Blue Tower Plumbing and Ice Machines

07/23/2026

05/14/2026

"Should I replace or repair my water heater?"

Here's a framework to help make a decision.

A Good rule of thumb:
-Under 8 years old - usually repair.
-8-10years - sometimes repair
-12+ years - replace

BUT consider these too:
-Is the cost of the repair more than 50% of a new one INSTALLED (not of a box store water heater price)?
-Is the tank and parts still under warranty? (Usually under 6 years old with most standard tanks. Saves you some $ with repairs)
-Is this urgent for you? (You might wait on parts or scheduling depending on the options given.)
-What is more important to you right now - cost, peace of mind, just getting hot water as soon as possible?

If you run into water heater problems, we'd be glad to help! 859-274-0067

bluetowerplumbing.com

05/06/2026

In healthcare, ice machines aren't just convenience- they are part of patient care.

Contaminated ice can pose serious risks to immunocompromised patients. Routine and thorough cleanings aren't optional- it's a part of infection control.

05/05/2026

Do you know where your main water shutoff is?

If a pipe bursts, every second counts. Find it now before you need it.

04/30/2026

What's this thing on my sink??

It's called an air gap. It's for your dishwasher drain. It's to prevent waste water from flowing back into your dishwasher. 🤢

Don't have one? Your dishwasher drain should at least have a "high loop"- for the same reason. Though an air gap is better. A high loop is when your dishwasher drain has an upward loop before discharging into a drain or disposal.

And note: If you're planning on selling your home - a home inspector will check for these.

Now you know.

04/29/2026

NOT ENOUGH HOT WATER with a new water heater? Sometimes it's not the water heater. For one customer this week...it was a hidden water leak on a hot water line and the new heater. The symptom was that the water was warm for a few minutes and then would turn cold. An easy way to check for this is to check if your water meter is still indicated flow, even with all the fixtures off.

High flow, shower rain heads can give you a similar problem with "not enough hot water" for a shower.

Need help with your hot water? We'd be glad to serve!

04/28/2026

Most people don't think twice about ice - but they should.

Ice is classified as food, and inside the ice machine is a food-contact surface.

If it's not cleaned properly and consistently, it can harbor:
-MOLD
-BACTERIA
-BIOFILM

What if you could have more peace of mind about the ice in your cup from a restaurant, hotel, or hospital?

04/23/2026

This water heater was slowly leaking until there was no hot water for days... but it was still under a manufacturer warranty.

After several days without hot water, the homeowner reached out for a service call. We were able to get a replacement approved and install it the next day. They were able to get on with their lives and save $.

Have a water heater problem and not sure if you are still covered under warranty??

Give us a call and we'd be glad to help!
(859) 274-0067

04/21/2026

What is this tank...thing....near my water heater?

It's called a thermal expansion tank, and it is installed on a water heater's cold water inlet piping to absorb excess water pressure caused by heating - protecting the water heater, pipes, and fixtures from high-pressure damage.

In Nicholasville/Jessamine County, not only is it required by plumbing code (due to a check valve at the water meter), its also a good idea due to the high water pressure in many homes throughout the county. Of course, a pressure reducing valve is a good idea when water pressure is very high too!

If you're in Nicholasville/Jessamine County, check and see if you have one.