The History of Coeur d’Alene.

Do you think of golf when you think of Coeur d’Alene Idaho?  I doubt that many people do.  Did you know that our fair city is the home of the golf course with the world’s only floating green?  Coeur d’Alene has gone from a charming town of 16,000 in 1970 to become the center of business and recreational activities with a population of more than 35,000 today!

French-speaking fur traders named our lake in the mid-1800s.  Legend says the traders believed the local Indians to be sharp traders and they called the lake Coeur d’Alene meaning “their hearts were sharp as an awl (note the spelling meaning a sharp piercing tool used for cutting stones). Around the turn of the 20th century we became a thriving railroad and steamboat town.

Today, the city bustles with festivals, fairs and concerts.  Many of the activities center around the lake with its pristine beauty that has earned its reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful.  A River City Plumbing is proud to serve the plumbing needs of Coeur d’Alene ID and Spokane WA.  From our family to yours…have a very Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.

Guide to Christmas in Spokane: Festivals, Events, Things to Do

Guide to Christmas in Spokane: Festivals, Events, Things to Do

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The Christmas season offers plenty of opportunities to spend quality time with friends and family, and in Spokane, Washington, there are many places to get you in the holiday spirit. From special holiday displays and light shows to festive plays, performances, and gift bazaars, Spokane is a wonderful place to celebrate the season.

Keep On Pumpin’

That reliable pump on your jacuzzi tub won’t last forever.  A common problem with older spas is pump failure.  If your system is more than 2 or 3 years old, replace the entire pump, not just the motor or what is known as the “wet end”.  If you do, then you'll probably have fewer headaches in the long run.

Here are a few signs of impending pump failure-

1.  A humming noise is coming from the motor.

2.  The bearings are making a whining sound.

3.  Failing seals are causing puddles to form below the pump.

Jacuzzi pumps need to be replaced periodically.  That’s just the way it is!  To keep things pumpin’ along call A River City Plumbing.  They fix plumbing problems in Coeur D’alene or  the Spokane area.  A River City Plumbing is always there when you need them.  Call (208) 659-6565 in Coeur D’alene or (509) 954-6567 in the Spokane area.

A Hard Freeze is ‘a Comin.

If you have lived in the Northeast Washington or Western Idaho for more than a couple of winters you know what a toll the freezing weather takes on your body, your vehicle, and even your home.  When winter hits with full force you will face the real possibility of frozen pipes in your Washington or Idaho castle.

Here are some initial steps you can take to prevent freezing pipes –

1.  Crank up the heat up in your home.

2.  Open cabinet doors throughout the house so warm air can reach pipes below the sinks.

3.  Always check around and disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets.

4.  Keep your garage door closed whenever possible.

These are some basic steps to avoid frozen pipes, but when it becomes a chronic situation that you can no longer tolerate please call on the expertise of A River City Plumbing.  Here are the phone numbers to remember (208) 659-6565 in Coeur D’alene or the number in the Spokane area is (509) 954-6567.

That Good Old Reliable Water Heater.

In most cases it stands all by itself in the garage (maybe next to a box of grandma’s old photos) out of our daily attention even though we pass by it every day.  Your water heater may well be the most efficient appliance that you have in your entire home.  Just when does it need a little extra TLC?

Manufacturers recommend that you flush your water heater every year.  So, what is a flush?  A service technician attaches a hose to your tank, empties it into an approved drain, then fills the water back up.  During the process, they clear out sediment and other buildup that occurs inside the tank and they provide a clean and clear surface for heating water.

There are a few other incidentals that they will attend to when flushing your water heater.  Suffice to say, that if you have this done annually your water heater should last longer.  In Eastern Washington and Northwest Idaho just call A River City Plumbing at (208) 659-6565 in Coeur D’alene or that number in the Spokane area is (509) 954-6567.

Veterans Day Ceremony: Honoring Those Who Served

Veterans Day Ceremony: Honoring Those Who Served

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The Spokane VA Medical Center is pleased to join the leadership and members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 51 for the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on Monday, November 11th beginning at 10:00am. Doors open at 9:00am.

Please…More Pressure.

You don’t hear that comment very often.  However, low water pressure in your home or office can be caused by many things.  Simple problems like the shut-off valve being closed or a faucet being blocked can cause low water pressure. More serious issues like plumbing blockages or water leaks decrease water pressure as well. 

Here are some ways to check your home or office’s water pressure –

1.  Determine if multiple locations in your home or office have low water pressure.

2.  If it is confined to one location, then check the faucet.

3.  Adjust the pressure reducing valve.

A professional plumber will do all of this and more.  He will repair the problem…guaranteed.  That is, of course, if the person you hire is a part of A River City Plumbing.  They serve a wide area around Eastern Washington and Northwest Idaho.  Call A River City Plumbing at (208) 659-6565 in Coeur D’Alene or (509) 954-6567 in Spokane.

Halloween in Spokane

Halloween in Spokane

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"Spokane in the mood for some creepy, crawly fun. Halloween frights range from finding the gnarliest pumpkin for the perfect jack-o-lantern to scare-your-pants-off haunted locales. Here is a guide to local Spokane Halloween haunts."

A New-Looking Bathroom is too Nice to Ignore.

Bathrooms in the Spokane and Coeur D’alene area vary from home to home and can feature bathtubs, bath and shower combinations, stand-alone showers and walk-in showers.  Replacing a bathtub with a full walk-in shower means getting into a remodeling project that will render your bathroom useless during the process.

Start by –

1.  Removing the old bathtub as well as any tub framing that is in place.

2.  Use a custom-floated concrete shower pan for a walk-in.

3.  Run additional pipe to carry the water up to the new locations.

4.  All the walls have to be covered with some type of waterproofing underlayment

Wait…just how long do you want your bathroom to be “off-limits”?  Installing a walk-in shower is the job of a professional such as the people at A River City Plumbing serving Eastern Washington and Northwest Idaho.  Let’s begin the project by calling A River City Plumbing at (208) 659-6565 in Coeur D’alene or (509) 954-6567 in Spokane.

Fall Things To Do in Spokane

Fall Things To Do in Spokane

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If you’re visiting Spokane in the fall, don’t miss these fabulous fall happenings!

 

Spokane’s Wettest Months are Coming Up.

The same is true for Coeur D’Alene, by the way.  From October 18 to June 14, there is a greater than 26% chance of a given day being a wet day. The chance of a wet day peaks at 42% on December 1.  So, like it or not, wet days are coming to our area no matter whether you live in Washington or Idaho.

Is your sump pump ready for another rainy season?  You know your sump pump is failing to operate properly when water gets in where it shouldn’t.  Hydrostatic pressure causes water to get pushed under your foundation and then into your basement.  Hopefully, sensors connected to an alarm system will help you monitor moisture levels in your home or business.

Before that moment arrives, have your sump pump checked by the professionals at A River City Plumbing.  The guys at River City know their way around residential and commercial sump pumps.  Whatever plumbing problem you may face as the seasons change remember A River City Plumbing.  In Idaho call (208) 659-6565.  Or in Spokane call (509) 954-6567.

Give Me Gas.

One of the most common reasons for gas line installation is that a homeowner wants to replace electric or oil appliances for ones powered by gas.  In general, gas appliances tend to be more energy efficient and less expensive when all is said and done.

Here are some reasons that you may need a new gas line –

1.  Switching a furnace

2.  Installing a gas water heater

3.  Converting a stove to gas

4.  Adding an outdoor grill

One thing is certain, gas lines are volatile and should only be installed by someone with experience in such matters.  In Spokane and Coeur D’Alene the right choice is A River City Plumbing.  Dan and his crew will come to your home and install gas lines efficiently and safely. 

The Coeur D’Alene the phone number is (208) 659-6565.  In the Spokane call (509) 954-6567.

40th Annual Pig Out in the Park Riverfront Park, Spokane, WA

40th Annual Pig Out in the Park Riverfront Park, Spokane, WA 

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August 28 thru September 2, 2019
Open Daily 11 am to 10 pm  Free Admission!

Installing a Jacuzzi Pump.

Are you coming indoors soon after the summer season winds down?  Wouldn’t it be great to spend your leisure time in a jacuzzi?  To do so, you must have a pump installed.  The spa pump connects to the spa motor and is used to force water through the jets.  Without the pump, your spa can not properly circulate water and simply will not work!

Here are some step-by-step directions needed to install the pump –

1.  Disconnect the power running to the pump.

2.  Locate the water supply and drain connectors.

3.  Attach the pump.

4.  Attach the connectors to ensure suction and drainage.

5.  After all of this is done…run a test.

Are you qualified?  Maybe some of you in the Spokane and Coeur D’Alene area are capable of installing a jacuzzi pump so that there is NEVER a malfunction.  If you want it done right the first time call A River City Plumbing.  If you live in Coeur D’Alene the phone number is (208) 659-6565.  In the Spokane area call (509) 954-6567.

Back to school Craft & Vendor Market, Aug 31st

Back to school Craft & Vendor Market, Aug 31st

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One final shopapalooza before school starts. We will also be collecting school supplies also! Come join us !

 

Gas Line Installation.

We all know the pleasures of a good grilled steak, but have you enjoyed one prepared on a barbecue with gas grilling?  The taste may not be all that different, but you never have to worry about the inconvenience of running out of propane!  We suggest keep the on cookin’ and get some gas lines installed!

Some of the greatest dangers around your Spokane or Coeur D’Alene area home or office are gas leaks.  Leaking from gas lines can lead to asphyxiation and dangerous sudden explosions.  Fortunately, commercial gasses, such as the kind of gas your stove or heater uses, have a strong odor added to them so you can smell leaks.

If you smell a leak…don’t freak!  Open the windows, shut off the furnace and call us.  We are A River City Plumbing gas piping repair and replacement experts in the area surrounding Coeur D’Alene and Spokane.  To make sure that you call the right number for your area visit arivercityplumbingservice.com on the web and discover all that we do.

Les Miserables - Select dates in August

Les Miserables - Select dates in August

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First Interstate Center for the Arts

Dates: 8/6/2019, 8/7/2019, 8/8/2019, 8/9/2019, 8/10/2019, 8/11/2019

Oh, That Trusty Water Heater.

What do taking a shower, running your dishwasher, and using your laundry machine have in common?  If you guessed hot water, bingo…you advance to the next round!  We rely on water heaters every day, however, when there’s an issue with the system you have to make an important decision — do you need to have it replaced?

Some of the signs are these –

1.  Age…its lifespan is 8-12 years.

2.  Your energy bill just keeps going up and up.

3.  Wait a minute…there does not seem to be as much hot water a there used to be.

4.  There is visible evidence of leaks or rust.

Water Heaters are the lifeblood of so many activities in our home.  Take a cold shower, realize that the time has come, and call us!  We are Coeur D’Alene’s and Spokane’s water heater repair and replacement experts…A River City Plumbing.  Call us today at (509) 954-6567 in Spokane or (208) 659-6565 in Coeur D’Alene.

It’s a Busy Time for Your Kitchen.

There is a lot going on this summer.  Perhaps in your home there is a great deal of hustle and bustle in your kitchen.  Running a water line to a refrigerator to supply its ice maker and drinking water dispenser is essential.  Fortunately, these days it is a lot less complicated and can be done by a professional plumber a whole lot faster than the old days.

In most cases, the water line can be run from a kitchen faucet water supply line through the kitchen cabinets and over to the refrigerator.  If running the line through the cabinets is not feasible in your home, the plumber might need to run a line through the floor and up to where the refrigerator is located.

It does not matter to the professional kitchen water line kitchen installers at A River City Plumbing.  They know their way around Coeur D’Alene and Spokane kitchens the way your grandmother did!  When hooking up a refrigerator or dishwasher call A River City Plumbing at (509) 954-6567 in Spokane or (208) 659-6565 in the Coeur D’Alene area. 

Maybe the Most Used Appliance in your Home.

This time of year, with summer approaching, what would you say it is?  The refrigerator?  Maybe - with lots of kids running around.  The dish washer?  Possibly.  How about your ever-reliable garbage disposal?  I’ll bet yours gets a work-out in the summer with heaven knows what getting put down there.

If you see any or all of these signs it may be time to replace your garbage disposal –

1.  It clogs more than occasionally

2.  You are always pushing the reset button

3.  Food takes longer and longer to grind up

4.  It is leaking

5.  It’s making loud noises

Saying goodbye to your old garbage disposal is not that hard to do.  The quiet efficiency of a new unit is what you seek.  The right company for the job is A River City Plumbing serving the greater Spokane and Coeur D’Alene area.  They have the right phone number for you to call no matter where you live.  That’s (509) 954 6567 or (208) 659 6565.

Summer Parkways Block Party - June 20th!

Summer Parkways Block Party!

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Summer Parkways is turning 10 this year! Join friends, family and neighbors for fitness and fun at this annual summer solstice community event, Spokane's biggest block party, for our 10th anniversary.  

Keep That Jacuzzi Pumping.

It’s a great time of year to spend quality time at the end of the day relaxing in your jacuzzi or hot tub.  How long have you been blessed with this marvelous agent of stress-relief?  If it has been years, then you need to pay attention to that reliable pump that keeps the water circulating.  Your hot tub should last a dozen to 15 years hopefully without repair.

While sitting in your Jacuzzi enjoying the warmth of the water, and relaxation of the jets, have you ever wondered what is going on around you?  The heart and soul of the Jacuzzi is the powerhouse pump.  In addition to circulating the water from the jets it also filters it and keeps it heated and even adds air to the water.

The professional plumbers at A River City Plumbing know what makes your hot tub or jacuzzi keep on ticking through the years.  If you have a problem with yours in the Spokane or Coeur D’Alene area just visit arivercityplumbingservice.com on the web.  You will see one phone number for Spokane area residents and another for our Coeur D’Alene friends.     

Slower Water Pressure in your Home.

When the water pressure slows down in your household it is at least annoying.  Normally, poor water pressure is caused by clogged pipes.  However, if you’ve already replaced them or have a newer house with new pipes, try the obvious first.  Make sure the shutoff valves near the water meter are fully open.

Depending upon your particular situation, installing a water pressure booster system may be the way how to increase water pressure.  In some municipalities there is a requirement to install a reduced pressure and backflow preventer when a water pressure booster is hooked up.  Perhaps it is time to call in a licensed plumber to evaluate your system.

The professional plumbing company in Spokane and Coeur D’Alene is A River City Plumbing.  You can learn more about their many services by visiting arivercityplumbingservice.com on the web.  The next step is easy.  Just call (509) 954-6567 in Spokane or (208) 659-6565 in the Coeur D’Alene area.

Installing a Garbage Disposal.

It works cranking along day to day, week to week, month to month.  If you had an inventory of what you have put into your garbage disposal over the years you would think that you were reviewing the contents of the local landfill!  You don’t want to even think about the items that have been ground over time.  Now, it may be time for a repair or replacement.

Here are some steps that will need to be taken –

1.  Be sure that the power is completely off

2.  Disconnect its electrical cable

3.  Loosen the locking ring and remove the old disposal

4.  Unscrew the mounting ring from the underside

5.  Push out the sink flange and completely clean out the putty

There are more steps, of course, and unless you have experience in such matters you need to call A River City Plumbing before you even think about this job as being a DIY one.  A River City Plumbing has been repairing and replacing garbage disposals in S.E. Washington and N.W. Idaho for years.  Call (509) 954-6567 in Spokane or (208) 659-6565 in the Coeur D’Alene area.  

Keeping that Boiler Boiling.

Boiler problems can be expensive and, at the very least, inconvenient.  More importantly, they can also be potentially dangerous if left unaddressed.  As it pertains to boiler maintenance, it’s a good idea to keep your boiler in the best working order to avoid any problems.  You never know when an unforeseen problem is on the horizon.

Here are things to watch for that your home’s boiler needs repairing –

1.  Noises…obnoxious and increasingly loud

2.  Pooling water at the base

3.  Any unusual smell emanating from your boiler

4.  The water heats more slowly

5.  Your energy bill just keeps going up and up

Let’s allow the pros to troubleshoot your home’s boiler.  Don’t leave any margin for error…call A River City Plumbing today!  A River City Plumbing serves a wide area of Spokane WA and Coeur D’Alene ID with expert plumbing repair and replacement.  Just call (509) 954-6567 in Spokane or (208) 659-6565 in Coeur D’Alene.

Oh No, Look what Water Did!

Water can be destructive. When water meets the drywall that covers your interior walls and ceilings it can make them look unsightly.  Even worse, it can damage wallboard enough that it collapses and falls apart, which can cause huge homeowner headaches.  The important thing to do is NOT PANIC!

Here are some of the steps that need to be taken for restoration –

1.  Find the source of the leak

2.  Remove all of the water-damaged drywall

3.  Make the appropriate repairs

4.  Then prime and repaint

Better yet, hire the team at A River City Plumbing.  If you live in the Coeur D’Alene or Spokane area you may already know the plumbing prowess of A River City Plumbing.  They also do an outstanding job of cleaning up your home’s water damage.  Whenever you need them just call (509) 954-6567 in Spokane or (208) 659-6565 in Coeur D’Alene.

The Life of a Plumbing Contractor.

So, what do plumbing contractors do?  They assemble, install and repair water, gas and drainage pipes in residences, commercial facilities, businesses, and schools.  They also install and repair various plumbing fixtures and appliances, such as toilets and dishwashers.  First, they must become an apprentice.

It starts when they achieve a high school diploma.  Most apprenticeships are sponsored by local unions, companies, or perhaps contractor organizations.  Programs usually last four to five years and require apprentices to complete a certain number of on-the-job training and technical education hours every single year.

The licensed plumbing contractors at A River City Plumbing have nearly a quarter-century of experience.  They are ready, willing, and able to help you with any plumbing project that you may have in the Coeur D’Alene or Spokane area.  Find out more at arivercityplumbingservice.com then call (509) 954-6567 in Spokane or (208) 659-6565 in Coeur D’Alene.

Installing a Gas Line.

This is definitely NOT a DIY job.  A professional needs to be called to do it safely and do it correctly.  For some jobs around your home you just grab a plunger and fix the problem…NOT this one!  The risks of making a mistake (even a fatal one) far outweigh the cost of hiring a professional to do the job.

Here are some of the things that will be done –

1.  The right pipes and fittings for the job must be in place.

2.  The gas in your home must be completely turned off.

3.  Your existing gas line will need to be extended to fit the new ones.

4.  Using flexible pipe to connect the end to your appliance.

Nothing could go wrong there…right?  You know that no matter how handy you are around the house this could be an accident waiting to happen.  A River City Plumbing is the right choice for the job of hooking up gas lines.  Wherever you are in the Coeur D’Alene or Spokane area call (509) 954-6567 in Spokane or (208) 659-6565 in Coeur D’Alene.

How to Replace a Kitchen Sink.

Go ahead, Google it.  See what you are facing if you are DIYer.  They always say that a handy person can replace everything in their home up to and including the kitchen sink!  Do you have the right tools for the job such as channel locking pliers, a caulk gun, a replacement sink strainer, silicone caulk, a putty knife, and of course, the replacement sink itself.

Having said that, here are some of the steps to follow –

1.  Carefully measure your old sink to make sure that the new one will fit.

2.  Shut off the hot and cold water.

3.  Open up the faucet and release the pressure.

4.  Disconnect the water supply line.

5.  Remove the slip nut and gasket connecting the drain.

How about calling A River City Plumbing instead?  That is what people in both the Spokane WA and Coeur D’Alene ID area generally do.  They save the aggravation and hassle of trying to do a job like this themselves by letting the professionals take over.  If you need a kitchen sink replaced call (509) 954-6567 in Spokane or (208) 659-6565 in the Coeur D’Alene area.

Installing a Tub and Shower Surround.

One thing for sure…a tub and shower surround is easy to maintain…once it’s built.  If you fancy yourself as Joe Handyman, the materials and tools that you will need for the project are a jigsaw, level, sandpaper, adhesive, caulk, and the surrounds themselves.  Then the fun begins as the muss and the fuss unfolds.

Here are some of the steps –

1.  Remove the spout, faucet handles, and accessories

2.  Remove the tile and look for mold growth

3.  Clean the walls and apply primer

4.  Mark holes where the showerhead, handles, and faucet will be

5.  Apply the adhesive and attach the panels to the wall

Sounds like a fun way to spend a weekend, doesn’t it?  NOT!  Call the professional tub and shower installers at A River City Plumbing.  These are the people to trust for any and all of your plumbing needs as well as emergencies you may have.  The phone numbers to call (509) 954-6567 in Spokane or (208) 659-6565 in the Coeur D’Alene area.

Free Things to Do in Spokane

Free Things to Do in Spokane

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"From river strolls and botanical gardens to fine art displays and live music, the savvy traveler can have a blast in Spokane without spending a dime."

Boiler 101.

There may be far more interesting topics, but you need to know the signs when the boiler in your home is about to go out.  What is the average lifespan of a boiler.  For most homeowners it is between 10 and 15 years.  It has such a wide variable because of the amount of use it gets.  In the Coeur D’Alene and Spokane lean toward 10 years because of our climate.

Here are some signs that your boiler is about to fail –

1.  The most obvious sign is that there is NO hot water.

2.  Maybe the water is hot, but the water pressure is lower.

3.  Strange banging noises are coming from your boiler.

4.  The pilot light keeps going out.

Sometimes, a DIY move is the right one.  When you need a professional to keep your boiler boiling or to replace it entirely call on A River City Plumbing serving Southeast Washington and Northwest Idaho.  For all of your plumbing needs here are the numbers to call (509) 954-6567 in Spokane or (208) 659-6565 in Coeur D’Alene. 

Installing a Commercial Plumbing System.

This can be a big project and you want to make sure that you have chosen the right company to do the job and guarantee the work.  That means a local company that keeps its employees up-to-the-minute with the latest innovations in the world of plumbing.  The assignment should NOT be beyond their normal reach.

Here are some points to follow when vetting the right company –

1.  Get a free estimate

2.  Ask specifically on a ballpark time when the job will be completed

3.  What are their parts and labor guarantees

4.  Get it in writing

When the time comes (and 2019 may be just the year) you would do well in considering A River City Plumbing for that commercial plumbing installation project.  The task ahead needs the touch of a pro.  That professional team is A River City Plumbing.  They have been taking care of commercial and residential plumbing needs for years.  Call them at (509) 954-6567 in Spokane or (208) 659-6565 in Coeur D’Alene.