How Long Will My Pipes Last?

October 21st, 2020
how long will my pipes last - Tureks Plumbing Services

How Long Will My Pipes Last?

Plumbing has dramatically evolved over the years. Clay and lead piping were among the first materials to be used. These were used to transport water to public buildings and homes. In the early 20th century, when homes began to be built with indoor plumbing, materials such as copper, cast iron, terra-cotta, and galvanized steel were utilized. 

Until World War II, lead piping was the majority’s material of choice when it came to plumbing pipes. As awareness about lead poisoning grew, its popularity drastically declined. Post World War II brought about galvanized screw piping as the choice material for plumbing pipes in homes.

In the 1970s, copper and polybutylene grew in popularity. Currently, polybutylene is now banned by most, if not all, building codes, as research found out that the material was compromised when exposed to chlorine.  

Knowing the different types of plumbing pipes in your home ensures that you take the necessary steps to avert floods, leaks, and potential health hazards. If you’d prefer a professional’s assistance from the beginning, contact Tureks Plumbing Services. Let’s discuss the main plumbing pipes commonly found in your home.

Types of Plumbing Pipes

Copper Pipes

Two major types of copper piping can be utilized in a plumbing system. They include flexible copper tubing and rigid copper. Copper piping is usually manufactured in different sizes, the most popular ones being the 15 and 22 mm. 

Copper piping is a reliable material that can endure for more than 50 years. It is also not prone to leakage or corrosion. It will not pollute water, it can be recycled, can withstand extreme temperature changes, and since bacteria cannot flourish in the pipes, it is safe to use copper to transport drinking water. 

Polyvinylchloride Pipes (PVC)

This is a mixture of plastic and vinyl. They are mostly used for highly pressurized water. They can also be used in draining and transporting drinking water. 

PVC pipes last for an indefinite period as they are not susceptible to corrosion or rust. These pipes can also handle high water pressure as stated above and are very light, making them easy to carry and use. PVC pipes are also affordable and are offered as an economical alternative for plumbing pipes. To replace PVC pipes with CPVC pipes for the additional advantage they offer, get in touch with a Fox Valley plumbing company.

Galvanized Steel Pipes

These pipes are made of steel, which is then coated in a zinc layer to prevent rusting. However, they are rarely used these days because of their unreliability. If your home was built in the 1980s or before then, it might have galvanized piping. Consider replacing these right away. Contact Tureks Plumbing Services to replace your galvanized steel pipes.

The pipes last between 20 to 50 years before they start breaking down. They are prone to rust and corrosion, which may lead to lead contamination, which is hazardous. Mineral buildup in the pipes forms clogs that block water from flowing.

For emergency plumbing services such as burst galvanized steel pipes or pipe corrosion, contact the best plumbing company in Appleton, WI.

Cross-linked Polyethylene Pipes (PEX)

This is a relatively new material in the plumbing scene but is gaining popularity as it is being utilized in new homes. The main difference between PEX and PVC is that PEX pipes are flexible; they can make 90 degree turns without fragmenting. McQuillan Bros, a Twin Peaks plumbing repair company, says that these pipes are easy to cut and join together, making the installation process for experts like the Fox Valley plumbing company easy and quick, promoting efficiency. 

PEX pipes are completely corrosion and rust-resistant. These pipes are also able to hold out against extreme temperatures. Despite being more expensive as compared to PVC, they are still significantly more affordable than copper.

An additional advantage of these pipes is that they are made to last.

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC)

These pipes are PVC pipes, the only difference being that they are chlorinated. This makes them able to withstand temperature differences that PVC cannot.

The pipes are rust and corrosion resistant as well as lightweight, making them easy to carry and use. They withstand temperatures of up to 200 degrees, meaning they can handle and transport hot water. If you’d like CPVC pipes installed in your home, contact a plumbing company in Appleton, Wisconsin.

In any case, you should check for and remove polybutylene piping and lead piping in your house, especially if your house was constructed between the 1970s and 1990s.

Polybutylene is plastic and gray. The material is prone to breakage and is mostly found in houses located in Mid-Atlantic states, the Sun Belt, and the Pacific Northwest. If you suspect your house does have these pipes, have a Fox Valley plumber come and conduct an inspection as soon as possible.

Lead pipes, on the other hand, are dull gray and have a 100-year lifespan but are a hazardous and toxic material, especially when it leaches into your drinking water as it causes lead poisoning, the effects of which can be treated but are irreversible.

If you’re in need of plumbing services in Appleton, WI, contact a plumbing professional and have the water tested for lead. If the lead content is 15 ppb (parts per billion) or more, have a professional plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services replace your home’s pipes immediately.

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Common Water Heater Problem

October 14th, 2020
common water heater problems - Tureks Plumbing Services

Common Water Heater Problems

Here at Tureks Plumbing Services, we are dedicated to ensuring that all your plumbing queries are answered and needs fulfilled. As we get into the cooler months, more plumbing problems will arise. In this article, we explore some of the most common water heater problems Fox Valley homeowners experience. If you need professional plumbing services in Appleton, WI, contact Tureks Plumbing today!

Water Heater Drip Tube

A dip tube is a plastic tube, usually long, that is present in almost all water heaters. It is fitted into the inlet of the water heater and hangs about 8 inches above the base of the tank. A dip tube that is properly functioning is designed to shoot the cold water coming into the base of the heater where it is heated quickly and with ease. If no dip tube is present in your water heater, the cold water mixes with hot water, which is at the top of the tank heater on its way to the outlet. This is what results in lukewarm water coming out of your faucets, instead of hot water.

In a scenario where the dip tube in your water heater breaks off, depending on how much of it broke off, you may either have only lukewarm water coming from your water heater into your faucets or the water may run out very quickly. Gilmore Heating and Air, an HVAC, and plumbing company in Sacramento explain that this is because the cold water remains at the top of the tank, where it cannot be heated and mixes with hot water from the hot water outlet, which is also located at the top of the tank—hence resulting in cold or lukewarm water going into your house’s hot water pipes before it has been sufficiently heated.

Water heaters manufactured between 1993 and 1997 are equipped with defective dip tubes, which, depending on the water chemistry in your locality, as well as the pH and temperature setting of the water, may result in these tubes crumbling, breaking, or dissolving into smaller pieces.

To check whether your water heater was manufactured between 1993 and 1997, check the first four digits on the serial number. These represent the month and year of manufacture. If the third and fourth numbers are 97, 96, 95, 94, or 93, your units could be affected. 

According to experienced Fox Valley plumbers, there are two options if you indeed have a bad unit. The first would be to replace the water heater and flush all faucet filters and screens in the house. This also applies to water heaters, which have been in use for more than ten years. The water heaters present on the market now are fitted and manufactured with dip tubes that last almost as long as the water heater. For a water heater replacement in Appleton, WI, contact Tureks Plumbing today.

The second option would be to replace the defective dip tube with a cross-linked polyethylene dip tube then flush the sediment, particles, and debris out of the filters, screens, and the water heater. It is important to note that you may have to flush the system more than once to clean the heater effectively. If you would prefer a professional to handle the matter, please reach out to a plumbing company in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Sediment Buildup in Your Water Heater

If your house has a storage-tank water heater, sediment buildup is something that is bound to happen. In the water heating process, water entering the water heater tank is often carrying dissolved naturally-occurring minerals such as magnesium and calcium, little amounts of sand as well as other debris. This debris, combined with the minerals, forms into sediment particles, and they settle at the bottom of the tank, explains OC water heater professionals at Do It Right Plumbers. When these sediment particles buildup, you may experience issues with your heating system such as:

  • Rumbling sounds when the water heater is on
  • Water temperatures fluctuating from lukewarm to hot
  • A decrease in the supply of hot water to your faucets

Sediment buildup affects the water heater’s ability to maintain a consistent temperature of the water, and it also wears down the energy efficiency of the heaters. As the buildup piles, these sediment particles can replace the water in the tank, block the water lines, block the drain valve, or cause untimely tank failure. If your tank prematurely fails, contact emergency Plumbers in Appleton Wisconsin for help with the installation of a new and far more efficient model.

Additionally, to help prevent sediment buildup, hire a professional plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin, to flush your storage tank periodically throughout the year.

Malfunctioning Heating System

Water heaters that have been functioning for 10 to 15 years may be faulty due to old age as well as wear and tear. Also, not flushing your water heater tank periodically throughout the year as recommended by professional plumbers may also interfere with the heating system of one’s water heater.

 A water heater may fail mostly in these three areas:

  • Thermostat
  • Thermal switch
  • The heating element

It is best to leave the diagnosis and water heater repairs to a trained and licensed professional plumber. If any of this information resonates with your water heating problems, please contact Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin, today.

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Trenchless Sewer Repair Costs

October 7th, 2020
Trenchless Sewer Repair Costs - Tureks Plumbing Services

How to Determine Costs for Trenchless Sewer Repairs

When your drain line needs to be replaced, pricing is usually the most asked question by people. So, how do you determine trenchless sewer repair costs?

Turek’s Plumbing Services offers trenchless pipe repair services in Appleton, WI. Our team of licensed plumbers works on trenchless repairs more times a year than we can count. Using our vast experience, we answer your questions below by taking you through the whole process: trenchless sewer repairs and breaking it down to show why they cost what they cost.

However, it should be noted that pricing for trenchless sewer repairs may vary, depending on your location, the contractors you choose, the sewer design, and approach.

The following are some of the factors most contractors involved in trenchless pipe repair in Appleton WI consider in the pricing of trenchless sewer repairs.

The Depth and Size of the Pipe in Use 

The thickness of the pipe you are using may be used to determine the cost of the material. Pipes with smaller diameters cost less as compared to those with larger diameters. Also, trenchless methods need access points. An access point will be constructed if your sewer system does not have one. This is done by accessing a vent pipe, installing a sewer cleanout, or unearthing the sewer at the point the Fox Valley plumber chooses.

If the person’s drain requires an access point, the depth of the pipe to be used will also be considered when generating a quote for the repair.

The Trenchless Approach Used

There are many different trenchless methods available. It is essential to do your research and settle on a trenchless way to help you have, at least, a rough estimate of how much it may cost. The different techniques have substantial differences in cost. For example, epoxy pipe lining (cured in place pipe lining), has a very high material cost. For affordable pipelining, contact Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton WI.

Additionally, McQuillan Bros, an HVAC, and plumbing company in St. Paul, says a sewer line longer than 100 feet may be more expensive to repair/ replace. Methods like pipe-bursting have a lower material cost, although the technique requires more access holes. If this method is used for a sewer with many connecting drains, costs may increase because each connecting drain needs to be uncovered before pipe-bursting to replace the sewer.

Access to Your Existing Pipes

If the sewer line passes below your patio or pool, this may present a challenge in terms of access to a trenchless contractor. Landscaping may also present obstacles in terms of access to the sewer line. Additional costs may be incurred to cut down on dust generation if you want the access hole to be constructed in your house. For properties with utility lines moving across their land, access is not only challenging but also very dangerous. 

If access to one’s sewer line is required in a city street or public passage, prices are bound to skyrocket. This is mainly due to city regulations. For a summed up price quotation, a contractor needs to determine the access point of your pipe. 

The Present State of the Pipe in Use

Your pipe condition may determine the technique to be used in the repairs due to the presence of different trenchless techniques. For instance, if one has a cast iron sewer line with lots of scale buildup, it is required that the pipe be de-scaled before repairs can begin. De-scaling a pipe is a step in the preparation procedure for lining pipes. The process may take any amount of time between an hour to a whole day. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the degree of buildup before the plumbing company in Appleton, WI comes up with a price.

Trenchless contractors are required to collect information on all of the above using a specialized sewer camera before they can give a figure of the total price. Make sure that you receive a sewer camera inspection report before hiring a contractor for sewer pipe repair Appleton, WI to dispense their services.

Trenchless Sewer Repair in Appleton, WI

In conclusion, it is essential to keep in mind that many contractors may quote a price based on price per foot for trenchless repairs. Be cautious before you accept a price per foot estimate as this may be a way to provide an estimate while leaving out important variables that drive the price higher. 

From the above, it is clear that the distance a sewer line covers isn’t the only variable taken into consideration when coming up with the total price. Therefore, always probe into the “per foot” price, any costs that may not have been revealed to you, undisclosed challenges, or any incidents that may surface as a result of the trenchless repairs. However, with the sophisticated machinery used in trenchless technology, the price estimates are bound to be a minimum of $2,500 on the part of trenchless sewer repairs and $3,500 for trenchless sewer replacements. Contact Tureks Plumbing Services, and we will gladly inspect the sewer line and give you a competitive estimate for the repairs.

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Budgeting for Your Bathroom Remodel

September 23rd, 2020

Budgeting for Your Bathroom Remodel in Appleton, WI

budgeting for your bathroom remodel - Tureks Plumbing Services

If you are trying to budget for your bathroom remodel, there are two key factors (the materials you select and who will do the work) that will help determine cost. Here are some suggestions that our experienced professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin, recommend that you think about to keep costs affordable in your bid to transform your bathroom into the stuff dreams are made of.

The Construction Itself

Depending on the specific work you would like done, you could do it yourself, hire a general contractor, or act as a contractor. If you opt to hire a general contractor, Headwaters Construction Inc., a Sacramento commercial construction company, recommends that you get bids from multiple contractors and check their references before choosing one.

To save some money on the project, consider doing some of the work (such as any needed demolition) yourself or with the help of friends. Additional savings can also be made if you compare sourcing the needed materials through the contractor or buying them yourself from thrift stores or online sellers. Pick the option that will deliver savings.

Labor Costs of Bathroom Remodel

Regardless of whether you act as the contractor or hire a general contractor, several skilled tradespeople will be involved. Tureks Plumbing Services recommends that you limit having to move fixtures from their existing layout so that the costs associated with such work are avoided.

Also, some general contractors are highly sought after, and their rates could be higher than average, so you might want to shop around for experienced ones whose rates are pocket-friendly while delivering outstanding quality work.

Choosing Fixtures for Your Bathroom Remodel

Here is where costs can add up rapidly if you don’t have a plan to execute the bathroom remodel without breaking the bank. For example, choosing a standard toilet will be a lot cheaper than opting for a designer model, which costs thousands of dollars as opposed to less than two hundred for the basic model. This isn’t to say you can’t splurge on one item or so; just be conscious about mixing top of the range fixtures with standard ones so that your budget doesn’t get blown out of control.

The Tiles for Your Bathroom Remodel

The cost of tiles is one of the big items on any Appleton bathroom remodel budget. The tiles themselves are costly, and so is the labor needed to install them. To minimize these costs, consider using tile on just select sections of the bathroom, such as the floor and the areas immediately above the tub. Alternatively, you can use the expensive tile as accents in the space and give the walls a great coat of paint. 

The Countertops for Your Bathroom Remodel

Since the square footage that will need to be occupied by a countertop in the bathroom is small, you can use your smarts to get natural stone or other premium materials without denting your pocket. For example, Tureks Plumbing Services has seen pedestal sinks used in bathrooms that didn’t cost a lot of money to renovate. You can also buy a single-sink vanity and give your bathroom a new look.

All in all, the cost of remodeling your bathroom will depend on where you live (which sets a baseline for the labor charges) and the specific materials that you prefer for the project. The key to bringing your dream bathroom to reality lies in taking your time to plan and research the different options before coming up with final decisions on each aspect of the remodel. At Tureks Plumbing Services, we have tons of experience under our belt in executing bathroom remodels to meet different budgets and needs. Contact us today for a home remodel or plumbing services in Appleton, Wisconsin, and we will discuss how your desired project can best be executed cost-effectively.

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Is Trenchless Sewer Replacement For Me?

September 16th, 2020
Is Trenchless Sewer Replacement Right for My Home - Tureks Plumbing

Is Trenchless Sewer Replacement For Me?

As we became more industrialized and people moved to urban areas, sewer lines quickly became integral to everyday life. The system of sewer lines crisscrossing the country transports sewage from residential and commercial properties to disposal or treatment facilities, allowing us to live clean, healthy lives. And like most systems that are used consistently, they require constant maintenance and repair to make sure they run effectively. 

If you are a homeowner in Appleton Wisconsin, it’s your responsibility to make sure your sewer line is in good shape, with help from Turek’s Plumbing Services. It is the largest drain in your home, and if you don’t practice regular plumbing maintenance, any problems that aren’t addressed in time can lead to some pretty hefty repair costs. Unfortunately, conventional sewer pipe in Appleton, WI is usually slow and disruptive, especially if the sewer lines are buried deep. Additionally, it’s generally difficult to predict the actual price as the cost of parts and labor varies with each client. 

Enter trenchless sewer line replacement, an alternative repair technique that doesn’t require plumbers in Appleton, Wisconsin, to dig up your lawn to get at the pipes in need of repair. Simply put, it means doing repairs without extensive digging. It allows emergency plumbers in Appleton, Wisconsin, to do sewer line pipe repair without digging trenches and disrupting your day-to-day activities. So what problems may require trenchless sewer line repair?

Common Types of Sewer Problems

Homeowners in Appleton Wisconsin should be on the lookout for:

  • Tree roots – If you have mature trees on your property, especially close to the sewer lines, their roots may infiltrate the line, causing extensive damage over time.
  • Blockages can be a result of grease or some other material restricting water flow.
  • Broken collapsed or cracked pipes, especially due to shifting or frozen soil.
  • Pipe corrosion or deterioration. This is more common in older pipes that aren’t made from PVC.
  • Belied pipes, where a section of piping has fallen into the ground, creating an area where waste material converges. 
  • Leaking joints caused by broken seals between pipes. This allows water to escape into the area surrounding the pipe. 

Trenchless Pipe Repair in Appleton, WI

If you are experiencing any of the plumbing problems described above, call a plumber in Appleton Wisconsin. Although most of these issues can be easily fixed through conventional pipe repair, no one wants the big mess a trench will create in their yard, and that’s where trenchless sewer repair done by Tureks Plumbing Services comes in. A trenchless sewer line can be put in place to replace an existing sewer line in three ways:

Pipe Bursting

It is used to replace brittle pipes like clay, cement, asbestos, concrete, and cast iron, says McQuillan Bros, an HVAC and plumbing company in Minneapolis. Two processes occur simultaneously: A static or dynamic head inserted into the host pipe is used to fragment the existing pipe, and an expander cone pushes the fragment out. At the same time, a new pipe attached to the back of the static head is laid out as the old pipe fragments are pushed out.

Pipe Splitting

They are usually used to replace ductile pipes like steel, plastics, and ductile iron by cutting them into segments using an internal head with cutter blades. A new pipe attached to the back of the cutting head is simultaneously laid out in the same alignment as the original pipe.

Internal Point Repair Appleton, WI

Internal point repair in Appleton, Wisconsin uses fiberglass to repair damaged pipes. The affected pipe is first cleaned to remove any tree roots, debris, or other possible obstructions. A camera is used to inspect the pipe to pinpoint the problem area. Then a pneumatic packer pulls structural fiberglass impregnated with resin inside the pipe. Once it is in place, the pneumatic packer inflates the fiberglass, positions it over the problem area, and allows it set.

Pipe bursting employs three methods: pneumatic, hydraulic, and static pull. Static pull uses a constant pull force to break the old pipe while pneumatic and hydraulic pull uses dynamic force. The method your plumber in Appleton Wisconsin uses will depend on:

  • Soil conditions
  • Groundwater conditions
  • The type of new pipe
  • The degree of upsizing required
  • The type of pipe being replaced
  • The depth of the pipe
  • Availability of the required equipment

Trenchless pipe repair in Appleton, WI, is a great solution for most of the plumbing problems. It allows your plumber in Appleton, Wisconsin, to discreetly fix plumbing issues without ripping up your lawn and disrupting your normal day-to-day activities. What’s more, it takes only a couple of hours, compared to the day or two it takes conventional pipe repair in Appleton WI, and your plumber will be out even before you know it. If you aren’t sure whether your property is suitable for trenchless pipe repair in Appleton WI, contact Turek’s Plumbing Service for a consultation.

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Plumbing Maintenance for Fall

September 9th, 2020

Plumbing Maintenance for Fall

The fall season brings memories of brilliant, lush colors, and cool, comfortable temperatures. It is a period of reprieve after the intense heat of summer and before the winter’s frigid cold rolls in. However, as the leaves start to fall and the heat of the summer dissipates, homeowners everywhere should be aware of how the cold of winter will affect them. The sudden drop in temperature will wreak havoc on their plumbing, especially if they are unprepared.

Although a lot of us take it for granted, plumbing plays a crucial role in modern society. It allows us to properly dispose of waste material and keep our homes clean and sanitary. That’s why plumbing maintenance is important in the weeks leading up to the winter. The prolonged cold weather can be extremely hard on your plumbing fixtures, especially if you aren’t prepared. 

If you’ve neglected regular plumbing maintenance and didn’t address minor issues throughout the year, they will most likely be compounded in the winter months. At Turek’s Plumbing Services, we are committed to keeping your plumbing in top shape all year round. But before we look at some of the ways you can prepare your plumbing for the winter, let’s discuss what the cold does to your pipes.

How Cold Weather Causes Plumbing Problems

Winter temperatures in the U.S. usually average just above freezing at 33.2 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can hit lows of 2.6 F in places like Alaska. When the temperature dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the chances of exposed pipes or poorly insulated pipes in garages, basements, and crawl spaces freezing increase exponentially. And whether it’s clean water or waste material flowing through those pipes, you definitely don’t want them to burst, especially during the winter.

A burst pipe will cause water damage, requiring thousands of dollars’ worth of repairs, and it creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. What’s more, burst pipes aren’t always conspicuous, and it may be long before you actually discover it, and this may weaken structures and possibly lead to health problems. That’s why plumbers in Appleton, Wisconsin, recommend you regularly inspect pipes you suspect are at risk of freezing, especially exposed or cracked pipes in exterior walls, attics, and basements.

If there isn’t any water coming out of the faucet or it only trickles at low pressure, one of your pipes may be frozen. Also be on the lookout for:

  • Frost, on the pipe, especially those that can be seen and the ones under the sink.
  • Strange or odd smells from a faucet or drain

If you can find the spot where a pipe is frozen, you can thaw it out by applying heat on the frozen section of the pipe. Try wrapping an electronic heating pad, heat the area with a hairdryer, or use towels soaked in hot water. However, don’t use a blowtorch, kerosene heaters, a charcoal stove, or any other open flame device as they represent a severe fire hazard. If this doesn’t work, contact a plumber in Appleton, Wisconsin. Now let’s look at some plumber approved tips on plumbing maintenance as the winter approaches.

Plumbing Maintenance Tips for the Fall

Your plumbing fixtures will be especially vulnerable as the temperature drops. Here’s what you can do:

  • For outdoor hoses, the water inside them can freeze and expand in cold temperatures. This expansion will cause them and any connected pipes in the house to freeze and break. Disconnect the water hoses, drain them of any remaining water, and store them in a dry area to prevent this.
  • Outdoor faucets that leak or drip can lead to water damage and severe plumbing issues in the winter. Make sure the faucets are fixed during the fall, and once the outdoor hoses are disconnected, cover and insulate the faucets with a Styrofoam insulation kit. 
  • If your house has an interior shut off valve that is connected to the outside faucets and plumbing, Orange County plumbers recommend shutting it off and opening the outdoor faucet valve. This will ensure that there is no remaining water in the line that could freeze during the winter.
  • Make sure you insulate any pipes in non-heated areas like the crawl space or the garage. This will prevent them from freezing. 
  • At the spot where a pipe enters your home, gaps can easily develop between the pipe and the wall over time. Cold air can enter through these gaps. Gilmore Heating & Air, a heating and cooling company in Placerville, says HVAC systems work a lot harder and even freeze the pipes. Seal any gaps you find with weather stripping, caulking, and insulation.
  • Your water heater will be working a lot harder in the winter months, so make sure you completely flush it in the fall. This will remove the sediment buildup, which blocks proper heat transfer, ensuring the water heater runs more efficiently in the winter months. 
  • Additionally, make sure your sump pump is properly cleaned and insulated. This will ensure it doesn’t freeze in the cold temperatures. Appleton plumbing maintenance professionals can help if this task is difficult for you.

Take advantage of the fall to winter-proof your plumbing. Integrating these tips into your plumbing maintenance routines will make sure your plumbing operates efficiently during the coming winter months. At Turek’s Plumbing Services, we are committed to keeping your plumbing in good shape all year round. Contact us for your bathroom renovation, pipe repair, pipelining, sewer pipe repair, and trenchless pipe repair needs in Appleton Wisconsin today.

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When Should You Have Your Pipes Relined?

September 2nd, 2020

When Should You Have Your Pipes Relined for Your Appleton Home?

when should you get your pipes relined - Tureks Plumbing

Like electrical wiring, plumbing is one of those things that has to work optimally at all times to avoid potential household disasters. Sewer lines play an especially crucial role in the home, and any issues that aren’t addressed can result in major sewer line repair fees and possibly structural damage. However, while plumbers in Appleton, Wisconsin advise their clients to stay on top of their plumbing maintenance. Replacing pipes is just about the worst kind of home repair project you could go through. It is disruptive, expensive, and chances are your Appleton plumber will have to dig up your yard to fix the problem.

So, aside from replacing the damaged pipes, what alternatives do you have for sewer pipe repair in Appleton, WI that aren’t as expensive and disruptive? Well, you could choose to reline the damaged pipes, a restorative measure that’s easier, faster, and costs a lot less. Currently, an evolving technology, pipe lining in Appleton, WI can be used to correct a wide variety of plumbing issues. With this technique, a special resin is used to repair your pipes from the inside. A resin-saturated felt tube, usually polyester or fiberglass, is inserted into the damaged pipe and the resin hardens, creating a new and in some cases stronger pipe within the damaged one.

The following plumbing issues can be addressed with pipe lining technique, so if you notice any of them, contact an Appleton Wisconsin plumber right away.

Common Plumbing Issues

Plumbing is essential to homes everywhere, but everyday use puts immense stress on it, leading to wear and tear over time. Ideally, the resulting issues should be addressed by a plumber in Appleton Wisconsin early enough to prevent them from becoming too severe. They include:

Burst Pipes  

Solid and oily materials will undoubtedly be part of your waste, and they can build up and cause blockages within your piping. Water pressure will start building up within the pipes and if left unchecked, will continue to increase until the pipe bursts. How would you know your piping has a blockage? McQuillan Bros, a plumbing company in Minneapolis, says to watch out for unpleasant smells coming from the drains, gurgling sounds, lush green plants growing around your sewer line, slow or failed draining, raised water levels, and dampness.

If a damaged pipe has gone unnoticed for a long time, the soil or ground around it may subside or sink over time as the sewage weakens its structural integrity. If the pipe lies beneath the building’s structural points, cracks may start to appear on the floors or in the walls. Trying to fix the cracks would be an unwise short term solution.  Instead, contact a plumber in Appleton Wisconsin to address the root of the problem. If it is due to a blockage in the piping, you will benefit from the ease and simplicity of pipe lining in Appleton Wisconsin.

Root Intrusions

This goes to all the Appleton, Wisconsin residents who have plants, especially trees, close to their sewer lines. Sewer lines provide water and nutrients to the plants, so when there is a leak, a root might push its way into the pipes and clog them. Once the roots are in, they will slowly grow and expand until the pipe is completely clogged. To prevent it from getting this far, watch out for:

  • Slowly emptying drains, especially when you flush the toilet
  • Gurgling noises
  • Sinkholes can form if the root intrusion is extensive. At this stage, the structural integrity of your foundation may be in question, so contact a plumber in Appleton Wisconsin immediately to come and inspect your property. 
  • Bad odor coming from the drain.

If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, contact a plumber right away. Your plumbing can be fixed with pipe lining repair in Appleton WI.

Rust and Deterioration

If you used steel pipes, chances are they will eventually start rusting due to their constant exposure to moisture. This weakens their structural integrity, making them susceptible to leaks. Additionally, all kinds of pipes are subject to wear and tear, and over time, they will degrade in quality. Watch out for:

  • Discolored water coming from your taps.
  • Stains underneath the sink or discoloration in the wall. Try looking at the ceiling of a room directly underneath a bathroom.
  • Warped bathroom walls. If there is a leak due to deterioration, the drywall in your bathroom may become moist and begin to bubble, causing it to warp and eventually break. You will have to contact a contractor to repair the drywall once the Appleton plumber is done repairing the leak.

Pipe relining in Appleton, WI is a new and exciting technique for fixing damaged pipes and removing blockages. Not only is it easier and faster than replacing damaged pipes, but it is quite easy on the pocket, and your precious yard won’t be uprooted in the process. Have you noticed any of the above issues on your property? They ought to be fixed right away, and pipe relining in Appleton, WI is the best way to do that. Contact Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin today. 

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Tankless Wate Heater Savings

August 26th, 2020

Will a Tankless Water Heater Save Me Money?

Tankless Water Heater Savings - Tureks Plumbing Services

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, American homes spend an average of $2,060 each year on energy bills. Approximately $268, or 13% of the annual energy bill, goes to heating water. This doesn’t include the cost of the water itself, so it isn’t surprising that many homeowners in Appleton, WI, are looking for ways to cut costs. One of the avenues they consider is a tankless water heater. 

Can a Tankless Water Heater Result in Cost Savings?

Tankless water heaters are also referred to as instantaneous water heaters, on-demand water heaters or simply demand heaters. This type of heater has seen a spike in demand because the heater heats water just when it is needed.

This instantaneous availability of hot water, rather than having gallons standing by just in case someone needs a supply of hot water, has led many homeowners to believe that having one of these appliances will save them money.

Turek’s Plumbing Services confirms that Appleton WI tankless water heaters usually require less energy to run those water heaters. However, having lower energy bills doesn’t necessarily mean you are saving money since the upfront costs of buying and installing the on-demand water heater also have to be accounted for.

Because tankless water heaters are more complex than water heaters with storage tanks, it costs more to install the on-demand water heater. That added cost, plus the purchase price of the heater, means that it will take longer for the water heater to pay for itself. 

These water heaters could deliver savings in your case, and they come with the following added benefits which could outweigh any savings you hoped to gain.

Longer Service Life

As mentioned earlier, on-demand water heaters typically last about twice as long as the heaters with water storage tanks. For instance, while a traditional water heater could last for 8-12 years, a tankless version can work for 20-25 years.

Furthermore, most components of on-demand water heaters can be replaced, so a situation which can result in trashing a traditional water heater merely requires you to buy replacement parts for a tankless water heater.

Limitless Hot Water Supply

In most cases, on-demand water heaters can provide a nearly endless supply of hot water. You therefore no longer have to worry that you will get a jet of cold water in the midst of having a hot shower.

However, St. Paul plumbing company, McQuillan Bros cautions that this endless supply of water is only attainable if you engage an experienced plumber to determine the appropriate flow rate of the water heater needs of your household can be met even if different hot water points of use are active at the same time.

You could also solve the flow rate challenge by installing a smaller on-demand water heater at a point of use that requires a lot of hot water. This will result in even more efficiency as the heat losses incurred while water is transported from the heater to the point of use are avoided.

Space Economy

We live at a time when every square foot of space comes at a premium. It is therefore welcome news to learn that tankless water heaters require very limited space since the heater doesn’t come with a storage tank.

For example, Fox Valley plumbers explain that on average, a traditional water heater (the ones with storage tanks) are approximately two feet in diameter and five feet tall. These huge water heaters aren’t only an eyesore wherever they are installed, but they also take up a lot of space in the kitchen, laundry room, or any other location where they have been installed.

In contrast, tankless water heaters are much smaller and can be tucked away in compact spaces. Additionally, they come in attractive designs which enhance rather than detract from the aesthetics of your home.

Is a Tankless Water Heater Suitable for Me?

As you can see from the discussion above, a lot goes into determining whether an on-demand water heater will deliver savings to a particular home or not. It is therefore advisable for you to contact us at Turek’s Plumbing Services so that a member of our team can visit your home and assess your hot water needs before giving you our considered opinion on whether you may or may not realize monetary savings when you install a tankless water heater. Contact an Appleton WI plumber today for tankless water repair or replacement!

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Home Plumbing Maintenance

August 19th, 2020

All About Home Plumbing Maintenance

home plumbing maintenance - Tureks Plumbing Services

Basic preventative plumbing maintenance in Appleton, WI, for your plumbing system can go a long way. After all, any leak, clog, or dripping faucet that is left unattended only worsens. That’s why we at Turek’s Plumbing Services recommend that regular preventative maintenance is done on the plumbing system of your residential or commercial property. Such an exercise helps professionals to spot and fix problems early. For this reason, we encourage all Fox City homeowners to give us a call anytime you need residential plumbing services.

Drain Maintenance

You wouldn’t be wrong if you mentioned that drains are one of the most vital components of the plumbing system. Without drains, water and other forms of waste wouldn’t be able to flow out of your home. The net result is that the toilet, kitchen sinks, washing machines, and showers wouldn’t work as you expect them to. 

It is, therefore, vital that you do what you can to avoid having to deal with a clogged drain. Fortunately, periodic drain maintenance is usually sufficient to prevent most drain issues. For those that do occur, our plumbers in Fox City are available to address those defects, so you don’t have to.

How do you keep drains working? One way we recommend to keep drains working properly is by being conscious about the things that go down the drains. For example, getting rid of feminine hygiene products in toilets is a sure way to clog up the toilet drain in just the same way as dumping grease down a sink will eventually clog it up. You can also buy a biodegradable drain cleaner and regularly use it to keep your drains clean and free from deposits. Contact a plumber in Appleton for help in choosing the best product since many on the market are acidic or caustic and can damage the plumbing pipes.

Plumbing System Inspection

As you may be aware, the plumbing system is a complex network of valves, pipes, taps, and drains. All these components work collectively to keep water flowing through the system. If one of these components develops a defect, the problem is likely to affect other aspects of the system, and soon enough, you will notice that something isn’t right.

To ensure that everything remains working perfectly, it is advisable to get a plumbing system inspection says Minneapolis plumbing company, McQuillan Bros. The plumbers will conduct a detailed inspection of the plumbing system on an annual basis. 

How do you know you need a plumbing system inspection? Our experienced plumbers know what to look out for in order to fix any inefficiencies or developing defects in the plumbing system. We recommend that you invite a plumber in to conduct plumbing maintenance in Appleton, WI for the reasons listed below. 

  • You are about to buy or sell a home
  • You have recently remodeled your home, especially the bathroom and kitchen
  • You want to switch to a different type of water heater, such as a tankless water heater
  • The plumbing system in your home hasn’t been inspected for two or more years
  • You’ve observed problems that seem to be systemic, such as multiple drains that are slow

Get a Home Service Plan

It isn’t always easy for you as a homeowner to remember all the things that you need to do to keep the plumbing system working at its best. That is why we recommend that if you live in Appleton, Wisconsin, sign a plumbing home service plan with us at Tureks Plumbing Services. We will perform all the needed preventive maintenance as well as perform timely repairs as soon as we notice a defect.

Such preventive maintenance will increase water heater efficiency, avert expensive plumbing emergencies, improve plumbing system performance, and improve overall system safety. Get a home plumbing system service plan at Tureks Plumbing Services and take the pressure off your shoulders. Contact a Fox Valley plumber today if you would like to know more about our home service plan, or if you need help with any aspect of the plumbing system.

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What is a Cured In Place Pipe Liner?

August 12th, 2020

What is a Cured In Place Pipe Liner?

  • cured in place pipe liner - Tureks Plumbing Services

Cured in place pipe, or CIPP refers to a technique that can be used to repair storm drains, sanitary sewers, and pressure pipes. This pipe repair Appleton, WI method is so versatile that it is applicable to pipes of all shapes, such as circular pipes, egg-shaped pipes, and box culverts. Turek’s Plumbing Services uses this advanced method to rehabilitate the pipes on your property so that you don’t have to dig out those pipes and install new ones.

The CIPP Liner Process

Preparing the Pipe

First, the personnel from the Appleton, WI plumbing company will remove the pipe from service. If need be, bypass pumping may be arranged so that wastewater can still be pumped while a section of the pipe is being rehabilitated. 

Once the pipe is taken out of service, it will be cleaned thoroughly using hydro-jetting or any other appropriate method. This flushes any deposits, waste, and debris so that the interior walls of the pipe are clearly visible. Thereafter, the plumber will conduct a video camera inspection of the entire pipe in order to ensure its condition and the magnitude of the defect. Localized repairs can be made to damaged sections before the CIPP process continues.

Liner Materials and Design

Each CIPP liner is usually customized for the specific pipe in which it will be installed explains Placerville trenchless pipe repair company, Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing. The liners are made using fiber-reinforced fabric or non-woven polyester felt. Regardless of the specific material from which the liner is made, the common attribute is that a polymer resin is impregnated into the liner so that once the liner cures, it will form a tight-fitting bond with the pipe being lined.

The resin is impregnated into the liner using some form of pressure, such as gravity or vacuum pressure. The plumbers add that the resin contains a chemical catalyst to make the liner cure or harden faster. The outermost layer of the CIPP liner has a polymer coating to protect that liner during the installation or handling process. To maintain the integrity of the liner while it is transported, technicians keep it chilled so that no chemical reactions are initiated due to the temperature change during transportation.

The thickness of the liner is such that it will withstand any pressure exerted by soil, internal service pressure, external groundwater and the traffic just above the pipe. 

CIPP Liner Installation

There are two key ways through which our plumbers can install CIPP liners:

  1. Winching the liners. CIPP liners can be winched into a pipe through manholes or other access points. Once the liner is in place, we inflate it so that it forms a tight fit with the internal circumference of the pipe being rehabilitated. 
  2. Inversion method. In this method, a scaffold tower is used to help plumbers from Turek’s Plumbing Services to apply water pressure so that the liner is turned inside out while it is pushed into the host pipe.

The methods above apply both for shorter lengths of pipe, and for longer sections spanning hundreds of feet long.

Curing and Testing the CIPP Liner

Temperature is the key factor in determining how quickly the liner cures—chilling it during transportation to keep it stable until installation is complete. Your Appleton plumbers can leave the liner to cure slowly under ambient temperature settings, but it is usually better to speed up this process so that the pipe can return to service as soon as possible.

This speeding up is normally done by circulating inversion water through a boiler, mixing steam with the inflation air, or pulling the liner through an array of UV lights.

When the pipe cures, it is left to cool since the curing process generates heat. Upon cooling, plumbers remove the edges of the CIPP liner and ensure that the ends are flush with the ends of the pipe. The trimmed liner edges are removed for safe disposal.

The last step of the process involves taking samples of the liner and testing them to confirm that the liner meets the specifications indicated by the manufacturer. When it passes these tests, our staff reinstates the rehabilitated pipe and returns it to service. This entire process from start to finish typically takes a few hours so that the pipe will be back in service on the same day.

Benefits of CIPP

Compared to other pipe repair methods, cured in place pipe lining costs approximately 40-60% of what the other techniques would cost. This is a huge saving for you as a property owner. Furthermore, this rehabilitation method doesn’t cause as much disturbance to the environment, property occupants, and traffic around the area, and it is fast. If you would like to learn more about how we can use CIPP liners to prolong the service life of plumbing pipes on your Appleton property, contact Turek’s Plumbing today.

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