Why Do My Pipes Rattle When I Flush The Toilet?

June 21st, 2016

Pipes Rattling

Why Do My Pipes Rattle When I Flush The Toilet?

If you live alone and your plumbing makes all sorts of weird noises, it’s certainly hard not to get spooked. It is especially easy to get spooked on cold nights when the plumbing is more likely to rattle. Blame the horror movies that used faulty plumbing as a prelude to the appearance of a serial killer or another suspicious creatures. 

The Big Question

“Why do my pipes rattle when I flush the toilet?” you ask yourself. The odds of that being due to the presence of some creepy creature is unlikely, so stop scaring yourself. According to a plumber in Fox Valley, that noise is usually caused by loose pipes, high water pressure, or a water hammer.

 

Three Potential Causes To Address Rattling

These three potential causes are very easy to for a Fox Valley plumber to help you address.

Loose Pipes

For loose pipes, plumbers just need to secure them in place so they don’t go jiggling about and making noises. To do this, plumbers access the pipes through an open area where the pipes are exposed, such as in the basement. But if there’s no access panel and all pipes are concealed, plumbers cut through the wall or ceiling (and replace the cut part after), inspect the loose pipes, and then clip them in place. When this minor repair is completed, you can test the fixtures to see if using them will create those rattling sounds again.

Strong Water Pressure 

Now, when it comes to strong water pressure that causes pipes to vibrate, highly trained and experienced plumbers say that the easiest solution is to install a pressure-reducing valve. This little implement can make sure that the water pressure in your home is just between 40 to 60 pounds per square inch or PSI.

Water Hammer Arrestor

And as for a water hammer, which is caused by fast-closing valves like faucets and toilet fill valves, one of the solutions is a water hammer arrestor — this is added to the offending pipes. Take note that only professional plumbers should perform this repair. Adding a water hammer arrestor usually requires cutting and soldering pipes – it’s a lot of work that requires precision. Another solution to consider for a water hammer is to replace the toilet’s fill valves with quieter, slow-shutting fill valves.

 

Plumbing noises such as rattling pipes are easy to fix so, don’t delay in taking care of this problem. Call in the professionals at Turek’s Plumbing to help with your plumbing problems. Timely repair will restore your peace of mind. Timely repair can also prevent further damage to your pipes, which is more complicated and expensive to resolve. 

 

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Should You DIY a Kitchen Remodel? A Fox Valley Plumber Weighs In

June 16th, 2016

kitchen remodel

Should You DIY a Kitchen Remodel?

Should I DIY my kitchen remodel project? That is a fairly common question homeowners ask. There is no simple answer to this question. You must account for your personal circumstances in order to arrive at the best decision.

 

Why DIY-ing has become popular

Why have DIY projects become more popular in recent years? There are plenty of possible answers to this phenomenon.

One major factor influencing this trend is the steep cost of labor. In many projects, the cost of labor is considerably higher than the cost of the materials, driving homeowners to look for other options, including DIY.

Additionally, there are plenty of resources currently available that DIY-ers can utilize. Unlike before when knowledge and expertise were handed down by a master to his apprentice, today you can watch a video, download an e-book, or read a blog post, and you’ll get detailed step-by-step instructions on how to do something.

Finally, there’s the unique sense of achievement and ownership you get from knowing that you created something with your own hands.

 

When DIY is not a better option

However, not all projects are suitable for the average individual. How do you know if you should DIY a project or call in an expert? Here are three scenarios.

  • The tasks involved serious risks

 

Simply put, if you do not want to risk the safety of your loved ones and your property, you need to hire someone who can perform the job safely.

  • Messing up will cost you more

 

When you commit mistakes with small projects, you can chalk those up to experience. But when correcting your mistakes leads to hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in costs, then you better call in the professionals.

  • Your home’s value is at stake

 

For larger projects like a kitchen remodel, you have to be aware of the impact of the final outcome on the value of your home.

  • The project requires a permit

 

When a project requires a permit, that often means that it is too complicated and difficult to tackle for someone with minimal experience.

 

Should you DIY your kitchen remodel?

If you have above average skills and if you are confident that you can produce the best outcomes, and you are not worried about the potential added costs, perhaps you can consider going the DIY route with the remodel. However, you still have one hurdle to face: getting a building permit.

For most homeowners, it makes better sense to enlist the help of a seasoned Fox Valley plumber. Remember, you are not simply paying for someone to do a set of tasks for you. You are paying for expertise, time savings and quality work.

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Water Efficiency Tips

June 15th, 2016

water efficiency tips

Water Efficiency Tips for Smart Households

With La Niña on the way, experts are not expecting the 4-year drought in California to back down anytime soon. Authorities are now busy with emergency drought regulations to mitigate the consequences of such a long-standing water crisis. Residents still have to make do with widespread water use restrictions. Thus, even if you live in a state that is unaffected by drought, it still pays to look into how you can further conserve water in your area and contribute to the benefit of the greater population.

Drought Statistics

Latest statistics from the United States Drought Monitor show that 20.46 percent of Wisconsin is considered abnormally dry – the lowest level of drought intensity – and that no one in the state is affected by it. Still, the California drought has become an eye-opener for many, and they are now researching for more water efficiency tips in the aim to change how they use water in their household.  

Implementing water conservation measures in the home can benefit the homeowner, since utility bills become lower as the consumption of water decreases. Most importantly, your water-saving habits will benefit the community – every drop matters when it comes to the smart and responsible use of water resources.

Working with the Right Plumber

To strengthen your water-saving efforts, it pays to work with an eco-friendly plumber in Fox Valley. Get help from a professional so the initiatives and projects you undertake will be sure to deliver the highest impact. With the help of a trusted plumber, you can:

  • Detect leaks and other faulty components in your plumbing system to make sure clean, useful water isn’t simply going down the drain. Keep in mind that this is how much water you are wasting: at least 20 gallon wasted daily due to a dripping faucet and thousands of gallons annually due to a leaking toilet.  
  • Once you have detected the problem areas, make the necessary repairs and upgrades.
  • Look into switching to high-efficiency fixtures such as water-saving toilets, performance pressure showers and water-efficient faucets. Additional enhancements such as installing pressure-reducing valves can also bring noticeable results.

Complement your professional water-saving plumbing projects with some behavior and lifestyle changes. These steps might be small, but working together, they can deliver outstanding results and give you the best personalized water efficiency tips.

  • Always make sure to turn faucets off when not in use. Don’t leave the water flowing while brushing your teeth, soaping the dishes or applying shampoo during a shower.
  • Look into reducing or temporarily stopping high water consumption activities, such as watering your lawn or using a hose to clean outdoor areas.
  • Strategically operate appliances that use water. For instance, choose full load when using your washing machine or dishwasher to tackle more clothes or dishes while maintaining optimal water and energy use.  

 

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Do You Have More Than One Clogged Toilet?

June 10th, 2016

clogged toilet

What Do You Do When You Have More Than One Clogged Toilet?

All toilets, at some point, will clog. Older plumbing systems might lead to more clogs than newer systems. And misuse, like flushing down things you shouldn’t flush in toilets, inevitably leads to clogging. So don’t get too stressed out when one toilet starts to overflow. Take a plunger to it and take care of it.

But when both bathrooms seem to be acting “in concert,” and you’re at your wits end because not one, but two toilets are clogged you need more than just the humble plunger to fix the problem.

 

Two Is Not Better Than One

When you have one clogged toilet in the upstairs bathroom and another one in the downstairs bathroom, it might mean your septic tank is already full. This is if your property’s on a septic system. Another reason for both toilets getting backed up is a clog in the main sewer line. This is if your house is connected to the main sewer.

Whether it’s a full septic tank or a clogged main sewer line, both indicate serious plumbing problems. And only licensed plumbers have the knowledge, experience, and the tools to take care of the problem.

Incidentally, water backing up out of your toilets is one of the red flags to watch out for where the main sewer line is concerned. This is because toilets have the most direct path to the sewer, and the biggest drain in your house. A number of issues could be causing the main sewer line clog, like massive tree roots in your waste line.

 

Resolving the Clog

Immediately call your licensed Fox Valley plumber when you have two clogged toilets. Googling the problem and seeking advice in online forums are not going to be of much help. Only trained plumbers know how to figure out exactly what is causing the clog in your toilets.

The plumber will need to assess the clog. What happens when the toilets are flushed? Will the water come up and overflow? Or will it simply settle a little bit and then go down? Does water back up in your sink or tub when all taps are running?

With appropriate assessment, your plumber will be able to tell the extent of the clogged toilet, and from there, resolve the clog permanently.

It’s a nightmare to deal with toilets that are clogged. It is especially stressful when the clog happens when everyone else is asleep. With the right plumber, who can also do emergency service, you’ll get the right solution to the problem. So contact your local Fox Valley plumber now before your toilets start backing up.

 

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How Often Should You Have a Plumbing Inspection?

June 9th, 2016

Plumbing Inspection

How Often Should You Have a Plumbing Inspection? 2021

As you know, your plumbing system is a crucial part of your home. It can be extremely frustrating when plumbing problems arise. To avoid any plumbing emergencies, we recommend hiring a professional plumbing company for a plumbing inspection. It’s important to have the system inspected regularly, even when there’s nothing wrong with it yet. In the article below, we answer “how often should you have a plumbing inspection?”

Why Plumbing Inspections Are Important

The Fox Valley plumbers that residents turn to say that a plumbing inspection is a must. Your plumbing system is constantly exposed to all kinds of elements that can corrode or create clogs in the system. Over time, this constant exposure can reduce the plumbing system’s efficiency and create problems for your household. Common plumbing problems include a toilet that won’t flush and leaky pipes that waste excessive water. Clogged drains could be breeding bacteria harmful to your family’s health. From an inspection, not only will you learn the current state or condition of your plumbing system, but you’ll also get to implement the right preventive measures to keep it in tip-top shape to serve your household well.

Q: How Often Should You Have a Plumbing Inspection?

Once a year is good enough, according to the plumbers in Fox Valley. But more often (say, seasonally) would be better, especially in Wisconsin where weather changes can really affect the efficacy of a household’s plumbing system. Over the winter, in particular, a plumbing system takes a serious beating because extreme temperatures force the system to work harder than usual, and it becomes prone to damages.

Yearly Inspection by a Plumber

With a yearly inspection, you’ll already be able to avoid big issues with your plumbing that could potentially set you back by thousands of dollars on repair and replacement. The inspector will provide you useful information on what needs to be done in order to keep the system running smoothly.

Most people decide that spring would be the perfect time for a plumbing inspection, but any other time of the year would be good as well. Basically, people often set it for spring due to concerns that winter may damage the plumbing system. If you’ve never had a plumbing inspection, our friends at McQuillan Bros, a St Paul Plumber, recommend getting on a plumbing inspection schedule immediately. 

However, if you sense something wrong with your plumbing system, don’t waste time in setting a schedule for an inspection. Are you hearing banging, rattling, tapping, and squealing noises from your pipes or drains? Call your Fox Cities plumber at Turek’s Plumbing right away for a plumbing diagnosis. This will help prevent the issue from becoming a bigger problem that would be more challenging to resolve. We also offer residential plumbing services, commercial plumbing services, and drain and sewer services.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in November 2016 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

 

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Common Issues Causing Water Heater Repair

June 1st, 2016

water heater repairman

Without a doubt, a water heater repair is one of the most inconvenient home repairs. 

We don’t realize how absolutely miserable life can be until there is no hot water in the house.

Aren’t we fortunate to live in a time when we don’t need to heat up water at the stove in order to have a comfortable bath? How far we have come with technology is pretty amazing. In 2016 we tend to take for-granted  daily frequent water use, like washing our hands, or giving our kids a warm bath. You can attribute a water heater leak or breakdown to normal wear and tear most of the time, so it’s not anything unusual. As your local fox valley plumbers, one of our most common calls is for repair water heaters. Nonetheless, you still need to get it fixed right away in order to keep your everyday routine in tact. 

What are the common issues associated with water heater repair?

As plumbers, we are often called to address problems like leaks, strange sounds, and water temperature changes. For instance, if you notice a puddle forming around the bottom of the water heater, chances are the tank has sprung a leak. Water minerals corrode steel over time, so a leak usually means that there’s a crack somewhere along the interior of the heating tank and it’s time for a new one. Other times it’s a simple repair that may even be covered under the warranty of your water heater. It all just depends on the age of the system and volume of use over time. For this, you need to call your local plumber to install the replacement part or to help you choose a new water heater. Of course, a leak may originate elsewhere. At any rate, your plumber will tell you what the source of the problem is and what his recommended remedy is. 

When your water heater starts producing strange noises like whining, bangs, creaks, or squeals, you need to have it checked out by a plumber. Most of the time, those noises are due to sediment that settles at the bottom of the tank. When it comes into contact with the heating component, sounds produced by the debris heating up will be easily audible. To find out what’s really causing the noise and to conduct the necessary mending, call your plumber for a diagnosis.

Other signs of a troubled water heater

  • When your water heater is not reaching the heat temperature as it used to, this is a signal that your heater needs to be checked out. Look at your thermostat and see if it’s working properly. Whether the problem is with the heating tank or with the thermostat, your system requires inspection and possible repair.
  • If your water heater is not giving you hot water at all, then something’s obviously wrong. With gas heaters, the trouble usually involves a faulty pilot light; with electric tanks, it could be a tripped breaker. Your plumber will find out what’s causing the problem and let you know about appropriate fixes.
  • The most obvious need for water heater repair will come when you have flooding from your water heater. Although this is more of an extreme example, it does happen typically due to old age and overall system failure.  In this case, it is time to replace your water heater.

Anytime you need water heater repair, Fox Valley customers can count on Turek’s Plumbing to make an accurate diagnosis and deliver the appropriate fix.

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Tips to Make Your Bathroom Renovation a Success

May 23rd, 2016

bathroom renovation fox valley

Long winters and hot summers easily turn the bathroom into a complete nook of comfort for Appleton, Wisconsin homeowners. Your bathroom does not have to be just a functional space. With the latest trends in bathroom renovation we can help you create a place of serenity,  perfect for relaxation and comfort. A soak in a hot tub filled with aromatic and healing oils and Epsom salt, for example, can bring relief from headaches, muscle pains, and general exhaustion which we all feel from time to time. Heated floors will feel like a warm blanket on your feet in the winter, and properly laid out bathroom design can transform a place of function to a place of fashion.

These are just a couple of the reasons that a bathroom renovation is such a popular project among homeowners. They no longer want the room to be just a place where they do “stuff” — they want it to be the center of wellness at home. If you’re planning on renovating your bathroom, here are some professional plumbers’ and remodelers’ tips for getting the project done in a stress-free, cost-effective manner.

Bathroom renovation timeline

Remember that you use the bathroom — you need it every day. Determine where you’ll take a shower and do your other hygiene practices while the bathroom is under renovation. Create a schedule for the family if you have just one extra bathroom. Perhaps, you can also create a makeshift shower somewhere (like in the garden) so bathing won’t be an issue, especially during busy days. A bathroom renovation without plumbing work involved can take two to three weeks. If your bathroom renovation contractor is relocating or re-designing plumbing structure, four to five weeks is a reasonable timeline.

Choosing Grout

If you’re tiling your bathroom, remember the principles of choosing grout. Dark grout outlines the tile, makes it appear small, and also hides dirt. Grout in the same color as the tile blends in and makes tiles look larger. Also, for seems that are larger than 1/8 inch, it’s best to use sanded grout.

Another important task that involves grout is re-grouting the shower. It’s best to use admix as it’s stain-resistant (if you hate water marks around your shower) and waterproof. If you have a contractor doing the work, they will be able to go over your options with you and recommend the best plan of action.

Floor Tile Decisions

No matter what type of tile you decide to use in your bathroom, always over-order tiles because tiles come in lot numbers. So if you run short, the next box you pick may look slightly different. You never know when you might need to replace a tile down the line.

Water conservation tips for bathroom remodel projects

If you want to enjoy your bathroom more but you also want to reduce water consumption, ask your Fox Valley Plumber about the latest products on the market that offer “water controls” such as low flow shower, toilets and faucets. Inquire as well about energy-efficient strategies you can use for water heating. Plumbers are a great source of knowledge regarding bathroom remodeling products. In our case, Turek’s has plenty of experience in both. Our licensed plumbers and expert bathroom remodel designers work together to create the perfect functional and luxurious space.

Our last tip for you is, if there’s no window in the bathroom but you want bright lighting without installing a lot of fixed lighting, introduce more mirrors to the bathroom instead and find strategic locations for them. Mirrors will double the amount of light in the bathroom. We can certainly help you design and implement all of the ideas you have to create a bathroom you love.

 

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Why Flushable Wipes Are Causing Plumbing Problems

May 20th, 2016

Why Flushable Wipes Are Causing Plumbing Problems

It’s true, flushable wipes are causing plumbing problems across Fox Valley 

Moist towelettes, wipes — it doesn’t really matter what you call them, but they’re great for staying sanitized. They’re so much better than regular tissues since they’re already wet; plus, they don’t scratch the skin. A lot of times, as well, they come with skin boosters like antibacterial components or vitamins; some are even come with a refreshing scent.

Where we see the most common plumbing problem is in homes where parents are using flushable wipes for potty training Toddlers.

We know, parents swear by flushable wipes for keeping their children clean and comfortable during this process. Typically we end up buy packs of them and while they are meant for toilet training they quickly become useful for cleaning everything from toys, counter tops, faucets, and many other elements in the space we are spending time working with our little ones. From there they get flushed. Why, because the package says FLUSHABLE. It makes complete sense. 

These wipes are not just turning up in pipes where little ones are present. We find that these plumbing hazards are bringing additional delight to germophobes across Fox Valley as well. However, as great as these disposable wipes are in keeping people clean, they are a significant cause of plumbing problems for a lot of places, including Fox Valley homeowners and Appleton, Wi residents.

Why flushable wipes are causing plumbing problems

  • According to our plumbing engineers who are tasked to deal with the problems caused by these flushable wipes, the material for this great cleaning tool is still not as biodegradable as your typical tissue paper, which actually still gets caught in plumbing pipes.
  • These wipes are woven so well that they don’t disintegrate easily, so they just collect in drains and build up into a huge bulk. They are not designed to tear quickly because they’ll be less effective as cleaning tools. Even deliberately tearing them is not easy – a child can get frustrated trying to rip them to shreds.
  • To make the problem worse, there are so many wipes on the market nowadays that claim to be “flushable” when they’re not. Of course, when they’re labeled flushable, people automatically ditch looking around for a trash bin nearby, and turn to the toilet for quick disposal.
  • Our master plumbers also point out that the term “flushable” is so casually plastered on packaging without any proof. Most manufacturers don’t hold great accountability for properly educating users on responsible wipes disposal. They don’t make important instructions as prominent as they could.
  • Another issue here is that there are no reliable groups that are constantly testing everything, from the said product to their packaging.
  • Lastly, a lot of people really don’t want to throw their soiled wipes in the trash. With this behavior, it certainly is no wonder these wipes are clogging up and damaging plumbing systems.

What can be done?

We are not saying flushable wipes are terrible and you should not buy them. We understand how convenient and useful they are. The easiest and smartest solution is simply to throw them in the trash. Other than that, there really is nothing more that can be done to prevent wipes from clogging up drains. However if you continue to flush them regularly, there will come a time where your toilets and tubs will get backed up. Trust us, we see it all too often. The plumbing professionals at Turek’s Plumbing are here to help you get rid of clogs and clear the problem through your main clean out. It’s not a complicated repair but it does take the tools and expertise of a professional plumber to repair. Save yourself the hassle and throw those things in the trash. 

 

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Five Fun Facts About Plumbing

May 17th, 2016

fun plumbing facts

Five Fun Facts About Plumbing You Probably Never Knew

Let’s plumb the depths of plumbing and learn some fascinating facts about this all-important modern civilization perk. We are going back in history today to share five fun facts about plumbing that you have probably never heard of before. 

  1.   Plumbing Pioneers

As with many things, the Egyptians were first in the field of plumbing. Archeologists have discovered a portion of a water plumbing system at the Pyramid of Cheops. They have also found proof of indoor plumbing in some Egyptian palaces dating back to 2500 BC. Woah! Besides these, the Egyptians also get credit for being the first to use copper piping, which is the primary material we use today in modern plumbing. Give yourself a pat on the back if you knew that fun plumbing fact!

  1.   Plumbing in the USA

Speaking of copper pipes, another of the facts about plumbing you may find interesting is that the US has had more than 28 billion feet (more or less 5.3 miles) of them installed since 1963. The country has enough copper piping to go around the planet 200 times. That’s a lot of plumbing. You can certainly say that we’ve come a long way from 1829 when Boston’s Tremont Hotel became the country’s first hotel to have indoor plumbing.

  1.   The Blessing of a Flushing Toilet

The recorded first flushing water closet can be traced back to the island of Crete. King Minos enjoyed this convenience as early as 2800 years ago. This dispels the urban legend that the inventor of the toilet was one Sir Thomas Crapper. You know who else got to experience a flushing toilet way before the first patent for it was issued by Alexander Cummings in 1775? Queen Elizabeth I. She was built one by her godson, Sir John Harrington. His name is believed to be the origin of the American nickname for toilet, “the john”.

  1.   A Toilet by Any Other Name…

“John” is just one of many monikers that the bathroom has earned. Going back to the Egyptians, you can probably guess why they referred to it as the “house of horror”. Meanwhile, those Romans were entirely too practical in calling it the “necessarium”. Tudor England, on the other hand, held a stiff upper lip and called it the “privy”, short for “house of privacy”. The French certainly didn’t mince their words and rightly called it “la chambre sent” (smelly room).

  1.  

    Einstein’s True Calling

Albert Einstein was reported to have said that he would have become a plumber if he could do it all over again. This remark pushed the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union in Washington DC to make him an honorary member and a New York plumbers’ local to gift him with a set of gold-plated plumbers’ tools. Can you imagine where those tools live today? 

Why all this toilet talk? Well, people supposedly spend a total of three years of their life on the toilet, so it makes sense to learn what we can about it. These fun facts about plumbing are a good place to start-up random conversation with your Fox Valley plumber when they come to your home. 

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Why Homeowners Need Professional Services For Drain Cleaning

May 12th, 2016

drain clearing service fox valley

Professional Drain Cleaning Services in Fox Valley | Turek’s Plumbing

One of the most important things every homeowner should do to ensure the working order of their plumbing system is drain cleaning. Fox Valley plumbers, at Turek’s Plumbing say that carrying this out regularly will prevent buildups that usually lead to flooding in bathrooms or stagnated water and other horrible buildups in sinks.

Draining out water buildup is not as complicated as it may sound, but who really wants to deal with the nastiness, right? Not only that, dealing with your home’s plumbing if you don’t know your way around can cause more harm than good.

This is mainly the reason why, for most residents of Fox Valley, drain service strategies provided by professionals are the only solution. With busy schedules and limited knowledge of plumbing issues, why should you risk complicating the problem further by trying to solve the problem yourself? It’s simply more convenient to have the pros come over and take care of the job; they can get around to the job in a time-efficient manner and have everything back in working order in no time.

Plumbers who handle this “dirty job” also add that in many cases, clogs can only be removed by using strong corrosives or chemicals. Anything that will require the use of these products really should be entrusted to people who already know how to use them properly and also have the right tools for the safe application of these chemical agents. In addition to these, the pros dispose of the harsh agents they have used in full compliance with the industry’s safety regulations and environmental laws so as not to cause any type of contamination.

Likewise, in cases wherein the clog is too big or too hard (like if a child’s toy had been forcefully flushed down the toilet or utensils have accidentally fallen down into the drain), specific techniques and tools are required to effectively get rid of the clog without causing further damage the plumbing system. Professional drain services are the only ones who can meticulously solve this problem.

And lastly, professional drain services usually do not just focus on the single problem they were called for; they go the extra distance in checking other components of the plumbing system to see if there are other issues that need to be addressed and that can be fixed while they’re at a client’s home.

With such high-quality service available, why bother with a DIY approach? If your drains are clogged or if you simply want to make sure that your home is free from drain issues, turn to the pros and worry no more.

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