Our Blog

What Is Hydro Jetting? If you find that you need to use drain cleaners and other unclogging products, you may have an issue with clogged drains and plumbing systems. Left untreated, you might find drainage to get even worse, which can eventually lead to drainage problems, debris buildup, and cracks in your pipes from that […]

How to Clean Your Garbage Disposal. Most homeowners turn their kitchen waste and food scraps into compost as an alternative to throwing them in a dumpster, which then goes to a landfill. But for other homeowners who aren’t into composting, having an in-sink garbage disposal unit offers a suitable alternative, allowing waste to go through […]

Your home’s plumbing system is essential for your daily comfort and routine functions. However, the pipes and other plumbing often experience corrosion over time. If you live in an old house, the plumbing may need maintenance or replacement. You don’t have to wait for leaks in the bathroom, kitchen sink, and other areas. Below, we’ll […]

Having frozen air conditioner AC pipe is a common problem experienced with HVAC systems. Is it possible to get an AC line frozen during summer? The answer is: yes! It may be surprising to some, but the freezing effect on your AC pipes isn’t always due to the cold weather. AC Pipe Frozen: Main Causes […]

Removing Rust Stains from Toilets. It may be tempting to use bleach to remove the unsightly rust stains from your toilet. Those orange streaks aren’t a welcome sight but using the wrong cleansers will worsen it. According to the Association of Residential Cleaning Services International (ARCSI), using bleach and ammonia on rust will make the […]

Professional Plumber. A sound plumbing system facilitates the effectiveness of our day-to-day lives. Therefore, it is imperative to keep all plumbing systems in good conditions to avoid the accumulation of problems that may result in a fatal explosion that will cause significant damage to your property. Repairing the plumbing system yourself can be very tricky, […]

The season of festivities is a season for family reunions, delicious food, fond memories, and sadly sometimes, plumbing issues. Everything is lovely until someone blocks the downstairs toilet. So in order to avoid these pesky plumbing problems, we’ve got some tips and tricks to share with you. Not everything about the Christmas season is appropriate […]

Cold weather can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing system. The cold temperatures threaten many parts of your home’s water system leaving you fearing freezing and flooding. We’ve compiled some common winter plumbing problems and what you can do to combat these issues. Frozen Pipes Frozen pipes can cause pipes to burst in your home […]

Plumbing is at the core of all your faucets and sinks in your home. Without a proper plumbing system, it’s difficult to transport water where you need to. There are many plumbing statistics that might take you by surprise. Everyone knows that wasting water is a bad thing, but until you put numbers to these […]

Halloween is almost here! It’s that festive time of year when we celebrate all things spooky and creepy–but the last thing you want to deal with is a frightening plumbing problem. We’ve put together a list of the most common plumbing problems around Halloween time, and how to avoid them. Pumpkin scraps clogging the drain […]

All of your home’s drains lead to lead to the main sewer line, but this busy conduit isn’t equipped with alarms that signal when there is a leak or something isn’t working correctly. Do you know what to look for inside and outside the house to tell if your sewer line is developing problems? Here […]

Warm, sunny summer days are here! The rising temperatures in the Chicagoland area often lead to increased water usage, both outdoors and indoors. On average, most household water bills increase up to 50% in the summer months. To avoid increased utility bills and plumbing problems caused by excessive usage, follow these 5 preventative maintenance tips […]

Summer Weather Plumbing Problems Summer in Chicagoland is one of the most beautiful times of the year, but with warmer weather comes a handful of regular plumbing problems. If you’re experiencing any of the following summer plumbing problems, give Flatley’s Plumbing Express a call!   1. Basement Flooding Summer rain occurs happen often here in […]

Heavy spring rains in Chicagoland can place sudden stress on your home’s pipes and drainage system. After an intense storm, you might discover that your home’s plumbing has taken on some damage. Make sure to keep on the lookout for the following potential plumbing issues after a storm. Blocked Pipes and Clogged Drains Due to […]

What To Do During A Plumbing Emergency If you’ve ever returned home after a weekend away, only to find that a pipe has burst or a leak got out of hand, you know what running into a true plumbing emergency can feel like. Plumbing emergencies include everything from a fixture that isn’t functioning correctly, to a […]

If you need work done on your home’s plumbing system, then you’ll probably find that many local plumbers advertise video camera inspection. Video camera inspections are a relatively new plumbing technique that are growing in popularity because they’re non-invasive yet highly effective. Here’s how it works: The plumber inserts a special camera, mounted on a […]

Corroded Pipes – While older homes certainly have their charm, they can also come with a laundry list of problems.  Older piping systems are typically high up on this list. Many old houses have galvanized (zinc-coated) pipes or copper pipes. Unlike newer homes with corrosion-resistant PVC (polyvinyl chloride pipes), galvanized and copper pipes are prone to […]

While winter can be the most wonderful time of the year, a major sewer problem can ruin the season for you. Even if the weather has turned colder, that doesn’t mean you won’t face any sewer issues. In fact, winter can aggravate some sewer problems. Discover the 3 common winter sewer problems below. If you’re worried […]

Rain or snow, there’s one appliance that needs constant maintenance, and that’s your sump pump. Hidden in your basement, it’s easy to forget about the appliance that keeps your basement dry and flood free. A poorly maintained sump pump, however, could mean thousands of dollars in water damage. No homeowner wants to deal with a […]

Flatley’s Plumbing Express has regretfully lost one of our lead plumbers, co-worker and friend, Tom Kuttnauer. He took great pride in his work, was dedicated to the company and brought laughter to our team. He was very valued and will be dearly missed by all. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during […]

Flatley’s Plumbing Express Has Been Rated Complaint Free By The BBB for 2018!   Flatley’s Plumbing Express is honored to receive a 2018 Complaint Free Award from the Better Business Bureau.  This award recognizes members of the Better Business Bureau who have not received any consumer complaints in the previous year.   Flatley’s Plumbing Express […]

Identifying Post-Winter Plumbing Problems A long, harsh Chicago winter can be rough on your home, and more specifically, your plumbing. Unfortunately, much of the damage caused by sub-zero temperatures and harsh winds often goes unnoticed until spring rolls around and everything begins to thaw. Instead of waiting until spring, worrying what might happen, it’s wise […]

Each year, thousands of Chicago area homeowners experience problems with pipes in their homes freezing and bursting. Some colder weather plumbing problems can be avoided when a homeowner does what is necessary to winterize plumbing in their house.   Wrap Pipes With winterizing plumbing, it is important to wrap pipes in any area of your […]

Maybe it’s happened to you before: Suddenly, none of your home’s drains work anymore. You try pouring commercial drain cleaner in them, you work a plunger up and down… all to no avail. And after trying everything you can think of, you eventually call a plumber — only by now it’s after six o’clock in […]

As summer switches to fall, it’s likely that you’re trading your flip flops for boots and your t-shirts for sweatshirts. You may be ready, but did you know that your home needs help to prepare for the cold months ahead? If not properly taken care of, fall and winter weather can wreak havoc on your […]

Maybe your home is your hobby and you look forward to performing maintenance and doing upgrades on your days off. Maybe it’s an investment in your future and you don’t hesitate to have professionals work on it to increase its value. Or perhaps it’s simply the safe, comfortable place where your family relaxes and you […]

Having hot water on demand is a luxury that most homeowners take for granted. Your water heater is responsible for all of the of the hot showers, loads of laundry, and dish washes in your home, so it’s important to make sure that your system is working properly and efficiently. If it’s reached the end […]

Leaks and clogs can be common plumbing problems, but not all issues can be solved with tape or a plunger. Your home’s plumbing is intricate, and it connects to a main sewer line that can have its own problems. Issues such as tree root incursion or deep clogs that can’t be reached require professional help. […]

In September of last year, our Patrick was featured in an article by the Voyage Chicago. He was given the opportunity to shed a little light on his history, his family, and how Flatley’s Plumbing Express has become the business that you all know today! We thought that we would revisit some of the information […]

Have you ever run out of hot water just minutes after hopping out of the shower? Does your water look rust colored or smell funny? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be in need of a new hot water heater. If you are experiencing any of the following problems in […]

Why do Basements Flood When it Rains? Basement flooding can occur at any time – for multiple reasons. One of the most common, however, is rain. During periods of heavy rainfall, several inches are falling in a short time. Gravity takes over and the water has one place to go; further down. Because our basements […]

Using hot water in your home can get pricey – especially if your hot water heater isn’t working properly or efficiently. By following these simple steps in your home, you can help cut costs: Use Less Water This is the most obvious way to save money. People use a great amount hot water when they […]

What’s not to like about summer? Longer days, warm weather and family outings. When you think of issues your household may run into during the summer, you probably think something along the lines of your AC going out, leaving you to suffer in the heat. You might be prepared for that, but are you ready […]

Memorial Day is a time we set aside to remember and honor those who have lost their lives while serving our country in the military. As a day of observance, it’s common for friends and families to gather for activities, cookouts, and other outdoor activities. Nothing ruins a nice day quite like plumbing problems, however. […]

Here in the Chicagoland area, we’re no strangers to flooding. Whether it happens in your basement or in a different part of your house, flooding can be a major inconvenience and disruption to your home life. As a home or business owner, it’s important that you know the signs of leaks and flooding, as well […]

Eilish was the firstborn child of Patrick and Hannah Ryan in Co. Carlow, Ireland. She lived with her parents and grandmother on a farm until her family decided to move to America when she was 14. Her father had already lived in America when he was younger, when he worked at the Ford Motor […]

April showers can wreak havoc on your plumbing. Whether it’s in your home or business, most of your plumbing will be hidden between walls or underground. A plumber would normally have to cut or dig into the area to access these hard to reach pipes, but a camera inspection eliminates invasive procedures completely. Using this method, plumbers […]

Spring is finally here, and the long winter is over. Before you know it, temperatures will be rising, the sun will be shining, and flowers will start to bloom. You may be ready to start gardening for the season, but are your outdoor plumbing fixtures ready too? You may have detached your hose before winter […]

Mr. Flatley was born and raised in Sligo, Ireland. Before immigrating to America, he spent his days working on a farm. He worked as a bricklayer before he decided to get into the plumbing and sewer trade, and from there, Flatley’s Plumbing Express was born! He started out with one single van and […]

Sump pumps are very important tools that aid in the prevention of flooding. Typically located in a basement or in the below-ground levels of a home or business, they are placed in areas that are most susceptible to flooding. Sump pumps use force to prevent flowing. They collect water in a sump basin and push […]

Nobody wants to deal with a flooded basement, but when the power goes out, so does your sump pump. Such an appliance requires power to run when it removes excess water out of your basement and away from your home’s foundation. A battery backup not only ensures your sump pump runs when the lights go […]

Tankless water heater or a natural gas hot water heater is a big investment and one that can impact your budget and comfort for years to come. A tankless water heater also referred to as an “on-demand water heater,” provides hot water by running it through a heating element before delivering it to the point […]

The days are getting shorter. There’s a briskness in the air that wasn’t here a month ago. If you’re an early bird, you might already be thinking about holiday presents. For the Chicago area, winter is on its way and that means it’s time to winterize your home! Even though you can procrastinate getting the […]

It’s not just the season of Pumpkin Spice. It’s the season of spooky. Whether you love watching scary movies or you prefer passing out candy to adorable trick-or-treaters, the Halloween season is a fun one. But even if haunted houses are a thrill to visit, you don’t want to live in one. That’s why Flatley’s […]

April showers bring May flowers—but they can also bring with them a whole set of springtime plumbing headaches. Spring thunderstorms, thawing snow, and other factors can wreak havoc on your sewer system, sump pump, gutters, and beyond. In addition to spring cleaning your kitchen or bedroom closet, spring cleaning should also include checking up on your […]

Feel that chill in the air? Time to switch out the flip-flops for backpacks! It’s back to school season. That usually means your morning routines are whirlwinds of making breakfast, packing lunches, and ensuring homework actually makes it to school. During the school year, weekday mornings (and evenings!) are stressful. A plumbing system issue, be it […]

According to the EPA, the average American family of four uses 400 gallons of water per day. We use water for so much: cooking, cleaning, bathing, drinking, and more. If you’ve ever had your water supply shut off—even for a few hours—you immediately realize just how dependent you are on an on-demand supply of clean […]

Peanut butter and jelly. Movies and popcorn. Tree roots and sewer lines. All of these pairs go together hand-in-hand—for better or for worse. Tree roots just love making their way into your home’s sewer lines. Unfortunately for you, tree roots can cause some of the most stressful and expensive plumbing problems. Roots commonly enter your home’s […]

Winter is coming. No, we’re not referring to the terrifying White Walkers in Game of Thrones. And even though winter is still months away, it’s not too early to start thinking about prepping your winter plumbing system for the Midwestern chill. They say a stitch in time saves nine, and the age-old wisdom also applies […]

Who doesn’t love summer? How could there be anything wrong with late sunsets, days at the beach, and cookouts with friends? Unfortunately, sometimes summer fun can lead to summer plumbing disasters. And no, we’re not just talking about that time that your kids left the sprinkler running all night. Here are some common potential summer […]

Your sump pump won’t just cause trouble during summer thunderstorms. It can lead to plenty of plumbing headaches during cold winter months, too. After all, the frigid Chicago winter can do damage to just about anything. Read on to discover how you can make sure you’re ready to take on the longest Chicago season with […]

Family-owned and family-run, Flatley’s Plumbing Express has been operating for over five decades. Founded in 1960 by Michael and Elizabeth Flatley, their compassion, dedication, and commitment to high-quality customer service still drive our values today. The number one lesson learned from our founders: it’s all about the people. Michael and Elizabeth Flatley Read on to find […]

Stormy days can be cozy. You can splash in puddles, curl up inside with a good book, or, if you’re lucky, maybe even catch a glimpse of a rainbow. But stormy days also have a dark side—and it’s not just dark rainclouds. When a particularly bad storm rolls in, your sump pump and sewer line […]

You can schedule a dentist appointment, a haircut, a cable TV repairman visit, and almost anything between the conventional hours of 9 AM and 5 PM. However, it’s impossible to plan for plumbing emergencies. Let’s be honest–there’s no convenient time for a pipe to burst or a gas leak to start. That’s where a reliable emergency plumber […]

The Chicagoland area is famous for its beautiful, historic architecture. It’s an exciting area for first-time home owners, who have plenty of options for historic and spacious houses full of character. Unfortunately, behind all the charm in the old house of your dreams could be disastrous plumbing problems. If you are a potential home-buyer with […]

There are just some things that a homeowner has to deal with – nosy neighbors, mowing the lawn, and if you stay somewhere more than ten years, you probably have to deal with getting a new hot water heater, too. This probably isn’t your favorite part about owning a home (it would be a little […]

Ever notice that we don’t always realize how much we value something until we lose it? Like if the power goes out in the middle of a storm you’re suddenly filled with a deep appreciation for electricity. Or if your hot water heater is on the fritz every hot shower you have becomes a treasured […]

There’s nothing much worse than a slowly draining toilet that constantly regurgitates backup sludge. A clogged toilet is one of the most common problems for any sewage system, and it’s usually caused by insoluble objects getting stuck and blocking water flow. That’s when you call a plumber to save the day! Sometimes your plumbing system is old […]

What’s even worse than a case of the Mondays? Clogged drains. And we’re not just talking about a little hair clog in the shower drain that you just need to muster up the courage to face. We’re talking about majorly stressful (and potentially majorly damaging) clogs. Hydro jetting is one of the best ways to […]

After a chilly winter, you deserve to soak up some sun. Spring break is just around the corner. Maybe your family is off to a week-stay in the Bahamas—if so, we’re jealous. No matter where you’re jetting off to, don’t forget to prep those pipes. The last thing you want after a fun and relaxing […]

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of Elizabeth Flatley’s passing on Wednesday, December 28th, 2016. She was a beautiful soul whose love touched many. She leaves behind many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We invite you to read her obituary. Michael Flatley Sr. and Elizabeth Flatley worked so hard to build Flatley’s […]

A new home is a clean slate. While moving can be stressful it can also be an exciting opportunity. However, a strong foundation (like good plumbing) is more important than a walk-in closet. Common plumbing problems can lurk below the surface and cause major damage to your dream house. So, before you sign on the […]

Cooking a special Valentine’s Day meal for your sweetie? Don’t end up having to interrupt your romantic weekend with a plumbing appointment for your garbage disposal. They are great clean-up tools, but you should know that they are not invincible. How a Garbage Disposal Actually Works It’s a common misconception that garbage disposals involve spinning […]

When you’re facing a slow-draining kitchen sink or a stagnant shower drain, you might be tempted to turn to a chemical drain cleaner. Think again. Chemical drain cleaners seem like a quick, easy fix—but they don’t get to the root of the problem and can cause bigger problems later. Learn more about chemical drain cleaners […]

Living in the Midwest has its perks… like unpredictable spring thunderstorms! A flooded basement can result in thousands of dollars in damage and potential loss of important and cherished items. The Chicago suburbs are notorious for not being prepared for spring flooding. It’s important to have your sump pump checked before these storms come your […]

Spring showers may happily bring beautiful flowers, but they also come with an unwelcome guest: flooding. Don’t let your home suffer from the costly and stressful flooding headache. Turn over a new leaf instead. Flatley’s is here to help. Read on to learn 3 easy ways you can help protect your home from flooding this season, […]

A hot shower or bath after a long day is one of life’s little luxuries. But what happens if you turn on the faucet and the water is lukewarm at best? And when you go inspect the hot water heater, you find that the tank has seen better days. How can you tell that your […]

We’ve already talked about sump pumps, but if you need a refresher on what they are and what they do, check out our blog post on them specifically. In that post, we briefly mention the importance of a sump pump battery backup, but let’s take a more in-depth look at the important role they play. What does […]

Have you ever wondered why your toilet is running constantly? Don’t worry. You’re not the only one. It’s truly one of the bathroom’s biggest mysteries. Not only is it a nuisance, but it can also cost you. After all, it’s extra water that will surely show up on your next water bill. So what’s actually causing this […]