Company: Super Plumbers

Meet the First Black Woman to Become a Master Plumber in the U.S.

Who is Adrienne Bennett?

Adrienne Bennett is the first Black woman to become a master plumber in the United States. In honor of Black History Month, this blog will discuss her successful and groundbreaking career in plumbing. Her perseverance and determination led her to make her own path where there wasn’t one already. 

The Early Years

As one of eight siblings, Bennett stood out by earning good grades in school, where she was interested in math and science. She worked at an engineering firm for a training program that led to a university where she hoped to gain an engineering degree. However, because of a racially charged incident with someone at the firm, she left the job and never attended college.

After a few years, a recruiter from the Mechanical Contractors Association of Detroit approached her at a 1976 election rally about an apprenticeship program for skilled trades. Soon after, she got into a five-year apprenticeship program with a plumbers’ union.

The Career

contractorThroughout her training, she did well and earned praise for her work. However, she was surrounded by men and had to deal with harassment and hostility from her male peers. But she persevered, and when she completed the program, she became the first woman in the state to do it.

After completing her training and the required 4,000 hours of experience to qualify for the master plumber exam, she took the test and became the first Black woman to become a master plumber in her state of Michigan and the entire country. Bennett was able to land several desirable positions within the field. She worked as a journeyman plumber, a master plumber, a project manager, a plumbing inspector, and a code enforcement officer for the city of Detroit. 

The CEO

contractorAfter making her way through the plumbing industry and many years in the business, Bennett was ready to work as an independent contractor. She now runs a company with her son, which is involved in rebuilding Detroit and focuses on water conservation. She is continuing her successful career as the President and CEO of her company.

Her trailblazing path in a male-dominated industry continues, and she helps the next generation of tradespeople too by sitting on the Architectural Engineering Advisory Board for Lawrence Technological University, the college she had planned on going to but never got to attend.

About Super Plumbers

Super Plumbers is a family-owned and operated full-service plumbing company serving Tyler, TX, and the surrounding areas. They offer 24/7 emergency repairs, upfront pricing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for plumbing services in Tyler, TX.

Distribution Links +

Start Off the Year Right by Avoiding These Plumbing Mistakes

Avoid These Three Plumbing Mistakes in 2023

For families that were plagued with plumbing problems in 2022, 2023 is a fresh start. Each year has enough trouble of its own without having to struggle with challenges in the home’s plumbing. This year, resolve to make things go smoothly by avoiding common plumbing mistakes. Here are some tips to help homeowners avoid these common, costly plumbing problems so they can start the year off right. 

Using Liquid Drain Cleaners 

clogA drain clog is a pain that can limit the usage of bathtubs, bathroom sinks, and kitchen sinks. Instead of turning to professionals to relieve the frustration, many homeowners' first option is to try a plumber in a can, a liquid drain cleaner. Liquid drain cleaners are harsh and dangerous chemicals that are hazardous to use and store. Unfortunately, they aren’t even very good at removing clogs, and they have a tendency to chemically burn the piping and cause corrosion. This harsh chemical action destroys metal pipes and certain types of plastic, leading to the need for significant repairs. 

This year, instead of ruining plumbing and compounding problems, try more successful methods instead. Homeowners can try cleaning their own drains using classic methods like baking soda and vinegar. However, the most effective option is drain cleaning by professional plumbers. They have the specialized tools like drain snakes and hydro jets needed to clear clogs safely and prevent them from forming in the future. A drain cleaning technician can clean every drain in the home in one quick visit while preventing unnecessary damage.  

Forgetting Water Heater Maintenance 

maintenanceThe water heater is an essential home appliance and needs routine maintenance to keep it working safely and efficiently. It is also guaranteed to last longer with professional maintenance. Plumbers can catch any issues with the water heater before they become worse and cause more damage to the unit, requiring a premature replacement. 

By investing in water heater maintenance, homeowners can take advantage of benefits like:

  • Increased longevity
  • Fewer repairs
  • Lower utility bill
  • More hot water 

Not Hiring Professionals for Plumbing Work 

Unfortunately, many of the plumbing problems that plague homeowners they bring upon themselves. Amateur plumbing and handyman repairs may seem like they will save money upfront, but unskilled repairs and installations often lead to future plumbing problems. To prevent costly mistakes, hiring a qualified plumber is always best. 

In the long run, hiring a professional plumber is almost always the cheaper option. Plumbers are licensed and insured to protect their clients and have the knowledge and experience to complete plumbing work safely and effectively. On top of that, they have the right tools and expertise to do jobs faster, so this year, homeowners should always hire qualified professionals for plumbing work. 

About Super Plumbers

Super Plumbers is a family-owned and operated business serving Tyler, TX, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, financing, and 24/7 emergency repairs. Call them today for plumbing, drain cleaning, or water heater services in Tyler, TX.

Distribution Links +

How to Prevent Sink Clogs

Methods to Avoid a Clogged Drain

Drain clogs can cause sinks to become backed up with bits of food, hair, or grease. When this happens, the drain cannot easily remove the dirty water from a home, leading to slow draining, foul odors, and gurgling sounds. Although many homeowners assume that if the drain is still working, there’s nothing wrong, slow draining is still a problem that indicates a clog in the pipes. Without properly treating or preventing clogs, the entire plumbing system can be put in jeopardy of burst pipes and other plumbing issues. This blog will share three easy ways to avoid clogged drains.

Drain Cleaning 

Routine drain cleaning by a professional is an essential part of keeping drains clear and preventing costly problems with clogs. Professional plumbers have the tools and knowledge to effectively clean out drains and pipes, including using specialized equipment such as hydro jetting or drain snakes to dislodge tough clogs. 

During a routine cleaning, they will also inspect the drain for any signs of damage or deterioration that could lead to future problems. Additionally, they can flush out debris and buildup from the drain lines that can cause slow-draining water or small blockages.

By having the drains routinely cleaned by a professional, homeowners can maintain optimal flow and reduce the risk of clogs in the future. Routine drain cleaning is also a great way to keep drains free of bacteria and other contaminants that can cause health issues.

Mesh Drain Screenmesh

A drain mesh screen is an essential item for any homeowner who wants to ensure that their home's drainage system remains clog-free. It catches anything that would otherwise go down the drain, such as food scraps and hair. This prevents blockages from forming in the pipes and ensures that water flows freely through them. 

Not only will this help protect a home from costly plumbing repairs, but it can also save time and money in the long run. Installing a drain mesh screen is quick and easy, and it requires no special tools or skills. All homeowners need to do is insert the screens over their drains and secure them in place. By doing this, they'll be able to keep an eye on what goes down their drains and prevent any blockages from forming.

Don’t Put Food Waste or Cooking Grease Down the Drain

foodFood waste and cooking grease can cause severe clogs in drains. Common culprits include items such as rice, pasta, noodles, vegetable peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, and fats or oils from cooking. When these substances are put down the drain of a kitchen sink, they stick to the sides of the pipes, where they solidify and form blockages over time. 

The best way to prevent these clogs is to avoid putting these items down the drain altogether. Instead, dispose of food scraps and cooking grease in the trash or compost them if possible. Taking preventative measures now can save homeowners major headaches down the road.

About Super Plumbers

Super Plumbers is a local family-owned and operated business serving Tyler, TX, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat-rate pricing, 24/7 emergency repairs, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for drain cleaning services in Tyler, TX. 

Distribution Links +

3 Reasons to Give Thanks to Plumbers This November

It’s Easy to Be Thankful for These Essential Plumbing Services!

Of all the things to be thankful for this holiday season, modern plumbing systems deserve to make the list. Indoor plumbing is so common that it’s easy to take it for granted, but it’s such an integral part of daily life that it’s hard to imagine going without it. But as many homeowners know all too well, a home’s plumbing system requires maintenance and repairs to keep it functioning correctly. 

That’s where professional plumbers come in. Plumbing technicians are ready and willing to show up when emergencies strike, but they also provide a range of services to prevent those emergencies from occurring in the first place. So in the spirit of the holidays, this article will lay out three plumbing services that every homeowner can be thankful for this Thanksgiving!

Services for Water and Sewer Lines

sewer lineA home’s water and sewer lines are arguably the most critical parts of a plumbing system. The water supply lines deliver potable water to every faucet and fixture throughout the house. In contrast, the sewer lines are responsible for transporting the home’s wastewater from every drain into the city sewer main. When something goes wrong with either the water or sewer lines, the results can be catastrophic.

Water lines can form slow leaks that waste hundreds (if not thousands) of gallons of water per year and cause extensive water damage. Or, worse, they can freeze and burst in the middle of a cold winter night. Sewer lines can become clogged with grease, solid waste, or invading tree roots, causing raw sewage to back up into the home.

Professionals can help prevent these issues by regularly performing plumbing inspections, leak detection, and drain cleaning. But if disaster does strike, they can also show up quickly and perform expert plumbing repairs to get things back to normal for homeowners as fast as possible.

Gas Leak Detection and Repair

Gas lines are another area of home plumbing where professional plumbers are indispensable. Gas leaks are an extremely dangerous problem in homes with multiple gas appliances. Not only can they lead to devastating fires or explosions, but natural gas poisoning can be deadly at high levels of exposure. 

Due to the dangerous nature of gas line leaks, homeowners should immediately evacuate their homes and call the gas company and a gas-certified local plumber if they suspect they have a gas leak somewhere in their homes. Professional plumbers have the training and equipment needed to locate and repair gas leaks safely. But professionals can do more than just gas line repair. They can also handle gas line inspections, installation, and general maintenance to ensure the home’s gas lines and appliances are safe and in good condition.

Water Heater Maintenance and Repair

water heater While not quite as scary as a gas leak, burst pipe, or sewage backup, water heater problems are nothing to scoff at. Hot water is crucial for bathing, dishwashing, general hygiene, and overall comfort, so a broken water heater is the last thing any homeowner wants - especially in the colder months. 

Fortunately, homeowners can call local plumbers to help ensure that the home’s water heater works efficiently. Plumbers can perform vital water heater maintenance tasks like flushing the hot water tank to remove sediment, inspecting and replacing the anode rod (an anti-corrosion device inside the tank), testing safety mechanisms, cleaning gas burners, and checking the exhaust system for leaks. But even with maintenance, things can still go wrong, and plumbers can be there in a hurry to perform water heater repair, so homeowners won’t be stuck having to take cold showers!

About Super Plumbers

Super Plumbers is a local family-owned and operated business serving Tyler, TX, and the surrounding neighborhoods for over a decade. They provide competitive pricing, financing, and 24/7 emergency repairs. Call them today for plumbing services in Tyler, TX.

Distribution Links +

Don't Be Tricked By Plumbing Emergencies This Halloween

Prevent Scary Plumbing Emergencies 

During Halloween, trick-or-treating is a favorite pastime of families and children. But, everyone has become so accustomed to treats that no one stops to consider the “trick” part anymore. This season is also marked by changes in habits, like spending more time at home indoors, which can cause stuff in the house to start playing a few tricks of their own. 

Plumbing is a treat because it is surprisingly reliable, given the amount of work it does. However, a home’s plumbing is not averse to playing a few tricks of its own when higher demands are placed upon it without proper prevention methods. Here are a few of the tricks that plumbing in the home can play during the Halloween season and how homeowners can prevent them. 

Every Home Benefits From Drain Cleaning 

That gurgling noise may not be from a creepy Halloween soundtrack. It could be coming from the sink drain, indicating that a clog is forming. During the fall, families fall back into a routine of school and home life, separated from summer vacations. Additionally, fall is the traditional season that people start to host themed get-togethers to celebrate. With the combination of staying home more and more people using the facilities, drain clogs, and other plumbing problems are common. 

Before hosting guests for Halloween parties, make sure the drains are ready. Routine drain cleaning is available from professional drain cleaning services all year long. Most homeowners prefer to avoid problems like backed-up sinks and showers because they can cause embarrassing interruptions to Halloween plans. This year, rule out the chance this trick will trip up plans by calling for a drain cleaning service before a drain clogs. 

How to Prevent Clogged Toilets 

toiletMore guests and more time at home means more traffic to the toilet. For homes that aren’t ready, this can be a recipe for a Halloween disaster. There are a few things homeowners can do to help prevent clogged toilets. One is to be mindful of what goes down the drain. For example, avoid flushing large amounts of toilet paper at once, as this can quickly lead to a blockage. 

Also, keep all foreign objects except toilet paper out of the toilet bowl, as these can cause problems. Finally, it's a good idea to have drains cleaned regularly by a professional to help ensure they're clear and free-flowing because sewer line clogs can also cause toilets to malfunction. Following these simple tips can help prevent toilets from clogging and becoming an inconvenience. If clogged toilets become a consistent problem, homeowners should call a plumber to inspect for bigger underlying issues. 

Schedule Water Heater Maintenance 

maintenanceWater heaters can send chills down spines by failing in the middle of a shower, and they can haunt the family with creepy noises like screeching in pipes and thumping behind walls. Avoid the loss of hot water by keeping up with routine water heater maintenance by a professional. 

Luckily, maintenance is all it takes to make the water heater run smoothly through the fall. Water heater maintenance takes a close look at the tank and ensures that no leaks or corrosion is present while draining and flushing the inside of the tank of sediment. Technicians will also check all valves and the anode rod. The result is a more reliable water heater that will last longer, require fewer repairs, and save on energy bills. 

About Super Plumbers

Super Plumbers is a local, family-owned and operated business serving Tyler, TX residents and the surrounding areas. They offer flat-rate pricing, 24-hour emergency service, and financing. Call them today for plumbing services in Tyler, TX.

Distribution Links +