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

Top 6 Trenchless Sewer Repair Benefits You Should Know

Wednesday, March 20th, 2019

Trenchless sewer repair benefits

Top 6 Trenchless Sewer Repair Benefits You Should Know

Needing sewer line repairs on your property usually triggers groans from homeowners because of the inconvenience. However, new trenchless sewer repair technology is now available and you can opt for this modern way of fixing sewer line defects. Here are some of the key benefits of trenchless sewer repair that you can consider.

Trenchless Sewer Repair Is Less Invasive

Traditional sewer repair methods were a nightmare because of all the disruption that it would cause. For example, a large section of your yard can be dug up in order to fix a damaged sewer pipe.

Trenchless sewer repair has provided a solution to all this mess. In this method, only one or two access holes are dug and the repair is completed without further damage to your landscape. Ask a Fox Valley plumber about trenchless sewer line repair if you need sewer repair done.

Trenchless Sewer Repair Requires Less Time

Another major advantage of trenchless sewer repair is that less time is required to complete the project. An expert at Tureks Plumbing Services explains that there are two key reasons for this time-economy of the technique. First, the fact that minimal digging is needed saves time. Where plumbers need several days or weeks to dig up and then return the fill earth into the hole during traditional sewer repair, trenchless sewer repair needs just one or two access holes and the job can proceed swiftly.

The second reason why less time is required is that a significant portion of the work is done by machines rather than by humans. For instance, the process of inserting a liner inside a damaged sewer pipe is achieved using a machine. Traditional sewer repair often requires more man labor. For instance, workers will have to get inside the pipe in order to repair it, and this takes more time.

Trenchless Sewer Repair is Less Expensive

Initially, it is easy to conclude that trenchless sewer repair is more expensive compared to traditional sewer repair. However, a closer analysis shows the reverse to be true. For example, a plumber in Appleton, WI explains that traditional sewer repair may seem affordable but when you factor in the costs you incur to restore your yard to the state it was before the repairs, then the option doesn’t seem so affordable after all. The longer lifespan of the completed trenchless sewer repairs also spreads out the cost and makes the option affordable in the long run.

Higher Quality Work

Trenchless sewer repair utilizes high-quality materials that make the completed job better than traditional plumbing. For example, cured in place pipes (CIPP) are used to fix damaged pipe sections. These pipes have no seams. So, they stand a high chance of lasting much longer than metallic pipes which have joints. In fact, many trenchless sewer repair firms often say the pipes will last for 50 or more years! This is due to the high quality of the materials used during trenchless sewer repair.

Improved Sewer Function

The latest technology that is used during trenchless sewer repair ensures a successful repair. For instance, the seamless CIPP pipes used to remove the places where solids flowing through the system could snag and cause a clog to develop. You should, therefore, talk to a Fox Valley plumber about trenchless sewer repair if you would like a more efficient system once the repairs are completed.

Convenience

As already mentioned, traditional sewer repair takes several days or even weeks to be completed. Can you imagine living in your home for all those days when you cannot use the toilet or shower? You will most likely find a temporary place to live, such as a hotel, while the plumbers complete the repairs. Such inconveniences can disrupt your life and make it harder for you to do the things that you normally do, such as focusing on your job while at work. Trenchless sewer repair spares you those inconveniences since the sewer system will be back to normalcy in a short time.

Trenchless sewer repair may not be appropriate for all situations. For example, the damaged pipe section may be on an undeveloped section of your property where traditional trenching wouldn’t cause any serious damage. It is therefore advisable for you to talk to an expert at Tureks Plumbing Services so that the suitability of this method can be ascertained.  

Continue Reading

How to Clean Your Dishwasher

Wednesday, March 6th, 2019

How to clean your dishwasher - Tureks Plumbing Services

How to Clean Your Dishwasher

You may become increasingly uncomfortable about using utensils that have been cleaned in a smelly dishwasher, and you may be wondering what you can do to fix the problem. The experts at Tureks Plumbing Services share some simple tips and tricks that you can implement to get rid of dishwasher odors.

Scrub the Dishwasher

The drain filter is the most likely cause of the smells coming from your dishwasher. Access this component by removing the bottom rack of the dishwasher and then twist the filter until it comes out of its position. Use a brush to scrub it thoroughly so that all food particles are dislodged from it. Fox Valley plumbers also suggest that you scrub the door and the interior walls in order to eliminate any food particles that may be stuck there.

While at it, remove the gaskets on the dishwasher door and give them a scrub. The gaskets can trap food particles, and over time, those particles will start giving off a nasty smell. Tureks Plumbing Services reminds you to clean the dishwasher racks too. Remove them from the dishwasher and clean them from the sink. Scrub them thoroughly until they are spotless.

This thorough cleaning of the dishwasher is likely to get rid of the root cause of the smells. Our friends at Maid for Muddy Paws, who offers cleaning services in Katy Cypress, add that you are less likely to experience the same problem soon after.

Use Vinegar and Baking Soda

The white vinegar in your pantry can come to the rescue once odors start emanating from your dishwasher. Plumbers in Appleton, WI recommend that you place a cup of this vinegar on the upper rack of the dishwasher. Make sure your dishwasher is empty before you use this remedy. Next, run a full cleaning cycle. The vinegar will break up all the food particles that could have caused the smell.

The beauty of using vinegar is that its strong smell will quickly dissipate as your dishwasher dries once you open it. Similarly, the odors will also be long gone by the time the dishwasher dries.

For additional sanitization, sprinkle some baking soda over the entire bottom section of the dishwasher. A cup will suffice for this purpose. This time around, run the dishwasher at the hottest setting for the shortest time possible. The heat will make the baking soda to dissolve, and your dishwasher will be odorless at the end of that cleaning cycle.

Refer to the User Manual

Another way to get rid of the odors coming from your dishwasher is by reading the troubleshooting section of its manual. Fox Valley plumbers recommend this step because all manufacturers include specific steps that you can take if you notice odors coming from your dishwasher.

For example, the drain hose may be partially blocked, hence trapping water there and triggering smells with time. Improper drain hose installation can also gradually trigger odors since water from the sink can back up into the drain and remain stagnant there until odors develop. Tureks Plumbing Services, therefore, suggests that you read the troubleshooting chapter and take the suggested steps if the dishwasher remains smelly after you have cleaned it using the methods described earlier.

An electrical problem can also trigger an odor to come from the dishwasher, especially when there is a poor connection. Check the junction box under the door of the dishwasher. Call an expert, such as an electrician, if you suspect that an electrical defect may be responsible for the odor.

It may be time to involve the experts at Tureks Plumbing Services if the smells remain even after you have tried the solutions above. A clog may be further along the drain, and our plumber will locate it in no time. Schedule a service call today so that the inconvenience of the dishwasher odor can be eliminated.

Continue Reading

8 Kitchen Trends in 2019

Wednesday, February 27th, 2019

kitchen trends in 2019 - Tureks Plumbing Services

8 Kitchen Trends in 2019

2019 is well underway and you may wish to know which kitchen trends are on so that you pick one for your upcoming kitchen remodel. Here are eight stunning kitchen trends in 2019 that will get your creative juices flowing as you plan that kitchen remodel.

Kitchen Trend #1: Concealed Vents

Nothing sticks out like a sore thumb more than a range hood that is exposed within your kitchen. The hot trend as the year begins is that of concealed range hood vents. Such features give the kitchen a seamless look that will have you loving this space in your home!

Kitchen Trend #2: Wood and White

Another trend that is going to gather momentum this year is a kitchen that has two tones, such as wood and white combined. As an example, picture everything below the countertop as being made from wood with white trim, and then everything above the countertop is white, especially the open shelving used in lieu of upper cabinets.

Kitchen Trend #3: Curated Collections

Curated collections are also going to be a big trend in 2019, if the reports by plumbers in Appleton, WI are anything to go by. People are now opting to keep their rare handmade collections, such as vases and crocks, out in the open. These collections can turn your cooking space into an amazing display of diverse precious pieces.

Kitchen Trend #4: Industrial Countertops

Chances are high that you will be seeing a lot of textured countertops this year. For example, the countertop may be made from concrete and have splotches or a patina that makes the countertop look rusty. Such stunning designs will increase as people get tired of the glossy finishes in kitchens.

Kitchen Trend #5: Matte Black Cabinetry

Black matte is captivating, and this finish is promising to take 2019 by storm. To get its full splendor, select a countertop that contrasts with the black matte finish. A brighter color is recommended for this purpose so that the uniformity of the cabinetry can be broken and brightened.

Kitchen Trend #6: Mixed Metals

Brass is no longer going to be lonely in kitchens during 2019. It is now official; metals are now being mixed to create a stunning look. For example, you can have a faucet made out of copper, as well as a brass lampshade hanging just above your centralized kitchen counter. Mixed metals bring out the best in each other, and your kitchen is the better for it!

Kitchen Trend #7: Forged Iron Shelving

Another kitchen trend that plumbers in Appleton, WI are beginning to see more of is forged iron shelving. Forged iron is making a comeback as a material of choice in kitchens, and black is riding this wave too as the go-to color for this trend. This combination creates an elegant yet edgy atmosphere in kitchens.

Continue Reading

Common Touchless Faucet Problems

Wednesday, February 20th, 2019

touchless faucet problems - tureks plumbing srvices

Common Touchless Faucet Problems

Are you considering installing touchless faucets in your home? Read on and discover some of the common issues that these kinds of faucets have so that you make an informed decision about buying and installing touchless faucets.

Touchless Faucet’s High Initial Cost

Touchless faucets use advanced technology to operate, and this technology makes the initial cost of the faucets to be high. They are certainly more expensive than the traditional faucets unless you consider the high-end versions of the traditional faucets. This high cost is also compounded by the technical help you will need to install the touchless faucet. The device requires an electrical connection in order to power the sensors upon which the faucet depends for its operation. That installation cost adds to the total cost of acquiring the touchless faucet.

Fixed Settings on Touchless Faucets

Some models of touchless faucets don’t come with a provision that allows you to customize the settings for the user. For example, many of the touchless faucets are designed to dispense only warm water. This means that you will be stuck with those settings, whether they are suitable for your needs or not. However, experts at Tureks Plumbing Services reveal that some newer models of touchless faucets some with a remote control unit or other ways through which a user can tweak the settings.

Energy Consumption

Touchless faucets either use batteries or are connected to the electricity supply in your home. You need to be mindful about how the faucet is powered as you select a model to buy. For example, some battery-powered touchless faucets use rechargeable batteries while others use batteries that need to be replaced periodically. Generally, the rechargeable batteries are a better option since they will save you from incurring a cost to replace the batteries from time to time.

Plumbers in Appleton, WI also reveal that touchless faucets that use electricity are becoming more common. However, these versions impose an extra load on your power supply, so your energy bill will increase when you opt for this type of touchless faucet. Any power outage also means that you will not have access to water when you try to use the faucet.

Accidental Activation of Touchless Faucets

People who have pets and young children may need to think carefully before buying and installing touchless faucets in the home. This is because pets and kids can unintentionally activate the faucet. For instance, pets may walk into the path of the sensors and cause the faucet to activate and discharge water. This not only wastes water but power as well.

Fox Valley plumbers also caution that young kids can also create a game out of activating the touchless faucet. Therefore, homeowners need to teach the kids to refrain from misusing the touchless faucets in the home.

Sensor Malfunctions on Touchless Faucets

Touchless faucets can become unreliable as their sensors age or get exposed to environmental challenges, such as dust. Any malfunction of the sensors means that the faucet will not work. Talk to a plumber in Appleton, WI for recommendations of the most reliable brands of touchless faucets. We will also advise you regarding how easy it may be to get replacement parts for the model you wish to buy.

The common problems above should not discourage you from buying touchless faucets for your home. Touchless faucets make things easy and are simple to use. Always do your research before making a purchase you’ll have to use every day. Involve our experts at Tureks Plumbing Services so that we can help you to select and install these devices correctly. Only then will you be able to enjoy the water conservation, superior hygiene and all the other benefits that accrue from using touchless water faucets.

Continue Reading

Why You Should Hire a Commercial Plumber

Wednesday, February 13th, 2019

why you should hire a commercial plumber - tureks plumbing

Why You Should Hire a Commercial Plumber Instead of a Handyman

Some inexperienced owners or managers of commercial buildings may think that it will be more cost-effective for them to hire a handyman to fix commercial plumbing problems instead of hiring commercial plumbers for those tasks. However, many compelling reasons exist to make the case for hiring commercial plumbers for all plumbing maintenance and repairs in commercial buildings. This article discusses some of those reasons.

The Use of Appropriate Tools

Plumbing problems can be complex. For example, drains can block due to accumulations of grease and fats, or due to solids that were inadvertently flushed. Non-professionals are likely to use the wrong tools to try and fix the problem. These tools may at best not get rid of the problem completely. They may even create worse problems, such as when the pipe is damaged by the improper tools. Commercial plumbers like those from Tureks Plumbing Services, use the best tools for a given problem so that the issue will be fixed without creating additional problems within the plumbing system.

Round the Clock Availability

Handymen don’t specialize in any kind of job, so they are likely to accept any and all kinds of assignments given to them. These individuals get tired and therefore only work within a given timeframe. You are likely to be stuck in case the plumbing system develops a problem outside business hours, on weekends or during holidays.

Fox Valley plumbers are available 24/7 because they know that plumbing problems don’t respect work schedules or holidays. You can, therefore, count on someone from Tureks Plumbing Services coming out to your aid each time you call about a problem. Who doesn’t want such an assurance of help at any time of the day or night?

Plumbing Code Compliance

Good luck to you if you want to rely on a handyman to maintain your commercial plumbing system in accordance with the plumbing code of your area. You risk having the building shut down by the authorities as soon as plumbing code violations are discovered. It is far better to engage a commercial plumber in Appleton, WI so that you are sure that the professional will do everything in accordance with the applicable code in your area. This will save you from the losses associated with closing your building until all plumbing code violations are rectified.

Lasting Plumbing Solutions

Don’t expect anything other than a patched up job from a handyman. For example, he or she will fix a leak by trying different materials around the damaged pipe. It is just a matter of time before that makeshift repair gives way and you have a worse problem on your hands. A Fox Valley plumber will inspect the affected section of the plumbing system and select a repair method that will fix the problem for good. Which would you prefer, the patches of a handyman or the lasting solutions implemented by an experienced commercial plumber?

Insurance

A commercial plumber in Appleton, WI is always insured and bonded. This means that you will be protected in case your property is damaged while the plumber is working. For example, your property may sustain water damage in case a pipe suddenly bursts while the plumber is working. The insurer of the plumber will meet all the costs of fixing the water damage. In addition, the work done by a commercial plumber comes with a warranty. So you will not incur any additional cost in case the repair fails within the warranty period. Handymen don’t provide these protections.

Provision of a Variety of Services

Tureks Plumbing Services is a one-stop center for all your commercial plumbing needs. You will be able to get any service you need, such as plumbing system inspections, plumbing repairs, and maintenance, etc. Such a broad range of services cannot be obtained from a handyman, however, experienced he may be. Fox Valley plumbers undergo extensive training, so they are equipped to provide a wide range of plumbing services.

As you can see, you can save money and time by engaging the licensed plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services anytime you need plumbing Services in Appleton, WI or the surrounding areas. We’ll design a custom plan so that you never have to suffer a preventable plumbing problem.

Continue Reading

Common Objects That Clog Toilets

Wednesday, February 6th, 2019

common objects that clog the toilet - tureks plumbing

Common Objects That Clog Toilets

It is sad to realize that many homeowners spend a lot of money each year to hire plumbers to unclog their toilet or plumbing system. It’s unfortunate because a significant fraction of those emergency plumbing calls could have been avoided if only the homeowners and their family members knew that they shouldn’t flush certain common objects down the toilet. Here are the most common objects that clog toilets. 

Excessive Amounts of Toilet Paper

Most people instinctively know how much toilet paper to use and flush down the toilet. However, kids may not have such rationality, and they will quickly turn flushing toilet paper into a game. When a large amount of toilet paper is flushed in one go, it can bunch itself into a tight ball as it travels down the drain. That ball of toilet paper will not degrade as rapidly as expected, and a clog may develop at that point where the ball has snagged. Fox Valley plumbers advise parents to teach their kids to refrain from flushing excessive amounts of toilet paper.

Don’t Flush Hair 

Are you in the habit of cleaning your pet dog in your bathtub and then letting the fur flow down the drain? Or do you collect that fur and flush it down the toilet? Whether it is human or animal hair, never flush it down your toilet. Many plumbers in Appleton, WI admit that the number one cause of shower drain clogs is hair. A better option is to place a strainer on the bathtub drain so that all the hair is collected and disposed of properly with the trash. Don’t even think of dumping it in the toilet!

Don’t Flush Feminine Hygiene Products

It is common to find signage in public restrooms reminding users not to flush feminine hygiene products like tampons and sanitary towels down the toilet. However, some people don’t implement the same advice at home. Those products aren’t biodegradable, and they will clog the toilet sooner rather than later. Always have a trash can in the bathroom so that such products can be disposed of with the trash instead of finding their way into the toilet. The number of times you have to call a Fox Valley plumber for help regarding a clogged toilet will reduce significantly once you make this one change.

Don’t Flush Paper Towels

There’s a reason why a trash can is placed close to the sink where you wash your hands after using a public restroom. That can is intended to be a receptacle for the paper towel you use to dry your hands. While paper towels are made from, well, paper, they are thick and will not break down easily when flushed. In case you weren’t aware that paper towels shouldn’t be flushed, now you know. Talk to a plumber in Appleton, WI about the plumbing problems caused by paper towels if you still have doubts about the dangers of flushing paper towels.

Don’t Flush Toys

This one seems obvious, but curious and playful kids will not hesitate to turn flushing toys into a game. All it takes is just one toy to get stuck anywhere in the plumbing drains, and you will have a major clog in the system. As you know, kids will always be kids, so take the precaution of having someone to supervise them at all times if they have toys while in the bathroom.

Don’t Flush Baby Wipes and Diapers

You may think that flushing diapers may be a quick fix to the odors, but that quick fix will cost you once the toilet develops a clog. The same risk will take place when you flush baby wipes or any type of wipe. Don’t believe it when the packaging of the wipes says that they are “flushable.” What the manufacturers mean differs from what your plumber in Appleton, WI will regard as flushable. This is because anything you flush should degrade in a short time so that blockages don’t develop in the plumbing system.

There are many other common objects that you should refrain from flushing down the toilet. A simple way to remember them all is to adopt a simple rule that you and your family members should only flush toilet paper and nothing else. Call Tureks Plumbing Services if you suspect that a clog is preventing your toilet from draining as quickly as it should. We shall send an experienced Fox Valley plumber to assess the situation and perform the needed work before your toilet backs up.

Continue Reading

What Are These Black Specks in My Water?

Wednesday, January 23rd, 2019

what are these black specs in my water - tureks plumbing services

What Are These Black Specks in My Water?

It is usually distressing to discover that the water supply in your home suddenly has black specks. So many questions arise, such as whether those specks are harmful, what their source is and what you can do to get rid of them. If you have been asking yourself, “What are these black specks in my water?” read on and learn the possible causes and what you can do to get rid of the specks.

Silt or Sand in Your Water Line

People who use water from a private well may observe tiny black specks in their water. The specks may also look brownish. These are usually particles of sand or silt that make their way to the faucets. There are three common reasons why these specks will appear in the water.

First, the well may be new, so the likelihood that water with particles will be pumped out is high. In such a case, it is common for the particles to stop appearing in the water if the well is pumped for several days in order to get rid of these contaminants.

Secondly, the well may not have a screen, or the existing one is worn. In this case, replacing the old screen or installing one will resolve the matter. Thirdly, it can also be helpful to install a well liner if your well was dug in sandstone. Whatever the root cause may be, Tureks Plumbing Services recommends swift action before your well pump is damaged extensively by those particles.

Mineral Deposits in Your Water Line

If you are asking about “black specks in my water”, another area to investigate is the possibility that mineral particles have precipitated in the water. The two key suspects in this regard are iron and manganese particles. While harmless, the particles can stain your clothes and dishes. The water pipes may also be affected if they are made from a material that can react with those minerals. Contact the utility company if you notice the water throughout your home shows the presence of these black particles.

Rust Particles in Your Water Line

Rust is usually orange or brown, but in some cases it can look black. These particles of rust is normally a localized problem, so you should suspect that some of the water pipes on your property are rusting if the black specks stop appearing after you have let the water run for a few minutes.

Contact a plumber in Appleton, WI, so that the affected pipes can be identified and replaced before a major leak develops. Refer the matter to the utility company in case all points of use are affected. Such a scenario points to a problem with the water mains, and that isn’t your responsibility to fix.

Disintegrating Rubber in Your Plumbing System

Don’t be quick to condemn the water supplier in case the black specks in your water are accompanied by traces of an oily substance. This is a clear indicator that a rubber fixture is breaking down somewhere in your plumbing system. The first place to look in this case is the hose connecting the water heater to an inlet line. Chloramine or chlorine in the water reacts with the rubber and gradually corrodes it, hence the black specks in your water. Contact Tureks Plumbing Services for a replacement hose that has a lining that protects it from the disinfectants added to the municipal water supply.

GAC in Your Filtration System

GAC, or granulated activated carbon, is a substance that is commonly used as a filter medium in the filtration systems installed by homeowners. You can suspect that these are the culprits when you see black specks in your water and you have a water filtration system in your home. If that is the case, you may not need to spend money on a plumbing repair call. Just check the manual of the filtration system or get in touch with the manufacturer for advice on how you can replace the filtration cartridge since the escaping particles show that the cartridge is defective or worn.

Now you know the possible answers to the question, “What are these black specks in my water?” Contact a Fox Valley plumber, such as one from Tureks Plumbing Services, and you will get professional help in dealing with those esthetically unpleasant specks in your water.

Continue Reading

Why Flushable Wipes Will Clog Your Drains

Wednesday, January 9th, 2019

why flushable wipes will clog your drains

Why Flushable Wipes Will Clog Your Drains

Many manufacturers of wet wipes claim that their products can be flushed down the toilet, but the experience of many homeowners shows that plumbing problems result when these wipes are routinely flushed. This article seeks to answer the question “Are flushable wipes safe to flush?”

How Does Flushing Wet Wipes Compare to Flushing Toilet Paper?

Tureks Plumbing Services reveals that in different tests conducted, toilet paper was found to disintegrate within 8 seconds after being flushed down the toilet. However, wet wipes hardly disintegrated more than a minute after being flushed.

This inability to breakdown quickly makes wet wipes a risky product to flush down your toilet because the wipes eventually accumulate and cause a clog in the system.

Why Would Manufacturers Claim That Wet Wipes Are Flushable?

Two possible reasons could explain why some manufacturers claim that the wet wipes they make are flushable. The first reason is that due to competition, some manufacturers may choose to be “economical with the truth” (mislead buyers) by asserting that you can flush their products down the toilet. Saying otherwise would mean that the product wouldn’t be popular among buyers since no one wants to do extra work to dispose of the wet wipes in the garbage when flushing them is an easier option.

Secondly, the protocol that some manufacturers use to test whether a wet wipe is flushable or not isn’t as rigorous as what plumbers would want. For example, the manufacturer may design a computer simulation model to generate data on how quickly the wipe will breakdown. At the same time, the manufacturer may just test whether the wet wipe will go down the drain. So if it does, then it has passed the test of being flushable. Consequently, many wipes pass the “flushability test” without being flushable in the true sense of the word.

How do Wet Wipes Cause Clogs?

As already mentioned, wet wipes don’t break down as quickly as toilet paper does. Consequently, these solid materials will flow down the drains and slow down as they move further in the system. Fox Valley plumbers say that problems arise as these wet wipes approach the entrance to the septic tank. This is because the entry points are small. So, the wipes stand a high chance of building up there and causing a blockage.

Matters are worsen based on the condition of your pipes. For example, some metallic pipes are so degraded that the wipes can snag on their interior surfaces. This triggers a domino effect of other materials piling up behind the wet wipe until a clog forms. The big ball of solids will be costly to trace and remove.

Experienced plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services explain that the condition of the pipes may be the reason why one home will develop a major clog months later while another home will take longer to suffer the consequences of flushing wet wipes down the toilet.

Why Professional Drain Cleaning Is Important

You can never be sure that wet wipes or other unsuitable materials (feminine hygiene products, for example) have never been flushed down the toilet. The effects of such actions don’t usually show immediately. So, Tureks Plumbing Services advises homeowners to be proactive and have the drains cleaned professionally at least once every three years.

This professional drain cleaning does a more thorough job than the chemical cleaners that some people pour down drains. For example, the chemical cleaners can damage some plumbing pipe materials. Plumbers select the most appropriate technique, such as water-jetting, to clean out the plumbing drains so that they are clear.

Now you have a comprehensive response to the question “Are flushable wipes safe to flush?” In case you still have other concerns, just reach out to Tureks Plumbing Services or any Fox Valley plumber. You will get the help you need to make the right choices regarding what to flush or not flush.

Continue Reading

6 Winter Plumbing Tips That Will Save You Money

Friday, December 28th, 2018

winter plumbing tips that will save you moeny

6 Winter Plumbing Tips That Will Save You Money

The plumbing system undergoes a lot of stress during the winter. It’s imperative that you do everything possible to protect your plumbing system from developing costly defects during this time of the year. This article discusses some of the winter plumbing tips that will save you money. 

Turn the Exterior Water Valves Off

The water pipes outside your home have the highest chance of freezing since they are exposed to the elements. It is therefore advisable for you to wrap them in insulation and also turn the water off. Additionally, experts at Tureks Plumbing Services recommend that you leave the outdoor faucets to drip slowly so that the likelihood that the pipes will freeze is reduced.

Locate the Main Shutoff Valve

Another of the important winter plumbing tips is that you need to know where the main shutoff valve of your plumbing system is located. This information will help you to take swift action to turn the water supply off in case a plumbing emergency, such as a pipe burst, occurs. Otherwise, searching for the main valve as water is gushing all over your house can result in serious water damage that will be expensive to fix. Fox Valley plumbers also recommend that you open and close this valve at least once each year to keep it working properly.

Be Careful When Conserving Energy During the Winter

Many homeowners tend to lower the thermostat setting on the HVAC system as they leave home in order to conserve energy. However, you need to be mindful that you can end up being penny wise but pound foolish while trying to save a few dollars on your energy bill without thinking about the broader implications of that decision. In other words, turning the temperature too low can create an opportunity for a plumbing pipe to freeze and trigger water damage that will cost you thousands of dollars to fix. An experienced plumber in Appleton, WI, recommends that you play it safe and avoid lowering the temperature to less than 45°F so that you conserve energy but protect water pipes from freezing while you are away.

Check the Outdoor Drainage

Your lawn will receive huge amounts of snow and rain during the winter, so make sure the drainage works. Start by checking the gutters and downspouts for any debris that may prevent snow and water from draining away. Clear the yard too so that nothing prevents runoff water from leaving your property.

Take Extra Care of the Kitchen Plumbing

Winter also coincides with the holidays, so the kitchen plumbing is under excessive stress during this time. The kitchen drains, and garbage disposal needs proper care to continue functioning.

For example, Tureks Plumbing Services recommends that you wait for all oils and fats to solidify in your cooking pots instead of pouring them down the drain. Rather, scrape them off the containers and into the garbage bin for disposal. This will save the drains from clogging up due to the effects of those fats.

Similarly, use the garbage disposal carefully. Always start the disposal before you pour food debris into it, then run water through the disposal so that the drains are cleared. This will prevent the disposal from clogging up.

Make the Right Hiring Decisions

Your plumbing system will function based on how well the system was taken care of prior. This begins with hiring the most qualified and experienced professionals, such as those from Tureks Plumbing Services, to service and repair the system. Such professionals will be licensed and insured, and you will receive a written statement detailing each repair that needs to be done each time something breaks.

The winter plumbing tips shared in the discussion may not cover all the basics that you need to look into. However, they will go a long way towards reducing the likelihood of problems in your plumbing system. Work closely with your Fox Valley plumber so that you can receive all the information and technical assistance.

Continue Reading

The Best Time of Year for Home Improvement Projects

Thursday, December 20th, 2018

the best time of year for home improvement projects - Tureks plumbing

The Best Time of Year for Home Improvement Projects

The success and cost of a home improvement project may depend on how well you time that project. However, many inexperienced homeowners don’t know what they should consider starting a home improvement project. This article discusses some considerations which will help you to select the best time of year for home improvement projects.

Consider How the Weather Will Impact the Home Improvement Project

The weather plays a key role in easing or making it hard to execute a home improvement project. For example, it will be harder to dig the foundation of a home addition during the winter. Instead, such a project will be easier to do in the warmer, drier months of the year. Similarly, the hot weather is an ideal time for power washing the exterior walls since they will dry quickly. However, that same hot weather is unsuitable for refinishing hardwood flooring because the new finish will dry too quickly.

Talk to your plumber in Appleton, WI, about the specifics of your home improvement project so you can figure out the best time to start your project.

Hire A Professional for Your Home Remodel

Your desire to have a home improvement project done may be subject to the availability of the professionals. For example, it can be hard to get an HVAC technician to come to your home on the same day that you call and ask to have your HVAC system upgraded during the busy seasons.

Similarly, the warmer months of the year mark peak time for most tradespeople since many homeowners are having a home remodel projects done before the cold weather sets in. This means that you may have two options when selecting the best time of year for home improvement projects.

First, you can plan ahead and book the needed professionals, such as those from Tureks Plumbing Services, early enough so that they will be available at the time you want the project to be done. You can then sit back and wait for the agreed time to reach for the work to kick off.

Secondly, you can try to schedule your home improvement project for the off-peak season. For example, you can schedule an interior painting project during the colder months.

Consider Your Home Improvement Budget

Your budget may also influence when the best time of year for home improvement projects may be. For example, it can be hard to get discounts on major materials and labor during the peak seasons.

Conversely, you will get good deals when you schedule the project during an off-peak season. For instance, it may be more affordable for you to have a new bath installed during the winter instead of peak summer time. 

You can therefore specifically target off-peak seasons for all your home improvement projects. In case you want to negotiate hard for discounts and concessions from the suppliers and professionals. But, don’t ignore the specific project requirements (such as the ideal weather conditions).

Your Household’s Home Improvement Project

It may be hard to come up with a recommendation of an ideal time when certain projects should be done by everyone since each situation is unique and those unique conditions may dictate the correct timing for different homeowners.

For example, you may want to install a Jacuzzi in your home just in time for your wedding anniversary. This may cause you to schedule a home improvement project during an “unorthodox” season. However, this will compel you to ask experienced plumbers, like Tureks Plumbing Services, to execute the work you need.

As you can see, what may be the best time of year for home improvement projects for one family may be inappropriate for another family. Share as much information as you can with a Fox Valley plumber or any other suitable professional so that issues of project timing can be worked out without compromising the other crucial considerations.

Continue Reading