full force the excess water will create quite a work load for your pump.  Next stop…flooding!  Here is a great idea for 2017 if you haven’t done it already.  Have a battery back-up system installed by a professional.  That way, in the event of a storm the power outage will keep on keepin’ on.

The answer for Elgin area homeowners for decades has been Tom’s Plumbing.  We feature high-efficiency Zoeller brand sump pumps and battery back-up systems.  Google it and see for yourself.  The perfect combination for safety and peace of mind is a Zoeller sump pump with a battery back-up system installed by Elgin’s plumbing company Tom’s Plumbing.  Call (847) 697-6444 today.