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

6 Signs You May Have a Problem With Your Main Sewer Line

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2018

6 Signs You May Have a Problem With Your Main Sewer Line

Your property’s plumbing system goes beyond the visible pipes to the main sewer line connecting them. Today, plumbing problems are among the worst issues you would want to deal with as a homeowner because these may involve a hefty amount of your time and money. Often, this involves your main sewer line, resulting in busted pipes and flooded bathrooms.

But determining if the plumbing problem has something to do with your sewer line is not an easy task. Often, problems go unnoticed without professional help. A damaged main sewer line, for instance, is a huge problem that can become too expensive when not addressed immediately.
To help you, Turek’s Plumbing shares six signs you may have a problem with your main sewer line.

1. Nasty odors

A problem-free sewer line is airtight. So if you smell nasty odors coming out from the pipes, this means that there is a leakage in your main sewer line.

2. Sewage backup

Sewage backups are common. However, if this happens each time you flush the toilet, you may have a problem with your sewer line.
Remember that all drains rely on the main sewer line in order to drain properly. So if you notice blockages in your drains, this is a sure-fire sign of a damaged sewer line.

3. Slow Drains

One of the common plumbing issues homeowners encounter is a slow drain. Usually, this can easily be dealt with by drain cleaning or a plunger. But if these efforts don’t work anymore, the issue may already involve your main sewer line.

4. Sewage in your yard

Once your sewer line gets clogged, your home’s wastewater might not make it to the sewer. Instead, it gets out from the sewer clean-out, which then pours sewage into your yard.
A good indication that sewage is leaking out in your yard is when your lawn looks more lush than usual; that’s because sewage is an excellent fertilizer.

5. Mold

Mold is caused by several issues, including a damaged main sewer line. Even a small crack in the line will result in water leaks inside your home, leading to mold growth. Deal with mold immediately because this is detrimental to your health.

6. Foundation issues

Other signs of a damaged main sewer line include foundation issues like foundation settlement, cracks in the foundation slab, and sinkholes. These problems are often caused by leaks that are left unaddressed for a long period of time.
Plumbing problems can disrupt your daily routine. When dealing with these problems, a reputable Fox Valley plumbing company highly recommends calling plumbing experts, regardless of how mild or severe they are. This is the only way to make sure that the problem is fixed properly.

Don’t wait for your main sewer line to be damaged! The moment you notice a plumbing problem inside or outside your home, immediately call a professional Appleton plumber.

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Causes of Foul-Smelling Septic Tank and Slow Drain

Wednesday, September 12th, 2018

Causes of foul-smelling septic tank and slow drain

Foul-Smelling Septic Tank and Slow Drain: 4 Possible Causes

A foul-smelling septic tank and slow drain are among some of the serious plumbing problems that must be addressed immediately. Otherwise, these can lead to costly home repairs.

To better understand how these problems happen, Turek’s Plumbing shares four potential causes and some ways to prevent them.

Overuse

Just like any home appliance or furnishings, overusing your draining system can lead to problems. If, for instance, you and your family are using more water and giving out more waste than what your septic tank can accommodate, slow draining will happen in an instant.

Water usage is usually the main culprit because, with too much water, the septic tank will drain too long. Also, the sediments that have settled at the bottom of the tank will be disturbed. As a result, it will flow into the leach field, which will then clog up the system. When this happens, there will be sewage backup, and wastewater can leak into your home and in your yard.

Thus, if it has been 2-3 years since your septic tank has been pumped-out, contact an Appleton plumber now. A professional septic tank pumping and cleaning service will prevent the occurrence of serious septic tank problems. Investing in this service periodically will prevent blockages in the sewer drain, eliminate foul smells, and prevent the leakage of sewage.

Mechanical Issues

Slow drains can also be a result of mechanical issues. Your toilet or sink may have become ill-fitted over time. This must be checked by a Fox Valley plumbing company to make sure that your fixtures and drainage will once again function efficiently and properly.

Tree Roots

The roots of your trees are too resilient. They can easily drill right through anything that is on their way. So make sure that your drainage system and septic tank are installed in an area where tree roots can’t reach.

Long Plumbing Maintenance Intervals

Plumbing maintenance must be done on a regular basis. But if you have a busy daily schedule, there is a higher possibility that you’ll forget to call professionals to inspect and clean your septic system. You may only be reminded when it’s already too late.

So to prevent this from happening, you need to create a schedule or perhaps assign a family member to remind you of the cleaning and pumping schedule. If not, you can use today’s technology – for instance, create a reminder on your smartphone.

Adhering to a regular maintenance schedule for your septic system must be taken seriously. After all, this is the only way for you to enjoy a quick-draining home.

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Bathroom Plumbing Basics

Wednesday, September 5th, 2018

Basic plumbing problems

5 Bathroom Plumbing Basics Homeowners Should Know By Heart

Plumbing issues in the bathroom can be one of the most stressful problems you can have in your home.

Knowing the basic bathroom plumbing hacks can ensure you can still use your toilet until a professional plumber can get to the bottom of your issue and provide a long-lasting solution.

Here are five bathroom plumbing basics you should know about to deal with some common plumbing issues:

Low water pressure

Taking a bath with low water pressure can really be a drag. But before you call a plumber, check if the pressure remains low when you switch from cold water to hot water. If it does, this means that there is some kind of mineral deposit in your shower head aerator.

If your aerator is removable, take it out and soak it in vinegar overnight. In case the aerator is not detachable or your shower doesn’t have one, soak the shower head in a bag of vinegar overnight.

In case this quick-fix does not work, an Appleton plumber says that the shower head cartridge may be blocking the water flow, thus causing the low water pressure. For this instance, you need to call a plumber since the cartridge needs to be removed and fixed or replaced.

The plumber will also need to the check the water pressure at the water meter and inspect your pipes to determine other possible causes.

Leaking faucet

One of the most common causes of a dripping faucet is a worn-out washer. This is the rubber part that forms a seal to prevent water from coming out. All rubber washers wear out over time due to exposure to water.

To know if this is the cause of dripping faucet in your bathroom, you will have to unscrew the faucet to remove the cartridge and check the washer. If you don’t have the tools to unscrew the faucet and to remove the cartridge, you will have to call a plumber.  

Slow or clogged drains

Slow or clogged sinks and shower drains are often caused by a buildup of accumulated hair, soap and shampoo scum, and other debris in the drains.

To fix this issue, remove the pop-off drain cover in the sink or shower floor. Put on some rubber gloves and remove any debris. You can also use an auger or an old, partially straightened wire hanger to pull up hair strands and other debris.

If this does not fix the problem, use a plunger to loosen the debris. Next, flush the drains with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to further unclog and clean the drains.

Clogged Toilet

A clogged toilet can make your bathroom and even your home unsanitary.

If you’re not afraid to get dirty to try and fix this problem, use a plunger to remove the clog. In case the plunger does not work, use an auger to dislodge clogs that the plunger can’t reach.

If you don’t want to unclog your toilet on your own or it still doesn’t work, call a professional.

Running Toilet

Lastly, a running toilet problem can often be fixed by replacing a warped or broken flapper, installing a new chain, or readjusting the float.

If you have this issue, you should start by checking the flapper valve first since this part often breaks easily. You can then replace the flapper easily. There are also different toilet repair kits you can buy to stop water from running continuously in your toilet.

In case any these quick fixes do not work, hire a plumber to check your toilet since there will be a deep-seated cause behind this problem.

When you have a bathroom plumbing issue, it is important that you know the difference between minor and major plumbing issues. This will help you save a lot of time and effort in attempting a DIY job. It will prevent you from spending more money than needed as well.

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Warning Signs of a Damaged Sewer Pipe

Monday, August 27th, 2018

Warning Signs of a Damaged Sewer Pipe

A damaged pipe can be a big hassle and a huge drain on your monthly budget.

And unknown to many homeowners, this issue often takes years to arise. More often than not, the warning signs of a damaged sewer pipe are there, hiding in plain sight, ignored, or attributed to another problem.

Homes that are 25 years old or older are particularly vulnerable to damaged sewer pipes. This is because these often use cast iron pipes.

What are the warning signs of damaged sewer pipe homeowners should be on the lookout for?

Slow drainage

Slow drainage is a fairly common plumbing problem which can be resolved fairly quickly. However, if the problem is not resolved after several attempts, it may be a sign of an impending sewer pipe damage.

Here, slow drainage is an indicator of the formation of the blockage.

Foul odor

A sewer pipe that is in good working condition should be able to contain the scent of sewer gas.

If you notice that distinct odor in your home, it may be a sign that the sewer pipe has been cracked.

Backups and blockages

When the backup or blockage occurs in more than one drain, it is highly likely that your sewer pipes are deteriorating.

Therefore, these types of backups and blockages do not respond positively to pipe cleanings.

Molds

Molds build up when the humidity level inside a home increases. And one of the possible causes for the increase of humidity inside a home is a cracked sewer pipe. Our friends at Gilmore Heating & Air, a residential ac company in Placerville, recommend consulting with an HVAC company to learn about bacteria-fighting heating and cooling systems.

Pest problems

You have tried practically every solution available for you to get rid of rodents and insects that have infested your home and nothing still works.

It’s not that the solutions that you have implemented are simply not working. It is highly possible that you are attacking parts of the problem.

These unwanted invaders take advantage of the smallest available space to invite themselves in your home.

Patches of unusually green grass

You’re proud of your lawn and all of the efforts you have put toward it. But during one of your mowing sessions, you notice one particular area where the grass seems to be thriving.

The culprit may be the sewage leaking below that area, blessing the grass with nutrients.

Structural damage

When sewer pipes are nearing the end of their usable lifespan and potential damage is imminent, you will notice structural damage in and around your home.

So, this can take various forms, including cracks or settlements in the foundation, sinkholes, and indentations in the lawn or beneath pavers.

Be vigilant

Taken individually, these signs may be considered as indicators of smaller problems.

But if you notice these in conjunction with one another, you might be facing a serious plumbing problem. Contact a plumbing expert immediately. 

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5 Common Sewer Line Problems And Signs You Have Them

Monday, August 20th, 2018

5 Common Sewer Line Problems And Signs You Have Them

Your residential sewer line plays a crucial role in allowing you to have a hygienic and healthy home. When your sewer line is blocked, broken, or has certain issues, this will affect the entire main line of your home plumbing system.

Here are the five common sewer line problems you may encounter and signs that you have these issues:

Blockage

Sewer lines can become blocked if you keep throwing grease and oil down the sink and flushing objects that shouldn’t be flushed, such as diapers and tampons. The blockage will then restrict water flow in your sewer line.

Common signs that indicate you have a blocked sewer line are:

  • Loud gurgling noises in the pipes
  • The drains are working slower
  • Water is backing up into the lowest drains of your home

Broken, collapsed and skewed pipes

Old residential sewer lines especially those produced before the ‘90s were made of clay or poor-quality plastic pipes. These fixtures become weaker and brittle as the years go by.

If these pipes are not replaced, they will be broken by the shifting of frozen ground or soil surrounding the sewer lines. They can be broken by tree roots as well.

Deteriorated pipes can cause sewer backup. As such, you will also observe water backing up and your drains working slower if your sewer line pipes are damaged.

Tree root infestation

Tree roots naturally gravitate towards areas where water sits to find nutrients. If the sewer line is close enough, roots may grow directly into the pipes. The roots will enter through cracks, crevices, and holes.

Tree root infestations can cause water to back up and overflow. This is one of the biggest plumbing problems you may encounter and often requires major repairs.

Pipe corrosion

Iron pipes last for about 15 to 20 years. After that, they can rust and break open.

Pipe corrosion can also be hastened by the mineral content of the water flowing through the pipe. Its location (behind walls or underground) will speed up its deterioration as well.

If you are experiencing frequent drain backup, your sewer line may already be corroded.

Blocked house trap

A house or plumbing trap is a specially designed fitting shaped like a U which prevents odors from coming out of a city line. It contains water which acts as a natural barrier that blocks odors from escaping and preventing any of them from entering the home.

In case objects such as diapers and tampons are caught in the belly of the trap, the entire system may start to malfunction.

A bad smell coming from your drains can indicate that you have this sewer line issue.

So, knowing the common sewer line problems and their signs is one thing; dealing with them is another. Fixing these issues can be time consuming, complicated, and dirty job. As such, it is best to call plumbing experts immediately when you notice these plumbing problem signs.  

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Where to Find Your Sewer Cleanout

Monday, August 13th, 2018

Where to Find Your Sewer Cleanout

Clogs and sewage – certainly not the stuff everyday conversations are made of.

Still, it pays to know what you need to do in case your household ever, quite, unfortunately, gets plagued by a stoppage in the main drain line.

This is not just about a drain clog in the toilet, tub or sink. The main drain line delivers all the wastewater coming from your house to the city or municipal sewer system, or to a septic tank and leach field system.

Hence, a blockage in your main drain line means raw sewage backing up into your house resulting in an unimaginable stench, and waste-laden water spilling over to your floors – the stuff of nightmares, and a certain health hazard unless addressed ASAP.

This is why it is so important for you to know exactly where to find your sewer cleanout. If it’s your first time getting to know about this feature of your plumbing system, read on.

For every house, there’s usually only one sewer cleanout

Ideally, all houses should have a main sewer cleanout. But a few don’t, while some larger houses can have as many as three.

Whenever there is a blockage in your main drain line, this is the plumbing fitting to look for.

But how do you find it?

To locate your main sewer cleanout, you need to do a bit of sleuthing to determine where it is highly likely to be found.

Its location is usually dependent on geography and the house design. However, there are three spots you can try checking first where you might just find it:

Outdoor Clean-Outs

Residences located in regions with a warm climate tend to have their main cleanout located outside. Try looking behind thickets or bushes, or see if you can find a plastic or metal box in a recess in the soil.

Basement

If you have a basement, the main cleanout would most probably be located there.

Bathroom

If you live in a house with a slab foundation, you may want to go looking for the main cleanout in the bathroom. If it’s not there,  your garage where it’s likely to be found near a floor drain.

Get professional plumbing help

A main sewer line blockage is something you most likely can’t fix on your own. A stoppage in the main line is something which definitely requires the expertise and skills of experienced plumbersYou’ll need tools such as a drain snake or a motorized drain auger to fix the problem. You also need to protect yourself from the unsanitary conditions of dealing with sewage. Therefore, give your trusted plumber a call, and get your plumbing issue fixed right away.

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What Is That Loud Noise After I Flush?

Monday, July 16th, 2018

What Is That Loud Noise After I Flush?

As you flush your toilet, you are caught unawares by the unusually loud sound you hear.

Do you have a small animal trapped somewhere in the bathroom? Is there some structural damage within the walls of the bathroom? Surprised, you flush the toilet again, confirming that the loud sound did indeed come from inside the bathroom. 

“What is that loud noise after I flush?” you ask yourself. The simple answer: A water hammer.

A Water Hammer

A water hammer occurs when water traveling at a fast speed suddenly stops. In this case, the closing of the toilet valve causes the water to stop its movement and crash against the valve. In turn, this causes the pipes to vibrate against your bathroom walls.

Imagine the water inside your toilet pipes as a long line of cars traveling a highway. And then one of the cars makes an abrupt stop without giving the other trailing cars an opportunity to swerve or put on the brakes at a comfortable distance. The result of that is a massive pile-up.

That, in essence, is what happens when a water hammer occurs.

But why do water hammers occur in the first place?

Water hammers are more likely to happen in homes that were built in the sixties. The pipes used in the toilets of these homes are equipped with a T-shaped fitting designed to create an air chamber. The purpose of this air chamber is to act as a shock absorber, preventing water hammers from occurring.

However, this air chamber can be filled with water, rendering it useless in performing the task it was designed for. Fixing this problem is as simple as turning off the main water valve and then draining off the water from all the pipes in your home.

But, if your home was built after the sixties, you shouldn’t hear water hammers in your homes. This is because of the different developments made during these subsequent years to prevent this problem. If your home was built after the sixties and you hear water hammers every time you flush your toilet, it is best to call in a professional plumber to determine the underlying cause. Left unchecked, water hammers can lead to bigger problems which may be more difficult and more costly to fix. Such problems include water leaks in the walls of your home. 

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Pros and Cons for Alternative Waste Line Piping

Monday, July 9th, 2018

Pros and Cons for Alternative Waste Line Piping

There was once a time when ceramic, metal and concrete were the only materials used for plumbing.

Today, most pipe metals like galvanized steel and copper. But while metal plumbing is long-lasting, it requires strenuous installation work. Moreover, metal pipes must be welded or threaded, and tubing will require the installation of fittings.

Tureks Plumbing shares some pros and cons for alternative waste line piping materials used by professional plumbing contractors today.

1. Plastic

The use of plastic plumbing pipes was introduced in the 1930s. It gives professional plumbers an option that is easier to install and that prevents the common plumbing problems with metal pipes.

Pros

Corrosion-resistant – Plastic pipes are not easily corroded by common household chemicals or water. It can be adjusted to meet residential plumbing needs, including drainage and water supply.

Easier installation – Since plastic pipes are light, plumbing jobs using these pipes are easier to install and even cost less than those involving metal pipes.

Low heat conductivity – Plastic does not conduct heat, so it can maintain the temperature of the water it carries.

Cons

Sensitivity to sunlight – Plastic pipes will become brittle if they are exposed to the UV rays of the sun.

Low melting point – Since plastic burns or melts at lower temperatures, it presents an added danger in case of a house fire.

2. Pipe

Galvanized pipe is a steel or iron pipe that has been plated using a corrosion-resistant zinc surface. Pipes are connected using threaded fittings. Also, they are sealed with pipe dope or thread tape.

Pros

Rust-resistant and durable

It can last for up to 50 years

Cons

Heavy – Since these pipes are made of steel or iron, these are heavy to handle.

Highly susceptible to blockages – As pipes begin to deteriorate, they become prone to blockages.

3. Cast Iron

Gone are the days when cast iron piping was connected using melted lead. Today, the material is connected with plastic or rubber fittings.

Pros

Long-lasting – In some applications, the use of cast iron piping can exceed 50 years.

Quiet – These pipes can reduce, if not eliminate, the usual sounds of running water as it passes through.

Cons

Heavy – Since it is made of iron, it is too heavy, so transporting and working with it can be difficult.

Hard – These pipes are challenging to cut. It usually requires special tools like a metal cutting saw or snap-wrench.

Repairing or installing your plumbing system will depend on the specifications and design of your original plumbing. But it is always best to consult a trustworthy plumbing contractor like Tureks Plumbing before commencing with any plumbing project or to hire them to get the whole job done.

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Why Is My Toilet Leaking At The Base?

Wednesday, April 25th, 2018

If there is water around the base of your toilet, this means that there is a leak around the base of the fixture. Once you notice a leak, deal with it immediately. Do not wait for your bathroom to become a swimming pool – have it fixed!

Why is My Toilet Leaking at the Base? 

For people asking, “Why is my toilet leaking at the base?” an Appleton plumber shares three possible reasons, along with some things homeowners can do before calling in the experts:

  1. Loose T-Bolts

T-bolts are the plastic caps you see around the base of your toilet. They help hold the toilet firmly in place. If these bolts become broken or loose, the seal of the toilet can break, thus causing leaks.

All you have to do is to reposition the toilet so it becomes leveled and centered. After that, tighten the bolts and replace the cap. But if the bolts continue to spin freely, this means they are broken. In this case, replacing the T-bolts is your only option.

Flush the toilet once the bolts are secure. If water still leaks at the base, check the wax seal underneath the toilet.

  1. Damaged Wax Ring

If your toilet is still leaking at the base even after you have tightened or replaced the bolt, the wax ring may be the culprit.

The wax ring seals the toilet to the floor to prevent the seepage of dirty water. Over time, this seal can disintegrate or become useless when the T-bolts become loose. Replacing a wax seal is a more tedious task so you might need an extra set of hands. But for best results, it is recommended that you contact a reputable plumber in Appleton, Wisconsin.

When replacing the seal, turn off the water that comes into the toilet. Also, flush the toilet drain and make use of rags to absorb any water that remains. The water line from the tank must be unscrewed. Before lifting the toilet, do not forget to undo the T-bolts. Remove the old wax ring from the toilet and the floor with a scraper. Also, clean the area with disinfectant. Once the toilet and floor are dry, install the new wax ring. Put the toilet back in place and tighten the T-bolts.

  1. Cracked Toilet Bowl

Although this is rare, your toilet leaking may be caused by a crack in the toilet bowl. If you can pinpoint the crack, use a sealant to repair it. Make sure to turn off the water supply, drain the bowl, and dry the area before doing so. But if the leak continues, you need to replace the toilet bowl.

Dealing with toilet leaks is not as easy as it seems. If you need any help, Turek’s Plumbing highly recommends hiring their plumbing professionals to do the job for you.

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5 Handy Plumbing Tips For Renters

Monday, April 23rd, 2018

If you are renting your home, you can’t always rely on your landlord or property manager to show up with a plumber immediately whenever you have a plumbing problem. Your landlord or property manager will need some time to look for or call a plumber. Also, if you’re not new to leasing a home, you’ll know that property owners or managers always have a lot of things on their hands and as such, won’t always act on your complaint quickly.

Knowing some basic but useful tips will help you have an easier and less stressful time dealing with certain plumbing problems. If you’re living in a rented property or preparing to move to one, below are some handy plumbing tips for renters you need to keep in mind:

Know where the shutoff valves are located.

Nearly all plumbing fixtures have a shutoff valve. These small valves are used to control the flow of water to a plumbing fixture such as the faucet, toilet, shower, or tub. The shutoff valve may appear as a handle on the wall near the floor under the toilet or sink. The valves of bathtubs and showers are often found in a nearby access panel.

Knowing where these shutoff valves are is important if you have a leaking pipe or faucet. If you have this problem, you can avoid wasting water and further damage to your rental property.

In case you can’t find the shutoff valve for a specific fixture, use the main shutoff valve for the home. Ask your landlord or property manager where in case of a plumbing emergency.

Protect and take care of all drains.

To protect your sink, shower and bathtub drains, use strainers. A strainer will catch food, hair, and other debris that can cause buildup and clog the pipes. Never pour or throw moisturizer, lotion, shaving cream, cooking or meat fat, oils, grease, rice or pasta and other fibrous materials down the drain. These items will expand and bloat or tangle up and cause drain blockage.

Use the toilet responsibly.

Don’t use your toilet as another garbage disposal system for soiled diapers, used tampons, and other items. Some toilets and plumbing systems are simply more susceptible to problems. Avoid placing anything except for toilet paper and natural waste in your toilet system.

Always keep your sinks clean.

Keep them clear and prevent backing up by pouring some Drano or a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda every 2-3 months down the drain. These items will help dissolve buildups in the drains and keep them running properly.

Buy a plunger.

A clogged toilet is one of the most stressful plumbing problems you can have. It is an issue you can easily fix without calling your landlord or property manager if you have a plunger. According to a trusted Appleton plumber, the best toilet plunger to get is the kind with an extended cup that sits inside the bottom of the bowl since this is easier to use.

For more difficult and complicated plumbing problems, you will have to wait for your landlord or property manager. Do not attempt to fix them yourself. You may end up aggravating the issue and causing more problems that may be more time-consuming and costly to repair. If you have questions or concerns please contact Tureks Plumbing Services. 

 

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