Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Appleton Plumber’

Bathroom Plumbing Basics

Wednesday, September 5th, 2018

Basic plumbing problems

5 Bathroom Plumbing Basics Homeowners Should Know By Heart

Plumbing issues in the bathroom can be one of the most stressful problems you can have in your home.

Knowing the basic bathroom plumbing hacks can ensure you can still use your toilet until a professional plumber can get to the bottom of your issue and provide a long-lasting solution.

Here are five bathroom plumbing basics you should know about to deal with some common plumbing issues:

Low water pressure

Taking a bath with low water pressure can really be a drag. But before you call a plumber, check if the pressure remains low when you switch from cold water to hot water. If it does, this means that there is some kind of mineral deposit in your shower head aerator.

If your aerator is removable, take it out and soak it in vinegar overnight. In case the aerator is not detachable or your shower doesn’t have one, soak the shower head in a bag of vinegar overnight.

In case this quick-fix does not work, an Appleton plumber says that the shower head cartridge may be blocking the water flow, thus causing the low water pressure. For this instance, you need to call a plumber since the cartridge needs to be removed and fixed or replaced.

The plumber will also need to the check the water pressure at the water meter and inspect your pipes to determine other possible causes.

Leaking faucet

One of the most common causes of a dripping faucet is a worn-out washer. This is the rubber part that forms a seal to prevent water from coming out. All rubber washers wear out over time due to exposure to water.

To know if this is the cause of dripping faucet in your bathroom, you will have to unscrew the faucet to remove the cartridge and check the washer. If you don’t have the tools to unscrew the faucet and to remove the cartridge, you will have to call a plumber.  

Slow or clogged drains

Slow or clogged sinks and shower drains are often caused by a buildup of accumulated hair, soap and shampoo scum, and other debris in the drains.

To fix this issue, remove the pop-off drain cover in the sink or shower floor. Put on some rubber gloves and remove any debris. You can also use an auger or an old, partially straightened wire hanger to pull up hair strands and other debris.

If this does not fix the problem, use a plunger to loosen the debris. Next, flush the drains with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to further unclog and clean the drains.

Clogged Toilet

A clogged toilet can make your bathroom and even your home unsanitary.

If you’re not afraid to get dirty to try and fix this problem, use a plunger to remove the clog. In case the plunger does not work, use an auger to dislodge clogs that the plunger can’t reach.

If you don’t want to unclog your toilet on your own or it still doesn’t work, call a professional.

Running Toilet

Lastly, a running toilet problem can often be fixed by replacing a warped or broken flapper, installing a new chain, or readjusting the float.

If you have this issue, you should start by checking the flapper valve first since this part often breaks easily. You can then replace the flapper easily. There are also different toilet repair kits you can buy to stop water from running continuously in your toilet.

In case any these quick fixes do not work, hire a plumber to check your toilet since there will be a deep-seated cause behind this problem.

When you have a bathroom plumbing issue, it is important that you know the difference between minor and major plumbing issues. This will help you save a lot of time and effort in attempting a DIY job. It will prevent you from spending more money than needed as well.

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Warning Signs of a Damaged Sewer Pipe

Monday, August 27th, 2018

Warning Signs of a Damaged Sewer Pipe

A damaged pipe can be a big hassle and a huge drain on your monthly budget.

And unknown to many homeowners, this issue often takes years to arise. More often than not, the warning signs of a damaged sewer pipe are there, hiding in plain sight, ignored, or attributed to another problem.

Homes that are 25 years old or older are particularly vulnerable to damaged sewer pipes. This is because these often use cast iron pipes.

What are the warning signs of damaged sewer pipe homeowners should be on the lookout for?

Slow drainage

Slow drainage is a fairly common plumbing problem which can be resolved fairly quickly. However, if the problem is not resolved after several attempts, it may be a sign of an impending sewer pipe damage.

Here, slow drainage is an indicator of the formation of the blockage.

Foul odor

A sewer pipe that is in good working condition should be able to contain the scent of sewer gas.

If you notice that distinct odor in your home, it may be a sign that the sewer pipe has been cracked.

Backups and blockages

When the backup or blockage occurs in more than one drain, it is highly likely that your sewer pipes are deteriorating.

Therefore, these types of backups and blockages do not respond positively to pipe cleanings.

Molds

Molds build up when the humidity level inside a home increases. And one of the possible causes for the increase of humidity inside a home is a cracked sewer pipe. Our friends at Gilmore Heating & Air, a residential ac company in Placerville, recommend consulting with an HVAC company to learn about bacteria-fighting heating and cooling systems.

Pest problems

You have tried practically every solution available for you to get rid of rodents and insects that have infested your home and nothing still works.

It’s not that the solutions that you have implemented are simply not working. It is highly possible that you are attacking parts of the problem.

These unwanted invaders take advantage of the smallest available space to invite themselves in your home.

Patches of unusually green grass

You’re proud of your lawn and all of the efforts you have put toward it. But during one of your mowing sessions, you notice one particular area where the grass seems to be thriving.

The culprit may be the sewage leaking below that area, blessing the grass with nutrients.

Structural damage

When sewer pipes are nearing the end of their usable lifespan and potential damage is imminent, you will notice structural damage in and around your home.

So, this can take various forms, including cracks or settlements in the foundation, sinkholes, and indentations in the lawn or beneath pavers.

Be vigilant

Taken individually, these signs may be considered as indicators of smaller problems.

But if you notice these in conjunction with one another, you might be facing a serious plumbing problem. Contact a plumbing expert immediately. 

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5 Common Sewer Line Problems And Signs You Have Them

Monday, August 20th, 2018

5 Common Sewer Line Problems And Signs You Have Them

Your residential sewer line plays a crucial role in allowing you to have a hygienic and healthy home. When your sewer line is blocked, broken, or has certain issues, this will affect the entire main line of your home plumbing system.

Here are the five common sewer line problems you may encounter and signs that you have these issues:

Blockage

Sewer lines can become blocked if you keep throwing grease and oil down the sink and flushing objects that shouldn’t be flushed, such as diapers and tampons. The blockage will then restrict water flow in your sewer line.

Common signs that indicate you have a blocked sewer line are:

  • Loud gurgling noises in the pipes
  • The drains are working slower
  • Water is backing up into the lowest drains of your home

Broken, collapsed and skewed pipes

Old residential sewer lines especially those produced before the ‘90s were made of clay or poor-quality plastic pipes. These fixtures become weaker and brittle as the years go by.

If these pipes are not replaced, they will be broken by the shifting of frozen ground or soil surrounding the sewer lines. They can be broken by tree roots as well.

Deteriorated pipes can cause sewer backup. As such, you will also observe water backing up and your drains working slower if your sewer line pipes are damaged.

Tree root infestation

Tree roots naturally gravitate towards areas where water sits to find nutrients. If the sewer line is close enough, roots may grow directly into the pipes. The roots will enter through cracks, crevices, and holes.

Tree root infestations can cause water to back up and overflow. This is one of the biggest plumbing problems you may encounter and often requires major repairs.

Pipe corrosion

Iron pipes last for about 15 to 20 years. After that, they can rust and break open.

Pipe corrosion can also be hastened by the mineral content of the water flowing through the pipe. Its location (behind walls or underground) will speed up its deterioration as well.

If you are experiencing frequent drain backup, your sewer line may already be corroded.

Blocked house trap

A house or plumbing trap is a specially designed fitting shaped like a U which prevents odors from coming out of a city line. It contains water which acts as a natural barrier that blocks odors from escaping and preventing any of them from entering the home.

In case objects such as diapers and tampons are caught in the belly of the trap, the entire system may start to malfunction.

A bad smell coming from your drains can indicate that you have this sewer line issue.

So, knowing the common sewer line problems and their signs is one thing; dealing with them is another. Fixing these issues can be time consuming, complicated, and dirty job. As such, it is best to call plumbing experts immediately when you notice these plumbing problem signs.  

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Types Of Plumbing Pipes And Their Uses

Wednesday, June 6th, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][mk_padding_divider][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1528316005240{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Although you may not be a plumber by trade or plumbing aficionado, knowing the different types of plumbing pipes and their uses can help you decide which kind to get when you need to replace your old or damaged pipes. In case you’re still having your home built, having knowledge of the most popular types of pipes, their advantages and disadvantages will enable you to have a plumbing system that will work and last for a long time.

Below are the most commonly used types of plumbing pipes, their purposes and advantages:

PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe

PVC plumbing pipes are used for drain, vent, and waste lines, cold and hot potable waterlines, and for sewage applications. Their thickness and configurations vary depending on the application where it will be used. PVC pipes are light and easy to work with and install.

Rigid Copper Pipe

Copper pipes are the most traditional and popularly used plumbing pipes since they are durable, long-lasting, and corrosion-resistant. They are also the best water supply pipe option since they do not carry certain health risks that PVC pipes have. They work well with both hot and cold water.

Copper plumbing pipes, however, have to be soldered together and may require some additional fittings. As such, you or your contractor have to be good at soldering if you want to use this type of material.

PEX or Cross-linked Polyethylene Piping

PEX pipes are flexible, color-coded plastic pipes that are easy to cut and simple to connect. They are now one of the most popular plumbing pipe options used for residences and small business establishments or buildings since they require little maintenance. They are one of the strongest and most durable materials today and can thus remain leak-free for a long period of time.

Stainless Steel Pipes

Stainless steel pipes are typically used in areas subject to corrosion and near coastal areas. It is one of the most durable types of plumbing pipe materials. This type of pipe is available in both flexible and rigid varieties. If they will be attached to other types of pipes, special couplings will be needed.

Cast Iron Plumbing Pipes

Cast iron plumbing pipes are generally manufactured as bell and spigot types. Most cast iron plumbing pipes come with threaded joints but they are more expensive than the bell and spigot ones.

Cast iron pipes are heavier than any other pipes and as such, are best used for underground water distribution system. You will often see them as the main pipe on drainage or sewer systems.

Expert Fox Valley plumbers can also help you choose which type of pipe is best for your home construction or renovation project. Seasoned plumbers, such as those from Turek’s Plumbing, can have trucks stocked with all a huge variation of plumbing pipes. If you decide the job is better suited for a Fox Valley Plumber, give us a call. We have solutions that will meet your requirements, budget, and particular project.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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The 5 Dirtiest Things In Your Kitchen

Wednesday, May 16th, 2018

Even if you regularly clean your kitchen, there may be certain items in this area that you’re not cleaning or sanitizing enough. Once you know how dirty these items are, you will start thinking twice about how often you use them and your cleaning methods. You may even be encouraged to simply replace these items and double up on your sanitizing efforts.

Tureks Plumbing Services shares the five dirtiest things in your kitchen and tips on how to clean and keep them hygienic and safe for daily use:

  • Coffeemaker

The first on this list is something that you may not clean often: your coffee maker. Although coffee makers look clean even if you just wipe them now and then, don’t be fooled. Bacteria love dark, confined spaces and your coffee maker is the perfect place for them to grow and multiply.

To keep your coffee maker hygienic and safe for brewing your cup of joe every day, clean it every week. Fill the reservoir with a mixture of half white vinegar and water and turn it on until the post is half full. Stop brewing for 30 minutes then turn it on again to finish the brewing process. When done, empty the pots and fill the reservoir with clean water and brew again.

  • Dish towels

Dish towels are some of the dirtiest things not just in the kitchen, but in your whole house. Whether you use them for wiping your hands or cleaning your kitchen counters, you are constantly getting and spreading germs.

To avoid spreading germs whenever you use your dish towels, change them every day. Launder used dish towels once a week with hot water and with a small amount of bleach.

  • Sponges

Sponges are reservoirs for different types of bacteria as well. According to health experts, using old sponges can lead to food-borne diseases.

It is therefore important that you clean your sponges properly after use. Put the sponges in a dishwasher with a drying cycle. You can also disinfect them by soaking them in a solution of one-quarter to one-half of a teaspoon of concentrated bleach per quart of warm water for one minute. If your sponge starts to smell, throw and replace it immediately.

  • Cutting boards

If you’re using only one cutting board at home, you’re already doing something really unhygienic in the kitchen. Every kitchen should have at least two cutting boards — one for meats and the other for fruits and vegetables. If you’re just using just one for these food items, you’re causing cross-contamination which can make you sick.

To keep your cutting boards safe for use, always wash them properly with good dishwashing solution and water after. Also, spray the cutting board you use for cutting raw meat with a bleach solution after using it.

  • Garbage Disposals

Lastly, there can be no doubt that your garbage disposal contains various types of bacteria. As such, make sure you clean it regularly.

Use a long-handled brush and chlorine-based disinfectant when cleaning it. Scrub the walls of the disposal and don’t forget the area beneath the rubber guard. When done, allow it to sit for at least an hour so that the disinfectant can kill any surrounding bacteria. After each use, a seasoned Appleton plumber recommends placing a few ice cubes in it to clear the blades of any leftover muck that may be stuck to them. 

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