7 Things to Consider Before You Remodel Your Bathroom

June 5th, 2019

things to consider for bathroom remodel

Things to Consider Before a Bathroom Remodel

A bathroom may be one of the smaller spaces in your home, but a lot of thought needs to go into the process of remodeling this room if you are to benefit from the time and effort invested. Here are some of the top considerations which you need to have in mind if you are to turn this space into your dream bathroom.

Plumbing is Key

Plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services caution that you may never get to enjoy your remodeled bathroom if the plumbing isn’t working properly. In this regard, Fox Valley plumbers suggest that you think about the hair and gunk which finds its way into the bathroom drain on a daily basis. These substances are the primary reason why bathroom drains clog, so you should use the remodel as an opportunity to find a lasting solution to this problem.

One step that you can take is to install a larger drain pipe, such as a 2-inch pipe instead of the commonly used 1.5-inch pipes. This single change alone will significantly reduce the likelihood of clogs developing since the pipe will be large enough to allow hair and other small solids to flow through.

Floor Tiles

If you are considering using tiles on the floor of the shower area, pay attention to their size. Larger tiles are difficult to slope appropriately. Secondly, larger tiles pose a safety risk because they tend to be more slippery since the grout lines are widely spaced. Tureks Plumbing Services, therefore, recommends that you opt for smaller tiles so that you don’t have a hard time getting them to slope at the angle you want for proper drainage.

Drawer Storage

Opt for a vanity with drawers instead of one with doors. You will find it easier to organize the storage if it has drawers when compared to keeping the vanity storage organized if it has doors. Additionally, drawers can be cut to create room for plumbing pipes and fixtures. You can also have larger drawers made for the storage of larger items.

Wall-Hung Toilet

Another idea you can incorporate during your bathroom remodel is the inclusion of a wall-hung toilet. In the past, these toilets were very expensive and therefore a preserve of those with deep pockets. Today, wall-hung toilets are affordable and within reach for any homeowner. Why would you even add a wall-hung toilet to your bathroom? This type of toilet is ideal for smaller bathrooms because their footprint is smaller since the toilet tank is hidden away in the bathroom wall. However, you should be mindful of the fact that you will need to adjust the plumbing should you ever decide to switch to another type of toilet in the future.

The Medicine Cabinet

Consider installing a recessed medicine cabinet if you can. Such a cabinet will leave more room free above the vanity. If you cannot have a recessed medicine cabinet, then elevate it as much as you can so that the countertop on the vanity can be used conveniently.

Lighting is Vital

Fox Valley plumbers emphasize that careful planning should be invested in the lighting of a bathroom during a remodel so that all the other work done isn’t downplayed by improper lighting. First, ask yourself what you plan to do in the bathroom. Will you be applying your makeup from there? Place bright light in strategic locations so that you can see clearly when using the mirror. Install a dimmer switch which you can use to control the brightness of the light when you wish to adjust the atmosphere in the bathroom. Recessed lights would also be a good addition to keep the bathroom well lit.

You can be sure that the bathroom remodel will stand the test of time if you include many of the considerations above as you plan that remodel. For all your plumbing needs during the bathroom remodel, contact Tureks Plumbing Services. Our experienced professionals are at your service.

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6 Stylish Bathroom Vanities with Great Storage

May 29th, 2019

bathroom vanities with great storage

6 Stylish Bathroom Vanities with Great Storage

You don’t have to choose between style and storage space if you are shopping for a vanity for a powder room or bathroom with limited space. Designers have come up with stylish vanities that provide ample storage for all the necessities that you need to have in your powder room. In this article, you’ll discover some of the most popular vanity designs that Fox Valley plumbers have seen in bathroom remodels.

Downscale to a Child-Sized Vanity

You don’t have to place a full-sized vanity in a bathroom used by kids. Match their stature by scaling the vanity down to a miniature version fit for a small kids’ bathroom. For example, the width of the vanity can be no bigger than the size of the sink at the top of that vanity. Two drawers can be located just below the sink and bigger shelves can house larger items, such as towels. The child-sized vanity can store enough supplies for two kids!

Barrel Vanity

A barrel-shaped vanity can also take sleekness to a whole new level when it is installed as a space-saving option. The barrel shape provides more vertical storage space while limiting the horizontal footprint of the vanity. The beauty of such vanity is that its doors open to an angle that exceeds 90 degrees, so it is possible for you to make maximum use of the space inside without fearing that the door will limit your access to the stored items.

Modern Minimalism

If space is at a premium in your bathroom, then opting for a minimalist approach when selecting a vanity will do wonders for you according to the small bathrooms seen by plumbers from Tureks Plumbing Services.

A vanity made in this style features plenty of space on the countertop where you can keep your toiletries and a soap dispenser. An open shelf above the cabinet can do a good job of creating an impression of spaciousness instead of closed cabinetry that may highlight how small the bathroom is.

Go Furniture-Style

Do you own a vintage home that you would like to get a vanity that matches the style of that home? A furniture-style vanity can provide incredible storage for the small bathroom and add provide visual appeal to that space. For example, a compact 30-inch-wide furniture-style vanity with several cabinets and drawers will store sufficient supplies for the couple using the master bedroom for whom the powder room is being outfitted.

Classic Chrome Console

Another way to make the most of a small bathroom is by getting a console vanity which is no more than 30 inches wide and approximately 32 inches tall. A bottom shelf can provide more storage space underneath the console. The console bases leave plenty of room underneath the console, so your bathroom will look roomier. The bonus? This style of vanity gives the home a traditional look.

Customized Cottage Vanity

Some bathrooms are so small that it is not possible to get a store-bought vanity into them. For such situations, a site-built vanity is a feasible option with a small but versatile vanity being made to fit within the available space. A Fox Valley plumber describes one such cottage vanity as being quartz-topped. The countertop holds soap and toiletries. Just below the countertop is a toilet tissue holder, and the storage space is completed by an open shelf below the toilet tissue holder. The shelf has ample space for keeping towels. This cottage style is easier to pull off when the vanity is made at a time when the entire house is being remodeled to that style.

Whether you are buying ready-made or have the resources for a custom-made vanity, there is always something to provide great storage in your powder room while also meeting your stylistic requirements. If you need sections of the storage to be fitted around plumbing fixtures or pipes, Tureks Plumbing Services is happy to drop by and give their professional opinion on how the vanity can fit without endangering the plumbing.

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Rules to Keep in Mind When Designing Your Kitchen

May 22nd, 2019

rules to designing your kitchen

7 Rules to Keep in Mind When Designing Your Kitchen

Are you designing your kitchen from scratch or are you planning to remodel the existing kitchen? Before you do, read these rules and keep them in mind as you come up with a design that will make your new kitchen not just beautiful but functional and safe. Remember, these rules aren’t set in stone, so you can adjust them here and there to suit your specific circumstances and needs.

Rule #1: Door Entry and Interference

It is advisable to have a 34-inch opening into your kitchen. This entry will be wide enough to permit the unfettered carrying of various items, such as appliances, into and out of the kitchen when the need arises.

Additionally, experts at Tureks Plumbing Services recommend that the door should not interfere with the operation of any appliance inside the kitchen. If your kitchen is small, then install the kitchen door in such a way that it opens outwards. This will ensure that the area close to the doorway can have an appliance, such as the fridge.

Rule #2: The Work Triangle

The work triangle refers to the three major work centers in your kitchen. These are the main cooking appliance, the sink, and the refrigerator. These work centers should form a triangle. The distance from one leg of the triangle to another should not be less than 4-feet or more than 9-feet.

Fox Valley plumbers explain that a distance which is shorter than 4-feet makes it hard to work freely if another person is using one of the work centers. Conversely, longer distances between the work centers aren’t efficient because one will cover long distances when moving between those different legs of the work triangle.

Most importantly, traffic should not travel across the work triangle. For instance, a family member who wants to pick something from the refrigerator should not move across the path of someone who is using the kitchen sink and the oven.

Rule #3: Separating Work Centers

Another guideline which you need to keep in mind when designing your new kitchen is that no full-depth or full-height obstacle should exist between two work centers in the kitchen. For example, the need for more storage space in your kitchen should not motivate you to place a tall oven cabinet between the kitchen sink and the refrigerator. A respected plumber in Appleton, WI says that such separation makes it very hard for someone using the kitchen to access the different legs of the work triangle.

Rule #4: Traffic Clearance in Seating Areas

Imagine someone trying to squeeze behind your seat in the kitchen in order to go to the refrigerator and pick a drink. This inconvenience can spoil your mood if you were enjoying a delicious meal. It is therefore advisable for you to allow ample clearance in seating areas if there will be traffic there. For example, Fox Valley plumbers have observed that a clearance 44 inches are sufficient if people will be walking behind someone who is seated in the kitchen. 36 inches are sufficient if all you can manage is space for someone to edge past the seated person.

Rule #5: Prep/Cleanup Sink

If you intend to have only one sink in your kitchen, it is better for that sink to be located across from or adjacent to the cooking area. This placement prevents you from covering long distances as you move the prepared food to the stove or oven.

Tureks Plumbing Services also recommends that the sink should have a landing area that has at least 24-inches of clearance on either side so that you have a wide enough surface onto which to place cooking pots after removing them from the stove. The space also allows you to work comfortably as you prepare the different food items which you are going to cook.

Rule #6: Cooking Surface Safety

In the kitchen, you will have electricity, water, and open flames in the same room. This increases the potential for fire hazards in your kitchen. To minimize this risk, avoid locating the cooking surface, such as a stove top, under an operable window. Additionally, the windows above the cooking surface should not have treatments, such as window film, which are flammable. Plan the layout of different kitchen features with these guidelines in mind and place a fire extinguisher close to the kitchen entrance and far from the cooking surface just in case you have to deal with a minor fire in this room.

Rule #7: Cabinet Height

You should also pay attention to the height of the upper cabinets in your kitchen during the remodel. A Fox Valley plumber advises that you consider two key aspects in this regard.

First, the distance between a countertop and the cabinet above it should be at least 18 inches. This distance allows the countertop to be used without any interference from the cabinet above.

Secondly, think about your maximum reach when designing the upper cabinets. As a general rule, keep upper cabinets at no more than 7 feet so that you can access stored items easily. Anything higher than that may require you to use step ladders or climb onto a stool.

Many more kitchen design guidelines exist. The seven guidelines above are just intended to draw your attention to some of the considerations that you should keep in mind as you plan a kitchen remodel or new construction. Of course, we at Tureks Plumbing Services will be more than happy to share more planning rules as well as help you to get the plumbing aspects of your kitchen in order. So, give us a call today!

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The Most Popular Laundry Rooms in 2019

May 15th, 2019

most popular laundry rooms 2019

The Six Most Popular Laundry Rooms in 2019

The second quarter of 2019 is well underway and some clear trends are coming to light regarding the laundry room designs. Here are some of the designs seen by Fox Valley plumbers. Use these ideas for inspiration if you are thinking of remodeling your laundry room this year.

Addition of a Dog-Washing Station to Your Laundry Room

You can increase the utility of your laundry room by including a dog-washing station if you want to avoid washing your furry friend in your own bathroom. You can use stone pavers as a durable flooring material for the laundry. Sub-way tiles on the walls will go well with the pavers on the floor. White tiles can be installed in the dog-washing station, and the laundry room can be finished off with open shelving and white cabinetry to keep the space clean and bright.

High Contrast Laundry Room

Plumbers in Appleton, WI have also observed that many homeowners are opting for laundry room designs that utilize high contrast. For example, the cabinets and walls can be painted pure white while the floor can have a wooden look. There is no shortage of color combinations if you want a laundry room with high contrast.

Go Gray in Your Laundry Room

If gray is your thing, then you are not alone. This laundry room design is increasing in popularity among homeowners. You can buy and install pale gray cabinetry and match them with countertops that are deeper gray. Needless to say, you will be better off with washing machines that load from the front so that you push them underneath the countertops. As you are aware, gray can make the laundry room look a bit dark. So, Tureks Plumbing Services advises you to include wall-mounted sconces so that anyone using the laundry room can easily distinguish the different colors of the fabrics being cleaned or sorted/folded.

Bring the Woods in Your Laundry Room

You can also opt for a wood-themed laundry room. Plumbers in Appleton, WI say that they have seen many homeowners having laundry room designs that have faux wood finishes. This starts from the flat-front cabinets which are made from melamine that resembles wood to a tan backsplash that is shimmery. The flat fronts of the cabinetry minimize the accumulation of grime and dust, says a leading Fox Valley plumber.

Get Upbeat with a Sunny Look in Your Laundry Room

Does the prospect of spending time in a gray laundry room turn you off? Many homeowners hold the same view, and they are expressing themselves by going with a sunny look for their laundry room. You can start by picking cabinetry that is painted classical yellow and combine this with patterned floor tiles. The ceiling and walls can have a bright color, such as white. This combination will deliver a sunny cheery look to your laundry room. For additional usability, why not throw in a bar stool or two? Folding a huge stack of clothes will be a whole lot easier if you sit while at it.

Gold is King

Another variation of the sunny look seen by the plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services this year is the gold look in laundry rooms. This design is particularly stunning when it is used in a laundry room that serves as the main entrance into a home. Who says laundry rooms can’t be glamorous! This look can be attained by simply painting all the lower cabinets a rich gold. Other features can be in other bright colors so that the gold stands out prominently.

There you have it; six of the most popular laundry room designs that have so far made a mark on 2019. Did a light pop in your mind regarding one of those designs? Were you inspired to come up with a variation of any one of the designs discussed? Talk to our plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services and we will help you to make the laundry room as functional as possible. We are also ready to fix any other plumbing issues that may exist in the rest of your home.

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How to Upgrade Your Shower for a Spa-Like Experience

May 9th, 2019

how to upgrade your shower for a spa-like experience

How to Upgrade Your Shower for a Spa-Like Experience

Even within the same household, it isn’t uncommon to find differences in people’s shower preferences. For example, you may want a drenching pour of warm water on your tired body or you may want your aching back to be soothed by a jet of cold water. How can all these interests be catered when upgrading your shower? The experts at Tureks Plumbing Services offer the following ideas to help you to design the shower experience of your dreams.

Think Carefully About the Showerhead You Install

The nearly endless variety of showerheads on the market can be grouped into four major categories (handheld showerheads, body spray panels, rain showers, and standard wall-mounted showerheads).

If you want to control the direction and height of the water as you shower, Fox Valley plumbers suggest that you buy a handheld showerhead. Conversely, if you prefer water to rain down on you from above, then buy a rain showerhead. In short, let your preferences guide you as you select one of the shower types on the market.

Actually, there are products which combine different ways of getting water onto your body as you shower. For example, one model may have both a handheld showerhead and a rain showerhead.

Think Technology

It is also possible to make your shower experience more luxurious and convenient by selecting products that have the appropriate technology. For example, Fox Valley plumbers have installed showerheads that allow users to switch from one spray pattern to another by just tapping the showerhead.

You can also get a showerhead that comes with a small remote so that you or your family members can avoid the necessity of reaching up to tap the showerhead. This feature is especially useful if you have young kids or an elderly family member who has mobility challenges. It can also be a good way to age-proof your shower.

Pay Attention to the Shower Stall

The design of the shower stall has a big effect in determining what kind of shower experience you will have, according to a plumber in Appleton, WI.  For example, a shower stall with a half-glass wall wouldn’t allow a person who likes splashing water around to enjoy taking a shower. A shower stall with a full-glass surround is a better option for such an individual since there will be no restriction on how splashy they get when taking a shower.

The experienced plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services also recommend that you think about usability and safety when you are having a shower stall designed for your home. For instance, curved surfaces remove the risk of being injured by sharp edges. Curved surfaces also reduce the likelihood that mold will grow in the nooks created by sharp edges.

Explore Different Finishes

The finish that you select for your shower can also add to or detract from the shower experience. For example, a dash of color can stamp your bubbly personality on the bathroom and lift your spirits each time you use this space. Small tiles will assure you of better stability if you are consumed by the fear of slipping as you walk after taking a shower.

As you choose the finish for the bathroom, don’t neglect to consider how easy it will be for you to clean those surfaces. For instance, larger tiles mean fewer grout lines that will need to be scrubbed. Similarly, engineered quartz panels are easier to maintain when compared to natural stone. Luckily, manufactured products have advanced so much that it is hard to tell them apart from the natural ones by just looking, so you will not lose anything when you select natural product look-alikes if these will offer greater cleanability when compared to the natural versions.

As you can see, there is nearly no limit regarding the ways through which you can customize your shower to a spa-like experience. If you need more inspiration regarding how to take your shower experience to a higher level, talk to our professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services and they will point you in the right direction. In fact, your glorious experience will be guaranteed when you hire our team to help with the selection and installation of the different shower products.

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How to Unclog Your Shower Drain

April 25th, 2019

how to unclog your shower drainHow to Unclog Your Shower Drain

Usually, the shower drain will start to gradually clog up. One of the first signs you may notice regarding this problem is when water starts reaching ankle-deep while you take a shower. When this happens, you may be at a loss regarding which method you should use to fix the problem. Follow the tips suggested below by the experts at Tureks Plumbing Services to learn how to unclog your shower drain.

Assemble Your Tools

Before you start, you need to gather and assemble everything that you need to complete this task. The tools you are likely to require may include screwdrivers, a straightened coat hanger or a drain claw. You may also need white vinegar, baking powder, latex gloves, and a plastic garbage bag. This plastic garbage bag will be a receptacle for the debris you retrieve from the drain. Place all these items in a bucket so that they are within easy reach while you work.

An experienced plumber in Appleton, WI also recommends that you get a plumber’s snake, a toilet plunger, a chemical drain cleaner, and pliers. Add these to your collection of tools and you should be well on your way to a clean shower drain.

Snoop Around

Get a screwdriver and use it to remove the drain strainer cover. Next, take the flashlight and shine it into the drain. Peek inside and find out whether you can see the clog blocking the shower drain. If you can see it, put on the latex gloves and use a drain claw to pull the clog out of the drain. If you don’t have a drain claw, then a straightened coat hanger with a hook made using a pair of pliers will suffice for this task.

Once the visible clog is out, run some hot water and observe whether the drain is working properly.

Time for Some Pressure

If the water is still draining slowly, a Fox Valley plumber suggests that it may be time for you to switch to the next strategy in your fight against the clog. This other measure entails using a plunger to apply some pressure within the drain pipe so that the clog can hopefully be dislodged.

Apply some petroleum jelly on the rim of the plunger so that it can form a tighter seal on the drain opening. Pump the plunger multiple times for several minutes so that pressure accumulates and pushes the clog down the drain. Run some hot water and see if the water drains swiftly.

Snake It Out

If the plunger doesn’t produce the desired outcome, switch to using a manual plumber’s snake to break up the clog. Experts at Tureks Plumbing Services suggest that you first push the snake gently into the drain until it stops moving. That is your cue that the clog has been reached. At this point, crank the handle so that the head of the plumbing snake can cut through the clog and force the fragments to move down the drain.

Once again, run hot water through the drain. Repeat using the plumber’s snake if the water is still draining slowly.

Plan a Natural Attack

You can also use natural ways to unclog your blocked shower drain. One of the best natural remedies involves the use of hot water, baking soda and vinegar. For this approach, you first pour boiling water down the drain and then pour a cup of baking soda and another of vinegar into the drain.

This mixture will react with the clog and break it up into smaller pieces. Flush more hot water down the drain and chances are the water will drain fast.

Another natural method entails adding water pressure to the power of vinegar and baking soda. For this technique, Fox Valley plumbers advise that you start by pouring a cup of baking soda and another of vinegar down the drain. After that, place a drain cover on the drain opening so that water cannot flow into the drain. Once that is done, run some hot water and leave that water to sit for about 10 minutes.

This water will create a pressure difference between the interior of the drain and the air above. After ten minutes, remove the drain cover and the onrush of water into the drain may have sufficient power to dislodge the clog and push it through the drainage system.

Launch a Chemical Attack

The last trick up your sleeve when all the measures above don’t unclog the shower drain is a chemical drain cleaner purchased from a convenience store near you. Fox Valley plumbers caution that you should follow the usage instructions provided so that you don’t put yourself or the drainage system at risk. Repeat the use of a chemical drain cleaner after a day or so until the drain is working properly.

Contact Tureks Plumbing Services if the suggestions above if you’re still having a drain problem. Our experts will perform a thorough inspection and design the most cost-effective treatment plan to unclog the shower drain so that you can enjoy your showers without fearing that the water will flow out and flood the nearby rooms.

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Why Is My Toilet Bubbling?

April 17th, 2019

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

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

Why the Toilet May Be Bubbling or Gurgling

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

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

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

Plunge the Toilet

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

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

Check With Your Neighbors

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

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

Use a Plumber’s Snake

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

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

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

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

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

Inspect and Clean the Vent Stack

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

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

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

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

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7 Signs You Need to Replace Your Sump Pump

April 10th, 2019

Signs You Need to Replace Your Sump Pump - Tureks Plumbing Services7 Signs You Need to Replace Your Sump Pump

The sump pump in your basement plays a crucial role in evacuating any water leaks into this lowest point in your home. However, this trusted equipment can fail and result in serious water damage to your property. It is therefore advisable for you to educate yourself about some of the warning signs of a possible sump pump failure so that you can take action in time to avert a disaster. Here are the top signs that Tureks Plumbing Services advises you to watch for in order to replace your sump pump before the worst happens.

Types of Sump Pumps

Submersible Sump Pumps: Submersible pumps are submerged inside the sump pit. They are designed to withstand water damage while submerged in the pit. One major advantage of submersible sump pumps is that they operate noiselessly because the water surrounding them muffles any noise produced by the motor. Additionally, the motors of these pumps tend to be more powerful than those in pedestal pumps, and this makes them the best choice for locations where flooding is most likely to occur. The pumps are also out of the way, so you will not be inconvenienced as you rearrange things in your basement. However, the typical lifespan of submersible sump pumps is shorter than that of pedestal pumps.

Pedestal Sump Pumps: These pumps derive their name from the pedestal on which their motors sit above the sump pit. The pump has a hose that drops into the sump pit and the pump uses this hose to draw the water out. This pump is easier to service because the motor is in an accessible location outside the sump pit. However, plumbers in Appleton, WI say the pump isn’t as powerful as the submersible versions. So, you would be well advised to avoid installing this pump in your basement if the possibility of flooding is high in your area. Also, the pump can be an inconvenience while you rearrange things in your basement. Pedestal pumps are also noisy while operating.

Signs That Your Sump Pump Is Due for Replacement

1. Age

All machines eventually reach the end of their service life, and sump pumps are no different. Talk to a Fox Valley plumber about replacing your sump pump if it has exceeded seven years in service. This discussion is necessary because sump pumps rarely last beyond 10 years, so you are better off not taking chances with an aging pump.

2. Excessive Vibration

Sump pumps usually start vibrating when their impellers have been bent by debris that has been sucked into the pump. Bent impellers are no longer balanced on the shaft, so that throws the operation of the entire system out of whack. The strain caused by the imbalance of the forces exerted on the shaft is a recipe for serious pump problems later on. It is hard to straighten a bent impeller to its original dimensions, and that is why the best course of action to take is to replace the pump. Avoid this premature replacement by installing a filter to keep debris from being sucked into your sump pump.

3. Nonstop Operation

Switch malfunctions are the biggest cause of a sump pump that runs nonstop. For example, plumbers from Tureks Plumbing Services frequently find that the pump switch is unable to connect to the power source, thereby preventing the pump from cycling on. Alternatively, the float arm may be unable to move freely if the pump shifts within the sump pit. These switch defects account for a significant portion of sump pump defects.

A more serious problem that may prompt you to consider replacing the sump pump is if that pump keeps running nonstop when no other mechanical or technical defect can be identified. In such a case, the pump may have inadequate capacity to handle the load of water in your basement.

4. Visible Rust

Another reason why you should consider replacing your sump pump is when you see rust from this equipment. Rust could be coming from corroded terminals. Iron bacteria can also cause visible rust, so you should ask a plumber in Appleton, WI to take a look before you replace the pump prematurely.

5. Pump Runs for Abnormally Long

A properly sized pump normally runs for variable durations depending on how quickly water is accumulating in the sump pit. However, some pumps may run for an inexplicably long time before turning off. Such a scenario may point to the fact that the pump is undersized for the task at hand. For example, the water discharge network may have several bends that require a lot of power from the pump if the water is to flow through the pipes to the discharge point. Alternatively, the distance over which the pump is required to push the water may be so long that the pump could be straining to perform that task. The best option in such a case is to consult Tureks Plumbing Services so that an appropriately sized sump pump can be installed in the place of the undersized one.

6. Irregular Cycling

You should also have your pump checked if it keeps cycling irregularly. For example, does it start and run for just a few minutes, and then restart shortly after even when there hasn’t been any heavy rain? The float switch may be improperly set or there could be an electrical defect. A plumber in Appleton, WI can take a look and advise on the way forward, which may include replacing the pump.

7. Frequent Power Outages

It may also be necessary for you to consider replacing your sump pump if you have been having frequent power failures. Such incidents expose the electrical components of the sump pump to so much stress that the entire unit may soon fail. Install a surge protection system for your entire home and the sump pump before you procure a new pump.

It may be costly to replace your sump pump, but have you considered the likely cost of dealing with water damage to your property if the sump pump fails as a heavy bout of rain falls in your area? Don’t take that risk. Contact us at Tureks Plumbing Services for an assessment of the health of your sump pump. We shall fix what can be fixed or advise you to buy another pump if our experts realize that your existing pump can no longer be relied upon to evacuate water from your basement.

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Why You Should Hire a Plumber for Your Bathroom Remodel

April 3rd, 2019

Why you should hire a plumber for your bathroom remodel

Why You Should Hire a Plumber for Your Bathroom Remodel

Are you planning to remodel your bathroom so that you can boost the comfort and functionality of the space? Read on and discover why it may be advisable for you to hire a Fox Valley plumber during that remodel instead of attempting to do all that work on your own.

Setting Up the Drainage System Is Complex

You may get away with not hiring a plumber in Appleton, WI, if your bathroom remodel is minor. However, the stakes are much higher if you want to move plumbing lines or add a new feature. In such a case, you need the expertise of an experienced plumber on your side so that the layout of the new drainage system can be determined with as much precision as possible.

In this way, you will never have to deal with the problems that come with an improperly designed bathroom drainage system. For example, some homeowners who opt out of hiring a Fox Valley plumber during major bathroom remodels have ample time to regret their mistake when they realize that they can’t enjoy the remodeled bathroom because its drainage is sluggish or a major leak develops.

You May Need a Professional Opinion

A bathroom remodel provides an excellent chance to get up close and personal with the different pipes in order to assess their condition. As a layperson, it may be hard for you to make an accurate assessment of the condition of those pipes.

Consequently, you may proceed with the project and then have to rip everything up months later in order to fix a defective pipe. Avoid these extra costs and inconveniences by getting help from plumbing professionals.

Experienced Fox Valley Plumbers

An experienced Fox Valley plumber will bring all his or her accumulated knowledge and experience to bear during your bathroom remodeling project. For example, he or she will know exactly where to look for existing defects before installing the new bathroom fixtures.

Our plumbers in Appleton, WI have the best tools to get the job done right. You don’t want to go and buy specialized tools just to complete the bathroom remodel and leave the tools unused for years, do you? Hire a plumber and have peace of mind that your project will be done properly in the shortest time possible.

Tureks Plumbing Services Has Your Back

A lot can go wrong during and after a bathroom remodeling project. For example, you may accidentally drop and break the new sink you want to install. Or, the new toilet may shift and damage the plumbing pipes attached to it (resulting in major water damage).

All the costs of such unforeseen incidents will be on you if you completed the bathroom remodeling project on your own. However, Fox Valley plumbers are usually bonded and insured. So, the plumber’s insurance policy will cover mishaps that could occur during or after the project is complete. This is as long as it is within the period covered by the warranty.

As you can see, it makes a lot of sense to work with an experienced professional from Tureks Plumbing Services during your bathroom remodel project. If your budget is an issue, then find ways to divide the work. In this way, you will get the best of both worlds without taking any avoidable risks with this important section of your home. Contact us today and we will help you to get the bathroom remodeling project done cost-effectively.

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Plumbing Mistakes New Homeowners Make

March 28th, 2019

plumbing mistakes homeowners make - tureks plumbing services

Top 7 Plumbing Mistakes New Homeowners Make

The hassles associated with moving into your first home can drain you to the bone. It is therefore not surprising that you may easily make several rookie mistakes as you undertake some plumbing repairs to fix problems that went undetected when you were checking the home before buying it. Here are the top plumbing mistakes that the plumbing professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services regularly encounter with inexperienced first-time homeowners.

Thinking Any Tool Will Do

Many homeowners don’t have a sufficient collection of plumbing tools to attend to every plumbing defect that may arise. The temptation to improvise when you want a quick fix to a plumbing problem can, therefore, be high.

However, Fox Valley plumbers advise that you avoid using any makeshift tool when tackling plumbing problems because you risk making the problem worse or injuring yourself. For example, not any random tool that you find can cut a metallic plumbing pipe. Only undertake a plumbing project in your new home if you have the right tools for that job.

Taking Long to Fix Minor Defects

Another common mistake that plumbers in Appleton, WI see is that homeowners neglect to fix plumbing problems that they regard as minor. For example, you may not pay sufficient attention to a dripping faucet because you’re busy settling in. 

Those plumbing issues that you regard as minor can worsen and be costly to fix later on. For example, the dripping faucet can cause water damage to the floor and walls. A running toilet can flood. The list goes on and on. It is therefore advisable for you to fix each plumbing problem you notice as soon as possible so that it doesn’t get a chance to get any worse. If you can’t, then call a Fox Valley plumber for help.

Not Shutting the Water Off

It is very easy to get distracted by the task of putting together the different tools and materials that you will need for a plumbing project, and you forget what professionals consider to be Plumbing 101; turning the water off before you start.

Many homeowners confess that they learn this the hard way after getting started and having water gushing into their faces at high pressure. The resultant water damage from this mistake can be enough to make some people vow never to undertake any plumbing DIY project.

Don’t let this happen to you. Learn from the mistakes of others and shut the water off before you begin fixing any plumbing defect. Tureks Plumbing Services recommends that you locate the shutoff valve of the particular plumbing fixture that you want to fix so that the rest of the home can still have running water. For example, your kitchen faucet has a shutoff valve somewhere underneath the sink. The toilet also has a shutoff valve somewhere behind the toilet tank. Use the main shutoff valve located outside the home if the repair you want to undertake affects the main water line, or when you can’t locate the shutoff valve for the defective fixture.

Mismatching Plumbing Materials

One major shortcoming of DIY projects is that many homeowners don’t have enough experience to know that some materials don’t go well together. For example, did you know that you can trigger large scale water pipe corrosion if you join two pipe sections with a metallic connector that is not compatible with the pipes you are joining?

Talk to a plumber in Appleton, WI before you buy plumbing repair materials. That way the professional can guide you about which material is compatible with your home’s plumbing system. This guidance will save you from installing incompatible materials that can end up creating bigger problems.

Doing Unpermitted Work

The plumbing code usually stipulates which plumbing projects can be done without a permit and which ones require a permit. It is vital that you ascertain whether the project you want to take on requires you to get a permit from the authorities or you don’t need one.

Otherwise, unpermitted work can result in serious issues later on. For example, you may find it hard to get a buyer for that home if the pre-purchase inspection uncovers unpermitted work. You could also be prosecuted and fined if the authorities discover that you didn’t obtain the necessary permit required. It doesn’t hurt to talk to a Fox Valley plumber as you plan your plumbing project just to be sure that you won’t run into any problems later.

Careless Mistakes While Soldering

Some plumbing projects, such as repairing pipe leaks, may require you to do some soldering. Be extra careful if your project requires you to bring out your soldering torch. For example, ensure that you have covered or removed anything flammable from the work area before you start. Additionally, you should never set the torch down when its flame is still lit. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings at all times while you work. If you aren’t sure about your ability to implement all the necessary safety precautions, simply call a plumber in Appleton, WI for help.

Not Asking for Professional Help

It is okay for you to fix as many plumbing problems in your home as you can. Our team at Tureks Plumbing Services make it our duty to share useful information that can empower you to resolve plumbing problems without calling an expert each time a problem crops up. However, we always caution homeowners to know their limitations. Always ask for professional help when situations go out of your expertise. This is serious enough to warrant repeating; contact Tureks Plumbing Services each time you are faced with a plumbing problem that you are unable to fix on your own. We are available 24/7, so don’t put your safety and property at risk when we can sort the problem quickly.

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