Horizon Services Inc.

Here’s Mud In Your Eye! Join Horizon at the Delaware Mud Run – 9/26/10

mark — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:32:06 +0000

Sling Some Mud and Get Down and Dirty…All for a Great Cause!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Your name will be MUD if you don't join Horizon at the 2010 Delaware Mud Run on 9/26/10!

(WILMINGTON, DE ; August 20, 2010) — Horizon Services, Inc. – the premier plumbing, heating and air conditioning services and equipment installation company serving Delaware, Southeast Pennsylvania and Maryland — is pleased to announce that they will be a sponsor of The Delaware Mud Run — Delaware’s DIRTIEST 5K Event — taking place on Sunday, September 26, 2010 at Frightland in Middletown, DE.

Now in its second year, The Delaware Mud Run is a one-of-a-kind 5K race with boot camp style obstacles that have been surrounded by or consisting of mud. People cheer as teams of contestants slip, slide, and slosh their way to victory. It is a truly unique experience…whether running or watching!

Just about anyone can take part in the Delaware Mud Run. Teams of Four can participate in the male, female or Co-Ed (must have one member of the opposite sex) division. But, you must be 14 years of age or older. (Individual participation is available in the male or female categories.)

100% of the proceeds from the Delaware Mud Run benefit the Leukemia Research Foundation of Delaware. Individuals can contribute by participating in the race itself, sponsoring a participant or team or making a direct donation.

“Horizon Services has been involved with a lot of great community events over the years, but the Delaware Mud Run has got to be the wackiest and perhaps the most fun of them all,” said Mark Aitken. “Whether it’s as a participant or as a spectator, there’s nothing on earth like the Delaware Mud Run. And best of all, the proceeds from the event go for one of the region’s most worthy causes, the Leukemia Research Foundation of Delaware.

Registration for teams or individuals ends on September 17, 2010. So if you want to take part in the event, register now!

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, September 26, 2010
Time: Gates open at 7:00 AM; Race Begins at 9:00 AM
Location: Frightland, Middletown, DE 19709
Costs: Free for spectators. Registration fee for participants.
More Information and Pre-Registration Instructions: http://www.delawaremudrun.com

About Horizon Services, Inc.:

Horizon Services is the Delaware Valley’s leading plumbing, heating, air conditioning, drain cleaning and sewer & water line replacement services company, providing repair, maintenance, sales and installation to homeowners and businesses in Delaware (New Castle County, Kent County), Pennsylvania (Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County, The Main Line) and Maryland (Cecil County). Horizon Services is headquartered in Wilmington, DE with additional offices in Exton, PA. Website: http://www.horizonservicesinc.com.

Media Contact:
Margaret Aitken
(302) 419-4334

###

Horizon Services Named to Top Workplaces in Delaware List for 2010

mark — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:16:45 +0000

Ranks #3 Statewide for Mid-Size Companies!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(WILMINGTON, DE ; August 16, 2010) — Horizon Services, Inc. – the premier plumbing, heating and air conditioning services and equipment installation company serving Delaware, Southeast Pennsylvania and Maryland — has been named by the Wilmington News Journal as one of the Top Workplaces in Delaware for 2010.

Horizon Services placed 3rd overall among mid-size Delaware companies in a list that appeared in a special supplement of the News Journal on Sunday, August 15, 2010. Top Workplaces 2010 recognized and profiled dozens of top employers and best performing companies from across the state.

The rankings were based upon an independent survey conducted by the research company Workplace Dynamics, LLC — a workplace research and consulting firm based in Exton, PA — and The News Journal. Survey results from employees at hundreds of companies across the state of Delaware were tabulated and scored by Workplace Dynamics, with the top finishers listed in the report. The analysis included employee opinions on a variety of workplace topics including company leadership, career opportunities, workplace flexibility, compensation and benefits.

The News Journal supplement featured extended profiles of Horizon Services and singled the company out for its commitment to employee training and promoting from within.

Mark Aitken, Sr. Vice President and co-owner of Horizon Services said, “Being named one of the Top Workplaces in Delaware is a great honor and a testament to the efforts we have made to cultivate an exciting company culture at Horizon Services. People enjoy coming to work here. By creating a stimulating and rewarding work environment, by encouraging employee growth and development, and by recognizing quality performance, we are able to attract and keep outstanding individuals, as well as deliver superior service to our customers year in and year out.”

Related Information:

About Horizon Services, Inc.:

Horizon Services is the Delaware Valley’s leading plumbing, heating, air conditioning, drain cleaning and sewer & water line replacement services company, providing repair, maintenance, sales and installation to homeowners and businesses in Delaware (Wilmington, New Castle County, Kent County), Pennsylvania (Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County, The Main Line) and Maryland (Cecil County). Horizon Services is headquartered in Wilmington, DE with additional offices in Exton, PA. Website: http://www.horizonservicesinc.com.

Media Contact:
Margaret Aitken
(302) 419-4334

###

Summer 2010 Print Newsletter

mark — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:22:28 +0000

View the Summer 2010 Horizon Services Print Newsletter!

NOTE: This newsletter is a PDF file. Adobe Reader is required to view, print or download the file. If you don’t have Adobe Reader on your computer, click the button below and download it FREE.

Horizon Sponsors 1st Annual Riverfront FamilyFest in Wilmington on 8/21/10

mark — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:01:36 +0000

Join Us On August 21 for an Unforgettable Day of Family Fun!

Enjoy a full Day of Family Fun By The River!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(WILMINGTON, DE ; July 28, 2010) — Horizon Services, Inc. – the premier plumbing, heating and air conditioning services and installation company serving Delaware, Southeast Pennsylvania and Maryland — is pleased to announce that they will be the presenting sponsor of the 1st Annual Riverfront FamilyFest, taking place in Wilmington, DE on Saturday, August 21, 2010.

Riverfront FamilyFest is a free event for parents and kids of all ages that turns the Wilmington Riverfront into a playground for the day while promoting fun, fitness and wellness. Families can spend the day together exploring the wonderful attractions on the Wilmington Riverfront as well as all the various products and services that the Wilmington community has to offer.

Activities at the Riverfront FamilyFest will include:

The Amazing Riverfront Wilmington Race (scavenger hunt at Riverfront attractions)
Moon Bounces, Obstacle Courses and Slides
Live Entertainment, Dance Party, Fitness Programs
Fire Trucks & Fire Boat
River Taxi Rides
The Wilmington Blue Rocks
Family Programming at Delaware Children’s Museum, Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, DuPont Environmental Education Center, Riverfront Market
Special kids’ pricing at several Riverfront restaurants
Back to School Fair at the Chase Center with vendors
Free Goodies from Horizon Services
And much more!

“Horizon Services is proud and excited to be part of what we expect to become an annual tradition in the city of Wilmington, DE,” said Mark Aitken, vice-president and co-owner of Horizon Services. “It’s been a long, hot summer so far, and most of us have been cooped up in our homes with our air conditioners and fans trying to escape the heat. But summer’s also about getting outside and having fun, and you’re not going to find more family fun anywhere in the State of Delaware than right here at the Riverfront Family Fest!”

The 1st Annual Riverfront FamilyFest is organized by the Riverfront Development Corporation of Delaware and The Chase Center on the Riverfront. Besides Horizon Services, other sponsors include ING Direct and Nemours Health & Prevention Services.

Event Details:

Date: August 21, 2010
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Wilmington Riverfront in Wilmington, DE
Costs: Absolutely Free!
More Information: http://www.riverfrontfamilyfest.com

About Horizon Services, Inc.:

Media Contact:
Margaret Aitken
(302) 419-4334

###

Ratings and Reviews

mark — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:23:37 +0000

Share Your Horizon Services Experiences with Other Homeowners in DE, PA and MD!

Read Opinions of Our Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Services from Customers Like You…or Submit Your Own!

Dear Horizon Services Customer,

Thanks for your recent decision to invite Horizon Services into your home to help you with your plumbing, heating and air conditioning needs! We hope the experience not only met but exceeded your expectations. And we look forward to being of service to you again in the future.

At Horizon Services, we pride ourselves on our quality, professionalism and accountability, and we strive everyday to deliver the best customer service experience possible. We have become the #1 locally owned and operated plumbing, heating and air conditioning company primarily through word-of-mouth advertising and the referrals and endorsements we have received from our many, many satisfied customers. That’s why we heartily encourage you to share your opinions of Horizon Services — whether positive or negative — with as many of your fellow homeowners as possible.

If you have a chance, please take a few minutes to visit one or more of the many popular local business review websites and give your review of Horizon Services and the work we recently did for you. Your honest, unbiased comments and feedback will help your neighbors and fellow homeowners make informed decisions about plumbing, heating and air conditioning services and products…as well as help us improve and become a better company.

Please Visit Any of These Popular Review Sites and Directories for Local Businesses and Service Companies in Delaware, Southeastern Pennsylvania and Maryland…and Give Your Review of Horizon Services:

Related Information…

Horizon Services has been proudly meeting the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, drain cleaning, sewer & water line and equipment installation needs of businesses and homeowners in Delaware, Southeastern Pennsylvania and Maryland since 1989.

Horizon Services Sponsors Tour de Lance 5K Run/Walk – 8/18/10

mark — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:46:33 +0000

Annual Wilmington Event Benefits LIVESTRONG Delaware and The Lance Armstrong Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(WILMINGTON, DE ; July 12, 2010) — Horizon Services, Inc. – the premier plumbing, heating and air conditioning services and installation company serving Delaware, Southeast Pennsylvania and Maryland — is pleased to announce that they will be the presenting sponsor of the 2010 Tour de Lance 5K Run/Walk, benefiting LIVESTRONG Delaware, part of the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Founded by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, LIVESTRONG is a non-profit organization that fights to raise awareness for and improve the lives of people affected by cancer. Over the past 10 years, LIVESTRONG has raised millions of dollars to help cancer survivors and their families across the nation and around the world.

Now in its 6th year, the Tour de Lance has grown to be one of the region’s most-popular fundraising events, attracting runners and walkers from across the Delaware Valley and beyond. Money raised by the Tour de Lance will go to support LIVESTRONG’s programs and services in the region and nationally.

Horizon Services is not only sponsoring this year’s Tour de Lance event, many of its employees will be volunteering at the event and participating in the Run/Walk as part of Horizon Helps!, the company’s community service initiative.

“Horizon Services is extremely proud to have our name associated with the LIVESTRONG organization and this outstanding event,” said Mark Aitken, vice-president and co-owner of Horizon Services. “Chances are, all of us have someone we know who is battling or has been affected by cancer. The work that LIVESTRONG Delaware and the Lance Armstrong Foundation are doing is making a significant impact in the war on this horrible disease and helping people here in our own backyard meet the challenges of cancer. We encourage everyone throughout the Delaware Valley to take part in this great event and help out this worthwhile organization all year long.”

The 2010 Tour de Lance will take place along the Riverfront in Wilmington, DE on Wednesday, August 18, 2010. All participants will receive a bundle of FREE GIFTS which include: a T-shirt, metal water bottle, USB flash drive, a ticket to see the Wilmington Blue Rocks and admission to a post-race party. Awards will be given to top finishers in a variety of categories. There will also be a FREE kids fun run for children age 7 and under. A splendid time is guaranteed for all!

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Time: 6:30 PM (Registration at 5:00 PM. Kids fun run at 6:20 PM).
Address: Dravo Plaza, Next to Blair Outlet Center on the Wilmington Riverfront
Fees: $18 until Aug. 15th, $22 thereafter

For More Information and To Register:

About LIVESTRONG:

Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrongand based in Austin, Texas, LIVESTRONG fights for the 28 million people around the world living with cancer today. LIVESTRONG connects individuals to the support they need, leverages funding and resources to spur innovation and engages communities and leaders to drive social change. Known for the iconic yellow wristband, LIVESTRONG’s mission is to inspire and empower anyone affected by cancer. For more information, visit www.LIVESTRONG.org.

About Horizon Services, Inc.:

Media Contact:
Margaret Aitken
(302) 419-4334

###

FREE Refrigerant Recharge with Any Air Conditioning Service Call

mark — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:02:23 +0000

An Online Exclusive!

FREE Refrigerant Recharge with Any Air Conditioning Service Call with Coupon Below (Expires August 31, 2010).

Is your air conditioning system not cooling as well as it did before? We can fix that. With this coupon, we will recharge your air conditioner with refrigerant for FREE with any service work performed on your air conditioner. That’s right, absolutely FREE no matter how much you need.

Click the button below to view and print your air conditioning recharge coupon. Clip and present to your Horizon Services technician this summer…and enjoy big savings!

(Note: This coupon is a PDF file. Adobe Reader is required to view and print. If you don’t have Adobe Reader, please Click Here to Download a Free Copy.)

Horizon Services to Sponsor 2010 Delaware County Summer Festival at Rose Tree Park

mark — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:44:13 +0000

Join Us for Over 40 Evenings of Free Music and Entertainment!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(WILMINGTON, DE / MEDIA, PA; June 8, 2010) — Horizon Services, Inc., the premier plumbing, heating and air conditioning services and installation company serving Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland, is pleased to announce that they will be a corporate sponsor for the 36th season of the Delaware County Summer Festival at Rose Tree Park in Upper Providence, PA.

The 2010 Delaware County Summer Festival runs June 11, 2010 to August 15 2010 and features performances every Wednesday through Sunday evening from some of the region’s best musicians and entertainers. All performances are FREE to the public and begin at 7:30 PM unless otherwise noted. The scenic hill side amphitheater features four grass terraces and is conveniently located in beautiful Rose Tree Park, located at Route 252 & Rose Tree Road, just off Route 1 in Upper Providence Township.

Mark your calendars, grab your blankets and chairs and join us for a summer full of spectacular entertainment for the entire family. The roster of entertainment includes all styles of music — from rock to jazz to reggae to classical. Some of this season’s big names include favorites Blackthorn, The Fabulous Greaseband, Charlie Gracie and the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldier’s Chorus. 48 dates in all!

Refreshements are for sale at all concerts or you may bring your own food and drink (alcoholic beverages are prohibited). For everyone’s safety and comfort, pets and smoking must remain outside the amphitheater. There’s plenty of parking; handicapped parking is available in the lower level parking lot. Wheelchair accessibility is provided and there are handicapped-equipped restrooms.

There are no rain dates for concerts called off due to inclement weather, so cancellation decisons are made right up until showtime. If a show has been cancelled, there will be a recorded message on the information hotline. Rain in the hours preceding the show does nto mean the show has been canceled. Every effort is made to ensure the safety of the performers and audience.

For More Information and a full Festival Schedule, visit www.co.delaware.pa.us/summer or call 610-565-7410.

Be Part of the Evening Fun All Summer Long at Rose Tree Park!

About Horizon Services, Inc.:

Media Contact:
Margaret Aitken
(302) 419-4334

###

Thank You!

mark — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:16:09 +0000

Your survey and entry form have been successfully submitted. We thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. Your responses will help us improve our website and marketing as well as offer you better service.

We will select and contact the winner of the Philadelphia Union tickets on or about August 18, 2010. Cross your fingers; IT COULD BE YOU!

Thanks for taking our survey!

Be Sure to Check Out These Great Links!

FREE Refrigerant Recharge with Any Air Conditioning Service Work: Is your air conditioning system not cooling as well as it did before? We can fix that. Get your FREE Coupon and we will recharge your air conditioner with refrigerant for FREE with any service work performed on your air conditioner. That’s right, absolutely FREE no matter how much you need. Expires August 31, 2010!

The Horizon Comfort Zone: Visit our blog for informative articles on energy efficiency and a wide variety of home topics!

Get Connected! Follow Horizon Services on Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites! (Facebook and Twitter fans get to take part in exclusive, secret contests!)

Tips and Articles: View our library of practical plumbing, heating and air conditioning articles for the do-it-yourselfer!

Special Offers and Coupons!: Check out the latest money-saving offers from Horizon Services!

Horizon Helps!: Learn more about our new community service initiative!

Blasts from the Past from Our Blog!

Horizon Services: The only full-service plumbing, heating, air conditioning, drain cleaning and sewer and water line replacement company in Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland that guarantees on-time service, up-front pricing and the job done right and clean the first time!

Make Sure You’re Covered for Sewer Backups

mark — Fri, 28 May 2010 20:01:37 +0000

A Little Insurance and Preventive Action Offer a Lot of Protection Against Sewer Related Damage

If you’re a homeowner, here’s one of the worst nightmares you can experience. Torrential downpours deluge your propety and neighborhood with rainwater, overwhelming your home’s sewer system or your sump pump’s ability to handle the water runuoff. The next thing you know, you have raw sewage backing up into your home’s drains, overflowing toilets and tubs or flooding your basement. A backed up sewer can do a real number on your home, causing thousands of dollars in damage to floors, walls, furniture carpeting and electrical systems, as well as pose a major health hazard.

No problem. You’ve got insurance, right? Not so fast. According to the Insurance Information Institute, most sewer system backups are not covered under a typical homeowners insurance policy, nor are they covered by flood insurance.

Uh-oh.

For homes that have been severely damaged by sewer backups and are uninhabitable, your basic homeowners policy may include Loss of Use coverage, which provides reimbursement for lodging, food and other living expenses you may incur if you have to vacate your home. Loss of Use coverage also reimburses you for the lost rental income if you rent out part of the house. but that’s about all you’re going to get with your average homeowner’s policy.

For most consumers, coverage for sewer-related problems must be purchased either as a separate product or as an addition to a homeowners policy. Fortunately, sewer backup coverage is available from most insurance companies for a nominal cost. The sewer and drain professionals at Horizon Services recommend that most consumers in our rain-prone region of Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland err on the side of caution and purchase this additional insurance. You can typically purchase sewer backup insurance for an additional premium of $40-$50 per year; a small price to pay for significant piece of mind and protection. If you live in a flood plain or near a river or stream, you may be required to carry flood insurance, as well.

What Causes Sewer Backups

Most homeowners probably don’t realize that they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their main sewer line — the pipeline that runs between their house and the muncipality’s sewer main, usually located underneath the street. The main sewer line is owned and maintained by the property owner, including any part of the line that extends into the street or public right of way.

Over time, these main sewer lines can easily deteriorate, crack, collapse or become obstructed. You may not have a clue that this kind of damage is occurring. But one severe rainstorm may be all it takes to bring the problem to a head.

Some of the more common causes of damaged sewer lines and sewer line backups are:

Aging Sewer Systems: More than half of nation’s sewer lines are 30+ years old or connected to aging municipal sewage systems. After decades of wear, tear and obstruction, the sewer line and system no longer have the capability to withstand heavy demands and so they back up and overflow.

Combined Pipelines: Some newer sewage and drainage systems combine storm water and raw sewage into the same pipeline. During intense rain storms, these combined systems are exposed to more volume and debris than they can handle. with nowhere else to go, the outgoing water and sewer backs up into basements and other low lying drains.

Tree Root Infiltration: Shrubs and trees seeking moisture can make their way into cracks or through joints in your sewer line, causing extensive blockage and damage. Tree roots can travel a long way; the damage may occur from a tree on your property, a neighbor’s tree or a tree on public property. Samples of the tree roots can be obtained to identify which party is responsible for cleanup and repair.

Blocked Municipal Lines: Many times the problem has nothing to do with your property, but with a blockage in a your municipality’s sanitary main running under your street. If the blockage is not detected in time, sewage from the main can back up not only into your home but your neighbors, as well.

Usually this kind of backup happens slowly, giving you plenty of time to call a licensed plumbing, drain and sewer company like Horizon Services. If water and sewage back into your basement at a rapid rate, don’t delay; call your municipality’s public works office or sewer department and report the problem immediately.

How You Can Prevent Sewer Line Backups

There are several preventive measures homeowners can take to minimize the occurrence sewer line backups.

Proper Disposal of Grease and Food: Grease, fats, gravies, sauces and cooking oils should never go down your kitchen drain but should be poured into a heat-resistant container and disposed of in the garbage. Once in your drain, these substances will cool off and solidify either in the drain or in the main sewer, eventually building up to a massive clog. Food particles should never go down the drain unless run through a garbage disposal first.

Proper Disposal of Paper Products Properly: Toilet paper and human waste is the only thing that should go down your toilet. Diapers, paper towels, feminine products and food should never be flushed; these products do not deteriorate and can easily clog your main sewer line. Even facial tissue should be avoided; it does not dissolve as easily as bathroom tissue does.

Replace Your Pipes: One way to prevent collapsed sewer lines or tree root infiltration is to replace your old clay or metal sewer lines with today’s newer plastic or PVC pipe. If you have continuing problems with tree roots in your sewer line, you may have to have the roots cut or your line cleared periodically.

Install a Backwater Prevention Valve: These fixtures are installed into a sewer line in the basement of your home to prevent sewer backups. They allow sewage to go out, but not to come back in.

What to Do If You Experience a Sewer Backup

Sewer backups can produce a host of nightmares for homeowners, including disease, mold formation, destruction of valuables, foundation damage and electrical malfunctions. Prompt cleanup is necessary to restore sanitary conditions and prevent further damage. If you experience a sewer backup situation, at a minimum, your cleanup should include:

Wet-vacuuming of all floodwater
Mopping floors and wiping walls with soap, water and disinfectant
Flushing and disinfecting plumbing fixtures
Steam cleaning or removing wet carpets or drapes
Repairing/removing damaged wall and floor covering
Cleanup of ductwork

How to File a Sewer Backup Claim

Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible after your sewer backup has occurred. For insurance purposes, it’s a good idea to take before and after photos of the affected areas of your home or basement and itemize any property losses. Save all receipts related to repair, cleaning or damages related to your sewer backup.

Wet, Leaky Basements are Common in Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland

Most basement flooding in the Horizon Services service area is not related to the problems in the sewer system. In many cases, the settling of your house or soil around you house leads to rainwater flowing toward your house and down the outside of the foundation wall. That water can then seep into your basement through small cracks in the foundation or basement slab, especially after a severe rainstorm when the ground is completely saturated. This can be alleviated by digging trenches or installing drain systems that draw water away from the house. Owners may also be able to prevent future flooding by water sealing the basement, using a sump pump or installing a French drain system. Consult a basement specialist for help with these kind of problems.

Related Information…

Horizon Sewer & Water Line Repair and Replacement Services

Horizon Services has been proudly meeting the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, drain cleaning, sewer & water line and system installation and replacement needs of businesses and homeowners in Delaware, Southeastern Pennsylvania and Maryland since 1989.