Plumbing & Remodeling Blog | Turek's Plumbing

Spring Cleaning for Drains and Sewers

March 11th, 2020

As spring approaches, homeowners can’t help but think about spring cleaning from purging the garage to decluttering drawers. One aspect of spring cleaning that people tend to forget is the drains. Like everything else, your home’s drains also need to be cleaned.

Plumbing professionals highly recommend having your drain cleaned around this time of the year. You need to go through your home and mark every drain from the sink to bathtubs. Cleaning the drains will help decrease the chances of clogs. The following tips will help you take the right step to prevent your drains from getting clogged:

Start with the Kitchen

Your kitchen sink is put through a lot. All those plate scrapings going down the drain can accumulate and result in a clog. You want to make sure that when washing dishes, you throw any leftover food into the trash, no matter how small it may be. This will help prevent your kitchen drain from clogging.

The Bathroom

The shower drain can clog up easily if you don’t take care of it. All the hair that gets caught up in it, as well as residues from shampoo and soap you use, can easily get caught up in the drain. To prevent this from happening, Sacramento HVAC company and plumbing experts recommend that you set a hair catcher on the drain, so it catches all the gunk. You won’t have to worry about having to get it cleaned out of the drain due to it clogging up.

Outdoor Drains

Outdoor drains are a bit trickier as they need to be inspected properly. You need to check the roots and everything around them so you can see if the pipes are damaged or not due to them as well as check for leaks. You may want to consult the professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services to inspect the drains in your home. Not only will they inspect the drains, but they can ensure that preventative measures are taken to stop clogs.

Should you Consider Commercial Cleaners to Clean Drains?

Commercial cleaners can help you unclog drains, but they result in more problems in the long run. First off, the cleaners don’t actually tackle the main problem causing the clog, instead act as a temporary solution. The chemicals in the cleaner are also harmful to the environment. Instead of relying on commercial cleaners, contact the best plumbing company in Appleton, Wisconsin, for professional plumbing services.

Why You Might Have Stinky Plumbing Problems

March 4th, 2020

You will notice at times that your plumbing literally stinks. If your drains/sinks are reeking of an awful smell, you’ll likely need the help of a 24-hour plumber in Fox Valley. So, what’s causing this smell? Well, there are numerous reasons why you may be having this plumbing problem:

A Breach in the Sewer Line

There are a few different reasons why your sewer line becomes breached. For example, clogs can result in pressure buildup, which causes the line to burst. With sewers being underground, tree roots can grow and spread through the line. Bad soil conditions can result in the line sinking into the ground. All of which results in line breaking and sewerage leakage.

To identify a sewage leak, you need to pay attention to your toilets and drains. You’ll know that there’s a sewage problem when there’s a clog. Placerville HVAC company and plumbing adds that there is no easy way to resolve the issue on your own, and you will have to call your Appleton plumber to come and fix it for you.

Dirty Garbage Disposal

Yes, the garbage disposal is there for you to get rid of the garbage, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to clean it. Without proper garbage disposal maintenance, your kitchen sink will start to reek overtime. You can clean the disposal on your own as there are numerous DIY to do it, including using vinegar and baking soda. Just make sure you disconnect the disposal before you do it.

P-trap Plumbing Problems

Sometimes plumbing problems occur in the “U” or “P” shaped part of the sink’s pipes. What typically happens is there is a small amount of water buildup. To fix this problem, you will need to cycle water through the pipes. This type of problem usually occurs when you infrequently use a toilet or sink, which results in the water in the pipe drying out.

Buildup of Biofilm

Biofilm is the result of buildup from various products you use, such as soap, shampoo, oil, and cream. As biofilm starts to form in the drain, it attracts bacteria that feed on it. The bacteria that buildups emit an unpleasant odor. You can use a natural cleaner such as hot water, vinegar, and baking soda. You let the solution sit for about two hours and flush down hot water again, the biofilm should be removed along with the smell.

Most of these problems are not too difficult to tackle. But if you want professional plumbing help, contact the professionals. Are you looking for a plumbing company in Appleton, Wisconsin? Give Tureks Plumbing Services a call. Our plumbing experts will get your plumbing system up and running in no time!

Signs Tree Roots are Interfering Your Underground Pipes

February 27th, 2020

Trees are a great addition to your lawn or compound. Their benefits range from increasing the aesthetic value of your home to holding the soil together and preventing erosion and providing natural shade.

However, underneath the trees are roots that could cause problems to your underground pipes. Unlike the branches and leaves which can be monitored and trimmed before causing damage, roots are often left unattended. Their growth can damage your plumbing system and cause blockages. Our friends at Gilmore Heating and Air Conditioning, a residential ac company in Placerville, add that roots can also damage your heating and cooling system if they get out of hand.

Given that you cannot see roots, how can you tell that they are interfering with your underground pipes? Below are several different signs to look for.

Repeated Toilet Backups

Your toilet drain transports waste material which is a great source of nutrients to plants. Since roots are always using nutrients, they can invade your drainage system in search of these nutrients. Initially, the small root hairs find weak spots in your drainage system and get through. But with time, the hairs grow thicker and bigger causing blockages.

Such a situation unchecked can cost you a lot of money to replace the damaged drainage system.

Other signs that indicate root interference with your drainage system include:

Recurrent and unexplainable clogs
Gurgling sounds
Slow drainage

Blocked Water Main

Your water main is also susceptible to damage from roots. The water main feeds water into your home for various uses. Therefore, any kind of interference from the roots will affect the amount of water you get. Some of the signs to be on the lookout for include:

A gradual drop in water pressure
Banging and gurgling sounds

Since roots take time to grow, the effect might not be easily noticeable until very late.

Broken Pipes or Sewer lines

As roots grow bigger, they tend to crush or break underground pipes. This is especially the case in homes whose pipes are made of concrete or clay. You might not experience such effects on your pipes if they are made of PVC since they are impervious to roots.

Some of the most telling signs of broken pipes and sewer lines include:

Low water pressure
Abnormal sounds such as whistling and banging from the pipes
Increased water bills despite no change in water usage habits
Odors coming from your basement or yard
Water puddles in your yard. This could either be clean water being fed into your house or sewage coming from your house.

The best way to determine whether your pipes are broken is through the use of a special camera that can be snaked through the pipe to detect issues.

Prevent Tree Roots from Damaging your Underground Pipes

Stopping tree roots from damaging your underground pipes will not only save you money but will also save you the trouble of having to damage your yard during repairs and replacements. You can do this through

Considering your pipes and sewer lines before planting your tree. Avoid planting your trees around them.
Find out what kind of roots your trees have. Avoid those with aggressive root systems.

And if you have trees already, the best way to ensure that their roots do not interfere with your underground pipes in Appleton Wisconsin is by calling Tureks, your number one plumbing solution. Contact us today so we can inspect your roots and drains!

Traits You Should Look For in a Plumber

February 20th, 2020

A plumber is one of the most important people to work with during your home maintenance routines. Their work is to ensure that everything in your plumbing system flows smoothly, so to speak. They are usually the first people you call whenever you encounter issues such as clogs, leaks, and other assorted issues such as faulty water heaters.

For a successful interaction between you and your plumber, you need to be sure that they are up for the task. Here are a number of things you can look for in your plumber to determine whether they are fit to work in your house.

Experience

Papers are not enough to make a plumber qualified to work on your home. Your plumber needs experience as well. Experience allows them to pinpoint issues and fix them fast enough thus allowing you to go back to your normal routines.

Safety

Every skilled tradesman understands the importance of safety when working. Your plumber should prioritize safety by employing safe practices and procedures when working. This prevents the plumber you and your family members from getting injured.

Physical Health

Plumbers need to work in different situations that are physically tasking. For example, some work will require them to get on the roof and safely work from there. Other times they will have to crouch for long hours in order to produce good results. Your plumber should be in good shape to reduce the risk of injury.

Communication Skills

Communication is one of the most important skills to have. Whether you’re a student, an employee, an HVAC company, or a plumber. We asked the best residential ac company in Placerville, Gilmore Heating Air, and Solar, how important communication is in a home service business. The Sacramento HVAC professionals stress the importance of effective communication before, during, and after services. Your plumber needs to communicate effectively in order to fix your problems. That means being able to listen attentively and understand what you need. They should also be able to properly explain things to you as a homeowner.

Good Work Ethic

Does your plumber get to work on time? Plumbing services performed usually cripple the whole workflow inside your home. You might find yourself unable to use water due to these issues. Your plumber should get to you in time to solve the issues and allow you to get back to your normal living. Additionally, punctuality is one way of offering great customer service.

Another good work ethic indicator is the ability to fulfill promises. You plumber should be able to lay down achievable promises and actually work towards achieving them. They should also treat you with respect as their client at all times. A good work ethic is one way to guarantee quality service.

Insurance

Find out whether your plumber is insured. Plumbers are required to get insurance to a certain amount which helps cover costs to any unforeseeable damage to your plumbing system while they work for you. This will ensure that should such an eventuality happen, both you and your plumber will not encounter a lot of problems.

Proper registration

Is your plumber a registered professional? You are more likely to trust your plumber if they are registered with the relevant authorities. This shows that they have passed the required qualifications to practice as tradesmen in Appleton Wisconsin.

You do not have to worry about getting a qualified plumber in Appleton. At Tureks Plumbing Company in Appleton Wisconsin, we endeavor to provide our customers with the best services at any time of the year.

Tankless Water Heaters – Pros & Cons

February 13th, 2020

The invention of water heaters helped shape the way people heated water in their homes. It was now possible to heat water without using a stove and without wasting too much energy in the process. This invention would later develop into a tankless water heater, from the conventional storage water heater.

Homeowners are increasingly adopting this method of heating water. Such an instantaneous supply of hot water is viewed as a great addition to any home. However, like any invention, tankless water heaters do have their merits and demerits. It is important to explore these pros and cons, before getting a plumbing company in Appleton Wisconsin to install a water heater in your home.

The pros include:

They are instant

Unlike with storage tank water heaters, tankless water heaters are able to provide hot water on demand. You will not have to wait for the water to heat up as they are usually fast. This works well for homes with many occupants.

They last longer

Tankless water heaters are known to last longer than storage-tank water heaters. A typical tankless water heater is likely to last for more than 20 years, unlike their storage-tank counterpart which only lasts for 10-15 years. This added durability will save you money in the long run.

They come with lower operational costs

Tankless water heaters have a lower operational cost than their storage tank counterparts. Given that they come with fewer components, and a longer lifespan, you are less likely to spend a lot of money carrying out a water heater repair, for example. This allows you to comfortably maintain your water heater without spending too much money.

Reduced Risk of Water Damage

A tankless water heater is less likely to cause damage to your property than a storage-tank water heater. This is usually because the tankless water heater has no tank to leak. While both can leak, a tankless water heater will not flood your house as a storage-tank water heater would.

They save on Space

A storage-tank water heater will require plenty of space since the tank has to go somewhere in your house. On the other hand, a tankless water heater requires no additional space making it an ideal pick for anyone with a smaller home.

All these benefits come with their disadvantages too. The Cons include:

They come with a high initial cost

Tankless water heaters are not only expensive to buy, but also come with added installation costs. For example, a gas water heater requires that you reroute gas lines in homes whose initial design had not accounted for such. You might also need to install new wiring systems to account for the water heater. This adds to the initial cost of the setup.

They can’t fully cater to multiple users

A tankless water heater might not be able to fully provide your entire household with hot water if you have multiple appliances using hot water at the same time. This leads to inconsistency in water temperatures. To counter this, you might be forced to install additional water heaters which are bound to cost more money.

They can be affected by electricity outages

Tankless water heaters do not work if there is a power outage. Regardless of whether your water heater uses electricity or gas, the control unit of both systems uses electricity. Therefore, this leaves you at the mercy of your power company.

A water heater is an important addition to your home in Appleton Wisconsin. Whether you decide to pick a tank water heater or a tankless one, ensure to have Tureks by your side. We will provide you with the best plumber in Appleton Wisconsin for the right advice and installation. Contact us if you have any additional questions.

How to Avoid Common Plumbing Issues

February 5th, 2020

Plumbing issues are enough to cause health hazards to you and your family as well as damage your property in Appleton Wisconsin. They also have the potential to cost you thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements. Usually, plumbing issues start off small and if unattended, grow to become costly affairs. It is impossible to avoid plumbing issues because your home will continue to age with time. Therefore, the best way to prevent plumbing issues from crippling your entire home is by trying as much as possible to avoid them.

Here are some of the most common plumbing issues and the best ways to avoid them in your home.

Leaking Faucets and Pipes

Leaking pipes and faucets are not only a nuisance to a homeowner, but are also likely to increase your water bills. A leaking tap is usually caused by a torn, stiff or dislodged washer. The washer forms a seal when the tap is closed to prevents leaks. Consistent use tends to wear the washer thus making it ineffective.

It is hard to prevent your tap from wearing out naturally. The only thing you can do is slow down the process by using the tap responsibly. Avoid exerting excessive pressure on your faucets during closing. Make sure to carry out regular inspections on your pipes as well to deal with any leaks as they come.

Water Heater Problems

Your water heater is responsible for heating all the water you need for cleaning. Water heater problems include inadequate water heating, leaking, and discolored water. They are easily recognizable and can be avoided through proper maintenance. Make sure to regularly check the pressure valve and flush the tank to get rid of sediments in a tank water heater.

Clogged Drains and Toilets

Yet another issue you are bound to experience in your home. A clogged drain or toilet can cause a lot of health hazards to you and your family. Clogging usually happens when a foreign object partially or completely blocks the waterway leading to backups.

You can avoid clogged drainage systems and toilets by practicing responsible waste management. Do not flush down non-dissolvable items down the toilet or your drainage system. Keep an eye on the children and stop them from flushing down their toys. Additionally, use a hair catcher in your shower to prevent bits of your hair from clogging the drainage system.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is a nuisance because you never have enough water to carry out your house chores efficiently. It also affects other appliances in the house such as water heaters that require high pressure to activate.

While low water pressure is usually experienced in older homes, new homes can also experience the same. It could be caused by leaking pipes and taps or a build-up of minerals and sediments in your plumbing system.

You can avoid this problem by inspecting your plumbing system for any leaks and having a plumber fix them in time. Make sure to install a filtration system to prevent the build-up of mineral and sediments in your water system.

You will not be able to prevent all plumbing issues in your home. After all, they are not always easy to pinpoint or fix. You can, however, make a point of calling a responsible and highly qualified plumbing company in Wisconsin. At Tureks Plumbing services, we guarantee professional, ethical and honest plumbing services at any time of the day.

Considering an Outdoor Shower

January 29th, 2020

An outdoor shower is an increasingly welcome idea for many homeowners. It comes with a number of benefits, especially during the summer. For example, it allows you to clean off the dirt that you don’t want in your house. This is a great option for homeowners who have kids. You can clean your pets on an outdoor shower too. It can also help if you have a swimming pool and need a quick shower before jumping into it. An outdoor shower has also been found to increase the value of your property. When considering costs, it’s recommended that you build your outdoor shower in either the fall or winter compared to the summer. It is much cheaper to complete home remodel projects in the off-seasons. You need a plan before calling a plumber in Appleton Wisconsin for an outdoor shower. This will ensure that you not only have a shower you can be proud of but will also not have to spend more than the necessary amount trying to maintain it. There are a number of factors that will influence your decision to get an outdoor shower.

Type of shower

There are a number of ways to set up an outdoor shower. You could decide to mount a hose and simply attach a brass of stainless steel shower head at the end. It is the simplest option and will not require much expertise. This option will work for you if you have no problem using cold water.

You could also call a plumbing company in Wisconsin to fix you a pedestal or tower shower outside your home. Such a setup could include both hot and cold options. You can also choose between a permanent or semi-permanent pedestal shower. Most people prefer pedestal wall-mounted showers.

You are required to have an anti-scald valve with your outside shower if you are planning to include a mixed-temperature control.

Drainage

Depending on your municipal codes, your water should not be left to drain on the ground or through a bed of stones. Some codes require proper drainage like you could find in a building while others require that the shower be tiled with enclosed plumbing. Your Fox Valley plumber will be better able to provide you with the relevant information regarding your outdoor shower in Appleton.

Amenities

It helps to include a few amenities with your shower such as a dry changing area. This area is important because you can store towels, soaps, and other important items that are required during a shower. Additionally, you could include a bench or a seat to make it easy for people to change. Make sure that the accessories you use are rust-proof.

Winterizing your Shower

Your outdoor shower is only good for the summer. However, that does not mean you do not have to consider it during the winter. Prepare your plumbing for the winter to prevent damages, especially if your shower is permanent. Drain all pipes and hoses, open the taps where necessary and insulate the plumbing. Better yet, call a plumber to help winterize your shower to avoid spending thousands of dollars in repairs.

Construction Materials

Pick materials that can withstand exposure to a myriad of elements. Wood, stone, metal, and tiles are available options for an outdoor shower. Remember, the material you pick will determine how much maintenance is required. Wood, for example, is trendy but requires regular maintenance. You can substitute this with faux wood tile which looks like wood but is more durable. Concrete is a great choice because it requires little or no maintenance and can withstand different elements.

Deciding on whether you’d like to add an outside shower to your property is an important decision. That is why it is important to have a professional plumber from Tureks Plumbing helping you set up a shower you and your family can enjoy. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more about our bathroom remodel services or any other plumbing services.

Why You Might Have Low Water Pressure

January 22nd, 2020

Low water pressure is one of the most frustrating things a homeowner can experience. It slows you down and prevents you from carrying out your chores with the efficiency you are used to. Additionally, low water pressure can affect other aspects of your home, such as water heaters that require the water pressure to work.

Low water pressure can be caused by a number of things. Identifying the problem and fixing it will allow you to enjoy your water and avoid any frustration. Here are some of the reasons contributing to your low water pressure in your home.

Faulty Fixtures

Fixtures such as your shower head and faucets could be faulty due to old age. Old fixtures are likely to clog due to rust or dirt. This will affect how much water flows through them. Determine which of your fixtures if faulty by testing them one by one.

Also, make sure that you check the screen and aerator for each faucet to determine whether they are clean and clear. A clogged screen or aerator could be what is causing the fixture to act up. You can easily solve this by replacing or cleaning the fixtures to attain normal flow.

Corrosion and Debris

Your pipes will get old with time. For example, pipes made of galvanized steel are likely to rust. The rust accumulates and starts to collect debris over time. This lowers the water pressure.

Corrosion and the accumulation of debris take place gradually, so you might not notice it immediately. Your plumber in Appleton will be in a better position to determine the level of rust and debris in your pipes and fix it.

Faulty Pressure Regulator

A pressure regulator is a bell-shaped control valve used to reduce pressure in plumbing. This reduces the amount of damage caused by high water pressure on your pipes. The pressure regulator can fail and allow the increase or decrease in water pressure. In this case, your pressure regulator will start to inhibit the pressure of the water.

You can tell whether your pressure regulator is working properly by trying to adjust it. Any defects will affect all fixtures. Your plumber will test your regulator by connecting a water pressure gauge to the spigot that is closest to the regulator or water main and check the psi readings. A reading of below 52-75 psi means that your regulator could be failing and has to be replaced.

Faulty Water Valve

Your plumbing system contains two valves that control the flow of water inside your home. Both valves are found close to the meter, one on each side of the meter. Your city’s water employees can close and open the valve on the street side of the meter.

You might experience low water pressure if either of the valves is not properly opened. It helps to check both valves, especially if your plumbing system had some work done on it. Remember not to apply too much pressure on the valve when opening it.

One of the best ways to handle low water pressure is to involve a plumber in Appleton, Wisconsin. If you are looking for trained and qualified plumbers for your plumbing issues, look no further than Tureks Plumbing. We are dedicated to giving you value for your money. Tureks Plumbing provides 24/7 emergency plumbing services. So, just contact us and we’ll be on our way!

Turn Your Bathroom into a Spa

January 15th, 2020

Spa dates are always a welcome idea for many people. However, while it might seem like a great idea to go and de-stress, not everyone has the time to go to a spa. With so much happening in our lives, we need a place in our homes where we can relax and de-clutter our minds. Your bathroom is one of the most intimate rooms in your house. It is also the perfect spot to turn into a spa. You can choose to turn your bathroom into a mini-spa allowing you to get the full relaxing experience you would get in a real spa. This saves you money and time, allowing you to relax without having to get out of your busy schedule. Here are some interesting ways to turn your bathroom into a spa.

Reduce the Clutter

You will find it hard to relax in a congested place. Make a point of de-cluttering your bathroom by storing your beauty and toilets away from your bathroom, perhaps in a medical cabinet. You can use the remaining space to hang an art piece or two.

If you do not have anywhere to take your soaps, then consider working with shelves. These work well with small bathrooms. A few tiers of some decorative shelves will transform your bathroom.

Consider Making Candle Arrangements

Candles are a great way to transform the ambiance of your bathroom. An artistic yet straightforward arrangement of your candles will give your bathroom the spa experience. Also, consider having a few plants in your bathroom. Low succulent ad air plants work best. Succulents are easy to maintain and allow you to use creative containers to build the right accent for your bathroom.

Get Some Fancy Towels

Spas generally have an abundance of perfectly arranged towels. Get some fancy towels for your bathroom and make similar arrangements. This works especially well with small bathrooms because the towels will be more visible.

You might include an artistic rack to display your towels. It allows your bathroom to look more intentional, just like a spa.

Glam Up Your Floors

Instead of the traditional floor mat in your bathroom, get some bathroom rags. They will not only keep your feet comfortable and warm but will also create a luxurious feel in your bathroom. Go for trendy yet comfortable styles for that spa look and feel.

Include Some Relaxing Sounds

Relaxing sounds are a great way of making sure that you actually relax in your bathroom. You might find this useful if you do not live alone. The sounds help drown out noises from other occupants in your house, allowing you to have some time to yourself.

Currently, there are flexible options for music and sounds such as apps that you can download on your phone that allow you to stream music. You can also download a white noise app that provides you with a wide range of sounds that are aimed at helping you relax. Have a waterproof speaker with you to reduce the risk of getting your phone wet.

It is possible to find tranquillity even in the most unlikely places. Get your bathroom remodeled by the best plumbers in Appleton, Wisconsin, and transform it into a spa you will hardly ever want to get out of. Contact Tureks Plumbing and enjoy fast and professional services all year round.

New Pipes in the New Year

January 8th, 2020

One of the most common traditions during the New Year period is making resolutions. These are important because they allow us to improve ourselves. Among the resolutions you should be making this coming year are how to maintain your home better. One popular area you can resolve to improve on is how to maintain your pipes and plumbing related appliances in your home. It will not only save you the inconvenience of having to deal with a faulty plumbing system as well as save you thousands of dollars in repair costs. New pipes in the New Year would be a great resolution to pick for the new year. Here are a number of things you can resolve to do for your home plumbing maintenance for the coming year.

Learn How to Deal With Clogs

Clogged plumbing is normal, especially if you do not live alone. They are undesirable because they pose health risks, can lead to bad odors accumulating in the house, and can potentially lead to leaks in your plumbing system.

You can choose to deal with clogs by using vinegar naturally. Simply pour it down the drain and let it settle for about 15 minutes before washing it down with hot water. This will help release any backups that might have appeared in your drainage system.

Get Know Your Plumbing System

It helps to know how your system works and where everything is. This will make it easier for you to maintain your plumbing system and even make minor fixes where necessary. Therefore, take some time and learn where your valves are located. It will help when there is a leak or clog, and you need to shut off the water.

Use Your Toilet Responsibly

The things you flush down your toilet can affect your plumbing system. It is easy to flush down anything, from wet wipes to sanitary pads, to offensive materials we find on our homes.

However, this could lead to clogs and sewer backup switch will adversely affect your plumbing system. Make a point not to flush down anything that is not human waste and adopt a more responsible waste management system.

Know When You Replace Your Plumbing

One of the main reasons why your plumbing could be acting up is because it is old. Plumbing systems are built to last, but they are not built to last forever. Depending on the material used to make the pipes, your plumbing will start to deteriorate with time. For example, your lead pipes need to be replaced with time because their deterioration will introduce lead into your water.

The good news is that it takes a pretty long time before this happens. For example, galvanized steel, copper, and cast iron pipes will last for up to 80 years. A plumber will be able to help you determine the material and whether or not it is time to repipe.

Make Regular Pipe Inspections

It helps to carry out an inspection at least once a year. You can involve a plumber in Appleton Wisconsin to help you make the right decisions regarding what needs to be changed and when.

Your plumbing system is an important part of what makes your house a home. Your resolution to make sure that everything works will not take long and will save you a lot of problems in the future. Call Tureks Plumbing for professional help with your plumbing issues in Appleton.