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

Reasons for Water Heater Leaks

Wednesday, May 20th, 2020

Reasons for Water Heater Leaks

Water heater leaks can cause inconveniences, can be costly, and can result in damage to your property. However, water heater leaks come with the added risk of being potentially fatal. It is important for you to know the best course of action to take for water heater leaks. Turek’s Plumbing Services shares what homeowners should do during water heater leaks.

Confirm That the Water Heater is Indeed Leaking

Don’t be quick to conclude that your water heater is leaking simply because you have seen some moisture around it. This is because the heater is surrounded by many pipes, fittings, and connections. The leak may originate from any one of those other elements.

To isolate the source of the leak, plumbing professionals in Appleton, WI recommend that you clean up the water underneath the water heater and then examine the water pipes, connections, and any other features near the water heater.

If you don’t see another puddle forming, then it is likely that the moisture you saw earlier was the result of normal condensation around the water heater. If you see another puddle form, but you are unable to identify an external source, it is likely the water heater.

Turn the Power Off

Once you confirm that your home or commercial water heater is leaking, Headwaters Construction Inc., a Sacramento commercial construction company, highly recommends that you quickly turn off the power to the water heater. You can do this in one of two ways, depending on the type of fuel that your water heater runs on.

  • Electric water heaters. Go to the circuit breaker box and switch off the breaker of the water heater.
  • Gas water heaters. Check on the water heater itself and locate the power switch. Turn this switch off.

Turn the Water Off

If there your home or commercial water heater is leaking, it is important for you to turn the water off immediately. Doing so will prevent further leakage occurs while you are fixing the problem. Another reason why the plumbers at Turek’s Plumbing Services recommend that you turn the water off is that the hot water from your heater can cause serious injuries to you while you try to fix the leak in the heater.

Locate and turn off the water from the cold water shutoff valve located at the top of the water heater. If it is risky for you to access this valve, then don’t sweat it. Just turn the water off from the main shutoff valve located outside your home so that you can be safe while fixing the leak.

Reasons for Water Heater Leaks

  1. Loose Connections or Fittings. The fittings and connections found on the cold water inlet, and hot water outlet side of the water heater can become loose and cause the water heater to leak. These fittings and connections are found at the top of the heater. The solution may be as simple as tightening those connections and fittings explains Sacramento, CA plumbing company, Gilmore Heating, Air, & Solar.  You should talk to a plumbing maintenance professional from Gilmore Heating, Air, & Solar to help!
  2. A Malfunctioning T&P Valve. A T&P valve is the temperature and pressure release valve on your water heater. This valve is one of the most important safety features on the water heater. It allows excess pressure to escape once the water heater exceeds the set temperature that the water should be heated. High temperature causes the pressure in the tank to get dangerously high, and the T&P valve steps in to restore the pressure and temperature to a safe level. This component of the water heater is very dangerous to troubleshoot if you aren’t a professional, so it is best to ask a plumber in Appleton, Wisconsin, for help.
  3. A Defective Drain Valve. The drain valve is located near the bottom of the water heater. Over time, this valve can deteriorate and start leaking. Fortunately, the drain valve is easy to replace or fix once it leaks, so buy a replacement valve if you check the current one and find it leaking at the point where it is connected to the water heater.
  4. A Leak Inside the Tank. If your efforts to pinpoint an external source of the leak are futile, then the problem may be within the heater tank itself. Corrosion is normally the cause of such a leak. The most viable remedy is to replace the water heater.

Call Turek’s Plumbing to Fix Water Heater Leaks

As a general rule, you should not attempt to fix a leaking water heater on your own if you aren’t a trained professional. Be cautious and call Tureks Plumbing Services for a water heater repair. Our trained Appleton, WI plumbers will inspect the heater and recommend the best course of action.

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Kid-Friendly Activities for Quarantine 

Wednesday, May 6th, 2020

kid-friendly activities during quarantine - Fox Valley PlumberFun Activities Kids Can Do During Quarantine

We’re living in challenging times, but it’s times like this where we need to come together as a community. At Tureks Plumbing, we’re taking necessary measures to protect our employees and our customers. If you have a plumbing emergency contact us at. If you have a non-plumbing necessity, like picking up your groceries, we’re here for you. Just give us a call and let us know how we can help.

Many of us have a lot more time on our hands due to the mandatory shelter-in-place. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or uneasy at this time, know that it’s perfectly normal. Social distancing does not mean we can’t have fun, so let’s make the best of it! Those who are at home with little ones may be running out of things to do, which is why our team has put together a list of fun, affordable, kid-friendly activities for quarantine.  

Coloring 

Studies have shown that there are many benefits to coloring. Some benefits include reducing stress and anxiety while improving sleep and focus. So, if you’re feeling more anxious than normal, download and print these fun coloring pages! You and your kiddo can color together. Feel free to share a picture of your beautiful artwork on Facebook or Instagram. Don’t forget to tag us!

Puzzle

Puzzles are a great way to kill time with the whole family. Some puzzles range from 20 to 1,000+ pieces! We asked our friends at Gilmore Heating & Air, a Sacramento HVAC company, for puzzle recommendations. The HVAC professionals recommend smaller Disney themed puzzles for the little ones and bigger, more educational puzzles for the older kids. There are so many different puzzles to choose from! There are puzzles of animals, Disney characters, well-known cities, history, art, etc. Order puzzles from Amazon or Target and make it a goal to complete a puzzle every week.

Exercise

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 hours of moderate-intensity physical activity a week to prevent disease and improve quality of life. When we break that down, it comes out to 30 minutes of exercise, five days a week. Luckily, being stuck at home all day means more time for exercise! Our friends over at Headwaters Construction Inc., a NorCal commercial construction company, recommends the following workout! Get the whole family to do 10 jumping jacks, 10 push-ups, 10 high-knees, 10 crunches, and 10 squats. Repeat these exercises 3-4 times. Completing this quick circuit is a great way to get the blood flowing and burn off some of the kid’s energy. You can even get creative and have a push-up or crunch challenge. The winner recieves a special prize of your choice!

Science Project 

If you’re looking for a fun and affordable science project, grab a few liters of your favorite sodas and a pack of Mentos. This science project is a little messy, so we suggest going outside. Once you’re outside, have your kids uncap the different liters of soda and space them about five to ten feet apart. Next, take one or two Mentos and drop it into the soda bottle one at a time. Watch to see how each soda reacts to the Mentos. Enjoy!

We hope that you and your family are staying safe at this time. Although we’re not together, we’re not alone. We hope you enjoy these fun activities! Don’t forget to share pictures or videos of your favorite activities on Facebook or Instagram. Tag us at @tureksplumbingservices and we’ll reshare them to our Tureks community. For emergency plumbing services contact Tureks Plumbing today!

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Our Favorite Tankless Water Heater

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020

Favorite Tankless Water Heater - Rinnai tankless water heater - Tureks Plumbing ServicesOur Favorite Tankless Water Heater

We live in a world where technology is constantly changing for the better. So, there is no reason why you should remain stuck with an aging water heater that is not only inefficient and space-wasting but also doesn’t give you the hot water you need. Plumbing professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services would like to introduce to you our favorite tankless water heater, the Rinnai tankless water heater. This best-in-class appliance is our bestseller for a number of reasons as discussed below.

Endless Hot Water

A Rinnai hot water heater gives you the freedom to enjoy as much hot water as you want so that you don’t have to choose between using the dishwasher, doing your laundry or taking a hot shower. 

A Rinnai water heater heats water as you use it, so you can be sure that you will not run out of hot water simply because the tank of your traditional heater has run out of hot water. Tureks Plumbing Services knows how important time and convenience is to you, and that is why we offer you the best hot water heater that will provide hot water conveniently to you and your entire household.

No More Waiting for Hot Water

Anyone who has used a traditional water heater knows how frustrating it can be to open a faucet and wait for several minutes before hot water starts flowing through. This is particularly noticeable on chilly days.

Appleton home remodel contractors say that the water losses that occur as you wait for hot water to start flowing can add up to thousands of gallons of water each year. That is money down the drain, literally. 

With a Rinnai hot water heater, you get hot water just seconds after opening a faucet. This is a huge departure from the minutes required before you can get hot water from your traditional water heater. You will save time and money after installing a Rinnai water heater in your home.

Minimal Space is Required

Another critical reason why Tureks Plumbing Services is comfortable recommending Rinnai tankless water heaters to homeowners in Appleton, WI is that these water heaters are space-savers.

Traditional water heaters have huge tanks that occupy a lot of space. We all know that space in a home comes at a premium. So, any area occupied by the traditional water heater is space that you cannot use.

Rinnai tankless water heaters are designed for space economy, and they are typically the size of a small suitcase. Furthermore, the experienced installers at Tureks Plumbing Services assure you that Rinnai tankless water heaters are all designed to be mounted on walls. This allows them to be at home in the most compact of locations within your home.

What this compact design means is that less space will be taken up by the water heater.

Affordability and Efficiency Savings

There is no smarter choice when it comes to the supply of hot water in your home other than upgrading to a tankless water heater. This is because Rinnai tankless water heaters are gas-powered but produce less CO2 than others on the market. Their high efficiency also means that they qualify for tax credits in many jurisdictions.

Tureks Plumbing Services gladly helps all clients to benefit from any energy rebates available. This results in our clients making significant savings on the cost of acquiring the latest Rinnai water heaters. 

Additionally, the tankless design of the Rinnai water heaters means that the operational costs of using the heater will reduce. For example, traditional water heaters keep reheating the water inside the tank to ensure a ready supply of hot water. This constant reheating wastes energy and your monthly energy bill will be higher as a result. This wasted energy is all saved when you switch to a tankless water heater from Rinnai. By only heating water when you need it, tankless water heaters from Rinnai ensure that you get the biggest bang for your buck.

Reliable Tankless Water Heater

There is no reason why you should settle for anything but the best for your business and home. That is why we bring to you Rinnai, the bestselling hot water heater in North America. 

The experts at Headwaters Construction Inc., a commercial construction company, agree that when you install one of these tanks in your commercial or residential property, you will get more than three decades of innovation, product integrity, and support.

Additionally, Wi-Fi functionality means that Tureks Plumbing Services can keep an eye on the efficiency of the water heater. As well as quickly correct any defects that threaten to affect the performance of the appliance. 

Durability You Can Trust

Rinnai tankless water heaters aren’t only designed to be very reliable. They’re also made to last. These tankless water heaters are built to last nearly twice as long as the traditional water heaters that have tanks.

You will also enjoy a generous warranty when you acquire and install your tankless water heater through Tureks Plumbing Services. 

As you can see, you have every reason to get a Rinnai tankless water heater for your home or business. Rest assured that Tureks Plumbing Services has the best water heater there is. Contact us today, and our experienced technicians will assess your water heater needs.

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Do’s and Don’ts for a Shower Remodel

Wednesday, March 18th, 2020

shower remodel Appleton WI

Shower Remodel in Appleton, WI

Figuring out how to make your bathroom remodel dreams come true can be a challenge. Your main concerns would be, what materials to use, what style you want, or what colors would look best. You could also be on the fence about hiring a home remodeling contractor or doing it by yourself. 

Unfortunately, there’s no magic formula for remodeling your shower. But there are a few tips that you can follow which will make your task a whole lot easier. There are some don’ts as well that you should avoid.

Do’s for a Shower Remodel

Keep Maintenance in Mind

Ask yourself how much maintenance am I willing to endure? Many people don’t realize how frustrating cleaning tile grout is. We suggest opting out of this style so you can enjoy a low maintenance shower. 

Take Your Time Deciding the Materials 

If you’re remodeling your shower, you might as well do what you want to it, right? Of course, you should. Professionals recommend weighing out all the options, including the materials you’ll use. You may like something initially, but you may change your mind after it’s too late.

Ask Your General Contractor

Before you hire the contractor to remodel your shower, you’ll need to know the skill level they have. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the project. Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., a commercial building company in CA, recommend asking the following questions: For example, who will be managing the project? Who will be doing the hard labor? What materials will be purchased? How much does the shower remodel cost? The more questions you ask, the better you will feel about letting someone else do the project. 

Don’ts for a Shower Remodel

Don’t be a Pushover

Sometimes taking on projects can be stressful. If you choose the right contractor, they will do everything they can to provide the best experience possible. Your contractor should never push you into a home remodel design that you don’t like. At Tureks Plumbing, we love working closely with our clients to bring their home remodel dreams to life. If you are looking for a bathroom remodeling or kitchen remodeling company in Appleton, WI, contact Tureks Plumbing! We’re happy to help you in any way we can!

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Considering an Outdoor Shower

Wednesday, January 29th, 2020

considering an outdoor shower - Tureks Plumbing ServicesAn outdoor shower is an increasingly welcome idea for many homeowners. It comes with a number of benefits, especially during the summer. For example, it allows you to clean off the dirt that you don’t want in your house. This is a great option for homeowners who have kids. You can clean your pets on an outdoor shower too. It can also help if you have a swimming pool and need a quick shower before jumping into it. An outdoor shower has also been found to increase the value of your property. When considering costs, it’s recommended that you build your outdoor shower in either the fall or winter compared to the summer. It is much cheaper to complete home remodel projects in the off-seasons. You need a plan before calling a plumber in Appleton Wisconsin for an outdoor shower. This will ensure that you not only have a shower you can be proud of but will also not have to spend more than the necessary amount trying to maintain it. There are a number of factors that will influence your decision to get an outdoor shower.

Type of shower

There are a number of ways to set up an outdoor shower. You could decide to mount a hose and simply attach a brass of stainless steel shower head at the end. It is the simplest option and will not require much expertise. This option will work for you if you have no problem using cold water. 

You could also call a plumbing company in Wisconsin to fix you a pedestal or tower shower outside your home. Such a setup could include both hot and cold options. You can also choose between a permanent or semi-permanent pedestal shower. Most people prefer pedestal wall-mounted showers. 

You are required to have an anti-scald valve with your outside shower if you are planning to include a mixed-temperature control. 

Drainage

Depending on your municipal codes, your water should not be left to drain on the ground or through a bed of stones. Some codes require proper drainage like you could find in a building while others require that the shower be tiled with enclosed plumbing. Your Fox Valley plumber will be better able to provide you with the relevant information regarding your outdoor shower in Appleton. 

Amenities

It helps to include a few amenities with your shower such as a dry changing area. This area is important because you can store towels, soaps, and other important items that are required during a shower. Additionally, you could include a bench or a seat to make it easy for people to change. Make sure that the accessories you use are rust-proof. 

Winterizing your Shower

Your outdoor shower is only good for the summer. However, that does not mean you do not have to consider it during the winter. Prepare your plumbing for the winter to prevent damages, especially if your shower is permanent. Drain all pipes and hoses, open the taps where necessary and insulate the plumbing. Better yet, call a plumber to help winterize your shower to avoid spending thousands of dollars in repairs. 

Construction Materials

Pick materials that can withstand exposure to a myriad of elements. Wood, stone, metal, and tiles are available options for an outdoor shower. Remember, the material you pick will determine how much maintenance is required. Wood, for example, is trendy but requires regular maintenance. You can substitute this with faux wood tile which looks like wood but is more durable. Concrete is a great choice because it requires little or no maintenance and can withstand different elements. 

Deciding on whether you’d like to add an outside shower to your property is an important decision. That is why it is important to have a professional plumber from Tureks Plumbing helping you set up a shower you and your family can enjoy. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more about our bathroom remodel services or any other plumbing services. 

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Turn Your Bathroom into a Spa

Wednesday, January 15th, 2020

turn your bathroom into a spa tureks plumbing servicesSpa dates are always a welcome idea for many people. However, while it might seem like a great idea to go and de-stress, not everyone has the time to go to a spa. With so much happening in our lives, we need a place in our homes where we can relax and de-clutter our minds. Your bathroom is one of the most intimate rooms in your house. It is also the perfect spot to turn into a spa. You can choose to turn your bathroom into a mini-spa allowing you to get the full relaxing experience you would get in a real spa. This saves you money and time, allowing you to relax without having to get out of your busy schedule. Here are some interesting ways to turn your bathroom into a spa. 

Reduce the Clutter

You will find it hard to relax in a congested place. Make a point of de-cluttering your bathroom by storing your beauty and toilets away from your bathroom, perhaps in a medical cabinet. You can use the remaining space to hang an art piece or two. 

If you do not have anywhere to take your soaps, then consider working with shelves. These work well with small bathrooms. A few tiers of some decorative shelves will transform your bathroom. 

Consider Making Candle Arrangements

Candles are a great way to transform the ambiance of your bathroom. An artistic yet straightforward arrangement of your candles will give your bathroom the spa experience. Also, consider having a few plants in your bathroom. Low succulent ad air plants work best. Succulents are easy to maintain and allow you to use creative containers to build the right accent for your bathroom. 

Get Some Fancy Towels

Spas generally have an abundance of perfectly arranged towels. Get some fancy towels for your bathroom and make similar arrangements. This works especially well with small bathrooms because the towels will be more visible. 

You might include an artistic rack to display your towels. It allows your bathroom to look more intentional, just like a spa. 

Glam Up Your Floors

Instead of the traditional floor mat in your bathroom, get some bathroom rags. They will not only keep your feet comfortable and warm but will also create a luxurious feel in your bathroom. Go for trendy yet comfortable styles for that spa look and feel. 

Include Some Relaxing Sounds

Relaxing sounds are a great way of making sure that you actually relax in your bathroom. You might find this useful if you do not live alone. The sounds help drown out noises from other occupants in your house, allowing you to have some time to yourself. 

Currently, there are flexible options for music and sounds such as apps that you can download on your phone that allow you to stream music. You can also download a white noise app that provides you with a wide range of sounds that are aimed at helping you relax. Have a waterproof speaker with you to reduce the risk of getting your phone wet. 

It is possible to find tranquillity even in the most unlikely places. Get your bathroom remodeled by the best plumbers in Appleton, Wisconsin, and transform it into a spa you will hardly ever want to get out of. Contact Tureks Plumbing and enjoy fast and professional services all year round.

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Tips to Save Money on Your Bathroom Renovation

Wednesday, December 11th, 2019

Tips to Save Money on Your Bathroom Renovation - Tureks PlumbingMany homeowners put off remodeling their bathrooms and kitchens because the price tag of the renovation can be quite overwhelming. However, upgrading your bathroom doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg if you implement the following money-saving tips recommended by the bathroom remodel experts at Tureks Plumbing Services.

Put Together a Plan

There is nothing (cost-wise) as bad as starting your bathroom renovation when you don’t have a clear idea of what exactly you are trying to achieve and how you will achieve it. You are likely to make expensive mistakes. So, try to put a plan together and stick to it so that you can save money on your bathroom renovation.

To avoid making rookie mistakes, have a designer or remodel expert help you. These experts will come up with the most cost-effective ways to attain what you want. The cost you incur by hiring these professionals will pale in comparison to the savings that you make once the project gets underway. 

Don’t Shift the Plumbing

Tureks Plumbing Services strongly recommends that you keep the plumbing fixtures where they are if you want to keep the cost of the bathroom remodel affordably. As much as we make money by charging homeowners installation fees during remodels, we want to build relationships with our clients. So, we typically will advise against moving the plumbing if you’re on a tight budget (unless it is absolutely necessary). The money you save in this way can go towards other aspects of your renovation project, such as buying materials. Talk to an Appleton bathroom remodel professional first if you aren’t sure what you should do. 

Give the Mirror a New Frame

Think about this for a minute; when you say that you want to replace the mirror in the bathroom, are you tired of the mirror itself or the appearance of the frame no longer appeals to you? Oftentimes, the mirror itself may not be the problem. Rather, the frame may have started looking old, or the edges of the mirror could have started showing signs of wear.

Either way, giving the mirror a new stylish frame will cost less than replacing the mirror and its frame, and you will also transform the look of the bathroom mirror. How is that for hitting two birds with one stone! Our Appleton bathroom remodel experts can help you to select a frame that will match your stylistic needs during the renovation project.

Replace Just Parts of the Toilet

Did you know that changing the toilet seat and cover is enough to make your toilet look new? It is certainly more affordable to buy just a toilet seat and the cover instead of dumping the entire toilet in favor of a new one. You will save money on buying the new toilet, and you will save money on installation fees to fix the new toilet if you aren’t up to the task yourself. Tureks Plumbing Services has seen this done in lots of homes, so there is no reason why you can’t reduce how much you spend during your bathroom remodel by implementing the same money-saving tip.

Make Salvage Yards Your Favorite

You can also save money during your bathroom remodel by buying the materials you need at salvage yards, antique sales, and other home stores. One big benefit of shopping this way is that you can get one-of-a-kind pieces that will make your bathroom truly unique. You can get everything from cast iron tubs, a shower curtain valance, sinks, light fixtures, and everything else. The savings that you make when you shop in this way can quickly add up.

Go for Open Shelving

While the bathroom is a private place, not everything there needs to be hidden away. For example, why should you tuck your floral towels inside a dark cabinet? Do your pretty soaps deserve to be hidden inside a cabinet? Open shelving allows you to leave in plain sight those items that add color and beauty to your bathroom. Open shelving is also easier on the pocket. Appleton bathroom remodel experts say your bathroom will look larger than it is when you choose open shelving. This is definitely a good thing, especially if your bathroom is on the smaller side. 

Lighting is Your Friend

Nothing can transform a bathroom as dramatically as upgrading the lighting system. Change out the fixtures from those that were installed by the builder and replace them with the stylish ones you love. If possible, install a skylight so that natural light can flood into the bathroom during the day and make this space more inviting. These changes can be made without breaking the bank, and your bathroom will never be the same again with this new lighting. You can also look into installing a new or larger window in your bathroom for enhanced natural light. 

Buy Leftovers Online

Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., general contractors in Sacramento, says most people buy a lot more materials for the remodel projects than they actually need. When the project is completed, they are stuck with those materials, and they will do anything to get rid of them in order to free the space that they are occupying.

For this reason, the bathroom remodel professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services recommend that you hop online on sites like eBay and Craigslist in search of someone who is giving away what you need. Many people sell leftover tile and vanities. These leftovers are deeply discounted and will save you quite some money. You can then buy the extra amount you need from a hardware store to supplement what you have bought affordably online.

Tips to Save Money on Your Bathroom Renovation

As you can see, you don’t need to have a huge budget in order to remodel your bathroom. Use the tips above to keep your costs as low as possible, and get in touch with us at Tureks Plumbing Services for an affordable home remodel.

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7 Ways to Prevent Frozen Water Pipes

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2019

ways to prevent frozen pipes - Tureks Plumbing ServicesWhen water freezes, it expands. However, your water pipes will not expand, and this exposes them to the risk of bursting and causing costly water damage in and around your home. The plumbing professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin, reveal that matters don’t have to get that bad since there are measures that you can take to prevent the pipes from freezing. The following discussion points out the many ways to prevent frozen water pipes this winter.

Wrap the Pipes in Heater Tape

You can prevent water pipes from freezing by buying heater tape from a reliable supplier and wrapping that tape around the pipes. Talk to a plumber in Appleton, Wisconsin, about the best UL-approved tape that will protect your pipes. Make sure that you follow the specific usage instructions provided by the tape manufacturer. For example, avoid wrapping insulation on the heater tape if the manufacturer warns against doing so.

Insulate the Pipes from the Cold Ambient Air

Another way to keep the water pipes in your home warm is by keeping the cold air from getting to those pipes. This method entails wrapping the pipes in foam tape designed for insulating pipes. While wrapping the pipes, check and confirm that no gaps exist in the insulation. Fox Valley plumbers recommend that you miter all the foam tape ends that meet at pipe corners and keep them in place using duct tape. This method will simply prolong the time it takes for the ambient cold to reach the pipes, but it isn’t a permanent fix to the possibility of frozen pipes.

Open the Taps

If you happen to experience a power disruption on a particularly cold night, don’t resign to the possibility that the water pipes will freeze. Instead, Tureks Plumbing Services recommends that you open the faucets so that a tiny amount of water keeps dripping out of the pipes, thereby preventing them from freezing. The amount of water that you lose when you do this will be nothing if compared to the costs you could incur when the pipes freeze and burst, triggering massive water damage after thawing.

Seal Any Gaps Near Pipes

The approach of winter may also be the time for you to check around all water pipes and identify any gaps in the walls. Fix those gaps using caulk or any other appropriate material so that cold air from outside doesn’t get in and cause the pipes to freeze. Invite an Appleton, Wisconsin plumber to inspect your home for any hidden gaps just so you are sure that these leaks won’t expose your water pipes to the risk of freezing and bursting.

Adjust the Thermostat

Changing the settings of the thermostat in your home can also protect your water pipes from freezing and bursting. Appleton Wisconsin plumbers recommend that you set the thermostat to at least 13°C (55°F). This temperature setting will be high enough to prevent the water in the pipes from freezing. Warm air will also get to the attic and other unconditioned spaces, thereby protecting the pipes there as well.

Drain the Water Lines

The water pipes in and outside your home will not freeze if there is no water in them. It, therefore, follows that another winterization measure that you can take is to drain all the water lines, starting with the main water line and all the lines supplying the different points of use in your homes, such as the kitchen faucet and the dishwasher.

A good place to start is by locating the main shutoff valve found outside your home near the street. Turn this valve off and then locate the other shutoff valve located either in your basement or in a box outdoors close to the exterior wall. Turn this off, too, and then open the faucets to drain all the water left in the pipes.

If the flow doesn’t stop, Tureks Plumbing Services advises that you check again to confirm that you turned off the shutoff valves in the two locations mentioned above.

Check for Leaks 

Inspect all the water supply lines and see if you can find any detectable water leaks. Fix the leaks that you find before the cold weather sets in. If you aren’t up to this task, call an Appleton Wisconsin plumber for help.

The measures above can be of great help in reassuring you that you have done what you can to prevent the water pipes on your property from freezing. However, there is a possibility that your winterization efforts are not enough, especially if you live in an area that is particularly prone to very cold winters. The best way to be certain that your plumbing pipes are safe is by inviting a plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services to conduct a thorough winterization inspection. We’ll make sure that your pipes are ready for the winter. Contact us today to set up an appointment. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services in the Appleton, Wisconsin areas. 

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Do I Need to Fix My Gurgling Drains?

Wednesday, September 4th, 2019

do i need to fix my gurgling drainsYou should be concerned if one or more drains in your home are emitting a gurgling sound each time that drain or another one is used. While the sound can be annoying, it is actually a good thing because it draws your attention to a developing problem. Read on and discover why drains gurgle and what you can do to fix the problem on your own before calling the experts at Tureks Plumbing Services for help.

Where Does the Gurgling Come From?

One of the most important steps, before you can fix the gurgling sound in your plumbing, is finding out where the sound is coming from. You can get answers to this question by listening carefully as you use different drains. From this observation, Fox Valley plumbers recommend that you note down the specific drain or drains exhibiting this symptom.

When Does the Gurgling Occur?

Tureks Plumbing Services also recommends that you take note of when gurgling sounds are emitted. For example, one drain may gurgle each time it is used. It is also possible for a drain to gurgle when another plumbing fixture is used. A clear example of this is when you hear gurgling in the floor drain of your bathroom when you pour water down the kitchen sink drain.

What Gurgling from One Drain Means

When you talk to an Appleton plumber about the gurgling from just one drain, he or she will immediately suspect that there is either a partial clog or blockage in that drain, or there is a malfunction in the vent of that plumbing fixture, such as the kitchen sink.

Solutions to Gurgling in One Drain

First, use a plunger to try and dislodge the clog that is blocking the single drain emitting the gurgling sound. If you try to use the drain and the problem persists, then it may be time to switch to an auger. Be careful when using the auger because any mistake that you make can result in damage to the plumbing pipe.

If you aren’t certain of your ability to accomplish this task on your own, contact a plumber in Appleton, WI for help in using an auger to safely get rid of the clog.

The second alternative solution is suitable for gurgling due to defective venting. Here, what is required is to clean the p-trap of the fixture from which the gurgling sound is originating. Access the vent and clean it so that it can start letting air into the drain as water is flowing through.

If you find that the plumbing fixture doesn’t have a vent, now is the time to call a Fox Valley plumber and ask him or her to install a vent on this particular fixture and others without vents.

What Gurgling from Multiple Drains Means

You can hear gurgling sounds from several vents in your home if the main vent of the plumbing system has a problem, such as a bird’s nest blocking it or when it is constricted by a heavy object. Alternatively, gurgling from multiple vents may also result if the main sewer line has a clog or is damaged.

Solutions to Gurgling in Multiple Drains

You may have noticed that your home has a vertical pipe that runs to the roof of the house. This pipe is the main vent of the entire plumbing system. Tureks Plumbing Services explains that once this vent is clogged, then air will be unable to enter the plumbing pipes and several drains will begin gurgling.

The fix to this problem is to access the vent on the roof and remove any clog inside that vent. You can use a thin piece of tubing to push down any debris which has entered the vent. This may also be the time to put an elevated cover or mesh on the vent opening so that tree leaves and other forms of debris don’t enter the vent in future. You might want to hire a Fox Valley plumber to perform this task if you are afraid of heights or you find climbing onto the roof too risky.

The second solution involves unclogging the main sewer pipe if the main vent has no problem but you continue to hear gurgling from different drains. If you are up to the task and you have the necessary tools, such as a plumbing snake, you can open the nearest cleanout port and push the snake into the pipe until you dislodge the clog.

Calling Professional Fox Valley Plumber

However, you are better off asking a plumber in Appleton, WI to clear the pipe. This professional will inspect the pipe using a camera and identify the kind of blockage hindering the flow of wastewater. For example, tree roots may have penetrated the pipe and partially blocked it. This inspection will enable the plumber to use the most appropriate technique to get rid of the clog so that the gurgling sounds are brought to an end.

It is vital that you resist the temptation to ignore the gurgling sound coming from a drain or several drains in your home. Any delay to address the problem can allow the situation to deteriorate and a plumbing emergency, such as a burst sewer pipe, can arise. Don’t let matters get this far. Call Tureks Plumbing Services as soon as you notice gurgling in any drain and our expert plumbers will assess and resolve the situation.

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Do Home Warranties Cover Sewer Line Replacement?

Wednesday, August 28th, 2019

home warranties cover sewer line replacement - Tureks Plumbing ServicesHome insurance policies usually have some significant gaps when you consider your sewer line. If that sewer line ever develops a problem, you may find yourself responsible for meeting the entire cost of the repair or replacement if you hadn’t secured insurance for this system. In this article, you will discover what you need to know as you shop for coverage for this expensive component of your home.

When It’s Worthwhile to Get Sewer Line Coverage

Tureks Plumbing Services recommends that you consider the age of your home as you decide whether to get sewer line insurance cover or not. The older the house is, the higher the risk that the sewer line will develop costly problems.

For example, homes built in the 1950s have sewer lines made from either cast iron, Orangeburg, or clay. Appleton plumbers explain that Orangeburg is the most likely to develop problems because this fibrous material is porous.

It is therefore wise to get sewer line insurance if your home is old and the sewer pipe materials are nearing the end of their service life. However, Fox Valley plumbers caution that any home, regardless of its age, is susceptible to sewer line damage. For example, the sewer line could be damaged after a bout of heavy rain that causes the soil to shift beneath the pipe. All homeowners should, therefore, consider acquiring sewer line insurance, which is customized to their specific needs.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Sewer Line Insurance Provider

The Monthly Cost

An experienced plumber in Appleton, WI advises that homeowners should avoid acquiring sewer line insurance whose monthly cost is in excess of $20. This is because those costlier policies are harder to rationalize economically in the long-term.

For example, estimates put the average cost of sewer line repairs at $2,500 if the work involves digging up the yard. If the monthly payment is $20, then your annual fee will be $240. This translates into $2,400 in a decade. The chances are high that you may not have more than two issues in a decade that require sewer line repairs in excess of $2,500. You can see from these figures how it makes financial sense to get coverage costing less than $20 a month and how hard it gets to justify that expenditure if the monthly cost is higher.

The Deductible

A deductible refers to the out of the pocket amount of money that you are required to pay before insurance steps in when sewer line repair or replacement is done on your property. Policies with high deductibles are not advisable because the savings that you make on your monthly payments get eroded when repairs are needed.

If you can, find an insurer with a low or zero deductible so that you limit what you spend in the event that your sewer line needs to be replaced or repaired during the coverage period.

The Coverage Amount

Read the policy carefully and find out the value of the coverage offered with that policy. The larger the coverage amount, the safer you are from having to dip into your pocket when sewer line repairs come up.

Avoid the temptation of opting for bargain coverage which only covers repair costs that don’t exceed a few thousand dollars because you will have no choice but to meet the extra cost if a major repair is required.

The Limit Per Call

Read the fine print of the policy carefully regarding the amount of money mentioned in the annual coverage. For example, one policy may mention that it provides $5,000 coverage each year, but that policy limits each service call to a maximum of $2,500.

Such a policy is as good as saying that you are covered up to $2,500 each year because it is very rare that your sewer lines will suffer two major defects within one year so that you file two claims with your insurer.

To be safe, talk to a plumber in Appleton, WI about the average cost of having to conduct major repairs on your sewer line. This estimate will give you a ballpark number that you can have in mind when picking an insurer with a suitable cost limit for each service call.

Sewer Line Insurance Options

Now that you have established what you should look for when buying sewer line insurance cover, let us now turn to where or what form such insurance can take. The following are some of the options you can explore.

A Rider on Your Home Insurance

As already mentioned, your home warranty will rarely cover sewer line repairs or replacement. This is because the sewer system is looked at as separate from the main home, so it is excluded in the coverage for the home. However, you can acquire a rider to that policy so that the sewer line is also covered.

A Standalone Sewer Line Policy

If you assess the rider being offered by your home insurance cover and it falls short on the desirable attributes discussed earlier, you may have to consider shopping for a separate provider for this needed warranty. Some insurers specialize in this kind of cover, while others have it as part of a range of insurance services that they offer. Explore all the options available and select the one which will address your specific needs.

Sewer Line Cover Through the Utility Company

Another option that you could look into is the possibility of getting sewer line coverage through the utility company in your area. Fox Valley plumbers report that it is becoming increasingly common for municipal authorities to partner with insurance providers to enable homeowners to get insurance for their sewer and water lines. The biggest benefit of getting such a policy is that you will pay the monthly premium with your water bill, so you will have less paperwork to deal with.

All insurance policies are unique, so it is imperative that you do your homework sufficiently before you put pen to paper. If you still have questions, talk to your insurance broker for professional advice. Needless to say, contact Tureks Plumbing Services if the sewer line or any component of the plumbing system develops a problem and you want the problem fixed professionally and affordably.

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