Expert Plumbing Services in Michigan

Superior Plumbing Services: Expert Solutions for Homes & Businesses

Indoor plumbing is crucial to human health, so we’re dedicated to helping you retain clean water and remove waste. At Oak Electric, we have 50+ years of experience addressing the plumbing needs of Metro Detroit and Grand Rapids, MI. Each installation and repair is an essential service to the people in the homes and businesses we serve. If you need plumbing work, we encourage you to choose us. We offer a full range of professional plumbing services, including:

Plumbing Repairs & Maintenance
Gas Piping
Faucet/Fixture Replacement & Repair
Sump Pump Installation
Well & Laundry Pump Installation
Backflow Testing
Unthawing Frozen Pipes
Water Heaters & Softeners
Boiler Systems
Glentronic Sump Pump Sales & Installations

If you encounter a plumbing problem, it’s best to call us immediately. A small leak or clog can quickly become a significant problem; we’ve seen this many times before. Our plumbers have seen homes suffer extensive water damage because the owners ignored a small leak. We’ve also seen cases where leaking water led to mold growth, contamination, and other health hazards. If you suspect a leak or other problem, contact us immediately so we can provide the right plumbing solution!

Plumbing Recommendation: Navien Tankless Water Heaters for Heat, Hot Water

We recommend the Navien NCB-E condensing combi‑boiler if you have a large home. Our plumbing experts know these high-efficiency boilers provide home heating and hot water: You can run two showers and a dishwasher simultaneously. It takes up 80% less space than most traditional floor-standing boilers and storage tanks, which we know is essential to homeowners. Contact us for more information about the Navien boiler system.

Plumbing Recommendation: Rheem Water Heaters for Innovation & Durability

If you need a new water heater, our plumbing experts might recommend something from our full line of Rheem® units. We recognize this brand as a leader in water heating technology due to its many innovative advancements, including smart connectivity, remote monitoring, and advanced diagnostics. Our team also recommends Rheem products due to their impressive durability and energy efficiency. Since Rheem has many tankless water heaters and compact hot water tanks, we’ll help you save room when it’s time for installation.

During Cold Weather, Take Preventative Action

Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing.
Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

To Thaw Frozen Pipes

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

Prevent Frozen Pipes when your heat is out…

Residential Plumbing Services Near Waterford, MI

Keep your pipes from freezing by shutting off the valve that allows water to come into your home. Then, open any drain valves and all faucets and let them run until the pipes are empty (it’s helpful to identify these valves in advance). Next, flush all toilets and pour denatured alcohol into toilets and sinks to prevent water in the traps from freezing. Do NOT use automotive antifreeze in case there’s trouble with your water system; you don’t want the antifreeze to contaminate your drinking water. You may, however, use nontoxic antifreeze that’s made for winterizing motor homes.

Turn off the furnace emergency switch. Then drain your furnace boiler by opening the valve at the bottom (this looks like a garden faucet). Also, open all radiator vents. Be sure the boiler is filled with water again before it is restarted.

The tank of your electric water heater will keep water warm for the first few days after an outage. However, it can freeze after prolonged cold and should be drained after three days of below freezing temperatures.