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

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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Problems an Emergency Plumber can solve

Wednesday, November 20th, 2019

Problems an Emergency Plumber can solveProblems an Emergency Plumber Can Solve

Part of running a successful home is understanding how to properly maintain it. This means doing some things by yourself. Light maintenance such as replacing a bulb or a socket, mowing your lawn, are things you can do for yourself.

However, there comes a time when things break down and have to be fixed, immediately. These are things that require specialized skills and equipment to fix.

An emergency plumber is one of the most important people to have during these moments because they can offer you the best services in the shortest time possible. Here are some of the problems a plumbing company in Appleton Wisconsin will be able to help solve.

Frozen water pipes

This is common during the colder seasons. Water tends to freeze in areas where the plumbing is not adequately protected against the cold. It is likely to happen in the basement or in crawl spaces where pipes usually get exposed to the cold temperatures. The frozen pipes can burst and cause significant damage to your property if not taken care of. Your plumber is more conversant with winterizing plumbing and will be able to help.

Water Heater Issues

You are likely to use a lot of hot water for your daily chores. It, therefore, makes sense that you will want to call an emergency plumber in Appleton Wisconsin as soon as your water heater breaks down.

Clogged Toilet – When a Plunger Isn’t Working

Toilets tend to block from overuse or wrong use, especially in homes with many occupants. Waste material can accumulate in the narrower drainpipes making it impossible to flush and causing a lot of problems in your home. An emergency plumber will be able to unclog your toilet and restore it to its working order.

Water Heater Problems

Tanks used for hot water storage can start leaking and cause significant damage to your personal belongings and your home. Call an emergency plumber as soon as you find any form of leakage from your tank.

Clogged sewer line and drainage

Your sewer lines are responsible for draining away any waste material from your sinks, shower or bathtub. The sewer lines tend to carry, with it, debris which can accumulate over time and cause blockages. An emergency plumber will know exactly what to do in these situations and save you from experiencing significant damage to your home.

Overflowing Septic Tank

Your septic tank is most likely going to be located in your yard. These tend to overflow, especially in cases where they aren’t been properly taken care of. The overflow can find itself in your backyard making it easier for the waste to be carried back into the house. If you notice an overflowing septic tank, stop using water and call an emergency plumber immediately.

Sump Pump Malfunctioning

A sump pump is one of the most important equipment to have in a basement if rainy seasons are prone to introduce flood water into your basement. This is because your basement is below the water table making it easy for water flow inside and accumulate.

The sump pump drains the water and pumps it away where it is less likely to cause any form of damage. A break down can cause flooding which may, in turn, damage to your basement and belongings. Your plumber will be able to quickly fix a malfunctioning sump pump and save you from suffering these damages.

One of the main reasons to trust a plumber in Appleton Wisconsin is because they are able to work efficiently to solve your problems. That is why you should not hesitate to call Tureks Plumbing Services for 24/7 emergency plumbing services.

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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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Bathroom Problems You Can Fix Yourself

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019

bathroom problems you can fix yourselfLike most other things, the more the bathroom is used, the more likely it is that problems will start to arise, which you will then have to fix. Whenever there is a problem in the bathroom, the first reaction of people is to call your Fox Valley plumber to get them fixed. But all problems are not of the severity that only a professional plumber can fix them. There are many bathroom problems you can fix yourself, and this can save you a lot of time and money. 

The experts at Tureks plumbing in Appleton, WI have identified some problems that do not require professional assistance. But before we get into that, you need to understand how your toilet works since most of the bathroom-related problems are toilet-related.

A Quick Understanding of How Your Toilet Works

The toilet consists of two parts: the bowl that sits on the ground, and the upper tank that holds the water until you release it when you flush the toilet. The tank is the place where most problems arise, as it contains two important valves and the handle which initiates the toilet flush. 

Plumbing Problems You May Be Able to Fix Yourself

  • Toilet not flushing: This is perhaps the most common problem and has multiple ways to fix it. First, you need to check the handle to see if it is too tight or too loose and then tighten or loosen it accordingly. You can also check on the lift chain to see if it is attached to the flapper and the lift arm correctly, then adjust it accordingly. In case the flapper is not sealing the flush valve opening, you need to replace it because it might be damaged. 
  • A leaking toilet base: Although it sounds horrible, it is not a very hard problem to fix. This problem is mostly caused due to a damaged wax ring that seals the base of the toilet to the drain opening in the floor. In order to replace the wax ring, the toilet needs to be removed, but it is not that hard. By removing the toilet, yourself and replacing the wax ring, you can save money. 
  • A clogged toilet: Another one of the more common toilet problems, this one is probably the easiest to resolve. All you need is a specialized toilet plunger with an internal cup, and you are ready to resolve this problem within a few minutes. In case the clogging is more stubborn, you can use another specialized tool called toilet auger. 
  • Water level too high: This can be caused by a damaged or an old fill valve, which might need to be cleaned or replaced. Another cause might be debris in the fill valve resulting in the malfunction of the shut-off mechanism, and the solution is to clean out that debris

 

If you are unable to fix any of these problems on your own and need assistance, contact us at Tureks Plumbing Services. Having bigger plumbing issues? We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services across the Appleton, WI area. 

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Leaking Toilet Base

Wednesday, September 25th, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1569263090937{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]leaking toilet base - Plumber in Appleton WIA leaking toilet base can prove to be a big nuisance in the bathroom, especially if it is an old bathroom. A leaking toilet base is an unhygienic problem, and it can make your bathroom look not well taken care of. Another problem is that it can damage your bathroom flooring, and leave stains. To avoid severe water damage arising because of a leaking toilet base, you can address this common plumbing problem by fixing it yourself even if it the first time you are trying your hand at plumbing repairs.

Call Your Local Plumbing Experts

Our team at Tureks Plumbing Services are always ready and happy to assist you with your plumbing problems. If you don’t have time to deal with leaking toilets then give us a call at anytime. Our expert plumbers can analyze and advise you on the problem and the best possible solution for it.

How to Fix Leaking Toilet Base

  • Problem identification: To do this, you first need to dry the base, and this can be done by wiping it by a cloth or a towel. After doing this, you need to check all the connections.
  • Address the faulty connections: The bolts connecting the tank to the toilet are secured with rubber washers to prevent the water from leaking. Leakage can occur if these bolts have loosened up. Therefore if you find these bolts to be loose, you can tighten them using a screwdriver. Although you should make sure you do not overtighten the bolts because this can cause the tank to crack. You also need to make sure that the toilet is level on the floor because if it is un-level, it might break the seal. If tightening the bolts does not address the problem, then it means that the problem lies somewhere else. In that case, you may need to reach out to for our plumbing services.
  • Replace the washers: You might need to replace the washers if tightening the bolts does not solve the problem of a leaking toilet base. The washers might have worn out, and before replacing them, you will first need to stop the water source. After that, remove the bolts, dry the area, and replace the washers.
  • Replace the wax ring: If the problem still persists, it is possible it is due to a failed wax ring. The wax ring is not a very expensive replacement and will therefore not cause a serious dent in your pocket. But on the flip side, it might take a few hours of your time to replace as you will have to remove the toilet in order to replace it. After removing the toilet base, you need to remove the old ring and replace it after thoroughly cleaning the surroundings. After this replacement, you can install the toilet back into its original place. If this sounds like too much work, we will gladly do it for you, just fill out a plumbing service request.
  • Replace the toilet altogether: If all of the methods mentioned above have failed, there is only one option left, and that is to remove and replace the whole toilet itself.

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When to Replace Your Water Softener at Home

Wednesday, September 18th, 2019

How to Know When to Replace the Water Softener at Home - Tureks PlumbingLike any of the other appliances that you have in your home, the water softener will also need to be replaced at some point. It is important for you to know when the time has come to replace this appliance. Most water softeners last for between 10 and 15 years, so if yours is more than a decade old, then you could consider replacing it. Apart from the age, there are other signs that you can base upon to make the decision to replace your water softener. Tureks Plumbing Services shares some of those warning signs.

Less Lather Than Expected

If you notice that you have to use more soap or shampoo in order to get enough lather while you take a bath or shower, then it may be time to replace the water softener since the current one isn’t doing a good job of softening the hard water.

Spotted or Stained Laundry

When you run your clothes through the laundry machine, and the clothes have visible white spots or stains, you can suspect that the water softener isn’t doing its work as it should and you may, therefore, need to be replaced. The spots you see are minerals that have remained after the water evaporated as your laundry dried.

This problem can also be seen on your dishes and pans since the same minerals making your clothes to look dirty are also present in the water used in the dishwasher. Consequently, if you see streaks on your dishes and other kitchenware, take that as a sign that the water softener may have become ineffective and it may be time to replace it or have a Fox Valley plumber check and repair it.

Deposits Around Faucets and Pipes

You also need to observe the pipes and faucets in your home. If you see crusty deposits on those faucets and pipes, then the water softener may not be doing its job. That chalky substance can gradually clog the pipes or even damage them.

Changes in the Taste of Water

If you have been drinking water directly from a faucet, you may start to notice that its taste changes to something you don’t like. That change may signify that the minerals which the water softener was removing are now remaining in the water because the water softener is no longer doing its work as it should. This suspicion may gain further credence if you notice any of the other signs discussed earlier.

Changes in the Water Pressure

If the water pressure at different points of use drops inexplicably, the problem may lie squarely with the malfunctioning water softener. The drop in pressure may be due to the mineral deposits in hard water accumulating on the walls of the pipes to the extent that water cannot flow through easily. Fox Valley plumbers advise that it is much better, in the long run, to replace the water softener instead of indulging in the futile task of repeatedly clearing the clogged pipes.

Too Much Salt

Older water softeners required the homeowner to keep topping up the salt that is used by the appliance to soften hard water. Appleton plumbers reveal that if you check your water softener and find that the supply of salt isn’t changing despite the water softener running, then that water softener may have reached the end of its usefulness and it may be time to replace it.

Dry and Itchy Skin

If your skin feels itchy and dry after a shower, then some dissolved minerals may be remaining in the water. This is a sign that the water softener isn’t as effective as it once was.

When to Replace Your Water Softener

The signs above are only indicative and may not be definitive proof that it is time to replace your water softener. This is because the problem may be fixed by servicing the appliance, or another cause may be responsible for the signs you see. For example, the metallic water pipes in your home may be rusty, which could explain the altered taste of the water in your home. The best way to confirm that your water softener is due for replacement is by asking an Appleton plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services to check the softener and determine whether servicing or repairing it may restore it to full functionality, or whether replacing it is the best option. Don’t live with the problems resulting from hard water flowing through your pipes, contact Tureks Plumbing Services for help today!

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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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