News | Boelcke Heating & Air Conditioning

Save Water This Summer with These Tips

Posted on June 28, 2024 by Boelcke Heating & AC

Dry spells can be a common occurrence during the summer months, and that can mean water shortages can happen. Homeowners who use a public water supply may be asked to conserve water by their municipality, or those with a well may be concerned about their system running dry. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep the water flowing.

In this article, we’ll share some tips for conserving water during the summer months, and how Boelcke can help with any plumbing concerns you might have. Keep reading below to learn more!

7 Tips for Conserving Water in the Summer

There are several ways homeowners can conserve water during the summer months, including:

Water Early or Late: Water your garden and lawn in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
Check Toilet for Leaks: Perform the toilet test by adding food coloring to the tank; if it seeps into the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.
Shorten Showers: Cut down your shower time and turn off the water while soaping or shaving to save gallons.
Use a Car Wash: Choose an automatic car wash that uses less water than hand washing.
Dishwasher Over Hand Washing: Use a water-efficient dishwasher instead of hand washing dishes.
Cover Your Pool: Reduce water loss from evaporation by covering your swimming pool when not in use. That way, you won’t have to add as much water to your pool.
Collect Rainwater: Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater for watering plants and gardens.

Implementing these simple yet effective strategies can lead to significant water savings. Not only does it help the environment, but it can also reduce your water bill during those peak usage months.

Make sure your plumbing is running smoothly with Boelcke.

At Boelcke, we’re pleased to provide complete plumbing services to homeowners, including plumbing repair, installation, and inspection. If you suspect that you have a plumbing leak in your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room, we can help take care of the problem quickly and get your toilets, sinks, and drains back in working order. Just give us a call at (269) 429-9261 and we’ll be happy to schedule an appointment with you.

Why Should I Get Air Conditioning Maintenance Each Year?

Posted on May 31, 2024 by Boelcke Heating & AC

As the vibrant hues of spring give way to the golden warmth of summer, it’s crucial to ensure your air conditioning system is primed for the upcoming months. Many have already switched on their AC units this season, and as temperatures rise, the importance of optimal AC performance becomes clear. Regular maintenance is the key to a reliable and efficient system.

Some may question the necessity of annual AC maintenance, perceiving it as a bothersome expense. However, the advantages of a thorough check-up by a skilled HVAC technician are manifold. Let’s delve into these benefits and discover how Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning can be your ally in this essential home care task.

Top 5 Advantages of Scheduling AC Maintenance This Season

Still contemplating AC maintenance? Here are compelling reasons to make that appointment:

Enhanced Energy Efficiency: A meticulously maintained AC unit runs with greater efficiency. Routine checks ensure cleanliness, proper functioning of all parts, and correct refrigerant levels, culminating in reduced energy consumption.
Elevated Home Comfort: Peak-performing AC systems not only conserve energy but also amplify your living space’s comfort. With regular upkeep, your AC won’t overexert itself to cool your home, providing you and your loved ones with a consistently pleasant environment.
Diminished Repair Costs: AC units, complex as they are, occasionally require minor fixes due to normal wear and tear. Neglected issues, however, can escalate into costly damages. Yearly maintenance serves as a preventive measure against such unwelcome surprises.
Superior Indoor Air Quality: A clogged AC filter can circulate contaminants throughout your home, degrading the air you breathe. Part of the maintenance ritual is to ensure your unit’s filter is devoid of pollutants, safeguarding your household’s air purity.
Warranty Preservation: Regular maintenance by certified professionals is often a stipulation for maintaining your HVAC warranty. Skipping this step could invalidate your warranty, leaving you financially responsible for any significant repairs or replacements.

Reach out to Boelcke Today for Your AC Upkeep

Your family’s comfort during the sweltering days of summer is paramount. At Boelcke, we’re committed to making your home a sanctuary from the heat. Offering comprehensive air conditioning services, we take pride in delivering the maintenance necessary to keep your system running smoothly. Just give us a call at (269) 429-9261 and we will be happy to schedule an appointment with you.

Sniffles & Sneezes? Indoor Air Quality Products Can Help.

Posted on April 30, 2024 by Boelcke Heating & AC

Once the spring season returns to Michigan, people can count on warmer, sunnier days and landscapes in bloom. For allergy sufferers, spring can also mean the return of allergies. Allergens like pollen and mold spores are abundant during the spring months, and unfortunately, this can wreak havoc for those with allergies and other respiratory concerns.

While you can’t control the outdoor air quality, there are measures you can take to improve the air quality inside your home. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the indoor air quality products available, and how Boelcke can help you get cleaner, fresher air for your home. Keep reading to learn more!

Different Types of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Products

Different types of IAQ products address specific concerns. Some homes may require only one solution, while others need a multi-pronged approach. Learn more about the different kinds of IAQ products below:

Air Sterilization: Air sterilization products help to remove mold, mildew, pollen, and bacteria from the air in your home, keeping the air you and your family breathe free from many of the contaminants that can cause respiratory concerns.
High-Efficiency Filters: Your HVAC system has a standard filter that can help keep your equipment cleaner and free from particulate matter, but it doesn’t necessarily provide the advanced filtration allergy sufferers need. High-efficiency filters are able to remove pollen, dust, dander, and other particles from the air in your home, helping you get the cleaner, fresher air you need.
UV Lights: Ultraviolet (UV) lights can effectively eliminate a whole host of pathogens in your HVAC system, including spores, mold, and bacteria, making them especially beneficial for anyone who suffers from respiratory conditions. They are installed by your technician directly in your heating and cooling system.
Humidifiers: When the air in your home is too dry, it can cause irritation to your eyes, nasal passages, and throat, and that can cause allergy symptoms to become even more uncomfortable. Overly dry air can benefit from the installation of a whole-home humidifier.
Dehumidifiers: Conversely, air that is too damp can also cause respiratory concerns for some and create an environment that encourages mold growth. In homes that are too damp and humid, a dehumidifier can help remove the excess moisture from the air.

A qualified HVAC professional will be able to help you get the right solution and combination of products for your home, helping you and your family enjoy cleaner, fresher air this spring – and all year through.

Can Boelcke help me get better IAQ for my home?

When you need indoor air quality solutions from a qualified specialist for your home, you can trust Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning. We can help meet all your indoor air quality needs, large or small. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Can a Power Outage Cause Damage to My Home?

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Boelcke Heating & AC

During the later summer months, the weather can turn stormy. Thunderstorms are more likely to roll through, bringing with them heavy rains and damaging winds. As a result, the chance of a power outage becomes higher. It’s likely that we’ve all experienced a few power outages in our lifetime, and while it can be fun for a while to play board games and chat by candlelight, a prolonged power outage can start to cause trouble.

For more information
Call or Click:
Stevensville: (269) 429-9261
Coloma: (269) 468-4321
Ask A Tech

In this article, we’ll talk about some of the problems that can occur during an outage, measures you can take, and how Boelcke Heating, Air Conditioning, & Plumbing can help. Keep reading to learn more!

Areas of Your Home Where a Power Outage Can Cause Problems

Power outages can certainly cause inconveniences, such as no internet or no phone. However, there are certain areas in your home where power outages can actually cause some expensive damages, or can even be dangerous. Below, we’ll talk about some things you should be on the lookout for during an outage, and steps you can take to stay as safe as possible.

Sump Pumps: If your home relies on a sump pump to keep water out of your basement, it can’t operate during a power outage. And that can be the time when you need it most, as power outages are often accompanied by heavy rains or other wet weather. If your basement floods, it can be dangerous to enter. Never try to use any appliances, outlets, or fuse boxes until they’ve been evaluated by an electrician.
Appliances: In today’s world, many appliances operate via microprocessors, which are essentially tiny computers. Because of this, they are more sensitive to fluctuations in voltage and can be damaged during a power outage. As such, you’ll likely want to unplug any major appliances, such as washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers, until the power is restored.
Food Spoilage: When the power is out for a prolonged period of time, it can cause the food in your refrigerator or freezer to spoil – and that can be very costly. Usually, food is safe in the fridge for 24 hours, and in the freezer for 36 hours – as long as you keep the door closed. If you’re unsure of your food’s safety, you should not eat it.
Medical Equipment: Some people rely on medical equipment that requires electricity to operate. If someone in your household does, you’ll want to make sure you have a backup power supply, such as a generator. You may also want to identify safe places that may have access to backup power, such as your local school, fire department, or hospital, where you can take your family member in need during an emergency.
Heating and Cooling Equipment: Like your other major appliances, many of today’s air conditioning systems and furnaces also use microprocessors. And they have components that can be damaged by the power surges that often occur at the end of an outage. As such, it’s usually a good idea to turn off any heating or cooling equipment when the power goes out.

Can a brownout cause problems, too?

Brownouts are when electricity is still flowing into your home, but at a lower volume than usual. You may notice that any incandescent bulbs you have are still providing light but at a much lower level. Brownouts can wreak havoc with sensitive items like computers and laptops, so to be on the safe side, you should unplug them during a brownout, especially if you don’t have a backup generator. You’ll also want to turn off any non-essential home appliances.

Can Boelcke help prevent a power outage from causing problems in my home?

While we can’t prevent power outages from happening, we can help keep you and your home safer if one occurs. At Boelcke, we’re proud to offer our customers quality Honeywell generators, which can help you avoid problems should a power outage occur. When you choose us to install a home generator for you, we’ll help you choose the best one for your home and lifestyle needs. And, you can count on our expert technicians to provide you with professional installation. Simply give us a call at 269.429.9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Annual Heating Maintenance is Important – Here’s Why.

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Boelcke Heating & AC

Autumn has arrived, and while it’s definitely one of the most beautiful times of the year in Michigan, it also means that cooler temperatures will arrive sooner rather than later. Most homeowners use this time of year to take care of any household maintenance and repairs that need to be done before the winter arrives, such as cleaning out the gutters and sealing any drafty areas around doors or windows.

For more information
Call or Click:
Stevensville: (269) 429-9261
Coloma: (269) 468-4321
Ask A Tech

This is also a great time of year to make sure your home’s heating system is in good working order. The best way to do that is by getting it the annual maintenance it needs. When you choose to have your heating equipment maintained yearly, you’re helping to ensure that your family won’t be without heat once the temperatures dip down, and your system will be able to perform both effectively and efficiently.

Is there anything I can do to help my heating system perform better?

While professional maintenance is very important for a variety of reasons, let’s talk about a few things you can do as a homeowner to help your heating system perform better this year, and into the future:

Consider a thermostat upgrade. If you have an older, dial-model thermostat, it’s definitely time to consider replacing it. Today’s thermostats not only help you regulate the temperature in your home more easily, but they can also help improve your home’s energy efficiency. A programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for when you’re home, away, and sleeping, while smart thermostats can “learn” your family’s habits and can easily be connected to your other smart home devices.
Change your furnace filters regularly. During frequent system operation, your furnace filter can quickly become dirty and clogged. This can lead to poor indoor air quality and can diminish your system’s efficiency. Check your filter at least once a month to make sure it isn’t clogged with dirt, dust, and debris, and change it out if it is. If you’re not sure how to change your filter, your HVAC professional can help you.
Make sure the area around your furnace is clean. Make sure there is plenty of space around your heating system – don’t stack storage containers or other items against your furnace. Sweep any dust or debris away from your equipment, as it can easily be drawn into your ducts and circulate around your home. Along the same lines, make sure to keep the area around registers clear – if obstructed, it will be harder for your heating system to deliver heated air efficiently throughout your home.

Do I still need to get professional maintenance each year, too?

The short answer is yes. There are many reasons why you should get professional heating maintenance every year for your home, including:

Better heating system efficiency
More effective home heating
Maintenance of equipment warranty
Fewer expensive repairs
Longer system life
Improved indoor air quality

Can Boelcke help me get the seasonal heating maintenance I need?

Definitely! Our skilled technicians can help you get the heating maintenance you need. They’ll perform a tune-up that ensures your system is cleaned and lubricated, so it runs smoothly. And they’ll take care of any minor concerns before they become larger — and more expensive — repairs. By getting the heating maintenance you need for your system, it can run more efficiently — helping you save on energy costs.

When you need heating maintenance from a qualified specialist, you can trust Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning. We can help meet all your home heating needs, large or small. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Could Ductless Heating Be Beneficial to My Home?

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Boelcke Heating & AC

When your home isn’t as comfortable as you’d like, it can be frustrating. Many homeowners have central heating for their homes but sometimes find that it doesn’t provide the comfort they need. Maybe they’ve added to their home over the years, or have converted previously unused spaces into living areas. Or, they live in an older home and notice some areas simply don’t seem to heat as well as others.

For more information
Call or Click:
Stevensville: (269) 429-9261
Coloma: (269) 468-4321
Ask A Tech

Fortunately, there is a solution when it comes to targeted heating for your home that doesn’t involve obtrusive and inefficient space heating. That solution is ductless heating. Ductless heating systems can provide better home comfort and are highly efficient. Because they’re generally mounted high on a wall or ceiling, they won’t take up valuable living space and are whisper-quiet, so all you and your family will notice is better comfort.

5 Different Ways Ductless Heating Could Benefit Your Home

Not sure if you and your family could benefit from ductless heating? Here are a few different applications in which ductless heating can improve comfort in all the living spaces in your home:

Additions: If you have an added space that doesn’t have access to your home’s ductwork, a ductless system can help. Ductless heating can help keep an addition, finished basement, or converted space warm without having to use a space heater.
Outer Buildings: Do you have a garage, workshop, or shed outside your home that you’d like to use during the cooler months? There’s no need to give up your hobbies once the snow flies! You can install a ductless unit and enjoy warmth all winter long.
Old Baseboard Heat: If you have an old, inefficient electrical baseboard heating system that you’ve been thinking about replacing, you may want to consider ductless. Most homes with baseboard heat don’t have ductwork, which is not needed with ductless heating systems. And, ductless heating is generally much more efficient than electrical baseboard heat.
Balancing Heating: In some homes, especially older ones, there are areas that are connected to ductwork butt are difficult to heat. A ductless system can provide heat to these areas, making the heating throughout your home more even. What’s more, this can help your central heating system not have to work as hard to heat your home and operate more efficiently.
Remodels: If you’re remodeling a space in your home and don’t want to add to the cost by changing or adding more ductwork, a ductless heating system can be an ideal option. Not to mention, changing or adding to your home’s layout can mean you need a larger furnace, which you won’t have to worry about if you choose ductless for the renovated space.

And, ductless systems can provide year-round comfort.

Most ductless systems use heat pump technology in order to operate. Heat pumps work by extracting the heat in the air from one space and transferring it to another. In the colder months, ductless heat pumps are able to extract heat from the air outside and bring it into your home. In the summer, they can do the exact opposite – extract heat from the indoor air and pump it outside. As a result, your ductless system can provide you with heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, making it a year-round comfort solution.

Can Boelcke help me get ductless for my home?

We sure can! We’re pleased to provide our customers with quality ductless systems that can help them enjoy better home comfort all year long. When you need ductless heating from a qualified specialist, you can trust Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning. We can help meet all your home heating needs, large or small. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

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.

For more information
Call or Click:
Stevensville: (269) 429-9261
Coloma: (269) 468-4321
Ask A Tech

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.

My Pipes are Frozen! What Should I Do?

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Boelcke Heating & AC

It’s that time of year again when the chill of winter has returned and the temperatures can dip down quickly. When the freezing cold temperatures hit, an unfortunate side effect can be frozen pipes. During extreme cold, water supply pipes are often subject to both freezing and bursting, and that can wreak havoc with your home.

As a plumbing company, Boelcke likes to help people prevent frozen pipes as much as possible. That’s why we’re always happy to share advice, like these tips on how you can keep your pipes from freezing offered by The American Red Cross. But, what if your pipes are already frozen? In this article, we’ll offer some steps you can take to help thaw your pipes safely, and hopefully, avoid or minimize damage. Keep reading to learn more!

4 Steps You Can Take if You Have Frozen Pipes

If the temperatures are below freezing, and you turn on a faucet and only a trickle of water comes out, it’s likely a frozen pipe. Frozen pipes are most common against exterior walls of your home, or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.

First things first. Shut off the water main and open any faucets that are connected to the pipe. This step is crucial because it reduces pressure on the pipes, and can help minimize any flooding if the pipes burst.
Next, thaw the pipe if you can. Use a hair dryer or space heater to thaw the ice blockage. Do not leave it unattended, and make sure any flammable materials have been removed from the area where you will be heating the pipe. Also, never use an open flame.
Then, check the pipes for any leaks. Even with the water shut off, there should be enough pressure in the pipes to reveal any leaks once the ice blockage has thawed.
Finally, call Boelcke to help. We can check out your pipes for any additional ice blockages, and we have the proper equipment to thaw your pipes, get them working again, and make any needed repairs. It’s especially important to give us a call if you’ve had severely frozen pipes, as this can weaken piping material and cause leaks or fractures down the road.

Keep in mind, frozen pipes need to be taken care of properly in order to prevent a disaster. That means, as soon as you discover your pipes are frozen, you need to take the above measures and give Boelcke a call as soon as possible. Our skilled master plumbers can help you get your frozen pipes thawed, and in the unfortunate event of a burst pipe, we can make the repairs needed to your plumbing.

Trust Boelcke for the emergency plumbing services you need.

Frozen or burst pipes mean you need help right away. At Boelcke, we proudly provide our customers with 24-hour emergency plumbing service. If you live in Stevensville, Coloma, St. Joseph,or the surrounding areas and need plumbing products and services for your home, give Boelcke a call at (269) 429-9261. We’ll help you get the plumbing services you need quickly and professionally.

What Type of Heating System is Best for My Home?

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Boelcke Heating & AC

If you’re feeling the chill in your Michigan home this winter and have been considering replacing your old heating system, you may be curious about what options are available. Maybe you have an older furnace or boiler that’s out of warranty. Maybe you have an aging, inefficient electric baseboard heating system and are wondering how to heat your home without ductwork. Fortunately, there are many types of heating systems available.

In this article, we’ll talk about the four main types of heating equipment Boelcke provides, and how each can benefit specific types of heating configurations. Whether you’re looking for a more efficient alternative to an old furnace or boiler or would like to add heat to an addition or converted space without having to use a space heater, we can help. Keep reading to learn more!

Learn more about the four main types of heating systems Boelcke provides.

While there are a number of different types of heating options available, the most common are furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and ductless heating systems. Learn more about each type of system below:

Furnace: Many homes have centralized heating provided by a furnace. Most furnaces burn a type of fuel, generally either oil or gas. The furnace’s heat exchanger then transfers heat from the furnace’s burner to the air, and blowers and fans distribute the heat throughout the home’s ductwork.
Boiler: Like furnaces, boiler systems generally use oil or gas as their source of fuel. Instead of heating the air, however, boilers heat water. The heated water or steam, depending on the boiler type, is then sent through pipes throughout the home that are connected to radiators in each room. Sometimes, the pipes are under the floor and provide radiant heating in this manner.
Heat Pump: Heat pump systems don’t require fuel to heat the home. Instead, they work by extracting heat from either the outdoor air or the ground and then pump that heat into the home. A centralized heat pump system uses the home’s existing ductwork to deliver the heated air throughout the home. A benefit of a heat pump system is that in the summer months, the process can be reversed to provide cooling to the home.
Ductless Heating: Ductless heating generally uses a heat pump in order to operate, but unlike a centralized heat pump system, it does not require ductwork. Instead, it operates using a single unit installed in a specific area or zone. Ductless heating can be installed throughout a home using multiple units, or just in one area of the home that doesn’t have access to the centralized heating system, such as an addition or converted space. Like heat pumps, ductless heating can be reversed to provide cooling in the summer.

I’m ready to get improved heating for my home. Can Boelcke help?

When you need heating solutions from a qualified specialist, you can trust Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning. We can help meet all your home heating needs, large or small. You’ll be able to take advantage of a complete listing of heating products and services, including energy-efficient heating equipment installation, as well as maintenance and repair. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Get Your Home’s Plumbing Spring-Ready with These Tips

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Boelcke Heating & AC

Once spring arrives, people look forward to getting their homes ready for the better weather to come. Many people embark on spring cleaning inside and out, making sure windows are clean, lawns and gardens are maintained, and home comfort equipment is working properly. It’s also a good idea to make sure that your home’s plumbing is in good working order, too.

For more information
Call or Click:
Stevensville: (269) 429-9261
Coloma: (269) 468-4321
Ask A Tech

At Boelcke, we offer complete plumbing services, but we also like to help homeowners by providing a few DIY tips now and then. In this article, we’ll share a few tips on how you can make sure your home’s plumbing system is spring-ready. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Tips to Make Sure Your Home’s Plumbing is Ready for Spring

Want to learn more about how you can make sure the plumbing in your home is ready for the spring season ahead? Here are a few tips that can help ensure your plumbing is prepared:

Make sure your sump pump is working properly. Once spring arrives, so does the rain and unfortunately, basement flooding. Check your sump pump as early in the spring as possible to make sure it’s operating properly so you’ll be prepared for wet conditions.
Consider installing a water softener. Most of the water in Michigan is considered hard to very hard. That means that there are a lot of minerals present in the water that can lead to buildup in pipes, in your water heater, and in heating equipment that uses water, like boilers. It can even cause problems with appliances, such as coffeemakers and ice machines. A water softener can help keep hard water from becoming a problem.
Inspect your home’s water heater. Spring is a great time to make sure your home equipment, such as your air conditioning system and water heater, is working properly. Getting annual maintenance on your water heater from a professional plumber can help ensure it’s running smoothly and efficiently.
Check your outdoor spigots and faucets. In the winter, outdoor fixtures like sprinklers, outdoor faucets, and spigots can freeze and become damaged. You’ll want to inspect your sprinkler heads and hose spigots for any leaks or damages that could have been caused by freezing winter temperatures.
Check gutters and downspouts. During the winter months, debris and vegetation can collect in gutters and downspouts. Sometimes, animals like squirrels use gutters for nesting and food storage during the winter months. So, you’ll want to make sure your gutters are free of anything that could cause clogs that prevent rainwater from flowing freely.

Of course, if you’re uncomfortable with tackling plumbing concerns on your own, no worries – Boelcke is always ready to help you find the best solution.

Need help with home plumbing concerns? You can count on Boelcke.

At Boelcke, our plumbing professionals are always ready to help meet your home plumbing needs. You can count on us for plumbing installation, maintenance, and repair, and we can help you get the equipment you need, including water-softening systems and hot water heaters. If you live in Stevensville, Coloma, St. Joseph, or the surrounding areas and need plumbing services for your home, give Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning a call at (269) 429-9261. We’ll tell you about the different plumbing products and services we offer, and help you find the solution that best suits your needs.