How to Select a Fixtures for Your Remodel

March 24th, 2021
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How to Select Your Fixtures for Your Remodel

Finding the perfect fixtures to compliment the cabinets and countertops is critical. If you’re on the hunt for new fixtures for your home remodel project, look no further. Our general contractors at Tureks Plumbing share some tips on how to select a fixture for your remodel. Below, we explore some trends to consider.

Expand The Faucet’s Range of Motion

Traditional faucets allow for little range of motion. When remodeling your kitchen, consider how the size of your faucet could expand full functionality. For instance, pull-out spouts, larger nozzles, and other design features can make for a modern, sleek, and efficient style.

LED Light-Equipped Faucets

A trend that has recently become popular in modern-day kitchens is LED Light-equipped faucets. This feature is perfect for those who often sneak into the kitchen or bathroom late at night. It’s not only practical but a great party trick. Many LED light-equipped faucets have the capability to change color with the temperature of the water. This makes a lot of sense from a practical point of view.

Touchless Faucets 

Touchless faucets are among the most useful modern technologies. If you’re undergoing a kitchen remodel, we highly suggest incorporating a touchless faucet. It makes everyday use so easy! The simple wave of your hand triggers the faucet to turn on. This is particularly useful when your hands are dirty. They’re also able to detect objects such as cups. Our friends at Maid for Muddy Paws, a cleaning company in The Woodlands, TX, agree that touchless faucets can help keep your kitchen more sanitary and make your daily tasks simpler.

Fixture Style

When you pick up your new kitchen fixtures, take note of your own sense of style rather than what’s most common. Think about whether you’re going to enjoy it as much as five years from now. There are so many different options when it comes to style that there is something for every taste. Modern minimalist fixtures often look better with a simple, understated style of decoration, while ornate faucets may complement a more luxurious kitchen. Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., a retail general contractor, recommend matte black or brass-colored fixtures for a timeless option.

Features to Consider

When remodeling, you may want to think about whether you prefer to have two different hot and cold knobs or a streamlined simplicity of a single handle. Do you want a water filtration device to be built into your socket? Will you like a pull-out sprayer? There are plenty of styles to choose from, even for something as basic as a kitchen faucet.

Hire a Home Remodeling Contractor

When the time comes to upgrade your bathroom or your kitchen, contact Tureks Plumbing Services. We offer both kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling services in the Fox City areas and beyond. Our plumbing contractors are happy to give you an estimate on your remodeling projects. Need 24/7 emergency plumbing services? Call Tureks Plumbing. 

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How to Unclog a Dishwasher

March 17th, 2021
how to unclog your dishwasher - Appleton, WI

How to Unclog a Dishwasher

Have you ever reached to open your dishwasher, only to see a big puddle of water at the bottom of it? You’re not the only one. If you have standing water at the bottom of your dishwasher, it’s time to call a plumber. Below, our plumbing contractors in Appleton, WI, share a few tips on how to unclog a dishwasher. 

Step 1: Unload The Dishwasher

The first thing you should do if your dishwasher is clogged should be to remove all of the dishes and silverware from your appliance. Once everything is cleared from your dishwasher, remove the bottom dishwasher rack so that you can easily access the bottom. 

Step 2: Turn Your Dishwasher Off

Ensuring that your dishwasher is turned off is critical for your safety. You may need to go to your electrical breaker and turn off the electricity in the kitchen. If you need help fixing your dishwasher, you can always contact Tureks Plumbing Services.

Step 3: Drain the Clogged Dishwasher 

Once your dishwasher has been disconnected, you’ll need to remove the standing water with a towel. This will allow you to get to the bottom of what started the clog. For instance, there could be pieces of broken glass causing your dishwasher not to drain properly. The chances are that you could find out what’s causing the problem if you just look at the bottom of the dishwasher. 

Step 4: Locate the Hose

If you haven’t figured out what’s causing your dishwasher to clog yet, you’ll need to locate the dishwasher’s drain hose. This connects directly connects to your sink’s garbage disposal. Look under the sink or under the dishwasher. You may have to take your dishwasher from out of the wall to access the hose. 

Step 5: Clear the Hose

There’s a chance that your dishwasher’s hose needs to be replaced or cleared. After locating the drain hose, detach it from the dishwasher. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a plumber in Woodbury, MN, about unclogging a dishwasher. They suggest using plyers to loosen or disconnect the hose. It would be a good idea to have a bucket or pan to catch any excess water from the hose. If indeed your drain is clogged, you can try to use can try commercial de-cloggers or grab a coat hanger and unclog it. If you don’t notice any debris that could damage the hose, there could be a clog in the dishwasher itself.

Step 6: Check the Dishwasher’s Drain

Look for a basket-shaped portion at the bottom of your dishwasher and remove it with a screwdriver. Then as you did with a drain hose, use a de-clogging system. If your dishwasher is still not draining properly at this stage, it’s time to search for a “plumber near me.”

Hire a Professional Plumber

To many people’s surprise, it’s very easy to learn how to unclog a dishwasher drain without the help of a professional. However, if not done properly, you can cause more harm than good. Decide whether or not DIY plumbing repair is worth it. To ensure that your dishwasher is working properly, contact Tureks Plumbing today. We offer a variety of plumbing services for homeowners in the Fox Cities and beyond, whether it’s 24/7 emergency service, home remodeling, or residential plumbing services.

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Common Sump Pump Problems

March 10th, 2021
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Common Sump Pump Problems

Though spring is historically a season of heavy rains and flooded basements, we can also see this in the cold winters in Appleton, WI. If you’re not prepared accordingly, the weather can ruin your home. Older homes are more susceptible to water damage and such. Therefore, it can be hard to keep the basement dry. A sump pump is necessary for keeping out water. Since Winsconsin gets a lot of snow and rain, you’ll need to maintain or even replace your sump pump if necessary. To avoid wear and tear on your sum pump, read below where our plumbers in Appleton, WI, discuss the common sump pump problems.

Always Running

If your pump is running all the time, or even just running when there’s no excuse for it, it’s a warning that something is wrong. All this overwork will cause your pump to wear out prematurely. If your sump pump is always running, it may be that the switch is stuck or a broken valve. However, the issue may also be that there is constant flooding that you are not aware of or that the pump just isn’t the right size. Consult a specialist and have them come out and address the problem as soon as possible.

Missing the Lid

A missing lid on your sump pump is just asking for debris build-up. This can cause problems by blocking the pump and jamming the switches. If your pump is clogged or stuck, our registered plumbers are happy to help. Contact us for a sump pump repair and we’ll get it up and running in no time. 

Noisy Sump Pump

All of the sump pumps make some noise while they’re running, but any odd sound is usually not a good sign. There may be thuds, thumps, rattling, grinding, or gurgling, much of the time, also suggesting problems with the engine. Fortunately, the engines can typically be fixed. Our plumbers will let you know if you need a sump pump repair or a replacement. 

Dry Sump Pump Pit

If your pump is running, but the pit is empty, the problem is with your pump or drainage system. The pump and the system should operate together, but if the pit is dry, the drain system can be blocked. Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, & Plumbing, a plumbing company in Sacramento, point out that the pump was improperly mounted. 

Search for a Plumbing Company Near Me

As mentioned above, a well-functioning sump pump is necessary for avoiding water damage. If you’re having trouble figuring out what the problem is with your sump pump, it’s time to contact a professional. No matter the plumbing needs, you can rely on Tureks Plumbing. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services in Appleton, WI, and surrounding areas. 

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Tankless Water Heater Myths

March 3rd, 2021
tankless water heater myths

Tankless Water Heater Myths

If you think it’s time to replace your current water heater, you may want to consider upgrading to a tankless model. The best plumbing companies will agree that a tankless water heater is the better choice. A new tankless water heater can last up to 30 years. If you’re considering a tankless water heater installation in Appleton, WI, read the article below to learn more about tankless water heater myths.

Myth: Easy To Switch to a Tankless Water Heater

Most homes in Appleton, WI are over 10 years old, so it’s likely that your water heater has a storage tank. Going from a storage-tank water heater to a tankless water heater is harder than it looks. Tankless water heaters burn fuel with coal. As a result, the construction phase for a tankless water heater can also require work on the gas lines to ensure that the device receives adequate gas supplies. 

In addition, extra work might also be needed to equip your home with the necessary ventilation to guide the exhaust gasses outdoors. Therefore, it’s not recommended that you swap out your water heater yourself. Contact Tureks Plumbing Services for professional tankless water heater installation. 

Myth: The Water Is Instantly Hot

A lot of people had the idea that a tankless water heater is comparable to instant hot water in your showers or faucets. Yes, it’s accurate that the tankless device heats up the water as it’s switched on. But, the water also has to pass through the plumbing in your home until it’s sent to the working plug. Essentially, it would take almost the same time for hot water to enter the tap as it does from the storage water heater. If you want to shorten the waiting period for you to finally use hot water, you may want to look at a circulating system installation in combination with your tankless machine to hold hot water continuously accessible in the pipes for immediate supply.

Myth: Require an Annual Inspection

One of the benefits of a tankless water heater is skipping annual inspections! There’s no maintenance timeline for a tankless water heater. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a plumbing company in Stillwater, say that it really depends on the hardness of the water. The harder the temperature, the faster the mineral deposits can build up in the water heater. Your tankless water heater will force much of this through the system, but if there’s a build-up, the scale detector program will send you an error message, and then you’ll need to have it serviced by a professional plumber.

Myth: Not Enough Water

As we mentioned above, most homes have a storage-tank water heater. Therefore, switching to a tankless water heater creates a common misconception that there’s a lack of hot water. “Not the case at all. The water is heated when it moves through the unit. So, you don’t need to worry about not getting enough hot water,” says Ed Tureks from Tureks Plumbing. 

Contact a Plumbing Company in Fox Valley

Need water heater services in Appleton, WI? Tureks Plumbing is happy to help! Our team of professional, licensed, and insured plumbers can service, repair, and install your water heater. We’ve been serving the Fox Valley and surrounding areas for over 20 years. Contact us today for a water heater estimate or if you need residential plumbing services or commercial plumbing services.

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How to Adjust a Toilet Fill Valve

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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Should I Hire a Contractor for a Small Kitchen Renovation?

February 17th, 2021

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should I hire a contractor for a small kitchen renovation?

Should I Hire a Contractor for a Small Kitchen Renovation 2021?

Many of us have taken on new and exciting DIY projects during the pandemic. If you have DIY-ed before, you know it’s not as easy as the TV shows make it out to be. Many Fox Valley homeowners are wondering if they can swing small projects like bathroom remodels or small kitchen renovations. So, the big question is, do you contact a home remodeling contractor or DIY? In the article below, we explore the pros and cons of hiring a professional. 

Save vs. Splurge on Kitchen Renovation?

“Should I hire a contractor for a small renovation?” seems like a legitimate question. That concern is especially relevant since the typical cost of a remodel starts at $12,567, according to recent data from HomeAdvisor. Meanwhile, the average cost of a minor remodel for a kitchen is at $25,340, Forbes reports.

These are figures you’re not likely to ignore. So it might make sense to think you could do the project on your own to cut down on cost.

While there are merits to that decision, there are also disadvantages to it. For starters, can you save money if you decide to become your own contractor?

You may save money because you don’t have to pay a professional fee. You may also cut back on expenses by learning some of the work, so you don’t have to hire a carpenter, painter, or tiler. There are video tutorials on just about any home improvement project.

But what happens when your amateur work creates problems in the future?

Quality Work Goes Beyond the Surface

Online video tutorials might give you a clue as to how you can move bathroom fixtures or repave the driveway. Only a licensed plumber or kitchen remodeler has the training and experience to handle such complicated jobs. Fox Valley plumber would know if fixtures need to stay where they are because of the pipe placement. Meanwhile, an asphalt paving service would apply the right mix on your driveway, preventing issues like premature potholes.

Professionals like Tureks Plumbing not only know how to do any remodeling job, but they also ensure to make it as appealing as possible. After all, the whole point of renovation is to enhance the beauty of your property. If a DIY job ruins a kitchen renovation or an exterior improvement, you could lose more money when your home’s resale value dives.

It’s an Investment

You may only need a small renovation, and you may think that your DIY approach would save you thousands of dollars. Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., a renovation company in Northern California, agrees that problems with improper installation, wrong materials, or lack of preparation could force you to spend more to repair future issues. 

Before you decide to be your own contractor for a small remodeling project, think about the following:

  • Your safety in doing DIY work on your home
  • Your patience in completing a project
  • Your schedule in making sure you finish the remodel in time

A kitchen remodel can enhance the beauty and the value of your home. But you need to do it right to ensure favorable results. Contact Tureks Plumbing Services for the best kitchen remodeling services in Appleton, WI. We can also help with bathroom remodeling and plumbing repairs. Give us a call today to learn more! 

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in July 2018 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Why You Should Get a Tankless Water Heater

February 10th, 2021

why you should get a tankless water heater

Why You Should Get a Tankless Water Heater 2021

Unlike traditional water heaters, on-demand or tankless water heaters only heat water when needed. Depending on the capability of the heater you mount, these tankless water heaters typically deliver hot water at a flow rate that averages 2-5 gallons a minute. Tureks Plumbing Services shares the following reasons why you should get a tankless water heater installed in your Fox Valley home.

Tankless Water Heaters Are Compact

As lot sizes get smaller due to the increasing demand for real estate, it becomes important to scale down the size of the different appliances one installs in their home. Tankless water heaters are perfectly suited for someone who wants to save space because they are compact. The tankless water heater doesn’t have a storage tank, so it occupies less space when compared to the traditional water heaters with storage tanks. Talk to a plumber in Appleton, WI, and confirm whether a tankless water heater of the capacity you require will fit in the space available if you couldn’t fit in a traditional water heater.

Tankless Water Heaters Conserve Energy

One of the complaints against traditional water heaters is that they waste energy because the water in their storage tanks must always be kept hot in anticipation of a need for that water. This energy that is wasted during this standby time is conserved when one has a tankless water heater. As already mentioned, tankless water heaters only heat water at the moment when hot water is required at a point of use, such as your dishwasher. Talk to a Fox Valley plumber for the actual figures of how much energy you will be able to save if you install a tankless water heater of the capacity you desire in your home.

No More Hot Water Shortages

Do you remember how you cringed when the supply of hot water suddenly stopped while you were taking a shower? Such scenarios are common when many points of use require hot water from a traditional water heater at the same time. With a tankless water heater, such shortages will be a thing of the past because the heater will keep heating water for as long as there is a demand for hot water at a point of use within the plumbing system. However, the expert plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services caution that you can only have an unlimited supply of hot water if the hot water isn’t being used beyond the discharge capacity of the tankless water heater. The key to unlimited hot water with a tankless water heater is that an expert should advise you on the best heater size for your needs.

Longer Service Life

A water heater is one of the expensive appliances in a home, and it is normal to expect these devices to last as long as possible so that you recoup your investment. Tankless water heaters have the distinction of having a longer service life when compared to their traditional counterparts. Since the tankless water heater doesn’t have a storage tank, there is no risk that it will spring a leak and fail. According to experienced plumbers in Appleton, WI, tankless water heaters last for approximately 20 years, while traditional water heaters will last for a maximum of 15 years.

Tankless Water Heaters Conserve Water

Tureks Plumbing Services also confirms that you will conserve more water when you switch to a tankless water heater. How does this happen? With a traditional water heater, people typically let some water run to waste as the cold water in the pipes makes way for the hot water to follow. This wasted water adds up over time, and your water bill is affected. With a tankless system, you get hot water as soon as you open the faucet or other points of use. Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, a home service company in Sacramento, agree that you save the water that you would have lost while waiting for the faucet to discharge hot water.

You Get Purer Water

Like a traditional water heater ages, its storage tank may start rusting. This rust finds its way into the water you use at different points of use, and this could put your health at risk. This risk of corrosion explains why homeowners have to keep replacing the sacrificial anodes in the hot water heater to prevent corrosion from taking place. Others have to hire a plumber in Appleton, WI, to inspect and maintain their hot water heaters. Eventually, corrosion still happens, and the water discharged may even start looking discolored in extreme cases. Tankless water heaters don’t have storage tanks, so you get cleaner or purer water each time you open a faucet or other point of use.

As you can see, tankless water heaters have numerous advantages over water heaters with storage tanks. However, you can only enjoy those benefits if you work with Tureks Plumbing Services to select the appropriate tank and install it correctly. So, contact Tureks Plumbing today to witness how these heaters can transform the hot water system in your home.

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

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5 Tips For Preventing Common Sewer Line Issues

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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Why Hire Professional Drain Clearing

January 27th, 2021
Why Hire Professional Drain Clearing

Why Hire Professional Drain Clearing

There’s a lot of stuff you can successfully DIY around your house. There are, however, those that are best left to the experts, such as drain clearing. Yes, we live in the age of the Internet, where information is easily available, but DIY plumbing is costly and time-consuming. Fox valley plumbing companies agree that it’s worth hiring a professional. You may even end up making the problem worse. If you know that you have sluggish or failed drainage, foul or unwanted odors, gurgling noises, you should contact Tureks Plumbing Services. Our plumbers will fix your plumbing problems in no time. Are you not convinced? In the article below, we explain why hire a professional drain clearing expert. 

Safer Than DIY Plumbing

Yes, you can DIY some drain problems. Some common methos include a bent wire, boiling water, corrosive soda, etc. The most common method is chemical drain cleaners. When the old methods fail, people prefer to turn to chemical cleaners, which is like putting a bandaid on the problem or just make it worse. 

In fact, chemical drain cleaners form an acid in the pipe that corrodes the clog. The problem is that the acid does not know how to distinguish between pipes and clogs. Over time, this may lead to more clogs, leaks, or even abductions. Our friends at Maid for Muddy Paws, a house cleaning company in Magnolia, TX, agree that the more chemicals you use, the lower the life expectancy of your drain. Professionals provide safer, non-toxic, and greener options to unclog pipes, saving you a lot of time and money.

Locate Plumbing Problems

When you hire a Fox Valley plumber to handle the job, they’re not just clearing the clogs. They would also check and locate any possible plumbing problems in the drain – such as leaks, corrosion, scratches, and tears – that may be troublesome down the road. But if you were to DIY your plumbing problems, you’d probably just concentrate on removing the clog.

Prevent Future Drain & Sewer Problems

Clogging also occurs as a result of waste accumulation – including food particles, fats, paper, hair, and so on. These materials limit the flow of water, making it easier for you to deal with other cloggs. If you DIY, it’s probably not going to flush anything out of the drain, and it’s only going to be a matter of time before another clog occurs. Professionals, on the other hand, can use their job-specific equipment and supplies to clean your drain. They will also provide advice on how to maintain a clog-free drain for your peace of mind.

Satisfaction is Guaranteed

Of course, you get stellar services working with an Appleton, WI plumbing company because they are plumbing specialists. If you ever need drain clearing or other plumbing services, contact Tureks Plumbing. We offer 24/7 plumbing services throughout the Fox Valley cities and beyond. 

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How to Prevent Burst Pipes This Winter

January 20th, 2021
how to prevent burst pipes this winter - Tureks Plumbing

How to Prevent Burst Pipes This Winter

As winter months bring snow and cold to our Appleton, WI community, many of us are scrambling to pull out warm sweaters, get firewood, and check our furnaces. But there is one job that many of us have neglected during our preparations for the long winter months: preventing burst pipes. Surprisingly, this happens to many Fox Valley homeowners. Burst pipes can be an expensive plumbing emergency in Appleton, WI, which is why our plumbers are sharing how to prevent burst pipes this winter in the article below. 

Why Pipes Freeze

How are do plumbing pipes freeze? When it’s cold, the accumulated water inside the pipes freezes and expands, which creates extreme pressure. Eventually, the ice causes enough pressure to break the pipes. Fox valley plumbers explain that this is where the issues really begin. Research shows that a one-eighth-of-a-inch crack in a plumbing pipe can deliver up to 250 gallons of water a day! This amount of water can cause significant structural and property damage.

What would you do to avoid freezing and bursting pipes in your home? Here are seven tips to keep your pipes safe during the winter cold:

Pipes Must be Insulated

The exposed pipe is vulnerable to freezing, even in warmer climates. There is a range of ways to keep the pipes as snug as a bug in a blanket. One way is to apply insulation to the pipes throughout the building. Almost every home improvement store has foam insulation available for purchase. Simply wrap the foam around the tubing to shield it from cold temperatures.

Other choices for keeping your pipes warm include covering them with heat tape or using thermostatically operated heat cables. Make sure you use products approved by your Fox Valley plumber to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety.

Let Your Faucet Drip

Most people see a leaking hawk as a matter that needs to be resolved. However, in the winter months, it’s actually a smart idea to let your hawk drip just a little. A little bit of water flow keeps the pressure in the pipes low. Low pressure means less of a risk that those pipes could break!

Seal the Cracks and Leaks

Caulk is our favorite this time of year. You want to keep as much cold air out as you can. Have a careful inspection of your house to determine if there is any air leakage. Places to look at include nearby dryer vents, walls, electrical wiring, and of course, pipes.

When you’ve found them, the regular caulk gun and caulk should do the trick of sealing the leaks and keeping the chill-out.

Open Doors 

If you’re home or out of town, the American Red Cross suggests leaving the interior doors of your home open. This makes it possible for the heat to flow into the house more effectively. It also allows the heat to get closer to the pipes, minimizing the chance of freezing them.

Keep Garage Door Closed

While you want to leave those interior doors open to allow free heat to circulate throughout the building, you can keep your garage door closed. This is particularly true if you have pipes running through your garage. Again, you want to keep the cold air out of your walls and pipes as much as you can. Shutting the garage door will help to give you an extra layer of security.

Control the Thermostat

If you’re leaving town, be sure to keep your heat at no less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Yes, it’s hard to think of paying to keep the heat on when you’re not at home. However, in the long run, you’ll save money by keeping your house warm and stopping blowing pipes. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a plumbing company in Woodbury, MN, adds that water damage could cost you a couple of thousand dollars in costs repairs. And that’s a lot more than a few extra bucks that could cost your heating bill.

Disconnect/Shut off The Water

Another tip if you’re out of town for a while: consider turning off your main water line and exhausting your water supply. This would leave your pipes empty in the building so that no water will freeze within them and cause a rupture.

Contact Fox Valley Professionals

But as Fox Valley plumbers point out, if you have a fire safety device, this might not be a good idea. Shutting off the water main means that the fire system won’t work. If shutting down your water main doesn’t seem to be a good idea at least detach all the outer water hoses. Water in these hoses will freeze back to your house. You can always contact our plumbers at Tureks Plumbing. Our team will assist you with all your residential plumbing needs. Not to mention we provide 24/7 plumbing services in Appleton, WI. 

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