37fcf2b25437f6f767513716fb7e876e5752e3af

What is a Plumbing Snake?

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 10:15:00 GMT

What is a Plumbing Snake?

The simplest plumbing snake is a metal cable that has been twisted and equipped with a hand crank that can make it move along its path. Its task is to slide through your bathtub or sink drain in an attempt to discover the obstruction which is the cause of your misery.

Manual plumbing snake comes in 25- and 50-foot lengths, and many homeowners are aware of them as a must-have. It's available at a lot of hardware stores and is priced at a reasonable cost.

A toilet auger is a distinct style of design suitable for toilets with an odd shape. It features a bend that is suitable for going into the lower part of the bowl.

Mini-rooters are electric snakes at least 50 to 75 feet long. It could come equipped with attachments that can cut through obstructions. The attachments make this a risk for anyone who isn't comfortable using a tool like this. They're not typically strong enough to make the necessary cuts through the tree's roots.

A sewer Auger can be used for those who are adventurous. Keep in mind that these are usually professional-grade; not every plumbing system is the same way. Based on the age and overall state, using a sewer auger that is not supervised by a professional could result in damage to your home's plumbing system.

Be aware that when dealing with clogs, success usually means producing a mess. Set up your work area using clothes. The aim is to win the battle against a blockage, and often that's as simple as pulling off the blockage and never pressing it down.

If you're experiencing a difficult blockage or require professional plumbing or installation help, we are here to help!

How to Keep Your Plumbing in Tip-top Shape?

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 09:56:34 GMT

How to Keep Your Plumbing in Tip-top Shape?

Do you know the times you've used your water every day? We don't usually keep track of this mundane job. We just expect the system of plumbing to function according to the way we want it. The hot water should flow freely. The toilet needs to flush. What happens if neither of these things happens? If you keep your plumbing in top shape, you don't have to worry about clogs, leaks, or backups. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your plumbing will make a difference!

Schedule Plumbing Repairs Early

When you spot any issue regarding your plumbing system, whether it's the result of a minor blockage or a leak, you should contact an experienced plumber. The earlier you plan plumbing repairs quickly, the more efficient it will be. In the case of a leak, in particular, one that is causing water damage, the likelihood is that water has been flowing through the pipe for a considerable amount of time. It is common for us to not notice pipe leaks till the damage starts to manifest. In the meantime, the water is already accumulating under floors or in the walls behind. Get repairs and leak detection at the first sign of a leak.

Additionally, addressing a repair promptly means fixing the issue before it gets worse.

Shut Off Valves

As a homeowner, you must be aware of the workings that are involved in your water system. For example, do you know where the shutoff valve is in the plumbing system? If not, you need to locate the valve to be able to refer back. If your plumbing has an overflowing or burst toilet, you must be aware of how to turn off the water prior to the situation getting any worse.

In addition, you should keep in mind that as well. Both the water main as well as the sewage line should be at the top of your list when you encounter a plumbing issue. Switch off both until you receive help from a professional. This will minimize the risk of having lengthy plumbing issues.

Basic Plumbing Tips

The scheduling of plumbing repairs and understanding the location of your shut-off valves is vital information. Let's continue with some helpful plumbing tips to boost efficiency while reducing the necessity for repairs completely.

Drains: A slow or blocked drain is, hands down, the most frequent plumbing problem homeowners face. Be aware of your drains and recognize the symptoms of a blocked drain. Additionally, you should avoid pouring anything in the drain besides toilet paper, water, and other items that are safe.

Leaks: A slow leak means trouble. If you've got a leak that is not discovered, it could mean extensive water damage, expensive repairs, and an increase in your costs for water. Be sure to check your pipes beneath the sink, near your hot water heater and behind your appliances to find leaks.

Water pressure: The best pressure for water in a residential area is between 40 and 85 psi. Anything higher than that can put tension on the plumbing fixtures and pipes. Get a low-cost gauge from an area plumbing supply store to check your water pressure at times.

If you have any plumbing maintenance or plumbing repair requirements, call us for the best service. We are available anytime to get this support.

How to fix the jiggling handle?

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 09:15:00 GMT

How to fix the jiggling handle?

Most people have a favorite place that's been around for a long time. This restaurant may be known for serving the most delicious and affordable food. It also boasts one of the oldest restrooms you have ever seen. They do have a sign that reads "jiggle the handle" above the toilet.

It makes the restaurant seem more authentic, but you might not want to do the same thing at home. These are some tips to prevent that embarrassing moment from ever happening.

You don't know the amazing feats of engineering that lie beneath the lid at the back of the toilet. Now is the time to find out. You can now flush the toilet and get a front-row seat to what happens between the flap and handle.

Now, jiggle the handle to see what it does. Is the chain preventing the flap from closing, or is the float ball obstructing it? One small adjustment can be enough to allow the flap to perform its task and stop the water from running when it is full.

If this doesn't solve the mystery, it may be time to replace your flapper. If you feel confident about replacing your flapper yourself, make sure to note where it attaches (most attach to the sides of the flush tube). Then, visit your local home improvement shop.

We can help you if this is not something that you plan to add to your holiday chores. We love to work with toilets, getting them in shape for holiday guests.

Four reasons not to flush feminine products down your toilet

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 08:56:31 GMT

Four reasons not to flush feminine products down your toilet

There are many things you shouldn't flush down the toilet, including grease, fat, condoms, and flushable wipes. But one thing that can cause damage to your plumbing is feminine products such as tampons. Here are four reasons not to flush feminine products down your toilet.

1. Tampons are absorbent by design and don't break down.

Why are tampons bad for plumbing? Tampons must be able to absorb water and not quickly break down in order to serve their purpose. Even biodegradable pads can take several weeks to months to break down. If you flush a tampon and it passes through your plumbing, it will either end up at the sewage plant intact or sink to the bottom of the septic system, creating a blockage with other tampons. Tampons are designed to "clog" your plumbing in a way.

2. Pipes are clogged by tampons.

Tampons can be soaked in liquid for up to ten times their original size due to their absorbency. If there is any corrosion in your pipes or roots growing into them, tampons could get stuck in the pipe. This can cause a dam effect. The cog can eventually become so severe that it causes human waste to rise through the drains.

3. Tampons damage septic systems.

Flushed tampons can cause further problems if they make their way into your home's plumbing. They don't decay, so they can take up space in the septic tanks, block distribution tubes, and cause sewage to seep through your drains.

4. Water utilities spend billions of dollars on maintenance and repairs due to tampons.

This is not a fair statement. The National Association of Clean Water Agencies states that tampons and other items that should not be flushed are the main culprits in tax-payer losses of billions of dollars. These items need to be removed from the water by using screens and chemically treated.

They are then sent to the landfill after being removed from the water. It doesn't matter if you flush it or wrap it in tissue paper and toss it in the trash; it will all end up in the dump. However, tampons flushed can cause damage to plumbing and increase costs to our already stretched infrastructure.

It's not a good idea to flush a tampon or similar item down the toilet. Human waste and toilet paper -- these are the things that can only be flushed down. All other items can go in the trash or be recycled. Toilets aren't trashcans.

We can help if you have concerns about the contents of your toilet, slow drains, or gurgling pipes. We will arrive at your home and fix the problem.

Kitchen Tips: Items You Shouldn't Put Down Your Garbage Disposal

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 12:30:03 GMT

Kitchen Tips: Items You Shouldn't Put Down Your Garbage Disposal

If properly used, a garbage disposal can be an extremely useful and efficient appliance for kitchens. If it is not handled with care, it could cause more hassle than it is convenient. This post will go over the top reasons you must avoid doing so at your disposal. You might be aware of some, but some might come as unexpected.

Grease and oil are major no-nos. When hot, fat-laden liquids like grease and oil are dumped into the drain, they'll eventually cool and become solid, and eventually will cause a blockage.

Rice and pasta. Starchy foods such as rice and pasta can expand after being immersed in water (even after cooking) and then become sticky, which means they are more likely to be sucked up and clog your pipes.

Grounds from coffee. Not only do coffee grounds wear away the cutters on your disposal, but huge amounts of them can be compacted and block the drain.

Bones. Even small ones such as chicken wings are too difficult for the garbage disposal to manage. There is a risk of damaging the blades as well as the motor.

Pits of fruit and seed. Like bones, seeds and pits are too hard for blades. Additionally, the round objects are thrown around in the disposal, making an awful sound.

Produce stickers. When washing fruits, make sure to take off the sticker and dispose of it in the garbage. If it falls into the disposal for garbage, then the glue could get stuck to the blades.

Celery. Stringy vegetables can become entangled in the blades and cause damage to the motor. This is why it's important to avoid peeling onions and asparagus, lettuce as well as corn husks.

Seafood shells. Shells made from crab, shrimp, and lobster are often too thick and cause wear on the cutting blades of the garbage disposal.

Eggshells. Despite claims that eggshells assist in sharpening the blades, that's actually not the situation. The membranes of the shells may be entangled and cause damage to the disposal.

Non-food items. This is obvious, but things such as medications, paper towels, and even harsh chemicals should not go in the trash. Not only do they ruin your garbage disposal, but they could create sewer line backups and can affect the water quality.

The message is straightforward -- take proper treatment of the garbage disposal, and it'll take the best care of you. A tiny amount of things that fall into the garbage disposal accidentally will not cause any major problems. However, you should be careful to avoid letting it happen again.

If the garbage disposal seems not to get the job done any longer or you're noticing that your kitchen sink is draining slow, do not hesitate to contact us.

What Should You Do if Your Hose Bibb Froze Over Winter?

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 12:04:16 GMT

What Should You Do if Your Hose Bibb Froze Over Winter?

The spring season is the perfect time to take advantage of the warmer temperatures and finish up tasks outside such as cleaning your car, washing it, or putting in a new garden. One of the most common ways to ruin your springtime vibes is to find out that your faucet outside is running dry.

If you didn't winterize your hose bibb, the water inside might have frozen over time and could damage your plumbing in the interior, create an enormous mess, and can become expensive if not dealt with immediately.

With us, this is the time of the year when a lot of our customers contact us to repair the frozen bibb of their hose. Here's the information you should be aware of.

The signs of a frozen hose in the bibb

You might not be aware that the hose bibb of your hose has frozen during the winter months until you start the faucet your first time in spring. At that moment, you might notice a lower pressure in the water or hear running water inside your home from the opposite part of the bibb. This is a sign that the water has frozen, expanding, bursting, and puncturing the pipe.

What is the reason hose bibbs freeze?

If water is left in the hose bibbs and inside pipes during the winter months, it could be exposed to freezing temperatures and even freeze (even if your home is well-insulated). Older hose bibbs for hoses are particularly vulnerable because they are narrow and let water be able to sit up the faucet.

Modern outdoor faucets, commonly known as frost-proof bibbs, have a better chance of protecting your plumbing as the shut-off valve is located deeper into the house to keep it from freezing temperatures. If you didn't leave the hose on the frost-proof bibb, water within the hose might be frozen and back up to the faucet.

What you can do

The first step is to inspect the hose bibb, the interior pipe, as well as the supply valve before turning the outside faucet the initial time. If you notice any water spots on the walls or on the floor or you notice that the pipe is damaged or broken, ensure that the supply valve is off.

If you're not skilled in the plumbing, replacing a hose bib that's broken is best left to an authorized plumber. It is essential to place and install a hose bib with frost protection in a way that water is pitched toward the wall's exterior, in addition to other things. If you install it incorrectly, the hose bib could be left exactly where you were last spring. The level of difficulty depends on the condition of the hose bibb, whether it is visible in your basement or concealed behind a wall.

Is your showerhead leaking? These are 5 Possible Causes

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 08:15:00 GMT

Is your showerhead leaking? These are 5 Possible Causes

A steady, pleasant shower is a must-have for anyone. If the water continues to drip out of your showerhead even after you turn off the shower, you may have a problem. A leaky showerhead will not only make a loud, annoying sound in your bathroom but can also cause water waste and increase your water bill.

Here are five reasons your showerhead is leaking in your bathroom. Once you have identified the problem, you can determine whether the showerhead should be repaired or replaced.

1. Showerheads clogged

The holes in your showerhead can get blocked by minerals, especially if you have hard water. If water cannot pass through the holes, it must go somewhere. Usually, it leaks from the base or faceplate of the pipe.

Solution: It is quite simple to solve this problem. Place a bag of vinegar around the showerhead so that the head is covered in vinegar. The bag can then be left to sit for 12 hours. The vinegar should dissolve the mineral deposits. Use a small brush for any remaining deposits. Turn on the shower to check that water is flowing freely from all holes.

2. Rubber seals that are worn out

Rubber O-rings and washers are found inside the showerhead. They are made to ensure watertight connections. These rubber parts can crack or break down, which can allow water to leak where it isn't supposed to.

Solution: Remove the showerhead and remove the rubber seals. You can take the old parts to the local home improvement or plumbing store so that you can find the right size for replacement.

3. Defective handles

The shower head may leak, but the problem could be in the shower handle. If you have a compression faucet with separate hot and cold handles, the washer seals behind your handles may wear down and allow water to flow up and out of the showerhead, even if it is turned off.

To find out which side is leaking, turn the hot and cold faucets on and off one by one. To replace the washer seal, remove the handle.

4. Malfunctioning diverter valve

The diverter valve is activated when you switch the water flow from the bathtub faucet to your showerhead. This valve, like all other parts, can wear down over time or become clogged up with mineral deposits. It can be replaced or cleaned depending on the condition of the diverter valve.

The solution is more complex. First, turn off the water supply. To access the diverter valve, you will need to first remove the faucet handle. If there is mineral buildup, it can be hard to remove. Once you have removed it, you can clean the valve with a wire brush and vinegar. If the valve looks damaged, it is time to replace it.

5. Cartridge valve failure

The cartridge valve controls the temperature and flow of water from a faucet. It could be letting water that is not needed go up to the showerhead if it is old and worn. It should be replaced.

Solution: This is similar to the diverter valve. However, accessing the cartridge can be more difficult than other solutions. To access the cartridge, you will need to take off the faceplate from the shower faucet. This part is best left to a professional plumber.

Leaking showerheads are a common problem that you can fix yourself. If you have any particular questions or need to be sure that the job is done properly by professionals, we are here for you.

Are you looking for your septic tank? Here's how to find it

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 07:53:46 GMT

Are you looking for your septic tank? Here's how to find it

"It's nine o'clock, and where are the septic tanks located?" Okay, maybe that sounds a little dramatic, but this is a common question we get from our customers. This is especially true for homeowners new to the area who may not be familiar with its inner workings or have not needed septic tank services yet.

It is important to know the precise location of your septic tanks in order to maintain them or plant new landscaping. We can offer some guidance if you are looking for your tank.

You need to know the precise location of your septic tank.

If you don't have municipal sewage service, your home probably has a septic tank that will divert and store all of your wastewater underground.

A septic system can be dependable and economical, but it is not maintenance-free. The EPA recommends that a septic tank should be inspected every three years and pumped every three to five. You can also have problems with the pipes or tank. You will need to locate your septic tank so that you can have it serviced.

How to locate your septic tank?

Ask your neighbors. If you have a toilet tank, it is likely that your neighbors also have one. You might be lucky enough to find someone who knows where it is or can help narrow your search.

Public records. Your local municipality or county may have a septic map that shows the dimensions and diagram of your property. To check if there is any mention of a sewer tank or its location in the home inspection report, you should first visit your local records office.

Follow the sewer pipes. If you need to locate the tank yourself, then go into the basement and locate the sewer pipe that leads out of the home. The pipe is usually four inches in diameter. Next, go outside and trace the route of the pipe to the opposite side of the wall. Use a metal soil probe and poke small holes into the ground to trace the route of your pipe until it reaches the tank. The probe will make a noticeable difference when it hits the tank's flat surface.

Take a look around your yard. If you have a large property it may feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You can filter out structures, paved surfaces, and water wells to make your search easier. You might also notice a patch of grass that is a little greener or faster than the tank.

Locate the septic tank lid. Regardless of how precise you are in pinpointing the tank's location, it may take some digging to find the tank's lid. The soil probe can be used to determine the perimeter of the tank. Most tanks are approximately 5x7 feet in size. Once you've marked the edges, you can start digging in the middle and working your way around to the lid. If you aren't servicing the tank immediately, it's not necessary to open the lid and let the pungent fumes escape.

Once you have located your septic tank, make sure you keep it in a safe location or mark the exact location for future reference. This will prevent you from adding structures to the area or planting roots near the septic tank and sewer pipe. You may find a map or hand-written schematic helpful when you are selling your house.

Types of Water Well Pumps You Might Need For Your Home

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 08:00:00 GMT

Types of Water Well Pumps You Might Need For Your Home

There are many advantages to having a water well system instead of being tied to the municipal water supply. The most significant benefit is having your own supply of water and not paying for the expensive costs of water.

If you are planning to build a new home or realizing that it's time to replace your well pump, it is possible that you are still not certain what to choose. Let us go over the various types of pumps that are available.

Water well pumps of different types:

Centrifugal pumps - Only suitable for wells that are shallow. This type of pump makes use of centrifugal force (like the force of a toilet) to push water upwards up the pipe and then into your home. They are relatively simple to use and will provide a long time of service.

Jet pump - Perfect for medium-depth wells. A jump pump makes use of an impeller and suction in order to draw water.

Submersible pump - A deep well submersible pump is installed into the well. It is able to push water through the pipe to the house.

Solar-powered pumps - Because these pumps don't require an electrical source of power, they are more efficient than conventional pumps. They are more costly initially to set up, but they will save you cost of energy.

Air-driven pumps - Also known as pneumatic pumps. The machines operate on air rather than electricity. Before you get enthusiastic about this possibility, they are typically only employed in non-residential areas like commercial and industrial structures.

Manual pumps - Typically, you will only need to depend on the manual pump in an emergency or for temporary circumstances. The best part is that they're light, cheap, and easy to put in and take out of the well.

How deep is your well?

One of the primary aspects to take into consideration when selecting an appropriate water pump will be the deepness of the well. Most of the time, when the well is not more than 25 feet in depth, then a centrifugal or shallow-well jet pump will work. If the well lies between 25 and 110 feet, a deep-well jet pump is generally the ideal choice. For deep wells, one could consider a submersible pump to be the ideal choice.

Other essential components of water pumps

Alongside the motor and the mechanisms for bringing water up from the ground, your water pump could include these crucial elements.

Pressure tank - Monitors flow of water and regulates water pressure for uniformity.

Check valve - A one-way valve which stops water from flowing back to the pipe before it goes into the well.

Pressure switch - Automatically shuts off the pump if pressure is too high to avoid injury.

Foot valve - Typically found in deep-well pumps; the foot valve blocks the water from returning into the well from where it came.

How to Remove a Shower Drain Cover

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 07:38:22 GMT

How to Remove a Shower Drain Cover

Every one of us has, at some point, been a victim of hair blocking the drain. If your bathtub drains slowly or you are sitting in several inches of sudsy water during every shower, the problem is likely to be beneath the cover of your drain. It's an easy fix so long as you understand how to correctly remove a bathtub drain cap.

There are many kinds of drain covers for showers, and each one comes with specific instructions on how to remove them. Here are the most popular shower drain covers that we commonly encounter:

Drain covers that pop up: They usually come off straight away; however, some may require some effort.

Screw-in: Screw-in drain covers look like a strainer. To remove them, you simply remove the screw using the appropriate screwdriver, then take them off.

Toe-touch: Shower drains that are appropriately named because they can be opened and closed using a single press on the tip of your toe. To get rid of this kind of drain, take the drain out of the open position and then remove the cap. (Remember lefty loose, righty tight!) If that doesn't work, try a screwdriver slot to get rid completely of the mechanism.

Do you not see your shower drain's cover above? Don't be alarmed! We also offer services for flip-it, turn-and-lift push/pull, and any other drain covers available.

Unblocking the shower drain

If you're struggling with an annoying clog beneath the shower drain, there are a variety of DIY and non-prescription solutions which can offer temporary relief. They include removal tools for hair, baking soda, vinegar, or even a plunger to remove the blockage.

Remember that these are quick fixes that must be followed by calling the plumber in order to prevent the build-up from repeating or getting deeper in the drainage pipe.