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Sump Pump Back-Up Battery Care.

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Sump Pump Back-Up Battery Care.

We supply Sump Pump Back Up Batteries.

Sump Pump Check Up
at 847-234-9440.

HT Strenger Plumbing Technicians can repair all Makes and Models of Sump Pumps and Battery Back Up Systems.

When Power no longer Supplies your home (Usually in a Rain Storm), the a battery back up system is designed to automatically send power from the batteries to the sump pump. It essential that your Sump Batteries(s) are always at Peak Efficiency – We can check the Life of your Batteries and make replacements and suggestions.

We can also repair all pump and discharge sizes and everything usually on the first service call. We carry a complete line of residential pump’s, pump-batteries, and back up systems, In Our Service Vans at all Times.

Contact HT Strenger

Simple Sump Pump Care Information.

Replace your Back-Up Battery every 2 Years.

Most homeowners understand they have a primary (AC powered) sump pump in their basement or crawlspace to protect them from flooding. That’s all well and good, but:.

Power to your Pump

IF/WHEN the power goes out (or the fuse blows, or the circuit breaker trips, or the power cord gets pulled out), your primary pump won’t run and you will flood.

Primary Pump Failure is Inevitable.

IF/WHEN your primary pump fails due to a clog or other mechanical problem, you will flood.

Check your Float Switch

IF/WHEN the float switch on your primary pump gets stuck or doesn’t activate, you will flood. If you don’t have a backup sump pump, you don’t have a sump pump at all! That’s because ALL sump pumps eventually fail, and without a good backup system, you won’t know the pump has failed until you have a flood! Everybody with a sump basin should have both a primary and a backup system.

Add an Additional Battery.

Having a second battery connected to your backup system will give you approximately twice as much run time without AC power. If you live in an area that experiences long power outages, this is a nice feature to have….

Contact HT Strenger

We Stand Behind Our Work.

H.T. Strenger Plumbing has been serving the Lake Forest area since 1911. We are a family-owned and operated business with a reputation for providing high-quality, affordable plumbing services. Our experienced technicians are experts in all aspects of plumbing and sewer repair, and we offer a wide range of services to meet your needs.

“We do everything we can to ensure all of our customers are satisfied with our work. We will work with each customer to resolve any warranty problems that may occur.” All of our service work carries a thirty day warranty on parts.

June 27, 2024
HT Strenger Plumbing Resolutions for 2024

2024 New Years Plumbing Resolutions to Keep your Home’s Plumbing Flowing.

If you are still looking for a few New Year’s resolutions? HT Strenger has a few to suggest for your residential plumbing system. Below are some that will keep your plumbing flowing through 2024.

1- Drain Care – Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain. These slippery foes can solidify and cause major clogs. Let them cool and solidify, then toss them in the trash, keeping your pipes happy and healthy.

Slow drains can mean something is wrong with your pipes. If it gets clogged, it can lead to dangerous sewage leaks that can damage your home. These leaks are sometimes in places you can’t see and can cause a lot of harm.

2- Be Kinder and Promote Cleanliness to the Garbage Disposal.
An easy way to start the new year is to monitor what you are throwing down the disposal – the fewer food items that go through the better. Properly dispose of as many food scraps into the trash as possible. Coffee grounds, pasta, and potato peels are better off composted or tossed in the trash. Let your disposal focus on its forte – handling the smaller, softer stuff. Run cold water while using it and for a few seconds afterward to keep things cool and flowing smoothly.
Now and then, your disposal deserves a refreshing spa treatment. Toss in some lemon or orange peels and grind them up with cold water. The citrusy goodness will neutralize odors and keep things smelling sprightly. Protect your Disposal with a Drain Stopper to keep unwanted items out of the disposal.

3 – Every Year is a Great Year for Water Conservation.
One way to reduce water use in your home is to install low-flush toilets. Conserving water with reduced Shower Use is the fastest way to reduce water consumption.

4- Check for Leaks – Broken Natural Gas Lines & Water leaks are a big problem and can cost a lot of money to fix. Checking the areas where pipes, gas lines, and plumbing are located, & inspected like cabinets and under the floor, is important to find potential leaks early. These areas are not often looked at, so it’s good to check them regularly.

5 – TOILETS – If you’ve noticed that your toilet seems to be continually running, it’s essential to address the issue as quickly as possible. Not only can a constantly running toilet waste a considerable amount of water, it can also lead to a significant increase in your water bills.

6 – SUMP PUMP TUNE UP – Sump Pump Systems protect your home by removing excess water that surrounds it before it accumulates and causes severe damage to basements and crawlspaces. Ignoring a regular Tune-Up and upgrades is the #1 cause of flooding and structural damage due to Pump Failure.

7- WATER HEATERS – Basic maintenance can go a long way to an efficient running water heater. If you have not reduced sediment buildup in the tank recently now is probably the best time.

Plus checking your water heater periodically can help identify leaks that might occur unexpectedly and cause costly water damage.

Maintaining a regular schedule to drain and remove any sediment buildup can also help improve the heater’s energy efficiency.

8- WATER PRESSURE – Water flow with too much pressure can damage and break your plumbing equipment earlier. The excessive force of water can cause leaks or ruptures in pipes, fittings, and hoses.

9 -WATER FILTER SYSTEMS – Regular water filter maintenance is key to maintaining clean and safe water, avoiding a loss of service, or damaging filter equipment or other plumbing fixtures and appliances beyond economical repair.

10- Keep your Pipes from Freezing in the Winter.

11- Fix any small Plumbing Problems now before they become bigger problems.

10- JOIN the ANNUAL CLUTCH CLUB for comprehensive cost-effective plumbing services and Annual Inspection.

The HT Strenger Plumbing Clutch Club Plan provides you with an opportunity, after paying an annual fee starting at $249.00 plus a $25.00 one time set-up fee, you will receive an annual home inspection of your home’s plumbing system at no extra cost. Following our inspection, we will provide you with a free estimate of any repairs which may be necessary, which will be performed by us at your preferred program rates and times.

January 15, 2024
H.T. Strenger Plumbing – Quick Facts
HT Strenger Plumbing was founded in 1911.

Quick Facts:

Henry Strenger started H.T. Strenger as a Plumbing & Heating Service Company and operated his business from Wisconsin Street.
- 7 years later – Henry married Frances Pratt.
  —- With a growing family and a growing business- HT Strenger moved its operation to Western Ave.
- H.T. Strenger Plumbing eventually became one of the longest-running family-owned businesses in Lake Forest.
  —- The Lake Forest community has supported HT Strenger for over 110 years and H.T. still services Lake Forest and all the surrounding communities.
- In Fact Today H.T. …
  —- It is not uncommon for our Service Technicians to visit homes and businesses that we have been servicing for over 100 years. We have never taken for granted our loyal clients and will always strive to provide an exceptional plumbing value for all of our clients.
Fun Fact! Did you know that H.T. Strenger opened their doors the same year that the Titanic splashed into service? Third-class held approximately 700 passengers and there were only two bathtubs to accommodate them! #plumbing #Titanic #chicago #lakeforest #lakebluff #libertyville pic.twitter.com/uYF3Fydqj1

— HT STRENGER PLUMBING & SEWER (@htstrenger) February 8, 2023

Don’t wait to get your plumbing back in working order – contact us today to schedule an appointment with our trusted Lake Bluff plumber!

Contact HT Strenger

H.T. Strenger Plumbing has been serving the Lake Forest area since 1911. We are a family-owned and operated business with a reputation for providing high-quality, affordable plumbing services. Our experienced technicians are experts in all aspects of plumbing and sewer repair, and we offer a wide range of services to meet your needs.

“We do everything we can to ensure all of our customers are satisfied with our work. We will work with each customer to resolve any warranty problems that may occur.” All of our service work carries a thirty day warranty on parts.
February 8, 2024
Senior’s Discount – Save with 10% discount.

Senior Save with – “Across the Board Savings of a 10% discount.”

Contact HT Strenger

Seniors take advantage and get Top-Shelf Plumbing Services at a Built in Discounted Price!

HT Strenger has been a leader in discount options for Seniors since our founding.

Seniors can take advantage of this service discount on any residential plumbing services that we provide.

We are here for our clients in providing the best value at the most competitive price, call us to take advantage of the Senior Discount.

Call us to schedule service at 847-234-9440.

We realize that our valued customers are the reason why we have successfully provided plumbing services on the North Shore for over 100 years.

We pride ourselves on client satisfaction and we strive to provide high-quality service’s for you, your family, friends and neighbors.

“We do everything we can to ensure all of our customers are satisfied with our work. We will work with each customer to resolve any warranty problems that may occur.” All of our work carries a thirty day warranty and does not include factory defective parts.

We Service these Chicagoland towns and areas.

Antioch
Deer Park
Grayslake
Indian Creek
Lake Forest
Long Grove
Northern Chicago
Vernon Hills

Bannnockburn
Fort Sheridan
Green Oaks
Hawthorn Woods
Ivanhoe
Libertyville
Mettawa
Prairie View

Buffalo Grove
Gages Lake
Gurnee
Kildeer
Lincolnshire
Mundelein
Riverwoods
Waukegan

Deerfield
Glenview
Highland Park
Lake Bluff
Lincolnwood
Northbrook
Rondout
Wilmette

February 12, 2024
Common Questions about your Home’s Sump Pump.
HT Strenger answers some questions about Sump Pumps in Chicagoland.

Is a mysterious puddle greeting you in your basement?

Don’t let water seep in and wreak havoc on your home! Water damage can be a costly nightmare, impacting everything from your foundation to cherished belongings. The good news? There’s a superhero waiting in the wings: the sump pump.

Sump pumps are lifesavers for basements, but many homeowners remain unsure about their inner workings and maintenance needs. This blog post will shed light on these essential systems, explaining how they keep your basement dry and what you can do to ensure they run smoothly.

If you have questions HT Strenger has answers to your sump pump qustions.

1. Sump Pump 101: What They Do and How They Work.

Imagine a superhero for your basement – that’s what a sump pump is! It lives in the lowest point of your basement, like a secret lair. When sneaky water tries to seep in and make a puddle, the sump pump jumps into action! It uses a built-in pump to suck up that extra water and send it packing through a discharge pipe away from your house. No more wet basements, thanks to this little superhero!

2. Are all Sump Pumps the Same ?

Not all sump pumps are created equal! There are three main choices, each with its own superpower.
- Submersible: This quiet ninja lives right in the water basin, saving space in your basement.
- Pedestal: This workhorse lasts a long time and is easy to get to for maintenance.
- Battery-powered: This backup hero keeps your basement safe even if the power goes out.
Wondering which one is the perfect fit for your home? Our team is here to help you pick your basement’s personal superhero!

3. How much Maintenance is involved with a Sump Pump?

Lke a superhero – it needs a little tune-up now and then to stay in top shape! To make sure your basement’s protector is always ready for action, we recommend checking it out every three months or so. It’s a quick and easy process that’ll keep your home safe and dry.

4. Can a Sump Pump Fail to Work ?

Even superheroes need a break sometimes! There are a few reasons a sump pump might sputter: clogged-up parts, freezing weather, power outages, or even being a tad too small for the job. But fear not! The friendly folks at HT Strenger Plumbing can diagnose the problem and get your basement’s hero back in action, whether it needs a repair or a new sidekick.

5. Will My Home be Dry with only one Sump Pump System?

Sump pumps are like umbrellas: you never need them until you really, really need them. And if yours hasn’t been checked lately, it might be out for the count when the storm hits. That’s why we recommend having a backup sump pump, like a battery-powered one, as your basement’s superhero sidekick. It’ll double your protection and keep your peace of mind dry!

To learn more about the Clutch Club Savings Program, or to schedule an HT Strenger technician for a home visit, call us at 847-234-9440 or schedule online.

Contact HT Strenger
April 10, 2024
Possible Reasons why your Home Drains are Clogging.

Prevent Clogs in Your Home Plumbing System and Drains.

As a homeowner, few things are as frustrating as dealing with drain clogs. They always seem to occur at the most inconvenient times, precisely when you rely on your drains the most. Unfortunately, these issues often linger without quick resolution.

Even if you successfully unclog a drain using plungers or chemical cleaners, it may only be a temporary fix. The root causes of clogs remain unaddressed, particularly when it comes to chemical drain cleaners, which can even harm your pipes in the long run.

Take a look at some of these culprits of common household-drain clogs.

Hair, Dirt & Soap Residue.

Over time, shower and bath water combined with hair, soap scum, and dirt accompany everything down the drain. Ideally, all of this would flow smoothly into the sewer system. However, reality isn’t so perfect. Accumulation occurs, trapping additional debris as it journeys through the drain. Eventually, this buildup leads to stubborn clogs that require a professional plumber with hydro- rodding or jetting services for effective clearing.

Food & Organic Waste.

When your kitchen sink clogs, it’s likely due to an accumulation of excessive food waste in the drain. While it’s best to prevent any food waste from entering the drain—even if you have a garbage disposal—sometimes it becomes unavoidable. Certain types of food waste, such as coffee grounds, tea leaves, grease, and oil, are particularly prone to causing clogs. Unlike other organic matter, these substances don’t readily degrade; instead, they compact over time, solidifying and obstructing the flow.

Mineral Build-Up Over Time.

If your home has hard water, mineral buildup can gradually accumulate in your drains. Over time, these minerals—such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium—cling to the interior of pipes, potentially constricting the flow. Additionally, this buildup can trap substances that typically flow down drains, leading to further accumulation.

To manage mineral buildup, consider regular descaling. This process involves removing sediment and excess minerals caused by hard water.

Remember, addressing mineral buildup promptly can help maintain efficient drainage and prevent costly plumbing issues.

Flushed Items – Paper & Disposable Wipes.

When we use excessive toilet paper in a single flush, we’re well aware of the potential consequences (for the uninitiated, it’s almost a guarantee of clogging!). While plunging usually resolves this issue, not all toilet paper that enters the drain reaches the sewer.

Stray fragments of toilet paper can adhere to the drain walls and accumulate over time. This gradual buildup leads to more frequent clogs and may even result in toilet overflow. Fortunately, a plumber can inspect and clean your drain to prevent this recurring problem.

Just like any other items that find their way into drains, objects that clearly don’t belong there—such as sanitary napkins, disinfecting wipes, toys, clothing, and even rocks—can lead to clogs. When faced with such situations, homeowners invariably require a plumber’s assistance. Removing an object from a drain can be a complex process, often involving the disassembly or removal of toilets and drain traps to access the lodged items and clear the stubborn clog.

Tree Roots & Growth in Exterior Drains.

Surprisingly, roots from trees, shrubs, and other plant life can lead to drain clogs. These roots naturally seek moisture underground and grow toward its source. Even minor cracks in your drainpipes, allowing a tiny water leak, can attract these roots. Once inside the pipes, roots rapidly expand, obstructing the proper flow of wastewater and sewage.

Call HT Strenger Plumbing in Green Oaks for any plumbing questions you may have.

847-234-9440

April 11, 2024
Warning Signs your Main Sewer Line may be Failing.
Warning Signs your Main Sewer Line may be Failing.

While your plumbing system is designed to carry waste and debris downstream, sometimes they just become clogged with grease, hair and other debris.

Residential Plumbing issues and specific Main Sewer Line Blockages can be a major headache.

Ignoring warning signs will worsen the problem, the sooner you recognize the warning signs of a Main Sewer Line Catastrophe the better.

Main Sewer Line repairs can be costly and in some situations expose your family to contaminated water.

Read about these common Main Sewer Line warning signs…

#1 – Water Backing up in Shower/Bath drain when Flushing Toilet.

If you notice that water backs up in random places as you’re using water fixtures, you likely have a blockage in the main sewer line.

Two common examples of this include:
- When you flush your toilet, water backs up into the bathtub/shower.
- When you run your washing machine, sinks or toilets start to overflow.
A clogged main sewer line means wastewater is trying to exit your home now has nowhere to go and is forcing back up other drain lines.

#2 – Seweage Odors – Floor Drains are Wet.

Most homes built today are required by local code to have floor drains that lead to a collection pit where a sump pump carries the water to the surface. Many times the floor drains are located on the base level floor or in basements.

If your main sewer line is clogged, all the sewage and waste water sitting in the pipes have nowhere to escape. This means, eventually, the sewage will force its way into a secondary drain. And when this happens, you’ll soon be able to see (and smell) sewage coming up from floor drains that are commonly located in bathrooms, kitchen, laundry rooms, and basements.

#3 – Sewer Clean out has Sewage in it.

If you see sewage standing in your yard you likely have a main sewer clog.

#4 – Multiple Drains Backing-up at the same time.

Your home’s drain lines carry wastewater away from and out of your home and exit into into your main sewer line

All water fixture’s drain into the main sewer line, blockage in that main line will affect all the drains in your home.

Drain lines carry wastewater away from your home. Every water drain eventually connects to the main sewer line.

Contact HT Strenger
April 16, 2024
Garbage Disposal Trouble Shooting.

The garbage disposal under your kitchen sink gets a lot of work over its lifetime.

The kitchen appliance shreds food waste and other items into small pieces that easily pass through your home’s plumbing system. It can become frustrating when your garbage disposal is not working as expected, maybe worse yet leaking water.

CAUTION NEEDED: Never place fingers into the disposal drain and never reach into a garbage disposal – when operating or idle. Never attempt to dispose of non-organic material’s or metal objects.

Following are some of the most common reasons your disposal is no longer working:

Jammed disposal: This is the most common culprit. Food scraps, utensils, or other hard objects can get stuck in the disposal’s grinding mechanism, preventing it from turning.

Electrical problems: The disposal might not be getting power. Check if the circuit breaker is tripped, the GFCI outlet is reset (if you have one), or the power cord is loose.

Overheating: Garbage disposals have overload protection that shuts them off if they overheat. This can happen from running the disposal for too long or trying to grind up tough materials.

Clogged drain: Even if your disposal is working, a clog further down the drainpipe can prevent water from flowing freely and make it seem like the disposal is clogged.

Faulty motor: In some cases, the motor itself may be worn out and need to be replaced. This is less common than the other reasons, but if you’ve tried everything else and your disposal still isn’t working, it might be time to call HT Strenger Plumbing.

June 20, 2024
Call HT Strenger to Create Your Perfect Shower

Enhance your shower with quick fixes and upgrades

HT has what you need to create the perfect shower

SHOWERHEADS

Wall mounted showerheads.

HANDSHOWERS

Handheld shower sprays.

SHOWER FITTINGS

Showerarms, columns, hoses , brackets & more.

RAINHEADS

A luxurious, drenching shower experience.

SHOWER ACCESSORIES

Thoughtfully designed storage and safety solutions for your shower.

WATER FILTRATION

Install a water filtration system to improve the water quality in your shower.

Refresh your shower area without going into your walls.

SHOWER KITS

Convenient, pre-packaged shower solutions for enhanced style and functionality.

SHOWER COLUMNS

Replaces existing shower arm to add handshower capability; slidebar lowers to meet the whole family’s needs including bathing kids and pets.

TUB & SHOWER TRIM

Refresh the trim in your bathing space without replacing your behind-the-wall Kohler valving.

SHOWER DOORS

Great alternative to shower curtains; refreshes a bathroom in just one day.

Customize your shower for a personal unique experience.

SHOWER BASES

Low step over thresholds with non-slip surfaces providing a safe shower experience.

LUXSTONE

Build the shower you’ve always dreamed of today and have it installed in as little as one day.

DIGITAL SHOWERING

Unmatched precision, control and customization for your shower.

SHOWER VALVES

Behind the wall controls for your water temperature and pressure.

STEAM

Enjoy soothing, hot steam right in your shower with a steam generator and control.

BODY SPRAYS

Deliver a range of spray intensities; tilt to focus on legs, back or arms.

June 26, 2024