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

When Should I Replace My Home Appliances?

Wednesday, September 26th, 2018

When should I replace my home appliances

When Should I Replace My Home Appliances?

Our home appliances allow us to cook, keep our food fresh, and do a lot of chores more efficiently and faster. They provide a lot of conveniences that without them, we will have a hard time functioning properly.  

Because of our reliance on various home appliances, we are so used to them being around that we tend to forget when we bought them, and even neglect to maintain and clean them properly.

However, if you are now asking yourself When should I replace my home appliances?”, the first thing you have to do is to find out how old they are. If you kept the receipts, simply check the date. 

In case the appliances you have in your home were installed by the previous owner, look through the paperwork that you signed when you bought the house or try to find the original listing. The past owner may have written the age of all the major appliances on these documents. He or she might have also left behind the original paperwork for the appliances which will have the date of purchase and installation.

Pros from a Fox Valley plumbing company say if you can’t find any of these documents, look for the label on your appliances. The label will have the date when the appliance was manufactured. This may be an actual date with a month and year or the info is coded into the serial number.

Lifespan of Home Appliances

Once you know the date when the appliances were bought or manufactured, you need to know how long they can be functional and cost-efficient devices to have at home.

Tureks Plumbing shares below the average lifespans of the most common household appliances:

  • Refrigerator – 8 to 15 years
  • Stove – 10 to 15 years
  • Microwave oven – 5 to 10 years
  • Washing machines – 8 to 12 years
  • Dryer – 11 to 18 years
  • Dishwasher – 8 to 10 years
  • Garbage disposal – 10 to 15 years

Should You Replace or Repair Your Appliances?

If an appliance has already passed its minimum lifespan and it is still working properly, you can continue using it. Our friends at Gilmore Heating & Air, a residential ac company in Placerville, adds that regular maintenance can prolong its quality and usability. Stay on top of maintenance just like you do with your heating and cooling system.

However, if the appliance won’t turn on at all, it could mean it is beyond repair. So, it’s time for a replacement from an expert. Although the appliance may work after being repaired by a professional, you have to way out the pros and cons. If you are continuously having the appliance repaired at a high price, you might as well get a new one.  

A good rule of thumb to remember is that if the repair will cost over half of what a new appliance would cost, it is best to get a replacement. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact us.

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How to Prevent Mold in Your Home

Wednesday, May 30th, 2018

Molds are the last thing you want to have in your home. They are health hazards and do nothing good to the look of a house. Worse, they are hard to remove, especially if your home is already teeming with them.

In such instances, you will have to hire professionals to get rid of your mold problem.

You can avoid all the health concerns and other issues that come with having molds in your home by preventing their growth in the first place. Here are some tips on how to prevent molds in your home:

Identify possible problem areas

It can be hard to have a mold-proof home. But you can start doing this by inspecting all areas of your house and finding out which ones are often damp and wet.

The most common rooms and parts of your home where molds will likely grow are the:

  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Basement
  • Ceiling

If there are leaks, or if these areas are often damp or wet, have the issues fixed immediately to prevent future mold problems.

Make cleaning a priority

To keep molds at bay, always vacuum and keep your home clean, especially the areas that generate a lot of moisture such as the bathroom and kitchen. Use disinfecting cleaning products on non-porous surfaces such as tiles and stones to discourage mold growth.

De-clutter

When you have a tidy room, your cooling system will have an easier time circulating air. The opposite happens when you have a messy room. This is because clutter obstructs airflow and prevents your HVAC system from circulating air. This, in turn, allows the room to accumulate moisture which encourages mold growth.

As such, get rid of things you don’t need or want anymore. Consider rearranging your furniture as well if they are positioned near vents and grilles, or covering them, to keep air circulating.

Keep your home well-ventilated

Poor ventilation in damp spaces like bathrooms and kitchens can leave moisture behind that can encourage mold growth. As such, wipe the kitchen sink after using it and keep the bathroom door open after bathing to speed up the drying of surfaces.

You can also use fans to ensure proper ventilation in these rooms. However, make sure the fans take moisture outside and not into attics. Our friends at Gilmore Solar, Heating, & Air, recommend searching for an HVAC company near me for professional help.

Handle water leaks and flooding issues immediately

Lastly, have water leaks in your roof, windows or any other part of the home repaired by experts as soon as possible. Keep in mind that constant leaks cause moisture to build up and enable molds to grow.

If you encounter any flooding problem in your home, make sure you have this issue fixed immediately. Thoroughly wash, disinfect and dry soaked carpets, padding, and wet upholstery before using them again. Contact Tureks Plumbing Services if you need assistance.

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The 5 Dirtiest Things In Your Kitchen

Wednesday, May 16th, 2018

Even if you regularly clean your kitchen, there may be certain items in this area that you’re not cleaning or sanitizing enough. Once you know how dirty these items are, you will start thinking twice about how often you use them and your cleaning methods. You may even be encouraged to simply replace these items and double up on your sanitizing efforts.

Tureks Plumbing Services shares the five dirtiest things in your kitchen and tips on how to clean and keep them hygienic and safe for daily use:

  • Coffeemaker

The first on this list is something that you may not clean often: your coffee maker. Although coffee makers look clean even if you just wipe them now and then, don’t be fooled. Bacteria love dark, confined spaces and your coffee maker is the perfect place for them to grow and multiply.

To keep your coffee maker hygienic and safe for brewing your cup of joe every day, clean it every week. Fill the reservoir with a mixture of half white vinegar and water and turn it on until the post is half full. Stop brewing for 30 minutes then turn it on again to finish the brewing process. When done, empty the pots and fill the reservoir with clean water and brew again.

  • Dish towels

Dish towels are some of the dirtiest things not just in the kitchen, but in your whole house. Whether you use them for wiping your hands or cleaning your kitchen counters, you are constantly getting and spreading germs.

To avoid spreading germs whenever you use your dish towels, change them every day. Launder used dish towels once a week with hot water and with a small amount of bleach.

  • Sponges

Sponges are reservoirs for different types of bacteria as well. According to health experts, using old sponges can lead to food-borne diseases.

It is therefore important that you clean your sponges properly after use. Put the sponges in a dishwasher with a drying cycle. You can also disinfect them by soaking them in a solution of one-quarter to one-half of a teaspoon of concentrated bleach per quart of warm water for one minute. If your sponge starts to smell, throw and replace it immediately.

  • Cutting boards

If you’re using only one cutting board at home, you’re already doing something really unhygienic in the kitchen. Every kitchen should have at least two cutting boards — one for meats and the other for fruits and vegetables. If you’re just using just one for these food items, you’re causing cross-contamination which can make you sick.

To keep your cutting boards safe for use, always wash them properly with good dishwashing solution and water after. Also, spray the cutting board you use for cutting raw meat with a bleach solution after using it.

  • Garbage Disposals

Lastly, there can be no doubt that your garbage disposal contains various types of bacteria. As such, make sure you clean it regularly.

Use a long-handled brush and chlorine-based disinfectant when cleaning it. Scrub the walls of the disposal and don’t forget the area beneath the rubber guard. When done, allow it to sit for at least an hour so that the disinfectant can kill any surrounding bacteria. After each use, a seasoned Appleton plumber recommends placing a few ice cubes in it to clear the blades of any leftover muck that may be stuck to them. 

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The 5 Most Common Plumbing Problems

Thursday, April 19th, 2018

As your home gets older, you may find yourself calling the plumber more often. This is because, over time, your pipes and other parts will be affected by the usual wear and tear and will become brittle or blocked. As a result, different kinds of plumbing issues will arise every now and then.

Knowing how to detect and fix simple plumbing problems can save you money, time, and unnecessary stress. Below are some of the most common plumbing problems you may encounter and tips on how to deal with them.

Leaking faucets

As faucets get older, their washers wear out as well. You can extend the life of your faucet’s washers by not turning the faucet on and off with too much force. Dripping faucets can also be repaired temporarily by replacing the joint yourself.

Leaky pipes

This typical plumbing problem can cause huge and expensive damage to floors, walls, and belongings. Leaks in pipes usually occur at joints. If this is the issue, you can easily fix this with commercial joint fillers and fitting compounds which you can buy at a hardware store. You can also prevent small leaks from worsening by checking your pipes regularly. Be on the lookout for rust or white lime deposits since they can indicate the beginnings of a leak.

Clogged or slow drains

If the water or anything that goes into your sink, toilet, or tub won’t go out, it is highly likely that you are dealing with either a partial or a complete clog. To get the drain flowing quickly again, remove the waste materials or debris immediately. There are different plumbing tools you can use for this task.

You can also use some chemical products or lubricants which will break up the waste material. This will allow the stuck material and water to flow through with ease.

No hot water coming from faucets or shower

This plumbing problem is caused by an issue with your water heater. If this problem keeps happening, before calling a  Tureks Plumbing Services, make sure you check the following first:

  • If you have an electric water heater, check the thermostat first. Your device may have a malfunctioning heating element which you can also replace since you can buy this part at most hardware stores. Check if the device is leaking water and has an undersized or weak fuse or breaker since they can cause your heater to malfunction as well.
  • If you have a gas water heater, make sure that the gas is on and the gas valve is not in the closed position. Make sure the pilot light is on as well. Adjust the setting to ensure that the temperature is set high enough to give you adequate amounts of hot water.

Low water pressure

Low water pressure is a common plumbing problem in older homes but it can also happen in newer homes, too. Low water pressure can be caused by a leaking or corroded pipe, old shower heads, blocked faucets or pipes, and other plumbing issues. You can keep this problem in check by having pressure regulators installed.

If you’re not sure you can deal with your plumbing issue, don’t hesitate to call the professionals immediately. Plumbers, such as the team of Turek’s Plumbing, will be able to correctly assess your problem and fix it quickly.

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Slow Drain Septic System Problems

Thursday, June 22nd, 2017

Slow Drain Septic System Problems: Signs, Causes, and How to Fix Them

The bathroom is one of the dirtiest places in your home since different types of bacteria can be found here. Once you have a drainage or septic system problem, you will consider your toilet even more unsanitary and a hassle to use.

Signs of a Septic System Issue

Septic system problems are more common in houses and buildings that have already been in use for many years. Some of the signs that indicate you already have this kind of plumbing problem are:

  • Water is draining slowly from the shower, bathtub, sink, and other areas
  • The sound of gurgling from the tub or sink when a toilet is flushed
  • Water backing up in toilets, tubs, and sinks
  • Water puddles on the grounds on your lawn
  • The smell of sewage odors outdoors

Possible Causes

There are several reasons why you have a problematic or slow drain septic system. The most common one is the overuse of the system. This means that too many people are using or too much water is being used in the household or building that the usage has gone beyond the system’s capacity.

Another common cause of this problem is the lack of or delay in inspection, maintenance, and pumping. Once your septic tank becomes full, the filter in the outlet baffle will start to plug. This plugging action will cause the water level inside the tank to rise which will restrict the flow of effluent.

Finally, your septic system may not be working properly if something is clogging the pipes or drains. Grease, food, certain sanitary products, toys, or even pieces of clothes can be stuck somewhere in the pipes and cause the slow drain or the system’s malfunction.

Getting Things Back to Normal

If the reason behind your slow drain problem is a blockage, you can remove the clog by using some tools at home. However, harder clogs and blockages will require the use of a plumbing snake; in such instances, it is best to call in experts to do the job to avoid further damaging your plumbing and septic system.

Calling in professional plumbers at the onset of a problem is always a smart idea since the contractors will know how and where to identify the issue quickly. In case you have slow draining fixtures, plumbers will check the drain-vent system. If the problem is in this area, they have the expertise, tools, and equipment to fix the issue. Also, if you already have a failed septic system, qualified plumbers will be able to detect this easily. Depending on the particular problem and design of your system, the professional plumbers will give you sound advice on whether it is best to have your system repaired or replaced.

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Tips on Adding a New Kitchen Island

Wednesday, June 14th, 2017

Adding a Kitchen Island

Remodeling your kitchen can be a very exciting home improvement project. This is because most of the features you will want to have in this room have to be both functional and aesthetically appealing. As such, you will have to be a bit more thoughtful and creative when you want to improve your kitchen.

Adding a kitchen island is one of the smart kitchen renovation ideas you can consider today. A kitchen island is a very practical, convenient, and handy feature to have in the kitchen. This modern kitchen feature provides several benefits, which include:

  • It provides additional work space in the kitchen
  • It permits people to sit and eat in the kitchen without anyone getting in the way of the person working in the room
  • It removes the need for a table in the kitchen
  • Lastly, it can serve as the focal point or feature in the kitchen, mainly because of its position in the middle of the room. When it is designed properly, guests will definitely be impressed by this feature

Initial Considerations When Choosing a New Kitchen Island

Once you have decided that a kitchen island is the best (and smartest) new feature to have, you need to think about certain important factors to make sure you get the ideal one for your home. These key factors are:

Kitchen Island Size.

Your kitchen island should be the right size for your kitchen space. It has to be big enough to double as your working and dining space but not so large that people will have trouble walking, cooking, and moving around once it is installed. A good rule of thumb to remember when having a kitchen island installed is to ensure that there should be at least 36 inches of clearance on all sides of the fixture.

Shape.

When choosing which shape to go for, consider the size of your kitchen and the primary use of the island. Aim for a shape that works with the current design of your kitchen and one that is convenient for you and everyone who will regularly use it.

The island’s countertop material 

Kitchen islands can be made of different materials; it’s the same with the countertop. Some of the most popular countertop materials today include wood, granite, marble, quartz, and soapstone. When choosing the material, consider the other fixtures in your home so that it doesn’t clash with the current design. Opt for a material that is durable, long-lasting and low maintenance as well. Lastly, consider the size of your doorway because if the countertop is too big, you will have a hard (and even impossible) time to get it inside the kitchen.

Features and amenities.

Lastly, determine how many drawers and cabinets you want the island to have. Keep in mind that the kitchen island is the perfect way for you to add features to your kitchen that is lacking, such as drawers, or other things that will make your life just a little bit easier, such as hooks for hanging towels or even a built-in microwave. To ensure your island is amenable to seating, consider the type of stools or chairs you plan to use and make sure the feature can accommodate the proper height and legroom requirements. Schedule an appointment with us today!

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Water Heater Facts Homeowners Should Know

Monday, June 12th, 2017

 Top Water Heater Facts Homeowners Should Know

Often, plenty of homeowners take their hot water heaters for granted. They usually forget about them until they run out of hot water. To beef up your knowledge about the important home features, here are some water heaters facts you may not know about:

Facts About Water Heaters

1. The idea of using a water heater first emerged in London in 1868. A painter discovered how to heat cold water by putting gas burners below the water pipes. Edwin Ruud, a Norwegian mechanical engineer, took inspiration from this idea, so he created the first tank-type water heater.
2. One-fourth of your home’s energy usage often comes from using a water heater for taking showers, doing laundry, and washing dishes.
3. On average, an American household makes use of around 80-120 gallons of hot water on a daily basis. About 6-8 gallons of water are used for showers, 15-20 gallons for taking a bath, 20-30 gallons for a load of laundry, 2 gallons of water per minute for washing the dishes, and 6-10 gallons per load if you use a dishwasher.
4. Be cautious in dealing with water heaters because in less than 5 seconds, the human skin may suffer 3rd-degree burns when it comes in contact with water that has a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
5. Tank water heaters usually last for 10-12 years while tankless water heaters can last for 18-20 years.

How Water Heaters Work

Water heaters will look like huge metal cylinders that are consigned to a basement or a laundry room. Some of the latest styles offer some interesting features. Water heaters exploit the heat rising principle so they can provide hot water to your faucet conveniently.
In a traditional water heater system, there is a big tank that will hold and heat the water. The dip tube will feed cold water to the bottom of the tank’s interior, where it starts to warm up. The heating mechanism remains on until the water reaches the desired temperature. The heated water then rises to the top of the tank. The energy used in order to keep the water hot even when no one is using it is known as standby heat loss.
For tankless water heater systems, standby heat loss is avoided because it only heats the incoming water when you need it. As such, they are also known as on-demand water heaters.
A tankless heating system makes use of a powerful heat exchanger, which is only activated by the incoming flow of water. So if you turn on your faucet, the incoming water will circulate through the exchanger, which then heats the cold water to your desired temperature. To schedule an appointment call us today!

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Why Are My Drains Bubbling?

Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017

Bubbling toilets or drains explained

Whenever you use the bathroom to take care of your personal hygiene, the only sounds you would want to hear are the ones you make as you move around — the sudden rush of water as you turn on the tap, the toilet flushing, water going down the drain. If your body pipes up as well — such as your stomach rumbling thanks to the heavy meal you had earlier — that would be expected, and thus totally fine, too.

What you don’t want to hear, however, is a gurgling noise coming from various areas of the bathroom. If you hear this gurgling or bubbling noise after you use the shower, sink, or the toilet, it could mean trouble — and it’s something that you shouldn’t ignore.

Why are my drains bubbling? Here are possible answers to this question:

·         There is a blockage in your vent pipe or drain

·         A pipe may have collapsed or gotten damaged

·         There is a buildup of grease dirt or other debris in your home’s plumbing

Vent pipes are joined to the major pipes that make up your home’s plumbing. These typically end at the roof of your house. If a vent pipe is blocked by things such as accumulated dirt or debris coming from outside your house such as dead leaves, these gurgling noises indicate that air cannot escape through the vent. Instead, the air makes its way to the nearest available opening, which could be the sink in your bathroom.

If the problem is buildup in your plumbing, it means that water cannot drain properly. Typically, both water and air flow through the drain and then escape the pipes through their respective spots. When the pipes are dirty and blocked, however, the air bubbles will end up getting expelled at the nearest vent, which results in the bubbling noise.

Keep in mind, though, that if you hear the gurgling noise in every drain you can find throughout the house, then it is an indication of a much bigger blockage in the main plumbing pipe, and not in the smaller pipes attached to the drains.

How can these blocks — and consequently, the gurgling sounds — be prevented?

There are a number of things that everyone in the household can do to keep your home’s pipes free and clear:

·         Refrain from pouring or throwing anything down the drain that could cause buildup — this could be grease, hair strands, food particles, and other physical waste.

·         If the buildup already exists, you can try using chemical solutions to clean out the pipes. Make sure to use the product as directed so that they can work as intended. Also, remember to follow safety precautions when handling the chemicals.

·         Alternatively, an auger can be used to manually unclog the pipes. With sufficient force, any buildup can be broken up, but take care not to cause damage to the pipes and cause additional leaking problems.

If you’re unsure about how to perform these properly, there’s always the option of getting in touch with the plumbing specialists in your area. These professionals will know exactly how to diagnose and resolve your plumbing problems and get rid of that troublesome gurgling noise once and for all.

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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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