Kitchen Plumbing Archives | Boelcke Heating & Air Conditioning

How Water Softeners Improve Your Home’s Plumbing

Posted on June 30, 2025 by Boelcke Heating & AC

Hard water might not be something you think about often, but it can have a significant impact on your home’s plumbing system. The minerals in hard water, primarily calcium and magnesium, can lead to scale buildup, clogged pipes, and reduced efficiency of appliances. Fortunately, installing a water softener can help combat these issues and extend the life of your plumbing fixtures.

How Water Softeners Work

Water softeners use a process called ion exchange to remove the minerals responsible for hardness. As water passes through a resin bed inside the softener, calcium and magnesium ions are exchanged for sodium or potassium ions, effectively softening the water before it reaches your faucets and appliances.

Benefits of a Water Softener for Your Plumbing

Prevents Scale Buildup – Hard water causes scale deposits in pipes and fixtures, leading to blockages and inefficient water flow. A water softener eliminates this issue, keeping your plumbing in peak condition.
Extends the Life of Appliances – Water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines work harder when dealing with mineral buildup, causing wear and tear. Softened water helps appliances operate efficiently and last longer.
Improves Water Flow and Pressure – Scale accumulation narrows pipes over time, reducing water pressure. By eliminating hard water minerals, a softener ensures smooth, unobstructed water flow.
Reduces Plumbing Repairs – Mineral deposits can lead to costly repairs or even pipe replacements. A water softener minimizes maintenance needs, saving homeowners time and money.

Tips for Choosing the Right Water Softener

Consider Your Water Hardness Level – Have your water tested to determine its hardness and select a system that can adequately treat it.
Choose the Right Size – Water softeners come in various capacities. A system that’s too small won’t be effective, while an oversized one may waste water and energy.
Look for Efficient Regeneration Cycles – Some softeners regenerate on a timer, while others do so based on usage. Demand-initiated regeneration systems help conserve water and salt.
Opt for a System with a Quality Resin Bed – The longevity of a water softener depends on its resin quality, so choose a model known for durability.

Boelcke can help you get the best water softener system for your home.

A water softener is a valuable addition to any home, ensuring your plumbing system remains free from scale buildup and your appliances function at their best. If you’re dealing with hard water issues, investing in the right softener will not only improve water quality but also save you from expensive plumbing problems down the road.

At Boelcke, we’re pleased to offer quality water softening systems for your home. Just give us a call and we will be more than happy to schedule a consultation with you at your convenience.

What Can I Do to Help Maintain My Kitchen Plumbing?

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Boelcke Heating & AC

You might not think about it very often, but the plumbing in your home’s kitchen works hard every day to help you cook, clean, and keep your dishes sparkling. That’s why it’s so important to do what you can to help ensure that it stays running smoothly.

Maintaining your kitchen plumbing is essential for preventing major issues, improving efficiency, and extending the lifespan of your plumbing system. By following a few simple tips, you can keep everything running smoothly and avoid costly repairs. Keep reading below to learn more!

5 Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Plumbing Running Smoothly

Learn some simple measures you can take to help your kitchen plumbing work at its best:

Regularly Clean Drains and Traps:

Clear debris: Use a drain strainer to catch food particles and debris before they enter the pipes. Regularly clean the strainer to prevent clogs.
Use natural cleaners: Once a week, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain to break down grease and buildup. Follow with hot water to flush it out.

Be Mindful of What You Dispose of:

Avoid grease: Never pour grease or cooking oil down the drain. It can solidify and cause blockages. Instead, collect it in a container and dispose of it in the trash.
Limit food waste: Use a compost bin for food scraps instead of relying solely on the garbage disposal. This reduces the risk of clogs and keeps your disposal working efficiently.

Regularly Inspect for Leaks:

Check for drips: Periodically inspect under the sink and around fixtures for any signs of leaks. Even small drips can lead to bigger problems if left unchecked.
Listen for running water: If you hear water running when all fixtures are turned off, it could indicate a hidden leak that needs attention.

Maintain Your Garbage Disposal:

Use it properly: Only put small amounts of food waste into the disposal at a time, and always run cold water while using it. Avoid hard items like bones and fibrous materials like celery.
Keep it fresh: Grind citrus peels or ice cubes occasionally to clean the disposal and keep it smelling fresh.

Know When to Call a Professional:

Professional inspections: Schedule annual inspections with a licensed plumber to catch any potential issues early and ensure your system is in top shape.
Timely repairs: Don’t delay fixing any plumbing problems. Addressing issues promptly can save you from more extensive damage and higher repair costs.

By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can keep your kitchen plumbing running efficiently and extend its lifespan. Regular maintenance not only prevents major issues but also contributes to a more functional and reliable kitchen environment.

If you need help with your kitchen plumbing, Boelcke is only a call away.

At Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning, we always treat our customers like family. Our goal is your complete satisfaction with both our products and our services. We never consider the job complete until the customer is fully satisfied with the work we’ve done for them. Our top priority is to provide you with the best kitchen plumbing solution available.

If you need kitchen plumbing services for your home, give Boelcke a call at (269) 429-9261. We’ll tell you about the different kitchen plumbing services and products we offer, and help you find the solution that best suits your needs.

The Holidays are Here Again – Keep Your Plumbing Running Smoothly.

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Boelcke Heating & AC

The holidays are that wonderful time of year when family and friends gather in your home for food, festivities, and fun. While this season is for special times with those you love, it can also be the time of year when your home’s plumbing system has to work extra hard to keep up with the demands of a full house.

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Nobody wants to think about experiencing a plumbing issue in the midst of a celebration. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep your plumbing running smoothly. In this article, we’ll talk about five steps you can take to steer clear of plumbing issues during the holiday season, and how Boelcke can help if there’s a problem. Keep reading to learn more!

6 Tips to Keep Your Plumbing Problem-Free this Holiday Season

Know what to throw away. In the midst of a busy holiday meal, it can be tempting to scrape plates into the sink. However, this can lead to buildup in your drains, which inevitably can cause your sink’s plumbing to clog. Make sure your sink strainers are in place, and scape plates and serving dishes into the garbage.
Keep your garbage disposal clear. There are certain foods that you should avoid putting down your garbage disposal. Bones, eggshells, fat, grease, and string vegetables like celery and squash should not go in your disposal. They can clog your unit, or cause issues with the blades and motor.
Avoid toilet clogs and overflows. You know what’s safe to flush down your toilet, but your guests might not. As a rule of thumb, items like baby wipes and diapers, personal products, cotton balls, swabs, pads, and cigarette butts should never be flushed down the toilet. Clogs can happen, though, so it’s always a good idea to have a plunger nearby.
Properly dispose of grease. Grease is the word when it comes to common drain problems. Dumping grease down the drain is never a good idea, as it can solidify and cause a clog. Not to mention, grease attracts anything else that might slip down your drain, such as food particles and hair, causing a large clump in your drain pipes. Pour grease into a can that can be disposed of when it cools, or wait for grease in pans to solidify and scrape it into the trash.
Give your drains some extra TLC. Because your sinks and tubs will likely be working overtime this holiday season, you can help keep your drains in good condition with some common household items. Baking soda and vinegar can help keep drains running freely. Start by running hot water down the drain. Next, pour a solution of 1 cup of baking soda, one cup of water, and one cup of vinegar into the drain. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, and flush with hot water.
Keep the hot water flowing. When you have guests staying over during the holidays, and you’re working hard to prepare those fantastic holiday dinners, your hot water heater is working overtime, too. It’s good practice to have a professional plumbing service, like Boelcke, inspect your hot water heater annually to make sure it’s functioning properly. And, if your hot water heater is more than 10 years old, it’s time to consider replacing it.

Can Boelcke help me if I have a holiday plumbing problem?

Despite your best efforts, you could run into a plumbing issue that needs professional attention. That’s where Boelcke comes in. We provide a complete range of plumbing services, so no matter what your concern may be, we can help get your toilets, sinks, and drains back in working order promptly and professionally.

We can even help you get ahead of the game by inspecting your plumbing and fixing any problems that might be a cause for concern once your holiday guests arrive. Just give us a call at (269) 429-9261. We’ll tell you about the different bathroom plumbing products and services we offer, and help you find the solution that best suits your needs.

Kitchen Plumbing Near Stevensville, MI

Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning offers kitchen plumbing services in Stevensville and the surrounding Southwest Michigan area.

You’ve trusted Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning to meet your home comfort needs, but did you know you can count on us for your kitchen plumbing needs as well? We’re not only your full-service HVAC contractor – now we can help you with all of your plumbing needs, too. Our skilled master plumbers can help you with any kitchen plumbing concern you might have, from a faucet that drips to an entire kitchen remodel.

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When you choose Boelcke to assist you with your kitchen plumbing needs in Stevensville and surrounding areas, you’ll be able to choose from a wide range of products and services. We’re able to help our customers with a variety of concerns, including water leaks, remodeling, plumbing installation, new construction, existing home retrofit, gas piping and more. We proudly offer some of the best brands available, and carry high quality fixtures, appliances and other plumbing supplies.

Ready for a consultation or need more info?

Contact Boelcke at (269) 429-9261 or complete the short form below and a representative will reach out to you.

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"I have had our heating and air conditioning service done by the Boelcke team for many years. I have never been disappointed. I have also had my furnace replaced and a new air conditioner installed. We have been very satisfied. However, it is the relationship that we continue to enjoy with the whole Boelcke team that we appreciate the most. Yesterday it was Ben who visited us. Send him back any time. He, like the others, fit right in. Thank you."

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Boelcke can help you get the kitchen plumbing repairs you need near Stevensville.

We’ll expertly fix your kitchen sink, dishwasher, garbage disposal, water dispenser & more.

When you work with us on your kitchen plumbing needs in Stevensville and Southwest Michigan, you’ll have access to our 50 years of experience in customer satisfaction. At Boelcke, we work hard to make people feel comfortable in their homes. We strive to provide our customers with the ultimate in plumbing services and products. That’s why in addition to kitchen plumbing, we proudly offer:

If you live in Stevensville or the surrounding areas and need kitchen plumbing for your home, give Boelcke a call at (269) 429-9261. We’ll tell you about the different kitchen plumbing services and products we offer, and help you find the solution that best suits your needs.

Category: Kitchen Plumbing