Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Archive for the ‘Fox Valley Plumber’ Category

Signs You Need Commercial Plumbing Repairs

Wednesday, December 9th, 2020
signs you need commercial plumbing -

Signs You Need Commercial Plumbing Repairs

As a general rule, commercial plumbing systems are used more often compared to residential ones. This is mainly due to the number of public and employee restrooms as well as the huge supply of water needed for your Appleton, WI business. 

At least once in your business’s lifespan, you will need commercial plumbing services. At Tureks Plumbing Services, we provide a wide range of professional plumbing services for businesses all around Wisconsin. 

Your business’s need for plumbing repair services depends on the age of the plumbing system. Not sure whether your plumbing system is working properly? Read the signs to you need commercial plumbing repairs below. 

Bad Odors From Your Drains or Pipes 

If you turn the tap in your bathroom on and notice a repulsive smell coming into the room through your drain, this may be an indication of sewage backup. Having backed up sewage is not a light matter and should be addressed immediately. Ignoring this issue may cause a lot of damage to your commercial property. This may also affect the health of your customers and employees negatively.

Not to worry, though. Fox Valley plumbing companies can handle any plumbing problem, whether it be burst pipes or clogged drains.

Water Stains on Your Walls 

Have you taken note of any water stains beneath plumbing pipes or on your business’ walls? This may be the result of leaky pipes. Our Fox Valley commercial plumbing experts have been trained and equipped with leak detector equipment and other tools that can be used to find leaks in the plumbing system of your business. 

Once the leak detection is complete, and the locations have been pinpointed, we form a plan that details how we’ll remedy the leaks. Depending on your specific preferences, we may end up re-piping your business using either copper pipes or PEX pipes. 

Leaks may seem like a tiny problem but should not be ignored. Minor leaks develop quickly into a bigger issue that’ll cost you more money to fix. If you aren’t sure how serious a leak is, you should contact our team for an estimate on sewer pipe repair in Appleton, WI. We will assess the damage and work with you to solve the problem. 

Have You Been Experiencing Low Water Pressure?  

Have you noticed that the water in your toilets or sinks is flowing slowly? This may be a result of clogged pipes. Low water pressure indicates that you need to hire a commercial plumbing company. The sooner you contact a professional, the better. As a business owner, you want to avoid any plumbing emergencies, if possible. 

Do You Have Discolored Water Coming From Your Pipes?

This could be an indication of corroded pipes. Discolored water is typically brown or yellow. It should be noted that any type of water discoloration should be looked into immediately.

In some cases, the reason for an abnormal watercolor could be excessive dirt in the water supply in your area. No need to get worked up though, Fox Valley commercial plumbers will fix it for you at an affordable rate. To do this, we may need to replace or repair your pipes to ensure your customers and employees’ health. 

High Utility Bills

On a general scale, commercial enterprises have high utility bills. However, if you notice a sudden spike in your bills, it may an early sign of a huge plumbing leak. Contact your maintenance plumber in Appleton, WI, if you expect a leak. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a St. Paul plumbing company, agree that not addressing this issue early on may lead to your building having a mildew or mold problem.

Lack of Hot Water 

For some enterprises, hot water is important for many operations, while for others, having lukewarm hot water isn’t a big deal. To make sure your customers and employees are comfortable, have a local plumbing company come to access your water heater. You may need a water heater repair or replacement if you’re not getting hot water immediately. 

You Have Burst Pipes

Sometimes, especially during the winter, water that’s frozen inside your pipes may cause your pipes to burst. This can cause a lot of damage if it’s not immediately fixed.

While it may not be easy for you to find the affected pipes, having your plumber from a commercial plumbing company in Appleton, WI, such as Tureks Plumbing Services, take a look and provide solutions is your best option. 

You may realize after reading this article that you require commercial plumbing repairs in your business. Our Tureks Plumbing Services team is available and happy to be of service. Contact Tureks Plumbing for all your plumbing needs, whether it be residential or commercial plumbing.

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7 Plumbing Problems You Should Not DIY

Wednesday, November 11th, 2020

Plumbing Problems You Should Not DIY

As a homeowner, you’ve probably DIY-ed a bit around your house, from the broken drawer handle to the leaky faucet. These projects are basic and can be done in a few hours. However, there are times when you need to call your Appleton, WI plumber. Otherwise, you may end up creating a bigger problem than the initial issue. Keep in mind that some states do require a licensed contractor to complete plumbing jobs. Below our plumbing contractors share seven plumbing problems you should not DIY.

Gas Leaks 

Gas leaks are very rare, but they’re still hazardous to human health and to human life as well. If you do recognize the rotten egg smell that is a sign of gas, then you should evacuate the house immediately.

Then contact emergency services as well as a Fox Valley plumber and wait outside for help. Do not attempt to fix the leak yourself. A certified plumber knows how to deal with natural gas. This also applies to any gas-related problems you might be experiencing. For your own safety as well as that of others, do not try to fix the issue yourself.

Expanding or Moving Your Pipes

If you are planning to expand your plumbing or to move your pipes on your own, we suggest you don’t. To do this, you need a permit before you can begin your operations, and you also need a professional plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services.

Expert plumbers who are licensed know the code requirements that ensure that you and your family are safe and that you are within regulations.  

Standing Water

This refers to any body of stagnant water. If you ever encounter standing water in your home, contact a Fox Valley plumber immediately. It does not matter if it’s your sink, toilet, or water heater. It can be caused by leaky pipes, a clogged sewer line, or cracks in the house’s foundation.

Most of the time, standing water is a sign of a bigger issue. So before you begin digging into the problem, get a professional Appleton, WI plumber who will use their expertise to determine the exact cause and repair the problem before your house turns into a waterpark.

Rerouting External or Internal Pipes

If your DIY repairs involve the tearing down or opening up of a wall or the digging up of your yard, then you should, without a doubt, get a professional involved. The issue may be larger than it seems, and without expert knowledge, you can’t really tell for sure. 

If you would like to reroute your pipes, involve a certified plumber first. They will inspect your home and make sure that it can accommodate the changes you’d like to implement. A professional plumber will also determine whether those modifications will be up to the plumbing regulations and standards that are set by the local and state government. If they aren’t, they may suggest other ways to execute your desires. Their knowledge helps advise on practical ways of doing what you want, the right way.

Plumbing Appliances

If your appliances such as the sump pump, water heater, or any other water-based appliances have issues, it’s best to have an expert come check them out. The maintenance or replacement of these appliances can be a demanding process that requires skill. Only a licensed plumber from a Fox Valley plumbing company can replace or repair these appliances correctly.

Large Water Connections & Water Pressure

Every homeowner should have the know-how or ability to turn off the water supply in their own home. For simple DIY projects, shutting off the water is not a big deal. However, if you are unsure about which lines to shut off or you need to handle a large water connection, it would be best to call in a professional. 

Your home’s water pressure can be tricky to maneuver. Do It Right Plumbers, an Orange County plumbing company, often gets calls from customers complaining about their water pressure. Most have tried just about everything and can’t seem to figure it out. Trust us, it’ll save you the time and hassle if you contact a professional plumbing company.  

Foul Odors

Bad smells may be an indication of a much larger issue. More often than not, it is caused by bacteria that feed on the buildup inside your pipes. The materials you flush down the drain can cling to the pipes’ sides and create a biofilm.

If some vents of your plumbing system fail, you may also notice a foul odor coming from them. The bottom line is the pipes need to be taken apart and cleaned. This should be done by a professional plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services. Contact us today for the professional plumbing help you need.

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When Should You Have Your Pipes Relined?

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020

When Should You Have Your Pipes Relined for Your Appleton Home?

when should you get your pipes relined - Tureks Plumbing

Like electrical wiring, plumbing is one of those things that has to work optimally at all times to avoid potential household disasters. Sewer lines play an especially crucial role in the home, and any issues that aren’t addressed can result in major sewer line repair fees and possibly structural damage. However, while plumbers in Appleton, Wisconsin advise their clients to stay on top of their plumbing maintenance. Replacing pipes is just about the worst kind of home repair project you could go through. It is disruptive, expensive, and chances are your Appleton plumber will have to dig up your yard to fix the problem.

So, aside from replacing the damaged pipes, what alternatives do you have for sewer pipe repair in Appleton, WI that aren’t as expensive and disruptive? Well, you could choose to reline the damaged pipes, a restorative measure that’s easier, faster, and costs a lot less. Currently, an evolving technology, pipe lining in Appleton, WI can be used to correct a wide variety of plumbing issues. With this technique, a special resin is used to repair your pipes from the inside. A resin-saturated felt tube, usually polyester or fiberglass, is inserted into the damaged pipe and the resin hardens, creating a new and in some cases stronger pipe within the damaged one.

The following plumbing issues can be addressed with pipe lining technique, so if you notice any of them, contact an Appleton Wisconsin plumber right away.

Common Plumbing Issues

Plumbing is essential to homes everywhere, but everyday use puts immense stress on it, leading to wear and tear over time. Ideally, the resulting issues should be addressed by a plumber in Appleton Wisconsin early enough to prevent them from becoming too severe. They include:

Burst Pipes  

Solid and oily materials will undoubtedly be part of your waste, and they can build up and cause blockages within your piping. Water pressure will start building up within the pipes and if left unchecked, will continue to increase until the pipe bursts. How would you know your piping has a blockage? McQuillan Bros, a plumbing company in Minneapolis, says to watch out for unpleasant smells coming from the drains, gurgling sounds, lush green plants growing around your sewer line, slow or failed draining, raised water levels, and dampness.

If a damaged pipe has gone unnoticed for a long time, the soil or ground around it may subside or sink over time as the sewage weakens its structural integrity. If the pipe lies beneath the building’s structural points, cracks may start to appear on the floors or in the walls. Trying to fix the cracks would be an unwise short term solution.  Instead, contact a plumber in Appleton Wisconsin to address the root of the problem. If it is due to a blockage in the piping, you will benefit from the ease and simplicity of pipe lining in Appleton Wisconsin.

Root Intrusions

This goes to all the Appleton, Wisconsin residents who have plants, especially trees, close to their sewer lines. Sewer lines provide water and nutrients to the plants, so when there is a leak, a root might push its way into the pipes and clog them. Once the roots are in, they will slowly grow and expand until the pipe is completely clogged. To prevent it from getting this far, watch out for:

  • Slowly emptying drains, especially when you flush the toilet
  • Gurgling noises
  • Sinkholes can form if the root intrusion is extensive. At this stage, the structural integrity of your foundation may be in question, so contact a plumber in Appleton Wisconsin immediately to come and inspect your property. 
  • Bad odor coming from the drain.

If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, contact a plumber right away. Your plumbing can be fixed with pipe lining repair in Appleton WI.

Rust and Deterioration

If you used steel pipes, chances are they will eventually start rusting due to their constant exposure to moisture. This weakens their structural integrity, making them susceptible to leaks. Additionally, all kinds of pipes are subject to wear and tear, and over time, they will degrade in quality. Watch out for:

  • Discolored water coming from your taps.
  • Stains underneath the sink or discoloration in the wall. Try looking at the ceiling of a room directly underneath a bathroom.
  • Warped bathroom walls. If there is a leak due to deterioration, the drywall in your bathroom may become moist and begin to bubble, causing it to warp and eventually break. You will have to contact a contractor to repair the drywall once the Appleton plumber is done repairing the leak.

Pipe relining in Appleton, WI is a new and exciting technique for fixing damaged pipes and removing blockages. Not only is it easier and faster than replacing damaged pipes, but it is quite easy on the pocket, and your precious yard won’t be uprooted in the process. Have you noticed any of the above issues on your property? They ought to be fixed right away, and pipe relining in Appleton, WI is the best way to do that. Contact Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin today. 

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Home Plumbing Maintenance

Wednesday, August 19th, 2020

All About Home Plumbing Maintenance

home plumbing maintenance - Tureks Plumbing Services

Basic preventative plumbing maintenance in Appleton, WI, for your plumbing system can go a long way. After all, any leak, clog, or dripping faucet that is left unattended only worsens. That’s why we at Turek’s Plumbing Services recommend that regular preventative maintenance is done on the plumbing system of your residential or commercial property. Such an exercise helps professionals to spot and fix problems early. For this reason, we encourage all Fox City homeowners to give us a call anytime you need residential plumbing services.

Drain Maintenance

You wouldn’t be wrong if you mentioned that drains are one of the most vital components of the plumbing system. Without drains, water and other forms of waste wouldn’t be able to flow out of your home. The net result is that the toilet, kitchen sinks, washing machines, and showers wouldn’t work as you expect them to. 

It is, therefore, vital that you do what you can to avoid having to deal with a clogged drain. Fortunately, periodic drain maintenance is usually sufficient to prevent most drain issues. For those that do occur, our plumbers in Fox City are available to address those defects, so you don’t have to.

How do you keep drains working? One way we recommend to keep drains working properly is by being conscious about the things that go down the drains. For example, getting rid of feminine hygiene products in toilets is a sure way to clog up the toilet drain in just the same way as dumping grease down a sink will eventually clog it up. You can also buy a biodegradable drain cleaner and regularly use it to keep your drains clean and free from deposits. Contact a plumber in Appleton for help in choosing the best product since many on the market are acidic or caustic and can damage the plumbing pipes.

Plumbing System Inspection

As you may be aware, the plumbing system is a complex network of valves, pipes, taps, and drains. All these components work collectively to keep water flowing through the system. If one of these components develops a defect, the problem is likely to affect other aspects of the system, and soon enough, you will notice that something isn’t right.

To ensure that everything remains working perfectly, it is advisable to get a plumbing system inspection says Minneapolis plumbing company, McQuillan Bros. The plumbers will conduct a detailed inspection of the plumbing system on an annual basis. 

How do you know you need a plumbing system inspection? Our experienced plumbers know what to look out for in order to fix any inefficiencies or developing defects in the plumbing system. We recommend that you invite a plumber in to conduct plumbing maintenance in Appleton, WI for the reasons listed below. 

  • You are about to buy or sell a home
  • You have recently remodeled your home, especially the bathroom and kitchen
  • You want to switch to a different type of water heater, such as a tankless water heater
  • The plumbing system in your home hasn’t been inspected for two or more years
  • You’ve observed problems that seem to be systemic, such as multiple drains that are slow

Get a Home Service Plan

It isn’t always easy for you as a homeowner to remember all the things that you need to do to keep the plumbing system working at its best. That is why we recommend that if you live in Appleton, Wisconsin, sign a plumbing home service plan with us at Tureks Plumbing Services. We will perform all the needed preventive maintenance as well as perform timely repairs as soon as we notice a defect.

Such preventive maintenance will increase water heater efficiency, avert expensive plumbing emergencies, improve plumbing system performance, and improve overall system safety. Get a home plumbing system service plan at Tureks Plumbing Services and take the pressure off your shoulders. Contact a Fox Valley plumber today if you would like to know more about our home service plan, or if you need help with any aspect of the plumbing system.

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How Does the Trenchless Pipe Repair Process Work?

Wednesday, August 5th, 2020

How Does  the Sewer Pipe Lining Process Work?

  • trenchless sewer repair in Appleton WI

Having sewer lines replaced or repaired can be difficult. Traditional pipe repair methods require a long, deep trench from your house to your curb to gain access to the pipe underground. This method is costly and can be damaging to your property, says Rancho Cordova Pipe Repair Company, Gilmore Heating, Air, & Plumbing.   

Fortunately, Tureks Plumbing Services now offers trenchless pipe repair so that you don’t have to go through those problems. If the pipes were made from clay, iron, concrete, or other materials, chances are those pipes are worn down. One of our pipe repair professionals in Appleton, Wisconsin, can perform a camera video inspection to confirm that you can benefit from our trenchless pipe relining service, or another method would be better suited to the existing defect.

Trenchless Pipe Repair Explained

First, our pipe repair company in Appleton, Wisconsin will determine if trenchless pipe relining can be done on your property. 

  1. A pipe repair technician will use a sewer camera to identify and evaluate the problem.
  2. An access hole is dug at both ends of the pipe. 
  3. A flexible tube is pushed into the old pipe. The flexible tube looks like neoprene, and it is coated with a special resin.
  4. The technician pumps compressed air into it so that it can blow out and cling to the interior walls of the old sewer pipe. 

After several hours, the resin hardens and then there will be a solid pipe inside the existing pipe. At this point, the pipe will have a slightly smaller internal diameter. This is hardly anything to worry about because the pipe will allow wastewater to flow through easily since the pipe is now smooth, and roots will no longer penetrate it.

No Damage to Trees

When undergoing traditional methods, any trees in the way of the trench have to be uprooted to access the pipes underneath. With point repair, trees can remain intact during the work.

Using advanced tools, Tureks Plumbing Services personnel can map and locate all the underground utilities to avoid disruption of those areas. This is why trenchless pipe repair doesn’t pose threats to anything else underground.

Pipe relining may not be an option if the sewer pipe on your property has a low point where water can pool. Similarly, offset pipe sections also preclude the use of trenchless pipe repair, and our Appleton plumber will recommend an alternative repair method, such as traditional excavation or pipe bursting.

Is Trenchless Pipe Repair Right for Me?

The only way to be certain that trenchless pipe repair is feasible on your property is by having an experienced professional conduct an inspection. If the method is applicable, you will get to enjoy this long-term, cost-effective pipe repair method. Even if trenchless pipe repair can’t be used, we will use the most suitable techniques and tools to restore the structural integrity of the sewer pipes on your property. Contact a Fox City plumber today and learn more about how trenchless pipe repair can be used in your home.

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5 Bad Habits That Could Ruin Your Bathroom Plumbing

Wednesday, June 24th, 2020

If you would like to take the preservation of the plumbing system of your home to a whole new level, you have to shine a light on your habits and drop those that are bad while maintaining those that support the service life of a plumbing system. In this blog post, we look at some of the bad habits that could ruin bathroom plumbing in your Appleton, Wisconsin home.

Taking Long, Hot Showers

What? Yes, that long, hot shower that you take to reinvigorate your body and mind after a long day at work isn’t doing the plumbing system any favors.

How does this happen? The specialists at Turek’s Plumbing Services explain that even with proper ventilation, hot showers have a knack for making moisture (or steam in this case) to access every nook, cranny and crevice in the bathroom.

As you may already know, warmth and dampness are the perfect combo for the growth of mold, so your long, hot showers are paving the way for a mold problem to fester in your bathroom.

We at Turek’s Plumbing Services know the immense benefits of taking a hot shower, so we will not recommend that you kick them to the curb. Instead, we advise that you take shorter hot showers (not exceeding 10 minutes), ensure there’s as much ventilation in the bathroom as possible, and avoid cranking up the temperature of the water too high.

Letting Hair Buildup

The reason why most plumbing clogs occur in the shower and bathroom sink is largely because of hair. If the hair falling into the bathroom drains isn’t removed periodically, it will accumulate to a level that will block the flow of water through the drain.

If the blockage isn’t fixed, you may end up with a burst pipe. Bathroom remodel professionals in Appleton, WI therefore suggests that you use a clothes hanger to extract the hair that gets into the drains so that no buildup is allowed in there. This proactive step will save you from making so many service calls to Appleton Wisconsin plumbers.

Leaving Standing Water on the Bathroom Floor

If you wouldn’t leave standing water on your kitchen floor, why would you leave it on the bathroom floor? Standing water can damage and warp bathroom flooring, and this in turn can compromise the plumbing components underneath the affected sections of the flooring.

The resultant damage caused by standing water in your bathroom is unlikely to be covered by your home insurance policy, so not only are you going to feel the pinch in your pocket, but you also risk slipping and falling as you walk on that wet floor.

At Turek’s Plumbing Services, we recommend that you buy a bigger shower mat or rug so that the problem of standing water is no more.

Neglecting Water Backups

Does water back up or flow slowly through the toilet or shower drain? Take action immediately so that you fix this problem in its early stages.

For example, if the slow drainage is due to trapped hair, remove the drain cover and use a straightened hanger with a hook at its end to extract the trapped hair.

Similarly, if you notice mineral build ups on the showerhead, Sacramento, CA plumbers suggest that you rub vinegar or shampoo on that spot. The mineral deposits will be gone and your bathroom plumbing will be free from a potential defect.

Leaving Damp Materials

Mold thrives in moist environments that have access to the light, and that is exactly what your damp towels and loofahs provide. 

If you are in the habit of using a towel and then dumping it on the floor or in the hamper, then know that you are making it easy for mold and bacteria to find a haven in your bathroom.

It is therefore advisable for you to hang up your towel to dry after using it, and place your loafers in a well-ventilated spot so that they can dry as well. Replacing the loofahs periodically is also a good practice to develop since you will protect your health and the plumbing system from being infiltrated by the microbes growing on these moist items.

At Turek’s Plumbing Services, we know it can be very difficult to break a bad habit just as it is difficult to maintain a good one. That is why we offer our services to homeowners in Appleton, Wisconsin. We use our routine service calls as an opportunity to point out any habits that seem to be compromising the plumbing system so that the needed changes can be made. Remember, our aim is to give you information to help you minimize plumbing problems so that you only call us to fix the issues that you cannot address on your own. Contact Appleton, WI plumbers today and join our growing list of happy homeowners!

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7 Signs You May Have a Water Leak

Wednesday, June 17th, 2020
Water Leaks- Turek's Plumbing

While some plumbing defects, such as a clogged toilet, can be obvious, others (like a water leak) aren’t so obvious. Knowing what to do when you have a water leak on your property is very important. Here are some surefire signs that the experienced plumbers at Turek’s Plumbing Services, the best plumbing company in Appleton, WI, recommend that you look out for.

Abnormally High Water Bills

Plumbers in Appleton, Wisconsin say water bills tend to be fairly constant on a monthly basis with just a slight variation of about ten bucks or so from one month to another. If your water bill suddenly jumps and there is nothing (like a recent house party) to explain the rise, then you may have a leak somewhere.

The Sound of Running Water

The moment you hear water running, check the faucets and spigots on your property to confirm that none of them is responsible for the sound you are hearing. Next, note down the water meter reading and avoid using any running water in or outside your property for about half an hour.

After that interval, take note of the meter reading and see if there is any variation. If the readings show that some water has been used, you may be having a leak somewhere. Perform a visual inspection of the obvious places like sinks, faucets, and other points of use.

If you can’t immediately identify the leak, call Turek’s Plumbing Services, and one of our experienced plumbers in Appleton, WI will use leak detection equipment to identify and fix the leak.

Damp or Wet Floors

Did you recently walk across a damp or wet section of carpeting and your kids swore they didn’t spill anything? If that happened and your dog didn’t have that tell-tale guilty look, then you might have a water leak that caused the spot of wetness.

Using a towel to mop up that moisture isn’t going to fix the problem. Instead, do your own investigations so that you can confirm the source of the leak. Contact Tureks Plumbing, a plumber in Appleton, WI immediately before other problems, such as mold and mildew, arise.

Foul Odors

Sometimes, a foul odor may be the first indication that you ever get of a potential water leak on your property. 

Call a plumber immediately because the most likely cause of the foul odors whose source you cannot pinpoint may be mold growing. Mold poses serious health risks, so the sooner the leak is located and fixed, the better for your family and property.

A Lush Patch on Your Lawn

There are few things that can cause small patches of grass to look more luxuriant than the rest of the lawn. One is excess fertilization of that area, and the other is overwatering that section of the grass.

If you don’t recall making any of those mistakes, then you may have a water or sewer pipe leak to contend with. The moisture and nutrients from the leak will feed the grass in that area and the result will be the lushness you see.

Wall Cracks

Over time, even the smallest of leaks can eventually cause cracks to develop in the foundation of your home explains McQuillan Bros, an HVAC and plumbing company in St. Paul. and As those foundation cracks become more pronounced, you could notice vertical or horizontal cracks in the walls of your home.

Call as soon as you observe those wall cracks because the water leak may have gone on for months or even years without detection, so the sooner our plumbers act to fix the leak, the less the damage your property will suffer.

Low Water Pressure

Our friends at Do It Right Plumbing, a plumbing company in Orange, CA, says that an unexplained drop in water pressure may indicate that there is a leak somewhere on your property. However, experienced plumbers caution that clogs and problems with the municipal water supply could trigger a drop in water pressure, so these must first be ruled out before a leak is suspected. Get professional help for this.

If you have observed one or more of the signs above on your residential or commercial property, get on the phone immediately and talk to Turek’s Plumbing Services if you live in Appleton, WI. Our plumbing specialists have extensive experience in detecting and fixing water leaks, so the problem will be resolved quickly and decisively. Contact us today!

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How To Properly Clean Your Sink Drains

Wednesday, June 10th, 2020
Properly Clean Sink Drain- Turek's Plumbing

While you may think that your bathroom is spotlessly clean, the odors from the sink may send a contrary message. Those smells may be due to the different items, such as hair and soap residues, which gradually build up inside the drain. If these aren’t cleaned out periodically, they can accumulate to a level that results in clogs within the system. Follow the recommendations provided below by Tureks Plumbing Services, a plumbing company in Appleton, WI, to easily keep the sink drains clean.

Remove Debris on a Weekly Basis

Prevention has always been better than cure, and that’s why we at Turek’s Plumbing Services recommend that you get into a weekly habit of getting rid of debris from sink drains. Do this by removing the adjustable metal stopper and clean as far inside the drain as you can access. Clean the stopper itself as well so that it is free from debris buildups.

Use an Appropriate Drain Cleaner

Ask any Fox Valley plumber and they will caution you against using corrosive cleaning products when cleaning sink drains. This is because those corrosive products are dangerous not just for the plumbing pipes but the septic system as well.

To kill the bacteria responsible for the unwanted smells you notice, pick a biodegradable and non-corrosive pipe cleaner. Use this product as directed on the label, but in any event no more than once a month.

Turek’s Plumbing Services cautions against using antibacterial products or bleach to clean sink drains. These will harm the pipes and sewer system.

Unclog the Sink

You can use one or more of the four steps below to unclog sink drains without calling a Fox Valley plumber for help:

Use Boiling Water

Take about half a gallon of boiling water and pour it down the drain. Many of the clogs in sink drains are due to the accumulation of soap residues and some solids, such as hair, trapped in the caked residues.

For this reason, plumbing companies in Orange County, assure you that the hot water will break up many of those clogs and they will flow down the drain. 

Plunge the Drain

Tureks Plumbing Services strongly suggests that you select a plunger that can form a seal on the opening of the drain. If you aren’t sure that you have the right plunger, ask a plumber to recommend a product.

Plunge the drain five to six times while the hot water is still slowly making its way down the clogged drain. The pressure created will expedite the process of breaking up the clog.

Use Baking Soda and White Vinegar

To use this method, plumbers in Sacramento, CA from Gilmore Heating, Air & Plumbing recommend that you start by pouring approximately half a gallon of water down the drain. Wait for several minutes and plunge the drain several times to break up as much of the clog as possible.

Thereafter, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain and leave it to sit for several minutes. Now take a cup of white vinegar and pour it down the drain as well. Cover the opening of the drain immediately so that as the mixture of vinegar and baking soda foams, it is forced to move through the clog and break it up in order to flow down the drain.

Leave this mixture to sit inside the drain for at least an hour. Thereafter, get another half a gallon of hot water and rinse the drain with it. One additional reason for using vinegar is that it will remove the odors in the drain.

Snake the Sink Drain

Some deposits in the sink drain may be so stubborn that the methods above may be unable to dislodge them. For such clogs, you may need to snake the drain.

Visit a local hardware store or talk to a Fox Valley plumber to secure a drain snake. Keep inserting and retrieving the snake until the drain snake can no longer find any more debris to remove from the drain. When you get to this point, pour some water down the drain and confirm that the sink drain is now working properly.

The measures above will generally be sufficient to keep your sink drains clean and clear. However, some homeowners may notice that the drains keep developing clogs from time to time despite every effort made to prevent such an occurrence. In such a case. Contact Turek’s Plumbing Services for professional advice. Our experienced plumbers will inspect the drains and recommend the best course of action. For example, you may need to replace the old plumbing pipes with plastic ones which are less prone to clog formation. Contact us today and start enjoying trouble-free drains!

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How To Reduce Water Waste

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2020
Reduce Water Waste - Turek's Plumbing

When every penny counts, it is wise to look for every opportunity to conserve the resources at your disposal. One of the ways to do that is by reducing water waste. Here are some easy water-saving tips recommended by the experienced plumbers at Turek’s Plumbing Services, a plumbing company in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Whole-House Water Conservation

According to the EPA (Environment Protection Agency), the average American home loses about 10,000 gallons of water each year to dripping faucets, pipe leaks and constantly running toilets.

Fox Valley plumbers say this is literally money down the drain, so your water conservation efforts should begin by addressing these issues. The best way to fix leaks, constantly running toilets and other plumbing system problems that waste water is by asking a plumber to perform annual maintenance on the plumbing system.

The professional will identify all the leaks and repair them so that you can stop losing water and money on a daily basis.

Water Conservation In The Bathroom

More than half of all the water used in your home is used in the bathroom. Read that again, and let it sink in. The greatest water waste reduction dividends are therefore likely to be registered when you pay attention to the way you use water in your bathroom.

For starters, upgrading to the latest low-flow toilets can save you up to 20% of the water you currently use, according to Headwaters Construction Inc., a commercial renovation contractor. These savings will increase even further if you get a dual flush toilet so that you can use less water when flushing liquid waste and a little more water when flushing solids.

Rather than take a bath, opt for a short shower in order to reduce your water waste. While at it, a low-flow showerhead recommended by your Fox Valley plumber will cut your water use by half.

It is also a good habit to turn the faucet off while you shave or brush. Train your family members to adopt this habit as well so that you all work as a team to reduce water waste.

Water Conservation In The Kitchen

According to Appleton, WI kitchen remodel experts, washing dishes by hand uses a lot more water than using the dishwasher. It is therefore prudent for you to wait and run a full load in the dishwasher instead of a few dishes at a time.

Additionally, dishwashers have become so efficient and effective that you no longer need to pre-rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. The water you use to pre-rinse will have been wasted.

In contrast, scraping off food particles from plates and dishes before putting them in the dishwasher will conserve water.

While on the subject of scraping dishes, put the scraps on your compost heap instead of dumping them in the garbage disposal says Sacramento, CA plumbing company, Gilmore Heating, Air, & Plumbing. Appleton plumbers say this will save the water that would have been used to clear the garbage disposal of these food scraps.

Saving Water In Your Lawn Or Garden

You also need to shine a light on how you use water outdoors if you are to plug all the points at which water is wasted.

For example, at what time do you water your garden or lawn? Any Fox Valley plumber you ask will tell you that it is best to water gardens or lawns early in the morning or late in the afternoon to save water since minimal evaporation will take place at that time.

Our friends at McQuillan Bros, an HVAC, and plumbing company in Minnesota, recommend aerating the lawn periodically so that more water can be soaked up instead of running off each time it rains or you water that lawn. In this way, you will reduce the amount of water needed to keep the garden or lawn thriving.

You can also start harvesting rain water in a rain barrel or any other available receptacle. This water can be used to water the lawn and your garden, thereby reducing your water bill. Your plants and grass will thrive as you give them this rainwater that is free from chlorine. Talk about killing two birds with one stone!

Saving water starts with knowing all the ways in which you have been wasting water on your property. Contact Turek’s Plumbing to perform a water use audit in your home. Our experienced plumbers will then recommend all the cost-effective ways through which you can reduce water waste and keep water bills affordable. Give us a call today!

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Garbage Disposal FAQ

Wednesday, May 27th, 2020

Garbage Disposal FAQ

Garbage disposals are one of the unsung heroes in our homes. These appliances prevent the kitchen sink from constantly clogging up. They also make the task of washing dishes less cumbersome. These appliances are in almost all homes, but not many people fully understand how they work. Understanding how they work is important to prevent possible issues. Turek’s Plumbing Services, a plumbing company in Appleton Wisconsin, has put together this compilation of the most common questions people have about garbage disposals. Read on and get the answers to the questions you have always wanted to ask!

Is the Garbage Disposal Dangerous?

The image that many people have in their minds about garbage disposals is that this appliance is chockfull of knives and blades which are just waiting to chop anything that comes their way. This mental picture scares people so much that they don’t want to even open the garbage disposal to see what is inside!

The plumbing maintenance experts at Turek’s Plumbing Services assert that while garbage disposals have some sharp moving parts, the bulk of the work is performed by a rotating hammer that will not do much damage to your hand.

This means that you can turn the disposal off and carefully use your hand to remove an object that is stuck there.

How Can I Maintain the Garbage Disposal?

Plumbers in Sacramento, CA from Gilmore Heating, Air, & Plumbing say that there are a number of things that you can do to keep the garbage disposal working at its best. Those measures include:

  • Run it frequently so that the moving parts and other components don’t corrode or develop other defects due to long periods of disuse.
  • Leave the garbage disposal to run for a while even after it makes a sound that shows you that the garbage has been ground up. This additional run time will get rid of all food remnants and the disposal will be free from residues that can trigger corrosion, nasty odors, and other problems.
  • Speaking of smells, it is a good habit to periodically place citrus peels in the garbage disposal. The grounded peels deodorize the garbage disposal and prevent odors from developing.

Can the Garbage Disposal Affect the Dishwasher?

If you notice that the dishwasher isn’t draining properly, the garbage disposal may have some issues. For example, some people forget to remove the drain plug when they first install a new garbage disposal. Consequently, water from the dishwasher will have no channel to flow through and it will backup. 

Which Foods Shouldn’t Be Put in the Garbage Disposal?

To keep your garbage disposal running properly, there are certain foods you should never pour down the drain. Some foods will have an adverse effect on the garbage disposal or the plumbing system. Those foods include:

  • Grease. It can cool and harden, and over time, clogs will develop as more solids get trapped by the grease.
  • Fibrous foods, such as celery stalks, eggshells, corn husks and onion skins.
  • Seeds, bones, and kernels.
  • Coffee grounds.

We know that you will still have questions about your garbage disposal from time to time, and that is why at Turek’s Plumbing Services are inviting you to contact us for quality plumbing. Our experienced plumbers will give you all the information that you need to fix minor garbage disposal issues. We will handle the more complex defects so that you don’t have to worry about the plumbing system of your home. Contact us today!

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