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

When Is It Time To Replace Your Toilet?

Monday, August 15th, 2022

3 Reasons Why You May Need To Replace Your Toilet

How Old Is Your Toilet?

If your toilet is more than 20 years old, it might be time to replace it. While newer toilets use less water, the biggest benefit of replacing an old toilet is that you’ll save money on your water bill. Newer toilets are also more efficient and can help reduce the amount of water waste in your home. If you’re thinking about replacing your toilet, be sure to talk to a professional plumber near you to discuss your options and find the best option for your home. With a little research, you can find a new toilet that will save you money and help reduce your environmental impact.

Cracks In The Toilet

If you notice cracks in your toilet, it’s important to take action right away. Cracks can cause leaks, which can lead to water damage and mold growth. In addition, cracks can also weaken the structure of the toilet, making it more likely to break. To repair cracks in your toilet, start by cleaning the area around the crack with soap and water. Then, apply an epoxy resin adhesive to the crack using a putty knife. Once the adhesive is dry, sand the area smooth and apply a new layer of paint or glaze. With a little time and effort, you can repair your toilet’s cracks and make it look new again.

A Leak In Your Toilet

A leaky toilet can waste a lot of water and increase your water bill. If you have a leak, you should fix it as soon as possible. The first step is to determine the source of the leak. Check the tank to see if there is any water on the outside. Then, check the bowl to see if there is any water around the base. If you can’t find the source of the leak, call an Appleton WI plumber. Once you’ve found the source of the leak, you can repair it yourself or call a plumber to do it for you. Either way, fixing a leaky toilet will save you money and help conserve water.

Contact Us Today

Are you tired of looking at your old, cracked toilet? Is it time for an upgrade? Then contact Tureks Plumbing today! We offer a wide range of toilet replacement options near you to suit any taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for a traditional design or something more modern, we have the perfect option for you. And our experienced team can have your new toilet installed in no time. So don’t wait any longer, call Tureks Plumbing today!

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Why Does My Toilet Keep Running? 

Monday, April 11th, 2022

When the toilet runs continuously, you are possibly wasting gallons of water and increasing your water bill. However, there’s no need to be concerned; a running toilet is typically a straightforward remedy. The three most prevalent reasons are a damaged or unclean flapper, a chain that is too long or too short between the flush lever and the flapper, or an out-of-place float. There are simple solutions to the question you can ask yourself why does my toilet keep running?

Why Isn’t My Toilet Turning Off?

The first thing you should do is switch off the water supply to the toilet. Next, turn to the right the silver knob on the back of the wall behind the toilet. Second, remove the tank cover and begin to identify all of the components and how they interact with one another.

  1. The rubber flapper is attached to the toilet flush lever (on the exterior) (inside).
  2. The rubber flapper prevents tank water from entering the bowl
  3. The pump is responsible for refilling the tank after a flush.
  4. To signal the pump when to stop, the float rises and falls with the water level.
  5. The overflow tube determines where the water level in the tank should be.

Flapper Chain Is The First Cause.

First, double-check that the chain is correctly connecting the flush lever and the rubber flapper. The chain will occasionally become disconnected. Next, jiggle the flush lever to examine if the chain has too much or too little slack. Because the flapper isn’t sealed, water will continue to flow into the bowl if it’s too short. When the lever is pressed, the chain will not open the flapper if it is too long. Cut the extra chain if necessary. A float may be added to the chain; adjust the float so that it lies on top of the water’s surface.

Flapper that is dirty or broken is the second cause.

Because the flapper has grown dusty, deformed, or cracked over time, it may no longer adequately close the drain. If you need to clean or replace it, first drain the tank entirely and then disconnect it from the chain. There will be a range of alternative options available at the store. Match the brand if possible, or find a “universal” label that looks similar to what you have. After reattaching the flapper, try it with water to determine if it seals properly.

If you discover that the flush valve (which holds the flapper in place) is the source of a water leak and has to be changed, follow these simple steps.

Float Out of Position Is The Second Cause 

An adjustable float regulates the water level within the tank. When the float is adjusted too low, it results in a weak flush. If it is adjusted too high, water will pour into the overflow tube and run continuously. Look for a fill level indication on the inside rear of the tank and mark it prominently on the overflow tube. If there isn’t a mark, measure 1 inch down the overflow tube and create a mark.

Turn on the water and flush the toilet to check where the water level ends in relation to the mark. If the water overflows, the pump’s float is set too high. Adjust the float up or down as needed. On an older toilet, the brass rod that connects to the float may need to be bent. To use a newer toilet, just turn a screw or slide a clip along a rod. Sometimes the fill valve (to which the float is connected) will not shut off and may be faulty. In this situation, you’ll need to acquire a new valve.

Contact Tureks Plumbing To Help With Any Services

When it comes to your toilet there can be a few reasons why it could be acting abnormally. Asking a professional plumber in appleton WI what the best next step could be the most efficient way to approach the situation. If your toilet continues to flow and these options do not resolve the issue, contact Tureks Plumbing, the best plumber in appleton WI. Our professionals will promptly and accurately get your toilet up and running.

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Choosing the Right Bathroom Toilet

Wednesday, August 25th, 2021

Bathroom Toilet

Choosing the Right Bathroom Toilet in 2021

Most people don’t look for qualities in their toilet unless they’re replacing their old one. When choosing a toilet, you should look for what fits your needs best. Be careful though, many new toilets have fancy features you don’t necessarily need. Below, our Fox Valley plumbers share a few things you should consider when choosing a new toilet. 

Who will be using the toilet?

This is such an important factor because the height and shape of the toilet will contribute to the household’s comfort when using it. If you have little kids sharing/using the toilet most of the time, perhaps it’s best to go for something that’s not too high and is a bit narrow. There’s always the danger of them falling in with larger bathroom toilets. Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, who provide Sacramento plumbing services, says it’s a common mistake for homeowners to choose a toilet that is too low to the ground. Try to find a toilet that is average-sized.

How’s the flush power?

You need a strong flush, especially if the bathroom is located on the higher level of the house. Flush power is indicated on the product packaging (which is why it’s often displayed as well in stores) and the scale of power is from 1-10.

How big is the bathroom?

The size of the bathroom has to be considered as well. According to the interior design experts that Fox Valley and Applegate, Wisconsin residents trust, while elongated toilet bowls feel more comfortable, a round bowl may be the better choice for a small bathroom. Elongated toilet bowls measure up to 31″ from the wall; on the other hand, round fixtures max out at 28″. That means they save more space, and not only that, round bowls cost less, too.

What is the style you prefer?

There are four styles to choose from:

  • Two-piece toilets – This is the most common type. The tank and bowl are separate and it’s easy to find replacement parts for this style of toilet bowl.
  • One-piece toilets – The tank and bowl are built together. It’s more expensive but it saves space and it’s much easier to clean.
  • Wall-mounted toilets – This, needless to say, is mounted to a wall and doesn’t require a toilet foot or base. This is ideal for people who have mobility issues. It’s also more expensive to buy and install and a thick wall is required for mounting.
  • Water-saving toilets – These are very popular and they come in different designs, but they don’t use more than 1.6 gallons of water for every flush.

What Add-Ons Do You Want?

Toilets can come with built-in bidets and seat warmers. There are those with lids that close on their own. See which of these you need or want in a bathroom toilet bowl.

The right toilet is always the one that can meet your requirements. Establishing what you and your family really need will help you when choosing the right bathroom toilet. Don’t hesitate to contact Turek’s Plumbing today to choose a bathroom toilet that is right for you. 

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in August 2016 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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How to Adjust a Toilet Fill Valve

Wednesday, February 24th, 2021

how to adjust a toilet fill valve - tureks plumbing services

At Tureks Plumbing Services, we make it our duty to educate our customers so that they can fix as many plumbing defects in their homes as they can before they have to call a plumbing professional. It is for the same reason that our experts share the different ways in which you can adjust the toilet filling valve if you see that the toilet tank is not being refilled after you’ve flushed, or that the water is still flowing out of the tank because the filling valve has failed to stop further inflows. In the article below, our Fox Valley plumbers share five ways to adjust the toilet fill valve.

What Is a Toilet Fill Valve?

Your toilet has two valves that work each time you use the toilet. The first valve is the flush valve, which allows water to move from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl when you flush. This flush valve closes once all the water has drained from the toilet tank.

The second valve is the toilet fill valve or ballcock. This valve is responsible for controlling the movement of water into the toilet tank. The valve opens when the tank is empty and then closes once the tank has filled to the predetermined level. As already mentioned, this valve may malfunction and either prevent water from flowing into the tank, or the valve fails to stop water from getting into the tank even when the tank is full. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a plumbing company in Minneapolis, MN, explain that the specific steps that you take to adjust the fill valve will depend on the type of valve that is in your toilet tank.

How to Adjust Your Toilet’s Fill Valve

Adjusting a Piston/Plunger Ballcock

This type of fill valve depends on a ball attached to a float rod (made from brass) to control water flow into the toilet tank. As the ball moves up or down, the rod shifts and activates a plunger inside the ballcock assembly. That plumber can either let water through (if the ball moves downwards), or it can block the flow of water into the tank (if the ball moves upwards).

Adjusting this ballcock is, therefore, a simple task that entails gently bending the brass rod downwards or upwards, depending on your needs. For example, you can bend the rod upwards if the tank wasn’t filling up completely after you flush the toilet. Tureks Plumbing Services cautions that you shouldn’t raise the rod so high that the maximum level of water will exceed the top of the overflow tube. Conversely, you can bend the brass rod downwards if you notice that water was filling the tank to the point of overflowing.

Adjusting Brass Diaphragm Ballcocks

This type of ballcock resembles the plunger valve, except that there is no plunger stem in the brass diaphragm ballcock. The valve body is round and houses a diaphragm seal. Afloat rod moves this mechanism up and down to control water movement. As was the case for the piston valve, you also bend the float rod downwards or upwards in order to adjust the level at which water fills the tank.

Our plumbing company in Appleton, WI, also suggests that you may need to use penetrating oil to free the button of the diaphragm cup if mineral deposits or sediment have locked it in the closed position. Manually push the button down and up multiple times until it can move freely.

Adjusting Plastic Diaphragm Ballcocks

Recent models of plastic diaphragm ballcocks come with an adjustment screw that you can use to alter the fill level of the toilet tank. Turn this screw clockwise if you want to lower the fill level. Conversely, turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise when you want the fill level to be higher.

Adjusting Fill Valves That Have Float Cups

Most toilet assemblies now come equipped with a fill valve that has a float cup, so if yours is a newer house, then it is most likely to have this type of fill valve. The flow of water in such a system is regulated by a cylindrical plastic float. This float moves down or up along the shaft of the fill valve.

A metallic spring keeps the float cup attached to a small float rod. Tureks Plumbing Services advises that you can simply press both sides of this spring and then move the float cup downwards or upwards in order to adjust the fill level of that toilet tank.

Some models of this type of fill valve come with screws that you can adjust to raise or lower the fill level. Check for such a screw and manipulate it to change the level at which the tank fills.

Adjusting Pressure-Activated Fill Valves

Truly floatless fill valves depend on pressure differences to regulate the flow of water into the toilet tank. In this case, the fill valve sits inside the water in the tank. Sensors in the valve detect the pressure differences and cause the valve to move up or down. Check the top of the fill valve and locate the adjustment screw found there. Turn this screw clockwise to raise the fill level or turn it counterclockwise if you want to lower the fill level.

As you can see, the task of adjusting the fill valve is easy once you identify the type of valve in your toilet tank. Contact a plumber in Appleton, WI, for help if you aren’t able to correct the water flow anomaly in your toilet tank despite implementing the tips above. Tureks Plumbing Services offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services in Appleton, WI, so reach out any time you need our services.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in March 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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5 Tips For Preventing Common Sewer Line Issues

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021

5 Tips For Preventing Common Sewer Line Issues

5 Tips For Preventing Common Sewer Line Issues 2021

Some of the sewer line problems homeowners in Appleton, WI, face include blocked, corroded, damaged, and root-infested pipes. By implementing the right preventative plumbing tips, you can escape all the hassles and high costs of sewer line and plumbing repairs. Below are five tips for preventing common sewer line issues.

Do Not Flush Just Anything Down The Toilet

The toilet is designed to accommodate toilet paper and human waste, and nothing else. Avoid flushing diapers, tampons, cotton balls, and other paper products down the toilet since they do not dissolve easily and will simply block your pipes and cause an array of plumbing problems.

Avoid Pouring Oil and Grease in Your Sink

Grease, oil, and fatty substances that can be found in soaps and shampoos can accumulate inside the sewer line and cause a blockage. As such, it is important that you do not throw grease and leftover oil down the kitchen drains.

Installing a grease receptor under the kitchen sink will also help prevent grease stoppage. You can also keep the kitchen drain clean by pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water every few weeks or so. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a plumbing company in St. Paul, MN, recommend keeping a jar under your sink where you can pour grease into it after cooking. 

Do Not Plant Trees or Shrubs Near Your Sewer Line

Tree roots naturally move to areas with water supplies, which include pipes. If you are starting a garden, avoid planting in areas near or on top of the sewer line.

You can also consider removing trees planted near the sewer line to prevent the roots from damaging the pipes.

Another option would be to sprinkle copper sulfate crystals around the sewer line. This substance will create a poisonous zone around the pipe and prevent the roots from infiltrating into the pipes.

Lastly, if you want to grow trees, plant ones with shallow root structures such as ash, maple, oak, and willow.

Install a Backwater Prevention Valve

A backwater prevention valve is installed into a sewer line and sometimes into a drain line in the basement of a home or building to prevent sewer backflows. When installed properly, the valve allows sewage to go out but not to come back in.

Have Your Sewer Line Checked Periodically

If you are living in a home that is more than 10 years old, have a Fox Valley plumber check your plumbing system and sewer line every year or so or whenever you have any problems with your drains. A professional plumber will be able to pinpoint the exact cause of your sewer line issue and make the necessary plumbing repairs. In case you have iron pipes, consider having them replaced with UPVC pipes. They are more effective in preventing tree roots from entering your line. 

When you have plumbing problems, contact Tureks Plumbing Services. One of our plumbers will assess your plumbing problem and recommend the solution that fits your budget and your needs. We also offer trenchless sewer repairs for a no-dig plumbing solution. Give us a call today for a free estimate! 

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in October 2018 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

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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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Why Is My Toilet Bubbling?

Wednesday, April 17th, 2019

why is my toilet bubbling?Why Is My Toilet Bubbling?

Is your toilet bubbling or gurgling at random times even when you haven’t flushed it? You may be having a bigger problem on your hands… The following discussion suggests some of the remedies that you can use to fix this plumbing problem on your own before you call the professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services for help.

Why the Toilet May Be Bubbling or Gurgling

The root cause of a bubbling toilet is negative suction pressure inside the drain line. Fox Valley plumbers explain that this negative air pressure causes an airlock within the drain. Consequently, this airlock may be released, resulting in the air traveling back to the toilet.

The air then bubbles through the water in your toilet and that is why you will hear that random gurgling or bubbling sound. In some cases, the toilet may flush itself. Scary, huh?

Several remedies may fix this problem, depending on what exactly is causing the clog and where that clog is located in your plumbing system. Try the options below and see whether the bubbling stops.

Plunge the Toilet

The plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services suggest that the first step to take to resolve the problem is by plunging the toilet. This should be done after blocking all the nearby drains, such as the sink, the shower drain, and the bathtub drain.

If you don’t block the other drains, the pressure created by the plunger will escape through those drains instead of acting on the clog that is responsible for the airlocks in the system. Use duct tape to seal or block the other drains and pump the toilet plunger 10 or more times. Be observant and find out whether the gurgling or bubbling sounds emerge again.

Check With Your Neighbors

A plumber in Appleton, WI also says that the clog triggering the bubbling in your toilet may be in the municipal sewer line. If that is so, then the problem will not be unique to your property alone.

So, you should contact your neighbors and find out whether any of them has also noticed that their toilet is bubbling or gurgling. If your neighbors are having the same probelm, then you should notify the municipal sewer company. They will send someone to check the sewer line and fix it at no cost to you.

Use a Plumber’s Snake

Another remedy that could fix the problem is by using a plumbing snake to remove any clog in the toilet drain. Plunging the toilet only works to dislodge smaller clogs. Using a plumber’s snake is a better option when the clog is tougher.

You can use either a motorized or a manual plumber’s auger/snake to unclog the toilet. Manual snakes are usually good when the clog is located close to the drain opening since the snake can only travel to a maximum of 15 feet.

Motorized augers are better for clogs located deeper in the system since they are longer and attack clogs with more power. You can rent this motorized plumbing snake from at a home improvement store near you instead of spending much more money to hire a plumber to unclog the toilet.

The head of the motorized plumbing auger is unlikely to pass through the toilet bowl drain, so you may need to remove the toilet and pass the auger through the floor drain. A Fox Valley plumber advises that you also run the plumbing snake through the cleanouts located at regular intervals along the sewer line in your yard if you suspect that the clog is farther out in the system.

If you fail to locate or open the cleanout, contact Tureks Plumbing Services and one of our plumbers will come over and help you to unclog the pipe.

Inspect and Clean the Vent Stack

The vent stack allows sewer gases in the plumbing system to escape to the atmosphere. If anything blocks the vent stack, negative pressure can build up inside a drain and trigger the toilet bubbling that you have been hearing.

To check the vent stack, climb onto the roof and tie a flashlight onto a wire or rope. Lower the torch into the stack and peer down to see where the blockage is located. Tree leaves and small animals (rodents, for example) are the most common culprits when vent stacks are blocked. Use a straightened coat hanger to break through the clog, or use a garden hose to force the clog down into the drain. A plumber’s snake can also clear this clog in the vent stack.

Call a plumber in Appleton, WI for help if you are queasy about the prospect of climbing onto the roof in order to check and clean the vent stack.

In most cases, one of the four options above is usually sufficient to put an end to the bubbling or gurgling in the toilet. If none of those solutions work, contact Tureks Plumbing Services for professional help. A sewer pipe may have collapsed, or tree roots may have partially blocked a sewer line. We are equipped to trace the problem to its root and fix it so that the abnormal sound you are hearing from your toilet is put to an end.

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Common Objects That Clog Toilets

Wednesday, February 6th, 2019

common objects that clog the toilet - tureks plumbing

Common Objects That Clog Toilets

It is sad to realize that many homeowners spend a lot of money each year to hire plumbers to unclog their toilet or plumbing system. It’s unfortunate because a significant fraction of those emergency plumbing calls could have been avoided if only the homeowners and their family members knew that they shouldn’t flush certain common objects down the toilet. Here are the most common objects that clog toilets. 

Excessive Amounts of Toilet Paper

Most people instinctively know how much toilet paper to use and flush down the toilet. However, kids may not have such rationality, and they will quickly turn flushing toilet paper into a game. When a large amount of toilet paper is flushed in one go, it can bunch itself into a tight ball as it travels down the drain. That ball of toilet paper will not degrade as rapidly as expected, and a clog may develop at that point where the ball has snagged. Fox Valley plumbers advise parents to teach their kids to refrain from flushing excessive amounts of toilet paper.

Don’t Flush Hair 

Are you in the habit of cleaning your pet dog in your bathtub and then letting the fur flow down the drain? Or do you collect that fur and flush it down the toilet? Whether it is human or animal hair, never flush it down your toilet. Many plumbers in Appleton, WI admit that the number one cause of shower drain clogs is hair. A better option is to place a strainer on the bathtub drain so that all the hair is collected and disposed of properly with the trash. Don’t even think of dumping it in the toilet!

Don’t Flush Feminine Hygiene Products

It is common to find signage in public restrooms reminding users not to flush feminine hygiene products like tampons and sanitary towels down the toilet. However, some people don’t implement the same advice at home. Those products aren’t biodegradable, and they will clog the toilet sooner rather than later. Always have a trash can in the bathroom so that such products can be disposed of with the trash instead of finding their way into the toilet. The number of times you have to call a Fox Valley plumber for help regarding a clogged toilet will reduce significantly once you make this one change.

Don’t Flush Paper Towels

There’s a reason why a trash can is placed close to the sink where you wash your hands after using a public restroom. That can is intended to be a receptacle for the paper towel you use to dry your hands. While paper towels are made from, well, paper, they are thick and will not break down easily when flushed. In case you weren’t aware that paper towels shouldn’t be flushed, now you know. Talk to a plumber in Appleton, WI about the plumbing problems caused by paper towels if you still have doubts about the dangers of flushing paper towels.

Don’t Flush Toys

This one seems obvious, but curious and playful kids will not hesitate to turn flushing toys into a game. All it takes is just one toy to get stuck anywhere in the plumbing drains, and you will have a major clog in the system. As you know, kids will always be kids, so take the precaution of having someone to supervise them at all times if they have toys while in the bathroom.

Don’t Flush Baby Wipes and Diapers

You may think that flushing diapers may be a quick fix to the odors, but that quick fix will cost you once the toilet develops a clog. The same risk will take place when you flush baby wipes or any type of wipe. Don’t believe it when the packaging of the wipes says that they are “flushable.” What the manufacturers mean differs from what your plumber in Appleton, WI will regard as flushable. This is because anything you flush should degrade in a short time so that blockages don’t develop in the plumbing system.

There are many other common objects that you should refrain from flushing down the toilet. A simple way to remember them all is to adopt a simple rule that you and your family members should only flush toilet paper and nothing else. Call Tureks Plumbing Services if you suspect that a clog is preventing your toilet from draining as quickly as it should. We shall send an experienced Fox Valley plumber to assess the situation and perform the needed work before your toilet backs up.

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Plumbing Resolutions for the New Year

Wednesday, December 26th, 2018

Plumbing Resolutions for the New Year

Plumbing Resolutions for the New Year

Research has it that approximately 45 percent of all people make resolutions at the start of each year. However, only a paltry 8 percent of those people actually implement those resolutions. Our team Tureks Plumbing Services would like you to consider the following plumbing resolutions for the New Year so you can save on your plumbing bill in 2019!

Be More Considerate of Your Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal is one of the unsung heroes of your plumbing system. However, many homeowners ignore this appliance until something malfunctions. Let next year be a different year for the garbage disposal in your home. Resolve to treat it better by being more mindful about what you deposit inside the disposal. For example, don’t place large chunks of debris inside the disposal just because it has blades that can cut that debris into tiny pieces. Instead, cut the debris into smaller pieces so that the garbage disposal doesn’t overwork.

Such consideration will reduce the wear and tear on your disposal. Defects will also be fewer, so you will have a reduced need to call Tureks Plumbing Services to fix a disposal malfunction.

Fix Defects Promptly

The second of the plumbing resolutions for the New Year entails taking prompt action as soon as a defect is detected in the plumbing system. You see, plumbing defects differ in intensity/seriousness. For example, a minor leak may develop at the kitchen faucet, or the main water pipe into your home may burst and start gushing water into your yard. These two leaks elicit different degrees of urgency among homeowners.

However, that minor leak that you delay to fix can result in additional problems. For example, the slow leak can inflate your monthly water bill. Secondly, the moist conditions created by the leak can promote the growth of mold and mildew (with their attendant health risks).

It is therefore wise for you to contact a plumber in Appleton, WI, each time you detect any defect in the plumbing system. The New Year will then have fewer plumbing emergencies if you act quickly each time a defect is noticed.

Conserve Water

You should also resolve to conserve water more in the New Year. This can be attained in several ways, such as upgrading to water-efficient toilets and showerheads. In fact, even fixing defects promptly can help you to conserve water since the wastage resulting from plumbing defects will be avoided.

Consult a Fox Valley plumber in case you want to implement more comprehensive changes in your home in order to make the plumbing system more efficient. The professional will inspect your home and suggest the most cost-effective ways to conserve water in your home.

Give Your Water Heater More Attention

The water heater in your home is an important appliance from a comfort point of view and from the aspect of energy-efficiency. For example, a sudden malfunction can deny your family members hot water to take a shower in the middle of winter. Such an inconvenience can be hard to bypass during such weather.

It is therefore vital that you resolve to give your water heater more attention this coming year (and beyond) so that it can continue to give you the reliable service that you have come to expect. Check the anode frequently and replace it when it is eroded. Flush the tank regularly so that sediment doesn’t accumulate and spring a leak. You can also ask a Fox Valley plumber to check that water heater so that the defects you weren’t aware of as a layperson are fixed before they worsen and compromise the functioning of the appliance.

Keep Pipes Warm

Your plumbing resolutions for the New Year may not be complete if you haven’t thought about how to winterize the plumbing system. Make a conscious decision to keep the water pipes warm during the cold months of the year so that you can forestall those pipes from bursting after freezing.

It is especially important to keep the pipes outdoors and those where no air conditioning exists (attic and basement, for example) warm by wrapping them in insulation. This insulation is affordable and can be bought in rolls at plumbing or hardware stores. Ask one of our experts at Tureks Plumbing Services for recommendations in case you aren’t sure of which particular product to buy and use.

Have Regular Inspections Done

Resolve to start being more proactive rather than reactive when it comes to addressing plumbing system issues. Don’t wait for a problem to occur before you pay some attention to the plumbing system. Instead, ask an experienced plumber in Appleton, WI, to inspect the entire system at least once each year so that defects can be caught early. Such proactive measures will reduce your expenditure on plumbing repairs, and the system will break down less frequently.

Tureks Plumbing Services is available round the clock throughout the year. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help in implementing any of the plumbing resolutions for the New Year covered in the discussion above. We shall do everything possible to keep your plumbing system working without a hitch.

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