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

Causes of Leaking Garbage Disposal

Tuesday, July 25th, 2017

Fixing the 2 Most Common Causes of Leaking Garbage Disposal

A leaking garbage disposal system does not necessarily translate to a massive hole in your pocket. Leaks can occur from time to time and in some instances, you do not have to spend a small fortune to remedy these problems.

Here’s a brief rundown of two of the most common causes of leaks and what you can do about these.

Gasket

Check your garbage disposal system and determine where exactly the leak is coming from. If the leak is coming from the top rim where the rubber seal and the flange meet, it is highly likely that the cause of the leak is the gasket which can be found on top of the system.

Over time, the rubber gasket breaks down. In some cases, if the garbage disposal system is not used for an extended period of time, the gasket can dry up, causing leaks. Sometimes, the gasket causes leaks if it is replaced unevenly. Finally, if you dismantle the system for whatever reason, it is a good idea to replace the gasket.

Fortunately, if the gasket is the cause of the leak, it can be easily replaced. Just make sure that you purchase the right gasket for your garbage disposal system.

After you have bought the correct gasket, the first thing that you need to do to replace the old one is to disconnect the drain. After that, you can unplug the cord. Make sure that you remove the dishwasher drain hose from the system.

Next, hold the sides of the mounting nuts and turn these counter clockwise. This will unlock the garbage disposal system.

The next step that you need to do is to remove the old gasket and put the new one that you bought. Check whether the new gasket fits properly.  After that, you can replace the garbage disposal system and reconnect the drains and plug.

Disposal flange

If the leak comes from the upper area of the garbage disposal system, the possible source of the leak is the disposal flange.

The flange can leak if the seal is not tight enough or has become loose. In either case, you will need to dismantle the system so that you can reseal the flange.

After dropping the garbage disposal unit, you will need to loosen the bolts that hold the flange in place. Next, find the clip that holds the flange in place by using a flat screwdriver to pop it out of place. Then, remove the top flange from the sink. You should then clean the sink before reinstalling the system and applying putty.

In applying plumber’s putty, make sure that you apply an even amount. You should also make sure that the putty wraps around the rim of the flange. After that, you can put the flange into its original position and replace the bottom flange. Replace the screws tightly and then you can clean the area where you worked. And schedule your appointment with us today!

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How to Deal with Tree Root Problems

Monday, July 24th, 2017

How to Deal with Tree Root Problems

Majestic trees never fail to boost curb appeal. They look grand and beautiful, and they also provide shade and protection from the wind. In some cultures, they symbolize longevity and abundance. They are also sources of sustenance for animals and humans.

However, trees can be the source of problems too, especially when their roots grow into underground structures, or they spread wide and compromise the stability of above ground fixtures. There are many tree root problems, but perhaps one of the most inconvenient is the way they damage underground plumbing systems. Households suffer from clogging and backflow due to roots growing into pipes and septic tanks. They can also cause flooding when pipes crack due to the pressure of invasive tree roots.

Getting rid of tree root infestation in sewer lines or underground plumbing structures is imperative. According to a plumbing company that services Applegate and Fox Valley, Wisconsin residents, there are some effective methods that can be tried, but they all need to be executed by experienced professionals.

  1. Using a mechanical auger

A powered sewer auger is sent down the sewer line with a rotating spiral head with teeth that cut the roots easily. This is effective in cutting down some roots and clearing the sewer line some. However, this doesn’t guarantee that the roots won’t grow back in, so this method of root removal would have to be done frequently, which is rather inconvenient.

  1. Poisoning roots with copper sulfate crystals

This is a highly recommended method for making sure roots don’t grow back. Copper sulfate crystals create a poison zone within the soil outside the pipe and this prevents roots from growing into the sewer because they die in the process.

* Other chemicals have a similar effect; foaming root killers work similarly to copper sulfate crystals and not only kill roots but also prevent regrowth.

  1. Blasting roots away with a hydro jetter

A hydro jetter can blast away roots so chemicals can be applied properly to kill off any roots still present in the plumbing system. Using this is effective but expensive.

Repairing damaged plumbing systems is costly, so in the future, take preventive steps against tree root infestation. If you’re thinking of growing trees in your garden or lawn, find out first where your utility lines are and make sure to plant away from those structures. Likewise, choose tree species that don’t have invasive root systems such as Amur maple, American hornbeam, Adam’s crabapple tree, and Cornelian cherry dogwood.

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How to get jewelry out of a drain

Wednesday, May 31st, 2017
You are doing the dishes after a family meal and before you even finish, your prized piece of jewelry (a ring, bracelet, earring) slips off from you. Before you even have the time to catch it, it goes down the kitchen sink.

What should you do?

If you want to know how to get jewelry out of a drain, here are the steps that you need to follow.

Keep the area off limits

Tell the members of the household to avoid using the sink until the item has been retrieved. Otherwise, it will become increasingly difficult to get the jewelry back.

Turn off the garbage disposal and water

If water keeps on flowing down the drain, the jewelry might be pushed down further until it reaches the sewer line. When that happens, the chance of getting the item back becomes slim.

Stopping the flow of water increases the likelihood that the item goes to a more accessible area of the kitchen plumbing system, like the P-trap.

Find a magnet

Find a strong magnet and attach it to a string. After that, lower the magnet down the drain. There’s a good chance that you can get your jewelry back with this nifty trick.

Check the P-trap

If you can’t retrieve your jewelry with a magnet tied to a string, the next best thing to do is to check if the item is sitting inside the P-trap.

Before removing the different components of the P-trap, you should place a bucket underneath it to catch the water, the grime, and hopefully, the jewelry that went down the drain.

Start by removing the slip nuts and the J-shaped part of the P-trap using either a pair of pliers or a wrench. If you are lucky enough, you will be able to retrieve the lost item and you can replace the parts that you remove. But before replacing these parts, it is a good idea to clean the gunk off the pipes.

Call your Appleton Plumber 

If you are unable to successfully retrieve the item or if you do not want to gamble and test your luck with your home’s plumbing system, consider calling in the experts for help.

Preventing this plumbing emergency

If you wish to avoid the loss of a piece of prized jewelry, there are a few things that you can do.

As much as possible, remove any jewelry before doing the dishes, especially if the sink is open and unstopped.

Place the jewelry that you removed from yourself in a safe area and not over the sink. Alternatively, you can put a jewelry tray nearby.

Put drain stoppers in the kitchen and bathroom sinks. These can help prevent jewelry and other valuable items from going down the drain.

If you have a piece of jewelry trapped in your drain, please call us today for help!

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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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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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Why Become A Plumber?

Thursday, April 13th, 2017

There are many factors that should influence your choice of career to pursue. The most important ones include your interest and preference, skills, talents, and your financial capability, since specializing in a particular area comes with a lot of expenses.

Another essential factor that many people neglect to consider, but one that should be prioritized, is employability – will you be able to find a job immediately after you finish your studies?

Since this a key element that you should also consider, before making your decision, you need to have a good idea of the demand for your profession in the future to ensure that you won’t join the ranks of the unemployed.

Good Reasons to Become a Plumber

Whether you’ve just graduated from high school or you’re looking to switch to a new profession, you should never exclude being a skilled tradesman from your choices of possible career paths. Being a plumber, in particular, should be on top of your list.

But why become a plumber? Even if this job will require you to get your hands (and other parts of your body) dirty all the time, there are several benefits that come with this profession. These include the following:

It’s a financially rewarding and stable job.

Plumbers are one of the most highly paid tradespeople. Whether they get paid by the hour or on a contract or project basis, they are still well compensated.

In addition, there is always a demand for a plumber: after all, every residential and commercial property has a plumbing and drainage system. Once an issue arises with these systems, home and commercial property owners wouldn’t want this problem to be present for long and to blow out of proportion since it will be a source of great discomfort and stress for them. They will always call a plumber immediately. It is one of the few trades wherein you won’t have to worry about employment security or stability.

You can expect low course fees.

Plumbing courses are typically offered by vocational schools and community colleges. As such, they don’t come with steep fees. This means you won’t have to pay a huge student loan debt – a problem that many college students will have to face after they graduate.

You can start earning even while you’re still studying.

Aside from having a job waiting for you once you complete your course, even before you embark on your career, you can already get paid while under an apprenticeship program. There is no better perk for students than earning while learning all they need to know about the trade.

Possibilities for career advancement.

Since plumbing is a licensed and regulated trade, you have many opportunities to work your way up. The highest level you can obtain is the master’s rank. It is a level worth aiming for since master plumbers have a higher salary, more job flexibility, and more opportunities than other professions.

Lastly, you’ll never have to call a plumber.

When you have a plumbing problem in your home, you won’t have to call and pay a plumber to fix it; you can do it yourself. In addition, you’ll also be of great help to your family, relatives, and friends since you will be able to deal with any plumbing or drainage issue they may have as well.

Turek’s Plumbing is the best plumbing company in Appleton, WI. We offer great benefits and company culture. If you are interested in a career in plumbing, be sure to visit our employment page for more information. We are always looking for plumbers who are great at problem-solving and have a positive attitude. So call us today!

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When To Replace Your Hot Water Heater

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017

Once you have a water heater installed, you can rely on this piece of equipment to give you hot or temperate water whenever you need to take a bath.

But although you can expect this system to give you years and years of comfortable baths, there will come a time when it will stop working properly. And if you don’t want to be unexpectedly drenched in freezing water on a particularly cold morning, you need to know when to replace your hot water heater so that you can avoid such an uncomfortable, shocking situation.

There are certain signs that would indicate that you need to replace your water heater immediately. These include the following:

Your heater is already more than 10 years old.

Most water heaters last between 10 and 15 years. Once your system passes the 10-year mark, you will start encountering issues every now and then and you will soon find yourself spending a lot of money on repairs. Unfortunately, having your heater repaired regularly only delays the inevitable. You would do well to put all that money on a new heater.

Recurring loud, unusual noises.

As the years go by, sediment will build up in your water heater tank. You will soon hear banging or rumbling sounds from your heater due to the obstruction inside the tank.  Although a plumber will be able to remove small amounts of buildup, there will come a time when the sediment will harden and this will become too difficult to take out. Aside from causing loud noises, this hard sediment may make your heater inefficient.

Excessive leaks.

The presence of puddles of water around the heater or water seeping down the sides of the heater are usually signs that the water heater tank may be fractured. If this is the case, you will have no choice but to replace the heater to get rid of the existing leaks and prevent any further damage.

Rust around the fittings.

If the fittings around your water heater are corroded, or look rusted or worn down, this may indicate that there is an issue with the unit as a whole. Corrosion is even more likely if the leaks appear around the valves or the pipework. A professional plumber can help you decide whether it will be worth your while and your money to have the issue fixed by replacing the damaged part or if it is best to simply replace your heater with a new one.

It is producing less hot water.

Lastly, if you start noticing that there is a lack of hot water coming from your heater even if you play with the settings, this is usually a sign that your equipment is no longer working efficiently. This is especially true if you observe a sudden decrease in the amount of hot water or that your hot water never seems to get hotter than lukewarm.

You don’t have to immediately buy a new heater if you notice that your current one is starting to act up. A plumber will be able to help you decide if an old heater is worth repairing or if it is best to buy a new one. Call us today to set up an appointment!

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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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