Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Archive for the ‘Plumbing Pipes’ Category

Why You Might Have Stinky Plumbing Problems

Wednesday, March 4th, 2020

You will notice at times that your plumbing literally stinks. If your drains/sinks are reeking of an awful smell, you’ll likely need the help of a 24-hour plumber in Fox Valley. So, what’s causing this smell? Well, there are numerous reasons why you may be having this plumbing problem: 

A Breach in the Sewer Line

There are a few different reasons why your sewer line becomes breached. For example, clogs can result in pressure buildup, which causes the line to burst. With sewers being underground, tree roots can grow and spread through the line. Bad soil conditions can result in the line sinking into the ground. All of which results in line breaking and sewerage leakage.

To identify a sewage leak, you need to pay attention to your toilets and drains. You’ll know that there’s a sewage problem when there’s a clog. Placerville HVAC company and plumbing adds that there is no easy way to resolve the issue on your own, and you will have to call your Appleton plumber to come and fix it for you.

Dirty Garbage Disposal

Yes, the garbage disposal is there for you to get rid of the garbage, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to clean it. Without proper garbage disposal maintenance, your kitchen sink will start to reek overtime. You can clean the disposal on your own as there are numerous DIY to do it, including using vinegar and baking soda. Just make sure you disconnect the disposal before you do it. 

P-trap Plumbing Problems

Sometimes plumbing problems occur in the “U” or “P” shaped part of the sink’s pipes. What typically happens is there is a small amount of water buildup. To fix this problem, you will need to cycle water through the pipes. This type of problem usually occurs when you infrequently use a toilet or sink, which results in the water in the pipe drying out. 

Buildup of Biofilm

Biofilm is the result of buildup from various products you use, such as soap, shampoo, oil, and cream. As biofilm starts to form in the drain, it attracts bacteria that feed on it. The bacteria that buildups emit an unpleasant odor. You can use a natural cleaner such as hot water, vinegar, and baking soda. You let the solution sit for about two hours and flush down hot water again, the biofilm should be removed along with the smell.

Most of these problems are not too difficult to tackle. But if you want professional plumbing help, contact the professionals. Are you looking for a plumbing company in Appleton, Wisconsin? Give Tureks Plumbing Services a call. Our plumbing experts will get your plumbing system up and running in no time! 

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Signs Tree Roots are Interfering Your Underground Pipes

Thursday, February 27th, 2020

signs tree roots are interfering your underground pipesTrees are a great addition to your lawn or compound. Their benefits range from increasing the aesthetic value of your home to holding the soil together and preventing erosion and providing natural shade. 

However, underneath the trees are roots that could cause problems to your underground pipes. Unlike the branches and leaves which can be monitored and trimmed before causing damage, roots are often left unattended. Their growth can damage your plumbing system and cause blockages. Our friends at Gilmore Heating and Air Conditioning, a residential ac company in Placerville, add that roots can also damage your heating and cooling system if they get out of hand.

Given that you cannot see roots, how can you tell that they are interfering with your underground pipes? Below are several different signs to look for. 

Repeated Toilet Backups

Your toilet drain transports waste material which is a great source of nutrients to plants. Since roots are always using nutrients, they can invade your drainage system in search of these nutrients. Initially, the small root hairs find weak spots in your drainage system and get through. But with time, the hairs grow thicker and bigger causing blockages. 

Such a situation unchecked can cost you a lot of money to replace the damaged drainage system. 

Other signs that indicate root interference with your drainage system include: 

  • Recurrent and unexplainable clogs 
  • Gurgling sounds 
  • Slow drainage 

Blocked Water Main

Your water main is also susceptible to damage from roots. The water main feeds water into your home for various uses. Therefore, any kind of interference from the roots will affect the amount of water you get. Some of the signs to be on the lookout for include: 

  • A gradual drop in water pressure
  • Banging and gurgling sounds

Since roots take time to grow, the effect might not be easily noticeable until very late. 

Broken Pipes or Sewer lines 

As roots grow bigger, they tend to crush or break underground pipes. This is especially the case in homes whose pipes are made of concrete or clay. You might not experience such effects on your pipes if they are made of PVC since they are impervious to roots. 

Some of the most telling signs of broken pipes and sewer lines include: 

  • Low water pressure
  • Abnormal sounds such as whistling and banging from the pipes
  • Increased water bills despite no change in water usage habits
  • Odors coming from your basement or yard
  • Water puddles in your yard. This could either be clean water being fed into your house or sewage coming from your house. 

The best way to determine whether your pipes are broken is through the use of a special camera that can be snaked through the pipe to detect issues. 

Prevent Tree Roots from Damaging your Underground Pipes 

Stopping tree roots from damaging your underground pipes will not only save you money but will also save you the trouble of having to damage your yard during repairs and replacements. You can do this through 

  • Considering your pipes and sewer lines before planting your tree. Avoid planting your trees around them. 
  • Find out what kind of roots your trees have. Avoid those with aggressive root systems. 

And if you have trees already, the best way to ensure that their roots do not interfere with your underground pipes in Appleton Wisconsin is by calling Tureks, your number one plumbing solution. Contact us today so we can inspect your roots and drains!

 

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How to Avoid Common Plumbing Issues

Wednesday, February 5th, 2020

how to avoid common plumbing issuesPlumbing issues are enough to cause health hazards to you and your family as well as damage your property in Appleton Wisconsin. They also have the potential to cost you thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements. Usually, plumbing issues start off small and if unattended, grow to become costly affairs. It is impossible to avoid plumbing issues because your home will continue to age with time. Therefore, the best way to prevent plumbing issues from crippling your entire home is by trying as much as possible to avoid them. 

Here are some of the most common plumbing issues and the best ways to avoid them in your home. 

Leaking Faucets and Pipes 

Leaking pipes and faucets are not only a nuisance to a homeowner, but are also likely to increase your water bills. A leaking tap is usually caused by a torn, stiff or dislodged washer. The washer forms a seal when the tap is closed to prevents leaks. Consistent use tends to wear the washer thus making it ineffective. 

It is hard to prevent your tap from wearing out naturally. The only thing you can do is slow down the process by using the tap responsibly. Avoid exerting excessive pressure on your faucets during closing. Make sure to carry out regular inspections on your pipes as well to deal with any leaks as they come. 

Water Heater Problems 

Your water heater is responsible for heating all the water you need for cleaning. Water heater problems include inadequate water heating, leaking, and discolored water. They are easily recognizable and can be avoided through proper maintenance. Make sure to regularly check the pressure valve and flush the tank to get rid of sediments in a tank water heater.  

Clogged Drains and Toilets

Yet another issue you are bound to experience in your home. A clogged drain or toilet can cause a lot of health hazards to you and your family. Clogging usually happens when a foreign object partially or completely blocks the waterway leading to backups. 

You can avoid clogged drainage systems and toilets by practicing responsible waste management. Do not flush down non-dissolvable items down the toilet or your drainage system. Keep an eye on the children and stop them from flushing down their toys. Additionally, use a hair catcher in your shower to prevent bits of your hair from clogging the drainage system. 

Low Water Pressure 

Low water pressure is a nuisance because you never have enough water to carry out your house chores efficiently. It also affects other appliances in the house such as water heaters that require high pressure to activate. 

While low water pressure is usually experienced in older homes, new homes can also experience the same. It could be caused by leaking pipes and taps or a build-up of minerals and sediments in your plumbing system. 

You can avoid this problem by inspecting your plumbing system for any leaks and having a plumber fix them in time. Make sure to install a filtration system to prevent the build-up of mineral and sediments in your water system.

You will not be able to prevent all plumbing issues in your home. After all, they are not always easy to pinpoint or fix. You can, however, make a point of calling a responsible and highly qualified plumbing company in Wisconsin. At Tureks Plumbing services, we guarantee professional, ethical and honest plumbing services at any time of the day.  

 

 

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Why You Might Have Low Water Pressure

Wednesday, January 22nd, 2020

low water pressure - tureks plumbing servicesLow water pressure is one of the most frustrating things a homeowner can experience. It slows you down and prevents you from carrying out your chores with the efficiency you are used to. Additionally, low water pressure can affect other aspects of your home, such as water heaters that require the water pressure to work.

Low water pressure can be caused by a number of things. Identifying the problem and fixing it will allow you to enjoy your water and avoid any frustration. Here are some of the reasons contributing to your low water pressure in your home. 

Faulty Fixtures 

Fixtures such as your shower head and faucets could be faulty due to old age. Old fixtures are likely to clog due to rust or dirt. This will affect how much water flows through them. Determine which of your fixtures if faulty by testing them one by one. 

Also, make sure that you check the screen and aerator for each faucet to determine whether they are clean and clear. A clogged screen or aerator could be what is causing the fixture to act up. You can easily solve this by replacing or cleaning the fixtures to attain normal flow. 

Corrosion and Debris 

Your pipes will get old with time. For example, pipes made of galvanized steel are likely to rust. The rust accumulates and starts to collect debris over time. This lowers the water pressure. 

Corrosion and the accumulation of debris take place gradually, so you might not notice it immediately. Your plumber in Appleton will be in a better position to determine the level of rust and debris in your pipes and fix it. 

Faulty Pressure Regulator 

A pressure regulator is a bell-shaped control valve used to reduce pressure in plumbing. This reduces the amount of damage caused by high water pressure on your pipes. The pressure regulator can fail and allow the increase or decrease in water pressure. In this case, your pressure regulator will start to inhibit the pressure of the water. 

You can tell whether your pressure regulator is working properly by trying to adjust it. Any defects will affect all fixtures. Your plumber will test your regulator by connecting a water pressure gauge to the spigot that is closest to the regulator or water main and check the psi readings. A reading of below 52-75 psi means that your regulator could be failing and has to be replaced. 

Faulty Water Valve 

Your plumbing system contains two valves that control the flow of water inside your home. Both valves are found close to the meter, one on each side of the meter. Your city’s water employees can close and open the valve on the street side of the meter. 

You might experience low water pressure if either of the valves is not properly opened. It helps to check both valves, especially if your plumbing system had some work done on it. Remember not to apply too much pressure on the valve when opening it. 

One of the best ways to handle low water pressure is to involve a plumber in Appleton, Wisconsin. If you are looking for trained and qualified plumbers for your plumbing issues, look no further than Tureks Plumbing. We are dedicated to giving you value for your money. Tureks Plumbing provides 24/7 emergency plumbing services. So, just contact us and we’ll be on our way!

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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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Why Your Home Water May Be Slow

Wednesday, October 16th, 2019

One of the worst problems that any homeowner can ever have to deal with is a sewer backup. We’ve received many plumbing emergency calls from Appleton, Wisconsin homeowners asking Tureks Plumbing Services for help. Almost every time it’s a sewer backup. So, we’ve compiled the following common causes of why your home water may be slow so that you can know how to avert the avoidable factors behind this serious problem.

Tree Roots in Your Sewer Line 

Tree roots tend to grow towards the places where nutrients and moisture are available. If a tree root penetrates the sewer pipe, that root will eventually grow large and cause a blockage within the sewer pipe. Before long, you will notice that sewage is flowing slowly or even backing up within your home.

Don’t be deceived into thinking that this problem will not occur to you since you don’t have any trees in your yard. Roots can spread from a neighboring property and into your yard, so Appleton plumbers say roots from a neighboring property have the potential to cause sewer line problems in your home.

If you have trees on your property and you suspect that they could trigger sewer backup problems, talk to an Appleton, Wisconsin plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services and he or she will conduct a thorough inspection of the sewer line to ascertain whether tree root intrusion has occurred or is likely to occur. The necessary preventive steps can then be taken to either remove the roots in the pipes or apply root killers to prevent nearby roots from perforating the sewer line.

Sewer Line Clogs

Sewer line clogs are one of the most common reasons why wastewater will flow slowly or back up into your home. Appleton, Wisconsin drain repair professionals, say that most clogs arise because drains aren’t being used properly.

For example, when some members of your household use the toilet as their wastebasket, the things that they dump into the toilet will cause a clog to develop sooner rather than later. A clear example is when feminine hygiene products are routinely flushed down the toilet. These don’t degrade quickly enough, so a clog ends up developing and causing a sewer backup.

Secondly, the improper use of the garbage disposal in the kitchen can also contribute to the slow flow of sewage on your property. For instance, when large quantities of kitchen wastes are dumped into the disposal, those materials will block a section of the sewer pipe over time, and a clog will form. The experts at Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin, therefore, advise homeowners to dump small quantities of kitchen wastes at a time and then run tap water through the garbage disposal to ensure that the wastes have gone through the system neatly.

Grease and fats are another reason why sewer backups can occur in homes. When these materials are poured down the kitchen drain, they cool and solidify within the sewer pipes. Over time, different forms of debris bunch together at the points where this grease and fat has accumulated on the walls of the pipe, and a clog becomes inevitable. The resulting sewer backup can be difficult to fix conclusively until the grease and fats sticking to the sewer pipe walls are removed using hydro-jetting or any other appropriate method. An Appleton plumber can assess the situation and select the most appropriate way to get a long-term solution.

A Collapsed or Broken Sewer Line

Most sewer pipes over 20 years old are made from clay or cast iron. As those materials age, they weaken and collapse in sections. These collapsed or broken sewer pipes often cause the flow of wastes to slow down. Backups can also result when the sewer pipe breaks or collapses.

Newer homes aren’t immune to broken or collapsed sewer pipes because this problem can be triggered by several factors. For example, Appleton plumbers have often been called to repair sewer lines that collapse after a heavy vehicle is driven over them during a home improvement project.

Earth movements can also cause a sewer line to collapse. Talk to a professional at Tureks Plumbing Services if you notice that the flow of sewage is slow after a particularly heavy bout of rain. This can also be caused by excavation work has been done on your property or that of a neighbor. The soil around the sewer pipe may have shifted because of those activities. Resulting in the sewer backups you are noticing. This  may be the effects of that soil movement.

Downspouts, Sump Pumps, and Gutters Connected to the Sewer System

Connecting the downspouts, gutters and sump pump to the sewer system can be a ticking time bomb. When the snow melts, or there is heavy rain, the sewer system can be overwhelmed. Large quantities of water flowing into it can cause unnecessary sewer damage. When this happens, you are likely to observe that sewage will flow slowly. It may even back up if a deluge of water gets into the sewer system all at once.

Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin doesn’t always recommend that the downspouts be connected to the sewer system. These should be channeled into the stormwater drainage system since it is designed to carry away such water runoff.

Municipal Sewer Problems

Sometimes, the slow-flowing sewage on your property is as a result of problems with the municipal sewer system. For example, if the municipal sewer system has a clog, sewage may back up within your property.

In most cases, issues on the municipal sewer system aren’t your responsibility as a homeowner, but you need to consult your local Appleton plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services so that if it is found that the defect causing the backup isn’t on your property, then the utility company can be notified to rectify the problem.

As you can see, many of the reasons why sewage may flow slowly are within your control as a homeowner. If lack the knowledge on how to manage those sewer issues, Tureks Plumbing Services can help. Give us a call today and we’ll help you with your plumbing service needs.

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Repipe FAQ

Wednesday, October 9th, 2019

Repipe FAQA home plumbing repipe exercise is a project in which all the plumbing pipes in the home are replaced in order to resolve the plumbing problems you’ve been having. Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin, offers copper and PEX repipes that are cost-effective, fast and durable. The following frequently asked questions will help you to get more clarity about the necessity of repiping.

Is the Water Pressure in Your Home Low?

Low water pressure is one of the warning signs that can alert you that you may need a repipe to be done by an Appleton, Wisconsin plumber. As pipes age, they tend to corrode. This interior corrosion can inhibit the flow of water. As the flow remains impeded for long, leaks develop due to the constant pressure to which the constricted pipes are subjected.

You know what happens when water pipes develop leaks, don’t you? Water damage, mold, and other problems will become evident. The solution to this plumbing problem is a home repipe.

Have You Ever Been Scalded by Hot Water When Someone Flushed the Toilet While You Showered?

Under normal circumstances, the plumbing system in your home is designed to provide water to all points of use, such as the kitchen faucet and toilet, at the same time. However, the plumbing experts at Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin, explain that when internal corrosion occurs within the pipes, water is no longer able to flow freely to all the places where it is needed. 

Consequently, you could end up being scalded while taking a shower if another person flushes the toilet. This is because when the person flushes the toilet, the limited cold water available rushes to refill the toilet tank and you will be left with only hot water flowing to the shower.

The best way to solve this problem is by asking your local Appleton plumber for professional repiping services.

Are You Keen on Proactive Plumbing System Maintenance?

If you are the type of person who would rather take the necessary steps to avert plumbing problems before they occur, rather than one who waits for problems to develop and them fixes them, then repiping the plumbing system may be the right plumbing project for you.

A home repipe will ensure that the plumbing system is always performing at its best without developing any defects, such as springing frequent leaks.

Is the Plumbing System 5 Years or Older?

Every plumbing material has an expected service life, and those materials will deteriorate with the passage of time. For this reason, it may be advisable for you to talk to a plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services about the possibility of professional repipe services. Your Appleton, Wisconsin plumber will conduct a thorough assessment of the plumbing system and give you sound advice regarding the necessity to repipe the home.

If he or she finds that the condition of the plumbing system warrants a home repipe, then you will be given an estimate of the most cost-effective way to have this system repipe done so that your home can have a plumbing system in peak condition.

Have You Noticed Yellow or Rust-Colored Water in Your Home?

If you notice that the water in your bathtub looks rusty, the pipes supplying that water could have corroded. The extent of the internal corrosion can be assessed by finding out how many faucets discharge rusty-looking water. If the problem is evident throughout the home, then the best long-term solution to the problem is to have your plumbing system repiped by Tureks Plumbing Services.

As you can see, a home repipe project is a sure way to fix most of the plumbing problems that you have been having in your home. These problems include recurrent water leaks, low water pressure, inferior pipe materials that develop defects easily and poor delivery of hot water throughout the home. Our Plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services have extensive experience performing repipe projects, so give us a call today. We will discuss how this plumbing service can be of benefit to you.

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How to Prepare Your Plumbing for Fall

Wednesday, September 11th, 2019

how to prepare your plumbing for fall - Tureks Plumbing ServicesThe weather changes that occur during autumn bring several risks for the plumbing system of your home. Preparing your plumbing for this season will help to avert many of those potential problems. The following tips provided by the experienced plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, WI, will get you underway with this task.

Insulate Your Water Pipes

When a pipe freezes and bursts, the resultant damage can cost you thousands of dollars to fix. The best way that Fox Valley plumbers recommend for preventing this problem is by insulating the water pipes so that they are protected from the cold.

You can buy self-adhering pipe insulation from a plumbing supplies store near you and install this insulation yourself. All you have to do is measure the pipe you want to insulate is and then cut the appropriate length of insulating material.

To make this activity as easy as possible, experienced Appleton plumbers suggest that instead of trying to insulate all the pipes in one day, spread out this work over several days.

Pay special attention to the outdoor water pipes and those in spaces that aren’t conditioned, such as the basement, since these are most prone to freezing during cold weather.

Disconnect the Hose

Now is also the time to disconnect all the water hoses outside your home. Drain those hoses and keep them in your garage or any other sheltered place in your home. Check the faucets to which the hoses were connected and repair any leaks to those faucets before the cold weather sets in.

This is also the time to turn the shutoff valves off so that the pipes supplying the garden hoses don’t retain any water in them. Any water that remains in these pipes could freeze and make the pipe burst.

Clear the Drainpipes and Gutters

Falling leaves and other debris are a threat to the drainpipes and gutters on your home because they can cause clogs that prevent water from flowing freely from the roof and away from your house. It is therefore important for you to inspect and clean out the gutters and the drainpipes so that they can do their work when the time comes.

If you are unable to clean the gutters and drainpipes on your own due to mobility challenges or safety concerns, ask Tureks Plumbing Services for help.

Inspect the Water Heater

The onset of cold weather means that your water heater will be working extra hard to keep your household supplied with the hot water .

Appleton plumbers recommend that you inspect and service the water heater so that it is at its best before the cold weather sets in. Flush the water heater and get rid of the sediment at the bottom of the tank.

Test the pressure relief valve and confirm that it is functional. Also, look underneath the heater to confirm that there are no puddles that could suggest that the water heater is leaking.

You can also check the anode rod if you hadn’t checked and replaced it recently. This component plays an important role in preventing your water heater tank from corroding since the anode sacrifices itself so that the water heater tank can remain intact. If you have a tankless water heater, then you don’t have to worry about sacrificial anodes.

Now might be a perfect time to ask your local Fox Valley plumber to examine your water heater. Tureks Plumbing can help you with any water heater repairs or replacements that are needed. Remember, it’s best to detect these plumbing problems sooner than later.

Service the Sump Pump

The sump pump plays an important role in preventing your basement from flooding by pumping out all the water that accumulates in the sump pit. This pump and any auxiliary pump in your basement need to be at its best to cope with the potential deluge of water entering the basement when the rainy season starts.

Check the discharge line and confirm that it is clear. If you test the pump and it appears to be having a technical problem, invite a plumber from Fox Valley Plumbers to check and fix any issue it may have.

It takes a lot of skill and care to prepare your plumbing system sufficiently for fall. This task is better handled by professionals, and the experienced plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services are at your service. Give us a call today, and we will take care of your commercial or residential plumbing needs just in time for winter. 

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How to Unclog Your Shower Drain

Thursday, April 25th, 2019

how to unclog your shower drainHow to Unclog Your Shower Drain

Usually, the shower drain will start to gradually clog up. One of the first signs you may notice regarding this problem is when water starts reaching ankle-deep while you take a shower. When this happens, you may be at a loss regarding which method you should use to fix the problem. Follow the tips suggested below by the experts at Tureks Plumbing Services to learn how to unclog your shower drain.

Assemble Your Tools

Before you start, you need to gather and assemble everything that you need to complete this task. The tools you are likely to require may include screwdrivers, a straightened coat hanger or a drain claw. You may also need white vinegar, baking powder, latex gloves, and a plastic garbage bag. This plastic garbage bag will be a receptacle for the debris you retrieve from the drain. Place all these items in a bucket so that they are within easy reach while you work.

An experienced plumber in Appleton, WI also recommends that you get a plumber’s snake, a toilet plunger, a chemical drain cleaner, and pliers. Add these to your collection of tools and you should be well on your way to a clean shower drain.

Snoop Around

Get a screwdriver and use it to remove the drain strainer cover. Next, take the flashlight and shine it into the drain. Peek inside and find out whether you can see the clog blocking the shower drain. If you can see it, put on the latex gloves and use a drain claw to pull the clog out of the drain. If you don’t have a drain claw, then a straightened coat hanger with a hook made using a pair of pliers will suffice for this task.

Once the visible clog is out, run some hot water and observe whether the drain is working properly.

Time for Some Pressure

If the water is still draining slowly, a Fox Valley plumber suggests that it may be time for you to switch to the next strategy in your fight against the clog. This other measure entails using a plunger to apply some pressure within the drain pipe so that the clog can hopefully be dislodged.

Apply some petroleum jelly on the rim of the plunger so that it can form a tighter seal on the drain opening. Pump the plunger multiple times for several minutes so that pressure accumulates and pushes the clog down the drain. Run some hot water and see if the water drains swiftly.

Snake It Out

If the plunger doesn’t produce the desired outcome, switch to using a manual plumber’s snake to break up the clog. Experts at Tureks Plumbing Services suggest that you first push the snake gently into the drain until it stops moving. That is your cue that the clog has been reached. At this point, crank the handle so that the head of the plumbing snake can cut through the clog and force the fragments to move down the drain.

Once again, run hot water through the drain. Repeat using the plumber’s snake if the water is still draining slowly.

Plan a Natural Attack

You can also use natural ways to unclog your blocked shower drain. One of the best natural remedies involves the use of hot water, baking soda and vinegar. For this approach, you first pour boiling water down the drain and then pour a cup of baking soda and another of vinegar into the drain.

This mixture will react with the clog and break it up into smaller pieces. Flush more hot water down the drain and chances are the water will drain fast.

Another natural method entails adding water pressure to the power of vinegar and baking soda. For this technique, Fox Valley plumbers advise that you start by pouring a cup of baking soda and another of vinegar down the drain. After that, place a drain cover on the drain opening so that water cannot flow into the drain. Once that is done, run some hot water and leave that water to sit for about 10 minutes.

This water will create a pressure difference between the interior of the drain and the air above. After ten minutes, remove the drain cover and the onrush of water into the drain may have sufficient power to dislodge the clog and push it through the drainage system.

Launch a Chemical Attack

The last trick up your sleeve when all the measures above don’t unclog the shower drain is a chemical drain cleaner purchased from a convenience store near you. Fox Valley plumbers caution that you should follow the usage instructions provided so that you don’t put yourself or the drainage system at risk. Repeat the use of a chemical drain cleaner after a day or so until the drain is working properly.

Contact Tureks Plumbing Services if the suggestions above if you’re still having a drain problem. Our experts will perform a thorough inspection and design the most cost-effective treatment plan to unclog the shower drain so that you can enjoy your showers without fearing that the water will flow out and flood the nearby rooms.

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8 Things You Should Never Pour Down Your Drain

Thursday, January 17th, 2019

things you should never pour down your drain - Tureks Plumbing Services

8 Things You Should Never Pour Down Your Drain

Many of the problems with your plumbing system can be traced to the deceptively simple mistakes that you make each time you pour something inappropriate down the drain. Read through the following list of the things you should never pour down your drain.

Avoid Pouring Grease and Cooking Oil Down the Drain

No amount of grease or cooking is small enough to pour down the drain. Grease and cooking oil solidify inside drains and attract other particles to them. Very soon, the mass will grow into a large enough ball to cause a blockage in the plumbing. You will then start noticing that the drains will function sluggishly. The next step will be a total blockage if nothing is done to fix the situation.

Tureks Plumbing Services advises that you refrain from pouring cooking oil or grease down your kitchen sink. Instead, pour oil or scrape grease into a garbage bin for proper disposal so that you save your plumbing system from the possibility of grease or oil-induced clogs.

Avoid Pouring Pumpkin Fragments Down the Drain

It is also a bad idea to dump any part of a pumpkin into the garbage disposal or kitchen drain. This risk increases exponentially during Halloween when you and your family members carve several pumpkins.

What is so bad about getting rid of pumpkins in the garbage disposal? For starters, pumpkin fragments harden when left on any surface. Haven’t you had trouble cleaning your carving knives after leaving them for a while in the aftermath of cutting pumpkins? Fox Valley plumbers caution that the pumpkin fragments can harden within the drain or garbage disposal and cause problems for the system. Instead, pour those fragments in the trash so that you spare the plumbing system from the eventual problems likely to be triggered when they harden inside the pipes.

Avoid Pouring Fibrous Food Items Down the Drain

While it is recommended that you consume as much fiber in your diet as possible, the same can’t be said for your home’s plumbing system. Fibrous foods, such as celery stalks should not be dumped in the garbage disposal. Those fibers will stick on the disposal blades or form clumps within the drainage pipes. Either possibility isn’t good for the health of the plumbing system and should be avoided by placing those foods in the garbage bin.

Avoid Pouring Rice and Pasta Down the Drain

Another thing you should never pour down your drain is rice and pasta. These items have a lot of starch in them. So they can congeal into a paste-like substance that will stick on the walls of the drainage pipes. Additionally, other solids flowing through the system will attach themselves to this starchy glue and cause a major clog to develop. Talk to a plumber in Appleton, WI, in case you have been disposing of these food items in the garbage disposal. The plumber will inspect the pipes and clean those drains so that any accumulations are removed before they cause a blockage.

Avoid Pouring Bones Down the Drain

The garbage disposal can easily crush different kinds of bones that you dump inside it, right? Wrong. The garbage disposal isn’t a crusher or any such heavy-duty machine. Making it break down hard bones will not only cause massive tear and wear, but also cause major problems to your system.

Err on the side of caution by dumping all bones, except tiny fish bones, into the trash can in your kitchen. This will prolong the service life of the garbage disposal and also safeguard the plumbing system from the harmful effects of any bones that may escape the blades of the garbage disposal.

Avoid Pouring Raw Meat Down the Drain

Raw meat (or trimmings) is also one of the things you should never pour down your drain. Experienced plumbers in Fox Valley say that the meat utilizes all the oxygen within the drainage system as it decomposes. Consequently, there will be no oxygen left for the beneficial bacteria that break down the wastes flushed down the plumbing. Over time, the wastes will accumulate in the septic tank and overflow into the drain field. It is, therefore, better to refrain from triggering this unfortunate chain of events if you want to avoid costly plumbing system repairs.

Avoid Pouring Flour Down the Drain

Flour has a lot of starch, so it should not be poured down the drain. When starch absorbs water, it forms some kind of glue that will bind any particles it comes in contact with into a tight ball. This ball of debris will grow larger until it partially or wholly blocks the drainage pipe. Tureks Plumbing Services recommends that you dispose of unwanted flour in the trash can so that it doesn’t cause plumbing system problems.

Avoid Pouring Coffee Grounds Down the Drain

Can you honestly claim that you have never poured coffee grounds down the drain in your kitchen? Most people have done so because they aren’t aware of the long-term harmful effects of that habit. Now that you know, refrain from pouring those spent grounds in the garbage disposal. They will accumulate in the drains and eventually cause a clog. A far better use of the coffee grounds is to scatter them in your garden or place them in your compost pile so that your plants can benefit from their rich nutrients.

The list of the things you should never pour down your drain is longer than what has been covered in the discussion above. Ask Tureks Plumbing Services professionals for specific questions regarding your plumbing system. Our plumbers will be more than glad to address your concerns, and we are waiting for your call if you ever have any plumbing system problem and need help resolving it.

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