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

A Guide to Locating Leaky Pipes

Thursday, May 18th, 2017

Appleton Plumber Provides Advice in Locating Leaky Pipes

Isn’t it just annoying when you find a puddle in your house and you’re not sure what or who created it? Before you conduct your sleuthing, tough, you better wipe it up first lest somebody slips on it.If water no longer reappears after wiping up the area, it’s quite likely that somebody just spilled something on the floor. However, if a new puddle forms, one of the possible causes is a leaky pipe.

If you suspect that you indeed have leaky pipes, the plumbers trusted by Fox Valley and Applegate residents have an easy guide, provided below, that you can follow to locate where the leaks are.

How to take care of the problem

  1. Wipe up the puddle again and then place paper towels or bags around the area where you found the puddle. The leak may be coming from under the floor or from the pipes located on the walls or overhead. If a drip falls, it will surely leave a spot and it’s going to be easy finding where the drip came from.
  2. Do check supply lines or water-using appliances around the area as well. They may have rips or splits, or hoses that have come loose. Turn on the water to see if there are leaks anywhere and then turn the supply off once you see a puddle forming somewhere. It helps to perform this task to establish whether your damaged plumbing system or something else causes the puddle.
  3. Once you identify where the leak is coming from, see if you can perform a remedial job that can control the leak until you can get a plumber to carry out a proper repair.
  4. Now, if you no longer see a puddle after wiping it up, this doesn’t mean that there’s no leak. Observe the area for the next few days because it may just be a slow leak and it only creates a puddle when certain activities at home increase water pressure. You also need to take care of slow leaks because over time, they may get worse. Have your plumber have a look at them so preventive work can be carried out.

If you simply cannot find where the accumulation of water is coming from, set an appointment with your plumber right away. Leaks are no light issues; they can be the cause of accidents, they can attract moisture-loving pests (cockroaches, moths, spiders, and rodents), they can encourage the proliferation of harmful bacteria and molds, they can cause damage to other structural elements of your house or to your furniture, and they can create a spike in your water bill. Contact one of our Appleton, WI plumbers today!

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Signs My Water Pump Is Failing

Monday, May 15th, 2017

What Are the Signs My Water Pump Is Failing?

If you draw water from a well, most of the hard work of bringing water to your home is done by the water pump. However, if you come home with little to no water coming out of the faucet, one possible cause is a failing or broken water pump.

You’re probably wondering, “What are the signs that my water pump is failing?”

No water comes out of the faucet

If no water is coming out of the faucet when you turn it on, the first thing that you need to check are the pipes. Sometimes, the pipes may simply be clogged or broken.

However, if the pipes look like they are in good working order and are neither clogged nor broken, you can turn your attention to your water pump.

Loud and/or odd noises from the water tank

If you keep hearing loud and/or odd noises coming from your water pump, it is highly likely that it is about to fail anytime soon.

An increase in your electric bill

Take a look at your electric consumption over the past few months. If you think that your consumption has not changed but your bill has risen steadily over the past few weeks or months, the culprit may be your water pump.

Low water pressure

Again, you need to rule out other potential causes of low water pressure. Start by checking the condition of the pipes. Sometimes, repairing or changing broken pipes will restore normal water pressure. However, if the problem still persists, your water pump may be the main reason.

Maintaining your water pump

The price of a new water pump for your well can cost you a small fortune. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to get the most out of your investment.

Like other systems in your home, your water pump requires regular maintenance. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations (including the schedule for maintenance) and have professionals inspect it at least once a year.

Consider a submersible well pump

If you have an above-ground water pump, an experienced contractor can fix it for you. However, fixing a submersible water pump will be more of a challenge because it needs to be pulled from the well.

The advantage of submersible well pumps is that these can last up to 25 years. However, this lifespan can be affected by factors like the amount of sediment and other particles in the well. Contact one of our plumbers today!

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What to do when you have an overflowing toilet

Friday, May 12th, 2017

Toilet Overflowing? Here’s What You Need to Do to Stop It

You go to the bathroom to do some personal business. But lo and behold, the toilet is overflowing.

The toilet overflowing is a serious plumbing emergency that requires prompt action. Otherwise, if you allow the toilet to continue to overflow, you will be left with a bigger mess to clean up. Furthermore, you risk damaging your property.

Here are some of the things that you need to do.

The first and most important thing that you need to take care of is to stop the flow of the water going to the toilet bowl. To do that, you will need to find the main shutoff valve of the toilet. This is usually found on the bathroom wall, next to the toilet.

In some cases, the main shutoff valve is found beneath the tiles on the bathroom floor or wall. If you cannot see any visible shutoff valve near the toilet, it is highly likely that it is embedded on the wall or floor. The next best thing that you can do is to shut off your home’s main water valve. When your plumber arrives, be sure to ask him about relocating the main shutoff valve of the toilet to a more visible and convenient location.

Once the main shutoff valve has been turned off and the water has stopped from overflowing, the next thing that you can do is to clear the clog and accumulated water.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to turn the main shutoff valve because it is rarely used and because of the accumulation of rust. You can prevent this by turning the valve every time you clean the bathroom. It also helps to apply lubricant to the valve.

If you can’t find the main shutoff valve, it won’t budge, or if you do not want to turn off all of the water supply in your home, the next best thing to do is to open the toilet tank.

If the flapper is open, close it. This should stop the water from overflowing. However, if the flapper is closed or if you are unable to close it, the next thing you need to do is to find the float ball and lift it. The main function of the float ball is to stop the flow of water once it reaches a certain level. You may need to prop it up to allow it to stay in position and stop the water from continuously overflowing.

If you have an overflowing toilet, contact one of our Appleton, WI plumbers today!

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Common Plumbing Problems In Older Homes

Thursday, April 27th, 2017

Even in today’s digital age, many people are still looking to buy older homes. But often, these buyers are only looking at the surface of the house.

It’s important to look beyond what you can easily see — for instance, check the pipes.

Galvanized Pipes

Plenty of older homes have galvanized piping. A galvanized pipe is made of steel covered with a layer of zinc to protect it. But the zinc erodes from the piping over time, which causes the pipes to fail from the inside. In turn, this leads to different problems like stopped-up toilets and faucets and low water pressure. Sediment will fill the pipes as they corrode, thereby blocking water flow.

Concrete or Cast Iron Pipes

Some older homes have these kinds of pipes. Concrete pipes won’t deteriorate; however, they will shift and move under the home’s foundation. Cast iron pipes, on the other hand, will deteriorate over time just like the galvanized pipes but can eventually disappear.

Lead Pipes

These pipes have a lifespan of a century. Although they wear well, they may leak lead into the drinking water, causing serious health conditions to households.

Copper Pipes

These can be too pricey for home plumbing, but copper pipes are reliable and durable since they are not prone to leaking.

What else to look for?

Thoroughly check the components attached to pipes, water heaters, drains, and other plumbing systems regularly. When they are not maintained properly, huge problems can happen.

A valve on a line might look normal but it may not work well. Just because it is not leaking does not necessarily mean that there’s no problem with it.

How to Manage Plumbing Issues in Older Homes

  • Determine what kind of pipes were installed – Whether the property has copper, galvanized or concrete pipes, let a licensed plumber inspect it. This professional knows if the pipes are still fully functional or already need replacement.
  • Have a professional check the foundation of the property – Aside from the deteriorating pipes, it is also possible that tree roots have strangled the property’s sewer lines. To prevent costly future repairs, ask a certified professional to check the foundation of the sewer lines and septic systems of the property.
  • Renovate – This is the last resort in managing plumbing issues in older homes. Replace the older pipes with new plumbing systems. Also, replace or repair the property’s water lines, drains, vents, and sewer lines.

Prior to buying a house, it’s always best to know and understand the common plumbing problems in older homes. Also, you should have a professional plumber evaluate the property’s current plumbing condition – which is why you should call us today!

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Things To Know When Installing A Tankless Water Heater

Tuesday, April 25th, 2017

Also known as a “demand type” water heater, a tankless water heater provides hot water only when needed. As such, it does not produce standby energy losses, which saves you money.

How a Tankless Water Heater Works

Water is being heated without the use of a storage tank. Cold water will travel from a pipe to the unit if a hot water tap is turned on. This means a tankless water heater delivers a steady supply of hot water. In other words, you do not have to wait for the storage tank to be filled up with enough hot water each time you need to use it.

Why Opt for a Tankless Water Heater?

  • Heating costs will be reduced – Enjoy monthly savings of up to 40% off your utility bill for the product’s life. Heating and reheating water in the storage tank is not required.
  • Only a small amount of space is needed – As compared to traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters will take up less space since this is just about the size of a small suitcase or even smaller.
  • Eco-friendly – Tankless water heaters are 30% more energy-efficient than tank water heaters. Maximum energy efficiency will help conserve natural resources.
  • Long-lasting – It has a longer lifespan for up to twice as much as that of the traditional water heater. This further means less waste in the landfill.
  • Clean – Avoid using water stored in a tank with accumulated rust.
  • Safe – A tankless water heater is equipped with excellent safety features to prevent injuries and burns caused by boiling water.

Installing and Maintaining Demand-Type Water Heater

Proper installation will greatly depend on different factors. These include the following:

  • Local building code requirements
  • Climate
  • Fuel type
  • Safety issues

Regular water heater maintenance is also important to extend the life of the water heater. This will also decrease loss of efficiency.

Proper installation and maintenance are very crucial to optimize the water heater’s energy efficiency. Therefore, it is best to have a licensed, skilled plumbing and heating contractor to install your tankless water heater.

Tips for Choosing the Right Contractor

  • Ask for references. Satisfied customers will give you peace of mind.
  • Request cost estimates from different contractors. Make sure that these estimates are for completed work and not just for sections of the system.
  • Check if they can get a local permit when necessary.
  • Determine if they fully understand local building codes.
  • Check if the plumbing contractor company is a member of the Better Business Bureau.
  • Sign the contract only after you’ve read and understood it.

If you’re looking to install a tankless water heater, please call us today!

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How To Deal With Water Pressure Issues

Tuesday, April 18th, 2017

Low water pressure is the reduction in the pressure of the water that causes it to fail to reach the top level of the house. It is one of the water pressure issues that homeowners wouldn’t want to experience and deal with.

Identifying the root cause will greatly help in managing the problem. If you don’t determine and fix the main cause, it is highly possible that you will experience the same issue over again. If worse comes to worst, recurrent low water pressure could result in structural damage to the home.

Causes of low water pressure problems

  • Damaged or defective water pressure regulator. This bell-shaped device is preset by manufacturers and often does not need adjusting. But like any device, it gets old and malfunctions.
  • Water or plumbing leaks. Any damage to your home’s plumbing system may cause leaks or water to escape. This results in a decrease in the pressure of water.
  • Debris buildup inside the pipes. Dirt, sand and other debris may enter your plumbing system, which then causes a buildup and blockage in the pipes.
  • Corrosion buildup in pipes. Water causes steel or galvanized piping to corrode. Over time, the corrosion causes sediments to deposit and block passageways.

Dealing with low water pressure 

  • Check the water pressure in your entire house. Check the bathroom, kitchen, basement, and outdoor faucets to identify if the issue appears in one area only or if the entire house is affected.

If you are experiencing low water pressure in a specific area only, such as the sink faucet in the kitchen or the shower in the bathroom, it is highly possible that the aerator, valve, or pipe is clogged. Take off the aerator or valve and clean or replace it.

  • Check for leaks and repair leaking pipes. To detect cracks of damages to pipes that cause leaking, shut off the water valve in your house and check the meter. Come back after some time and check the meter again; if there is an increase in the meter reading, then there is a leak. Minor leaks can be repaired using DIY techniques, but major leaks require the attention of professionals.
  • Check for a malfunctioning water pressure regulator. A problematic pressure regulator needs fixing or replacing. If you are not well-versed in fixing or hooking up a pressure regulator, it is best to leave it to certified plumbers.
  • If corrosion buildup is identified to be the cause of the problem, pipe restoration or pipe replacement should be done.

If you’re in need of help with water pressure issues, contact us today!

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Choosing a Plumber – A Few Important Things to Consider

Thursday, April 6th, 2017

Plumbing troubles and emergencies can arise when you least expect these. And when you encounter these hassles, it is crucial that prompt action be taken in order to prevent further damage.

As such, it is crucial that you call in a plumber that you trust. However, in most cases, homeowners choose a plumber as an afterthought — only when there is a problem that should be dealt with immediately.

The problem with this habit is that you could end up hurriedly scrounging the phonebook or the internet for someone to call, especially if the problem arises during the late hours. And the longer you conduct your search, the more damage the problem causes.

Here are some tips that will make choosing a plumber easier for you, regardless of whether you conduct your search online or get recommendations from friends, relatives or colleagues.

One of the first things that you should look for is a plumber’s license.

That license ensures that the plumber’s credentials are verifiable. Furthermore, a license is a sign that the plumber has invested the necessary resources that make his business legitimate.

Next, check if the plumber has insurance.

If the plumber is licensed, it is highly likely he has insurance since licensing bodies require plumbers to have insurance. However, do not automatically assume that your plumber has one and ask for proof.

Ask if the plumber offers guarantees for his work.

Although guarantees on labor and parts have become an industry standard, again, you should never simply assume.

Inquire if the plumber has received awards or has joined professional organizations. Both are proof that the plumber consistently provides quality work. But apart from quality work, your chosen plumber should also provide excellent customer service. One way to check that is to call the plumber’s office. The best ones will have a person designated to answer customer calls.

It is highly recommended that you get quotes from at least three plumbers.

Upon receipt of these quotes, compare these. Although it is tempting to choose the one that offers the lowest prices, you have to resist. Remember, you get what you pay for.

Whether you conduct your search through your network or online, do not hire a plumber without checking his online reputation. Websites like the Better Business Bureau and Yelp can provide you insights on the quality of work and customer service provided by the plumber. However, do not be discouraged by a few bad reviews. Mistakes and misunderstandings can happen and you should evaluate each individual situation as a unique case. Schedule an appointment with us today!

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Common Plumbing Issues

Wednesday, March 29th, 2017

Out of sight, out of mind.

Your home’s plumbing system is quietly working in the background, bringing you fresh water when you need it and disposing of waste water.

In an ideal scenario, your home’s plumbing system should be just that, all the time: working quietly and efficiently. But in the real world, plumbing issues can arise when you least expect them.

What are the most common plumbing problems homeowners may face at one time or another?

According to many plumbers, one of the leading issues faced by homeowners are clogs. Clogs can occur in the sewer, sink or bathtub. And although clogs may seem like a large problem, in most cases, these are not.

Toilets often back up. Your garbage disposal system can cause the sink to clog. Fortunately, most of these can be easily prevented by avoiding throwing large foreign objects into the sink, tub, and toilet. And in most cases, a clog can be undone with the aid of your trusty plunger.

However, there are instances wherein you will need some professional assistance.

For example, in severe situations, pipes may need to be replaced or walls or floorings may need to be torn down.

Another common problem homeowners face is related to the sewer and septic tank. This is one problem that, more often than not, requires the attention of professional plumbers. Apart from the stench, septic tank issues can cause damage to your property and cause health problems for your family.

Some septic tank-related problems can stem from clogs. In other cases, the problem arises form issues related to a section of the system’s pipes.

Whatever problem you may be facing, it is critical that you act as quickly as possible.

That can be as simple as using a plunger to unclog your toilet or calling in professional plumbers to assist you.

This is why it is important that you find a reliable plumber who can attend to emergencies even before you need one. Remember: Every second that your plumbing issue is left unattended and unsolved, the more likely that the problem will worsen and become complicated, resulting in further damage and added costs.

Do yourself a big favor and conduct your search for a trustworthy plumber as soon as you possibly can; this way, you won’t be scrambling to find one when you actually need a plumber, or settle for the first one who answers your call during a plumbing emergency.

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7 Ways to Effectively Prevent and Clear Clogs in Your Drain

Monday, March 27th, 2017

Clogs in the drain are household inconveniences that can be avoided. Since many are easily disgusted by the backflow of murky water caused by a clog in its usual path, it’s important to know what shouldn’t be done in order to prevent these blockages from building up inside drains.

As such, professional plumbers in Wisconsin have listed seven effective ways to prevent clogs below, as well as solutions to clogged drains that you can apply.

Don’t pour cooking grease into the sink.

It may be liquid in form when you pour it in, but an instant change in temperature can cause it to solidify. In Wisconsin, where it’s often cold, grease poured down the sink will harden in drain tubes right away, according to professional plumbers who service Applegate and Fox Valley residents.

Don’t dump coffee grounds in the sink.

Sure, these won’t harden in the drains and can be pushed down by the strong flow of water, but they can build up over time, especially if they get caught in hardened grease.

Don’t flush hair down your bathroom drains.

Hair doesn’t deteriorate and it can get entangled with the different elements present in your drain. Use a drain cover and throw away hair in the trash instead. It’s nasty, but what’s nastier is fishing out a huge hairball from your drain that’s preventing water from flushing away from your house.

If grease is already clogging your drain, the quickest solution to use is boiling hot water.

The hot temperature will turn grease into liquid again and it will mix with hot water and flow down the drain easily.

Another solution for clogs created by grease and soap scum is a solution of baking soda and vinegar.

This solution will corrode clogs and clear the drain. Not only that, baking soda and vinegar have disinfecting properties too, so if your drains are getting to be really stinky, the solution can take care of that as well.

To get rid of soap scum and hair, you can also try lye.

If you’re not familiar with lye, it’s a chemical that is used to perm the hair and it’s also used for soaps. Since it’s potent enough to alter the shape of or even burn hair, it’s effective in dissolving clogs in the drain. Make sure that you only use a small amount of lye because it’s a caustic substance.

For clogged garbage disposals, try filling an ice cube tray with equal parts of vinegar and water. Freeze the mixture of vinegar and water, and when you have ice cubes, dump them in the garbage disposal. The acidity from the vinegar will clean the drain and its chips will scrape grease off the drain walls. 

If you’re suffering from a clogged drain, schedule an appointment with us today!

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What Not To Put Down Your Drain

Tuesday, March 21st, 2017

There are simple things that you do can do to prevent a clogged drain.

In a landmark study undertaken by the Toxic Substances Hydrology Program of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in 2002, it was discovered that wastewater coming from residential, agricultural and industrial sources contained low levels of human and veterinary drugs, natural and synthetic hormones, insecticides, fire retardants, detergent metabolites, and plasticizers.

Of these chemicals listed, one or more were found in 80 percent of the streams which were a part of the study. Furthermore, half of the streams were found to contain seven or more of these chemicals. Roughly a third of the streams contained 10 or more of the aforementioned chemicals.

Quite simply, this means that homeowners, farmers, and industries have contributed greatly to water pollution which does not only undermine water quality, but also adversely affects fish and wildlife.

In the residential setting, plumbers regularly caution homeowners about throwing foreign objects down the drain as these can clog pipes and cause unnecessary damage, not only to the plumbing system but in other parts of the house as well.

But according to the Watership Environment Foundation, the consequences of throwing foreign objects down the drain causes far-ranging effects beyond your home. According to the foundation, throwing foreign objects down the drain can also lead to health problems and environmental problems.

Plumbers say that homeowners should not treat the drain like a trash can and list what not to put down your drain.

These include:

  • Sauces
  • Dairy products
  • Baking goods
  • Food scraps
  • Lard
  • Shortening
  • Cooking oil
  • Butter and margarine

Throwing these down the drain facilitates the blockage in the sewer pipes when grease sticks to these. And once the grease continues to build up, it can block the optimal flow of water.

Expert plumbers advise against throwing grease down in either sinks or toilets. Homeowners should also make it a habit to scrape off food particles and grease from plates, pots, pans and other cooking utensils and implements. Invest in a strainer or basket and install one in the sink drain to catch solids and empty these into the trash can.

Other items that should not be thrown down the drain or toilet include:

  • Used oils
  • Egg shells
  • Coffee grinds
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Paper towels
  • Condoms
  • Flammable substances
  • Medications
  • Acidic or caustic substances
  • Rags
  • Solvents, paints, polish remover, turpentine and similar products.

If you have a clogged drain, contact us today to set up an appointment!

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