Plumbing

When temperatures in Billings dip below zero, even the best-insulated homes can face frozen pipes. It’s one of the most common winter plumbing emergencies we see, and one of the easiest to prevent with a little preparation! A frozen pipe doesn’t just stop the flow of water; it can expand, crack, or burst, leaving you with hundreds (or thousands) of dollars in water damage once it thaws. Knowing what to do before and during a cold snap can make all the difference.

Prevention starts early. Disconnect and drain garden hoses, and if you have outdoor faucets (hose bibbs), covering them with insulated caps or upgrading to frost-free models are options to consider; While these do not guarantee zero chance of freeze breaks, covers and frost-free models are incredibly helpful preventative measures! Inside, keep your home’s temperature consistent, even if you’re away for the weekend. Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate, especially along exterior walls. If the weather forecast calls for a deep freeze, let a small trickle of room-temp/warm water run through at-risk faucets overnight, as moving water is less likely to freeze.

If you suspect a pipe is frozen (for instance, having no water coming from a faucet), turn off the main water supply right away to prevent flooding once it thaws. Gently warm the pipe using a hair dryer, space heater, or warm towels; Whichever presents as the safest option. Never use an open flame or torch! Start from the faucet end and move slowly along the line. If you can’t locate the frozen section or water still doesn’t return, it’s safest to call a licensed plumber to handle it properly and inspect for damage.

At Alpine Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, our crew is well-versed in helping Billings residents stay safe and comfortable through Montana winters. Call Alpine at (406)252-7100 for honest, reliable, affordable help when the temperatures plunge!

When family, friends, and food all come together for the holidays, the last surprise you want is a plumbing disaster! Between the extra cooking, frequent showers, and a full house, your pipes and drains work overtime in November and December. In Billings, cold weather only adds to the pressure – quite literally. Frozen pipes, clogged disposals, or slow-draining sinks can turn a joyful gathering into an unexpected headache. A few simple checks before your guests arrive can help you avoid an untimely call for emergency service.

Start in the kitchen; Avoid sending grease, coffee grounds, potato peels, or fibrous veggies down the garbage disposal. Instead, toss them in the trash or compost bin. Run plenty of water before and after using your disposal, and feed scraps in slowly so it doesn’t jam. If you notice a drain already running slow, don’t ignore it! Schedule a quick cleaning before the crowd arrives. Small clogs tend to worsen quickly under heavy use. In the bathroom, avoid flushing anything but toilet paper (regardless of what the back of the wet wipes label says). It’s a simple reminder that can save you a major mess!

Your water heater deserves a little attention too. With extra showers and laundry (since holiday guests like to be clean too), your system may be working double-time. If your water isn’t as hot as it used to be, or if the tank is over ten years old, it might be time for a tune-up or replacement before the holidays hit full swing. A professional inspection can ensure your family has steady hot water and your unit is operating as it should.

At Alpine Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we’ve been helping Billings homeowners prepare for Montana’s holiday rush for nearly 40 years. A little proactive care can keep your celebrations stress-free and your home’s plumbing in top shape. Contact the Alpine office at (406)252-7100 today to schedule your pre-holiday plumbing check-up, so you can enjoy your Thanksgiving with the comfort and confidence of a host-ready home!

So you want to be a plumbing superstar, live large, big house… some cars? We’re here today to provide a little insight for the newbies! As an incoming plumbing apprentice, you can expect a mix of hands-on training, classroom education, and real-world experience. Plumbing apprenticeship programs typically last between 4 to 5 years, during which you’ll be learning the trade under the guidance of experienced professionals. In the beginning, much of your time will be spent learning the fundamentals—how to install pipes, understand blueprints, and become familiar with local building codes and safety standards. Expect to start with simple tasks like measuring and cutting pipes, assisting with installations, and cleaning up work areas before gradually moving on to more complex duties as you gain confidence and skills. (These vans ain’t gonna clean themselves!)

In addition to on-the-job training, plumbing apprentices also attend classes that cover the theoretical aspects of the trade. These classes often focus on topics such as plumbing systems, plumbing materials, water and waste systems, and the mathematics involved in pipe sizing and water pressure calculations. (Math was never my strong suit – hence why I’m here in the comfy confines of an office writing these words!) This combination of hands-on experience and classroom learning helps you develop a well-rounded understanding of the plumbing industry. You’ll also receive training in essential safety procedures to protect yourself and others on the job, including how to handle tools and equipment safely and how to work in potentially hazardous environments like crawl spaces or construction sites. Our resident HR specialist will also help to ensure you are up to date on monthly safety procedures!

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a plumbing apprentice is the opportunity to earn while you learn. Apprentices typically start with an hourly wage, which increases as they gain more experience and proficiency. As you progress through your apprenticeship, you’ll also have the chance to become more independent, taking on larger projects and troubleshooting issues on your own. By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll be equipped with the skills and certifications needed to become a fully licensed plumber. The journey may be challenging, but it’s also a path to a stable and rewarding career in a skilled trade that is in high demand. We all gotta start somewhere!

Our boys have been busy! In between our regular service calls, estimates, remodels, and maintenance, we want to offer a little piece of the puzzle in regards to saving homeowners time, money, and frustration; When to call a plumber versus an appliance technician! Generally, if the issue involves your home’s plumbing system – such as pipes, drains, or faucets/fixtures – it’s time to call a plumber. Common plumbing problems include leaking pipes, leaking/rocking toilets, low water pressure, or issues with your water heater.

On the other hand, appliance technicians are best suited for problems involving household appliances that use water or gas, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators / ice makers. If your appliance is malfunctioning – like if your dishwasher isn’t draining properly, your washing machine won’t spin, or your refrigerator isn’t making ice as it should – an appliance technician is the expert you need. These professionals specialize in diagnosing and repairing appliance-specific issues, often related to faulty parts, wiring, or internal mechanisms that plumbers don’t typically handle.

In some cases, the lines between plumbing and appliances can blur. For example, if your refrigerator’s water line is leaking, it could require both plumbing expertise and appliance knowledge to address the problem. If you’re unsure, it’s often a good idea to start by diagnosing the issue: If it’s related to the overall plumbing system (like water supply or drainage), a plumber is the way to go; if it’s an appliance-specific problem, you’ll want an appliance technician. If you’re still uncertain, the office crew here at Alpine is always on standby during business hours to help guide you in the right direction. If you’re just needing a little advice on which way to turn, don’t be shy to give us a call!

Plumbing in America has a rich history, evolving from rudimentary systems to the highly advanced infrastructure we rely on today. Early American plumbing was influenced by European designs, with settlers often using basic hand-pumped wells and gravity-fed systems. However, as cities grew in size and population, the need for more sophisticated plumbing systems became clear. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, American cities began installing modern sewage systems, clean water lines, and indoor plumbing, which revolutionized public health and quality of life. These developments helped prevent the spread of disease, improved sanitation, and allowed for more comfortable living spaces, laying the foundation for the advanced systems we use today.

Today, plumbing plays a critical role in maintaining health, safety, and convenience in American homes and businesses. Modern plumbing systems ensure clean drinking water, reliable waste disposal, and temperature control through heating and cooling systems. The plumbing industry in the U.S. is a multi-billion dollar sector, employing a large workforce of skilled professionals who specialize in installation, maintenance, and repairs. Plumbing technology has also seen significant advancements, with innovations like water-saving fixtures, tankless water heaters, and eco-friendly materials becoming increasingly popular. These advancements not only improve efficiency but also reduce water consumption, contributing to sustainability efforts across the country.

As essential as plumbing is, the industry also faces challenges, particularly when it comes to aging infrastructure. Many cities in the U.S. are dealing with outdated plumbing systems that require costly repairs or full replacements. In addition, there’s a growing need for more trained plumbers, as the demand for their services continues to rise with population growth and urban expansion. To address these challenges, both public and private sectors are investing in updating water systems, enhancing training programs, and encouraging the next generation to enter the skilled trades. As we move forward, plumbing in America will continue to evolve, adapting to new technologies, environmental concerns, the needs of a changing population, and Alpine will be right here to ensure you get the very best helping hands for your home!

Some Billings homeowners have had reason to panic and plenty to question regarding excessively high water bills from the City since around this same time last year. With a plethora of excuses being sent out in various forms as to why this could be happening, there are steps you can take to ensure you have some back up if you choose to fight that monster bill. If a homeowner notices an unusually high water bill, one of the first things to check is whether there are any leaks in the plumbing system. Leaks can go undetected for months or even years, steadily increasing your water consumption and driving up your bill. The first step is to perform a simple water meter test. To do this, turn off all water-using appliances and faucets in the house, ensuring no one uses water for an hour or two. Then, take a reading of your water meter and check it again after the period has passed. If the meter has moved, it’s likely you have a leak somewhere in your plumbing system.

Next, check common trouble areas for leaks, such as faucets, showerheads, and toilets. Leaky faucets often waste water silently, dripping away gallons over time. Inspect around the base of the toilet for any signs of moisture or damage, and be sure to check the flapper valve inside the tank. A faulty flapper can cause the toilet to run continuously, using a large amount of water. Another helpful method is to add a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. If the color appears in the bowl without flushing, it’s a sign the flapper isn’t sealing properly.

For hidden leaks, such as those in pipes behind walls or underground, you may need to be more diligent. Look for signs of water damage, such as wet spots, stains, or mildew, especially along walls, ceilings, and floors. If you suspect a leak but can’t find it, consider calling the professional plumbers here at Alpine to come take a look. Advanced leak detection knowledge and new technologies can help locate and repair leaks that aren’t immediately visible. Addressing leaks promptly is key to reducing water waste, lowering your bills, and preventing potential water damage to your home. We’ve got your back here at Alpine!

It’s not a man’s world anymore! In recent years, the plumbing industry has seen a notable shift, with more women entering the field as plumbing technicians. As of 2024, the rise of women in plumbing is not only a reflection of changing societal attitudes but also a response to the growing demand for skilled tradespeople. Historically dominated by men, the trade has become an increasingly attractive option for women seeking stable, well-paying careers. With training programs, apprenticeships, and mentorship opportunities tailored to support women, the barriers that once existed for women in the field are beginning to diminish. Currently, only around 2.5% of plumbers in the US are women. Despite the seemingly low number, that percentage has been steadily increasing over recent years.

The benefits of women entering plumbing extend beyond gender equality—there are practical advantages as well. A diverse workforce brings fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the trade. The influx of women into the industry is helping to address the skilled labor shortage and meet the growing demand for plumbing services, especially in the face of an aging workforce and the rapid development of new technologies.

As the industry continues to evolve, more organizations are actively supporting and encouraging women to pursue plumbing careers. Initiatives such as women-in-trades scholarships, networking groups, and increased visibility of role models are contributing to a more inclusive atmosphere. The rise of women in plumbing isn’t just about breaking down old stereotypes; it’s also about creating a dynamic, resilient workforce capable of meeting the demands of the modern world. As 2024 progresses, the trend is likely to grow, helping to shape a more equitable and sustainable plumbing industry for years to come. As the one and only Shania Twain once said, “Let’s go, girls!”

Now that Winter is full swing, homeowners need to continue taking proactive steps to prevent plumbing pipes from freezing and potentially bursting during these cold months. Frozen pipes can cause extensive water damage and costly repairs. One of the first actions to take is to insulate exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas like basements, attics, or garages. For additional protection, consider utilizing heat tape, which protects warmth to the pipes in order to help prevent freezing.

Another key preventative measure is to ensure proper ventilation and heating in areas prone to cold exposure. Keep cabinet doors open under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. During especially cold spells, you can also let mid-temperature water trickle from faucets connected to vulnerable pipes, as moving water is less likely to freeze. Additionally, sealing any drafts or gaps around windows, doors, and foundation walls can help keep cold air from infiltrating spaces where pipes are located.

Finally, it’s important to monitor your home’s temperature and water pressure. Maintaining your home at a consistent, moderate temperature can prevent freezing, even during overnight temperature drops. For homes that have had previous issues with frozen pipes, it’s a good idea to invest in a monitoring system that can alert you to unusual pressure changes or freezing conditions. By taking these preventative measures, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of plumbing freeze-breaks and ensure their homes are safe and functional during the winter months.

As the temperatures drop and winter approaches, one of the most critical tasks homeowners should undertake is winterizing their plumbing. Failing to do so can lead to frozen pipes, which can burst and cause significant damage to your home. By taking proactive steps to protect your plumbing system, you can save yourself from costly repairs and headaches during the cold months ahead!

One of the primary reasons to winterize your plumbing is to prevent freezing. Water expands when it freezes, putting immense pressure on pipes, especially those made of plastic or older materials. Insulating exposed pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces, can significantly reduce the risk of freezing. Additionally, draining outdoor hoses and shutting off exterior water sources can prevent ice buildup and ensure that your plumbing system remains intact throughout winter.

In addition to protecting against freezing, winterizing your plumbing can improve your home’s overall efficiency. By ensuring that your pipes are insulated and properly maintained, you can reduce the likelihood of leaks and enhance water flow. This means that when Spring arrives, you won’t just be free from plumbing problems; you’ll also enjoy lower water bills (at least you SHOULD; TBD depending on the current City billing situation) and a more efficient home. Overall, winterizing your plumbing is a small investment of time and effort that can lead to substantial savings and peace of mind during the harsh winter months. When you are ready to get ahead of the upcoming season and schedule that winterizing service, you know who to call!