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Is spring cleaning nearing the top of your to-do list? At Tureks Plumbing, our Appleton WI Plumber encourages you to include water heater maintenance in your to-do list.
Despite being one of the most crucial pieces of equipment in the home, the water heater is frequently overlooked. We tend to forget this simple appliance that works silently in the nooks and crannies of a garage or closet. That is until there is no hot water.
Why Get Spring Maintenance On Your Water Heater
The good news is that it only takes a few minutes of simple, low-cost maintenance. Additionally, regular maintenance can extend the life of the appliance, saving you the trouble and expense of replacing it prematurely.
Is your water heater in a utility closet, laundry room, or other location that also serves as a storage area? Depending on what you keep near or around the water heater, this could pose a fire or safety concern. To keep everything clean and safe, follow these steps:
First, our Fox Valley WI Plumber recommends that you clear the area around your water heater. This will allow enough ventilation and an unobstructed view of the unit. If any argument is obscured, you may fail to detect that your water heater is leaking until it is too late. Install shelving and hooks to store laundry detergents and other household objects away from the water heater. Flammable things should be kept at least 18 inches away from the water heater. Also, avoid storing goods prone to moisture damage near the water heater, such as books, papers, or periodicals.
Clean the Vents
Many water heaters feature a vent on the bottom that allows oxygen to enter the heater and aid in heating. Over a year, this vent can collect dust and other debris. To clean, suck up the material with a vacuum and empty up the flue. Vacuum the ducts as part of your spring and fall cleaning routines.
Test TPR
A temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve is a safety feature in water heaters. It automatically opens to release pressure by detecting harmful pressure accumulation or an abnormally high temperature inside the water heater tank. A water heater is at risk of exploding if the TPR valve is not operating. The TPR valve on a water heater should be tested once a year.
To conduct the test, place a bucket beneath the pipe attached to the TPR. Next, pull the valve’s lever. You should notice a little surge of air or see some water and vapor depart the TPR. If you don’t, the valve will need to be replaced.
Empty the Tank
Sediment buildup in the tank can lower the energy efficiency of your water heater and block your water lines. We recommend you empty the tank in your water heater once a year.
Change the Temperature
Adjust the temperature dial on the water heater tank to 120 degrees. You will save up to 5% on energy bills for every 10 degrees you reduce the temperature. If you will be away from home for more than three days, turn off the water heater or set the thermostat to the lowest level.
You may relax and enjoy the excellent hot water that will be flowing and heating more efficiently — and safely — after just a few minutes of simple labor.
Make a Service Call
If you’re concerned that your attempts at water heater maintenance may backfire and cause more problems than they solve, don’t just disregard the work. Schedule a service call from a plumber near me instead.
At Tureks Plumbing, our terrific people are proud to offer terrific service to our customers. Contact our team today to schedule your water heater maintenance appointment.
Because spring is just around the corner, you’re getting ready to start spring cleaning! If that’s the case, don’t forget about your pipes! Because your plumbing system is one of the most vital aspects of your home, you must ensure that it is in good operating order at all times.
Preparing Your Plumbing For Warmer Weather
Whether you had problems during the winter or not, spring can be just as harmful and unpredictable. However, our Plumber in Appleton WI can do a few things to get your plumbing ready for the change of seasons.
Inspect for Leaks
First, our Plumbing Company Appleton WI advises you to look for any leaks. As follows, leaks can occur anywhere, which is why it’s critical to inspect your pipes and water fixtures thoroughly. First, take a look around your house. Then, check for any water dripping from or around the connections, mainly if a fixture is not used. Some leaks may be challenging to locate, but the warning signs are typically evident. If you discover a leaking fixture or pipe, water accumulating in areas it shouldn’t be or hear running water regularly, you should contact a professional.
Examine Your Sump Pump
Your sump pump may have overworked itself this winter to keep your basement flood-free, indicating that it is time for maintenance. Fill the basin to the top with water, and your sump pump should start right away. If it doesn’t, something has to be fixed. When you remove the basin, you’ll notice a grate at the bottom that needs to be cleaned. It may also be wise to have your sump pump and other water appliances inspected by a plumber.
Clear Your Drains
Clogs are inconvenient for both you and your plumbing, and they can occur at any time. Cleaning your gutters on a regular basis will help prevent not only clogs but also more significant plumbing issues. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners when cleaning the drains because the chemicals used can eat away at your pipes and harm pricey coatings on your sinks and counters. Alternatives include hot water, dish soap, baking soda, vinegar, and citrus peels. Contact our Plumber Fox Valley WI for drain clearing services!
Inspect Your Water Heater
Aside from the sump pump, spring is an excellent time to service your water heater. Our friends over at Gilmore Heating Air and Plumbing, Plumber Sacramento, explains that it would help if you serviced your water heater every six months to ensure proper operation. A water heater that needs repair, or worse, a water heater that has been damaged, is at risk of bursting and flooding your basement. Flush the tank to remove any silt deposits and debris that may have accumulated inside. An inspection can also aid in the detection of possible problems before they become serious. Contact Tureks Plumbing for water heater replacement Appleton WI.
Check for Signs of Winter Damage
The winter season may be harsh on your property, so it’s essential to examine for damage as soon as possible. The extreme cold, ice, and snow may have harmed the exterior and plumbing of your home. Examine for any cracks, leaks, or broken connections that could have resulted from a frozen pipe. The longer a broken pipe is left untreated, the worse your plumbing might become; if your plumbing is damaged, call a plumber straight soon.
Contact Our Plumber in Appleton Wi Today
Nobody wants to deal with a plumbing disaster, yet they do occur. That is why good plumbing repair is critical, especially when you transition from one wet season to the next. Spring may be just as tricky on your plumbing as winter without proper preparation. Schedule an inspection with a plumber today to keep your home dry, and your plumbing pleased.
What Foods Are Safe To Put Down The Garbage Disposal?
Because it’s meant to dispose of food waste, the title “trash disposal” is a little deceptive. Your plumber Appleton Wisconsin assumes you’re not putting plastic, glass, or metal down the garbage disposal, but a few less-obvious foods are on the no list below.
What You Can Use Your Disposal For
Our Tureks Plumbing team, pipe repair Appleton WI, has compiled a list of foods you can and cannot put down your trash disposal. Garbage disposals can grind just about anything you throw at them. Your plumbing, on the other hand, is a different matter, states Fox Valley Plumber.
What You Can’t Put Down Your Disposal
That bacon grease you spilled down the drain a while ago may have been the start of a blockage down the road that plumbing maintenance Appleton WI will need to fix.
Grease, Fats, and Oils
All of our experts agreed that fats, oils, and grease should never be disposed of down the sink—or any drain for that matter. They may come out as liquids, but those things can solidify and form blockages farther downstream in the water system. In fact, approximately 70% of sewage overflows are caused by grease.
Additionally, creamy foods like peanut butter and dairy products come under the grease, fats, and oils category, which many people are unaware of. As a result, butter, heavy cream, and ice cream are all gone.
Importantly, small quantities of grease can’t always be avoided when using the disposal—think sautéed veggies or creamy sauces—which is why you should always run the disposal with cold water. In that case, cold water is essential.
Foods High In Carbohydrates
It’s OK to scrape the last of the macaroni off a plate, but a takeaway container of week-old fried rice? Toss it in the garbage can. Large amounts of starchy items like rice, pasta, and potatoes break down into a mush that clogs your drain and gums up your disposal, explains Gilmore Plumbing Heating and Air heating company Sacramento.
Vegetable Peels
Also harmful are celery, maize husks, artichokes, edamame pods, asparagus, and rhubarb.
As strange as they may sound, fruit and vegetable peels may create similar difficulties, particularly if you jam a lot down the garbage disposal at once. Individual peels are thin and have little heaviness to them. They may also block pipes in the same way fibrous foods can.
Coffee Grinds, Eggshells, and Shellfish
Eggshells are another popular waste meal, with 33% of our survey respondents admitting to putting them down the trash disposal.
Although they seem to be innocuous, they do not dissolve rapidly, causing a considerable volume of them to gather and clog the drain, particularly if you have older pipes. Shellfish and coffee grounds are the same way since they don’t break down readily and are also reasonably oily—a double whammy.
Foods You Can Toss in the Disposal
Below, our experts share what can go in your disposal.
Citrus Rinds
It may surprise you to find that putting the rinds of oranges and other citrus fruits into your garbage disposal is beneficial. They not only help to clean your disposal organically, but they also leave it feeling excellent and fresh.
Ground Coffee
There are conflicting answers on this one, but we don’t mind if you pour a small number of coffee grounds down the drain. However, don’t put too much in because it might build up in the pipes and cause a blockage or backup. This is due to the oil found in coffee grinds.
Cooked Meat Scraps
When you’re cleaning up after supper, dump any leftover meat scraps in the garbage disposal. But, once again, no enormous amounts or substantial pieces.
The majority of fruits and vegetables Almost all fruits and vegetables are safe to throw in the garbage disposal, as are most veggies. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, which will be discussed further below.
Little bones
Bones are challenging to break down in a garbage disposal. Therefore we recommend that you throw them away rather than put them down the garbage disposal. However, if you happen to drop a little bone down the garbage disposal, it’s usually not a huge deal and should grind up without causing any problems.
Contact Tureks Plumbing Today For Garbage Disposal Repair
If you are having any issues with your garbage disposal contact our team today.
Tureks Plumbing, plumber Appleton Wisconsin, has put together a list of home plumbing myths. You may think you know it all when it comes to plumbing DIY’s, but these debunked myths from plumbing company Appleton Wisconsin will say otherwise.
Plumbing Myths Debunked
Continue to read this list of home plumbing myths from pipe repair Appleton WI if you want to improve your homes plumbing.
Toilets Flush in Other Directions in Other Countries
No, south of the equator, toilets do not flush in the other way states Fox Valley Plumber. The concept is inspired by the Coriolis Effect, which explains why cyclones spin. Although cyclones do spin in opposing directions across the Northern and Southern hemispheres, there isn’t enough water in toilets to cause this effect. Furthermore, the jets control the direction in which toilets drain.
Garbage Disposal Blades Can Be Sharpened With Ice
It’s hard to believe that ice could sharpen the “blades” of trash disposal, yet the myth persists. Perhaps it’s because it’s been suggested that ice cubes be used to clean garbage disposal. Instead of blades, garbage disposals contain two teeth-like features called impellers that ground particles into a liquid while the machine rotates.
A Brick in the Toilet Will Save You Money
Some people claim that placing a block in the toilet tank can conserve water. However, this will prevent your toilet from flushing properly. Check out how to detect a bargain if you need a higher working toilet.
Grease is Melted By Hot Water, Preventing Clogs
Sure, hot water dissolves the grease and flushes it away. However, after the grease has liquefied, it cools, hardens, and gradually builds up in the pipes. The grease attracts food particles, lint, and hair, blocking the pipe. And those clogs are so far away that even a domestic snake wouldn’t be able to reach them. It will cost you about $150 to hire a professional to clear the line.
In contrast, cold water hardens grease before it reaches the sewage system, allowing it to float to the municipal sewer. The disposer motor is additionally cooled by cold water, extending its life. Just pray it doesn’t turn into one of these 100 bizarre plumbing mishaps that have occurred in real life.
Flushable Wipes Are Safe For Your Toilet
One of the most common causes of pipe obstruction is “flushable” baby wipes. They don’t degrade in the same manner that toilet paper does, making it detrimental to your pipes.
Drain Cleaners Are Safe
Another plumbing suggestion is to stay away from liquid drain cleaners. Liquid drain cleaners may harm pipes since they eat away at them. Instead, use a plunger or, better yet, an auger to get the job done. What if you don’t have either? Without a plunger, here’s how to unclog a toilet.
If Your Water Heater is Rumbling, It Could Explode
It’s unlikely that your water heater will blow up. However, it’s more than likely in need of a good cleaning, explains heating company Sacramento. A significant silt buildup within the tank usually causes a rumbling or gurgling sound. Steam bubbles rising through the sediment provide the sound. Failure to solve the problem might result in your water heater failing prematurely.
Tank Cleaners Aren’t Harmful
It’s a mystery why they are still around; maybe it’s because they look so well with Grandma’s hair. Toilet pieces might wear out as a result of certain drop-ins.
You Can Clear a Clogged Sink With a Plunger
If you’ve put drain cleaners into the sink, you can’t use a plunger to dislodge the blockage. Likewise, if you’ve poured drain cleaner down the drain, don’t use a plunger on the blocked sink since the chemicals may cause significant burns when they’re forced back up through the sink by the plunging.
Contact our Tureks Plumbing team if you have any questions or concerns when it comes to these home plumbing myths.
The stench of a noxious sump pump is alarming. Homeowners in Wisconsin want to know whether the stench coming from their sump pump is normal or if it indicates a greater issue. In the majority of situations, repairing a stinky sump pump is simple. A plumber Appleton Wisconsin should be called in certain cases.
Reasons Your Sump Pump Smells
That’s when Tureks, your plumbing company Appleton Wisconsin, enters the picture! We’ve assembled all the details you’ll need to understand why your sump pump stinks. Due to the fact that sump pumps deal with waste, homeowners want to make sure the scent isn’t out of the norm. With these pointers, the distinctions are easily discernible. However, should there be an emergency, please call your emergency plumber Fox Valley.
What Is The Purpose Of A Sump Pump?
First and foremost, homeowners must comprehend the role of the sump pump in their house and why it is critical that it stay odorless.Your Fox Valley Plumber states, because of the quantity of rain that falls in Wisconsin, sump pumps are very vital. What your sump pump performs for your house is as follows.
Sump pumps are used to collect and transport water away from your property. It can accomplish this with both indoor and outdoor water (water you use on a regular basis). The water is pumped from the pump to a safe water disposal facility, such as a storm drain or a dry well. This keeps your basement from flooding.
The sump pump does this by sitting in a sump basin located at the lowest place in your basement. When water or dirt is pushed into the foundation by pressure, the water naturally migrates to the basin since it is the lowest point. The water then exits your house via one-way valve-equipped pipes and into a secure location.
A fan-like device called an impeller also drives water toward the pipe’s sidewalls, creating a low-pressure zone. As a result, the water continues to flow through the pipe. When it comes to water, the longer it sits, the more issues it poses. Your basement will not be flooded if everything works properly.
When some components of the system go unmaintained for an extended length of time, the sump pump scent emerges. As a result, the next time you contact Tureks, put maintenance at the top of your priority list!
What Is That Smell?
When sump pumps have a problem, they might smell like a number of things. These odors may make your basement stink, causing you to avoid it entirely. Here are some of the most prevalent odors associated with sump pumps.
Gas
The sump pump may emit a gas-like odor. The odor seems to be gasoline at first, but it is really coming from the sewage. When the sump pump dries up, sewer gas escapes into the house, causing the odor to enter your home. This gas is derived from trash and consists of both benign and dangerous gasses. In a nutshell, be careful of a gaseous odor!
Mildew
Mildew is a frequent odor associated with sump pumps. Mold and mildew develop within the sump pump because it is continually wet. As with anything that gathers water, you’ll want to keep the sump pump as dry as possible without compromising its operation.
Sulfur
Perhaps you can smell rotten eggs—or, more precisely, sulfur—from your sump pump. Sump pumps are known to emit a bad stench for a variety of reasons, the most prevalent of which being dirt build-up.
Waste
Here’s one that’s self-evident: waste. Waste enters the sump pump on a regular basis, which is unpleasant to think about. As a result, waste materials accumulate over time. Clogs may occur as a result of these build-ups. In most situations, cleaning the sump pump is all that is required to eliminate the odor.
Why Your Sump Pump Might Smell
Although the preceding part delves into some of the reasons for a sump pump odor, it’s critical to understand all of the facts. Sump pumps keep your plumbing system clean on a daily basis, so know where to go if anything goes wrong. Some of the most prevalent reasons for a sump pump odor are listed below.
Sump Pump is Dry
Sump pumps dry out after a lengthy period of usage. Because the water no longer covers the air from the gasses, the sewage gas that gathers in the pump is discharged into the residence. In the best-case scenario, this results in a bad odor. Sewer gas leaks, on the other hand, may create health concerns and pose a fire threat in the worst-case scenario.
Water that has become stagnant
Sump pumps catch water before they dry up. For long periods of time, this water rests in the basin with little movement. Mold and mildew thrive in this atmosphere. This growth doesn’t affect the pump’s performance, but it does emit a musty, disagreeable odor.
The Sump Pump is Dirty
Your sump pump’s odor might be due to how unclean it becomes over time. Because the sump pump deals with waste, dirt and other material gather rapidly. Though this may not produce an immediate problem, the build-up over time might develop a blockage.
The Accumulation of Waste
The scent of the sump pump is caused by waste build-up. A sump pump is often utilized in a house, which means it gathers waste on a daily basis. When you use a sump pump for a long time, the waste accumulates. This, of course, produces a nasty odor to pervade your house.
Cracked or Shattered
A sump pump odor, in the worst-case situation, indicates a cracked or damaged section of your plumbing. This component might be found in your plumbing system or on the sump pump itself. In either case, your sump pump will be severely harmed.
How to Get Rid of the Smell of a Sump Pump
We can examine some of the remedies now that you understand the reasons for a sump pump odor. Professional sump pump maintenance is required once a year, but there are several things you can do at home to minimize the terrible odor it generates. Here are some of the most effective remedies for these frequent problems.
Repair Any Cracks or Leaks
Sealing the gaps and leaks is one of the best ways to decrease the sump pump smell, which is comparable to mildew. This applies to all of your home’s plumbing. Check for cracks or leaks in all of your pipes and water systems and cover them with waterproof sealant. Also, look for fractures on the sump pump or in the concrete around the system. This removes any extra moisture that might contribute to mildew or mold formation.
Make Sure the System is Clean
This solution for a sump pump odor may seem straightforward, but cleaning your sump pump requires both physical and mental effort. The process entails removing the pump from the sump pit (wear lots of protective gear) and cleaning it with warm water. Depending on how much water the environment gathers over time, homeowners should clean their sump pump every six months or once a year.
Bleach Solution That Has Been Diluted
Here’s another way to get rid of mildew odors. To get rid of mold and mildew, use a diluted bleach solution. You just need to pour a little amount of this solution into the sump basin. Even if mildew isn’t to blame for the stench, the bleach solution will assist to refresh the system and decrease smells.
Fill With Water
The simplest solution for a sump pump odor produced by a dry basin is to replace the sump pump. Simply refill with water and you will immediately notice a change! Sewer gasses are always present in the sump pump system, but they are difficult to detect when there is a layer of water on top of them. In a sense, the water filters the gas particles, removing the odor as well as the harmful side effects of sewage gas.
Maintenance
Performing preventive maintenance on your sump pump system is one of the greatest methods to avoid a sump pump odor. You can achieve this by cleaning your sump pump on a regular basis, evaluating the general condition of your plumbing, and having your system inspected by a professional once a year. It’s the most effective approach to eliminate smells!
Make An Appointment With a Professional
When you can’t seem to get rid of the sump pump odor, it’s time to see a specialist. Tureks skilled plumbers are available to assist you with any sump pump issues you may have. We’ll get rid of the odor and solve any issues we notice along the way.
Please Get in Touch With Us
In Appleton, Tureks wants residents to feel at ease in their homes. That means living in an odor-free environment with a sump pump that really works! The stench of a sump pump doesn’t have to bother you, so follow these steps to get rid of it as quickly as possible.
Please contact us or visit our website or Facebook for more information on our plumbing services. We provide plumbing guidance to Fox Valley residents on a number of concerns. You may get by without a plumber on occasion, but when you do, Tureks is there for you!
Your bathroom is a frequently used facility. So it’s no wonder that bathroom renovations are at the top of many homeowners’ priority lists, from soaking in the tub on weekends to ensuring your visitors have a decent powder room to use. Your Appleton bathroom remodel company has put together a must know list of bathroom remodel costs.
What Does it Cost to Remodel Your Bathroom?
Although bathroom renovation may seem to be a problematic endeavor, good planning may help you achieve the style and feel you want for your house. With this guide, learn more about the advantages of upgrading your powder room, guest bathroom, or master bathroom. Bathroom remodels typically cost $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the size of the space and the goods you want to replace.
What to Consider
Take a few moments to consider which features of a bathroom makeover are most important to you and what you would like your Fox Valley Plumber to install. Here are some crucial things to think about:
Why Are You Remodeling?
Do you want to modify the design of your room, or do you think it may be more functional following a renovation? Make a list of your most important goals explains Plumber Appleton Wisconsin.
What is Your Schedule?
Some homeowners believe their bathroom renovation is long overdue and can do all of the tasks at once. In other cases, implementing incremental changes rather than a complete rebuild may be a preferable option.
What Are Your Finances?
Before deciding which improvements to make, you’ll need to know how much money you have.
Cost-Affecting Characteristics
It’s essential to consider aspects that might affect the ultimate cost while planning your project. For example, many homeowners consider the following features:
Bathtubs
The price of a tub is determined by its size and design. Installing a standalone bathtub, for example, may result in higher plumbing expenditures. Gilmore Heating, Air and Plumbing, Sacramento heating company, also explains it is important to take into account whether or not your water heater is up to snuff.
Vanities and Cabinets
The most cost-effective selections are the stock vanity options, which are the most affordable. The cost is affected by the size, top type, cabinets, and material utilized. Small areas and luxury master baths may benefit from custom cabinets.
Countertops
The cost of renovations will be heavily influenced by the materials used. For example, the stone is attractive and long-lasting, although it is more expensive than other materials. Prefabricated countertops may be used in various settings and can help you save money.
The manufacturer, style determines the cost of a faucet and material utilized.
Sink
The price of pedestal sinks, drop-in sinks, and designer designs differ. Drop-in sinks are often a cost-effective alternative that comes in various forms.
Toilet
It is easy and inexpensive to replace an old toilet. The cost of primary and luxurious models varies, although installation expenses are often minimal.
Tub Liner
This is a significant improvement option if you can’t afford a more extensive update or if you don’t want to go without a shower for too long.
Tile For Walls and Floors
Bathroom floor tile options include ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. The cost of the materials will be the determining factor, although the natural stone is frequently more expensive to install because of its difficulty in cutting and placing. Wall tile selections range from natural stone and bare ceramic to glass and mosaic types that simulate raw materials.
To learn more about bathroom remodel costs contact Tureks today!
Winter is one of the most difficult seasons of the year. The hardest aspect about winter is the dip in temperature to dangerously low levels. These very cold conditions are difficult not only for you, but also for some of the equipment in your house, states Plumbing company Appleton WI.
The plumbing in your home, for example, is one of the locations where very freezing temperatures may quickly cause harm. Given the significance of plumbing in your house, it’s critical to make sure it’s not damaged by the next winter.
Tureks Plumbing, Plumber Appleton WI, team recommends the following steps to winterize your plumbing.
5 Steps to Winterize Your Plumbing
Making sure your plumbing is ready for the extreme drop in temperatures is not only good for the continued supply of your water, but it also saves you the money you will spend hiring a plumber in Appleton, Wisconsin, for repairs.
Prepare Your Outside Faucets for the Winter
Plumbing maintenance Appleton WI advises that you drain anything that holds water, such as your swimming pool, sprinklers, outdoor taps, and cooling units. Turn off the water in valves and other items that aren’t going to be of use during winter. Hoses should also be drained and stored away for the winter.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Fox Valley plumbers know that the cold will damage your pipes if left exposed for long. Find all your exposed pipes in places such as the garage, attic, and crawl spaces and make sure they are well insulated. You can use an insulation foam on the inside and outside of the pipes to protect them against prolonged freezing conditions. You can also use a towel or pool noodle instead of the insulation foam.
Another great form of insulation is the use of heat tape, which protects your pipes from freezing. Take great care when using heat tape though, as they have been known to cause fires. Make sure that your insulation is thorough because the cold can affect the gaps.
Drain Your Cooling Unit
It helps to drain your cooling unit of all water since you are not going to be using it during the cold season. Also, make sure to shut off all water valves in preparation for the winter.
Keep the Heat on When Traveling
If you are traveling for winter, leave your thermostat at about 55 degrees, advises St. Paul MN heating company, McQuillan Home Services. While it may not look economical since no one will be using the heat, you will be saving a lot of money in repair costs for frozen and damaged pipes.
Make sure to shut off the main water supply to your home and turn on all the taps to drain all the water from the pipes. You can use an air compressor to blow excess water out of the pipes. Taps should be left on.
Flush your toilets and remove as much water as possible from your home if you are not going to be spending the winter there. In instances where you can’t remove the water, such as in your toilet bowl, use antifreeze so that the water does not freeze and crack the toilet.
Fix any Cracks and Leaks
Cold air can see in through the cracks causing the pipes to freeze. Use caulking or spray foam to fix these cracks.
Making your plumbing winter-ready is an important part of maintaining your home. Make sure to do this before winter sets in. We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services. Contact us today to learn about the additional home services we provide!
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in December, 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Wisconsin is known for having a lot of harsh weather and temperatures that are far below freezing. Unprotected water lines may freeze in freezing weather, causing a major mess and expensive damage if they burst. Fortunately our plumber Appleton Wisconsin has offered a few simple steps you may take to safeguard your pipes and avoid a disaster.
How to Prevent Freezing Water Lines
What causes burst pipes? It’s not the ice in the pipe that causes it to burst, contrary to common opinion; it’s the pressure that grows. Emergency plumber Appleton Wisconsin explains, the pipe will stay intact if the water lines thaw before the pressure grows too high. However, if they remain frozen for an extended period of time, or if they freeze, thaw, and refreeze many times, the unfrozen water in the pipe will finally build up enough pressure to break the line. Thousands of gallons of water might spill out of the pipe before anybody detects the breach resulting in pipe repair Appleton WI.
Walls and Doors Should Be Insulated
Best heating company Sacramento, Gilmore Heating & Air, states that if you have a problem with frequent pipe freezes, try insulating walls and doors, adding weather stripping to doors, and making sure windows are securely sealed. The best long-term solution is to keep the room heated, even if it is more costly.
Pipes Should Be Insulated
Another alternative is to have lining pipes Appleton WI insulate water pipes in unheated areas of your house (e.g., attic, crawlspace, and garage) using foam insulating sleeves before the cold winter arrives. If you don’t have any foam covers, old towels and blankets may be used instead. Keep an eye out for any fire threats.
Heat Tape or a Pipe Heater
A water pipe heater or heat tape, which delivers heat directly to your water pipes to avoid freezing, may be installed (or hired to have it installed by a professional plumber). Most hardware shops will have these goods.
Close your garage door
Be sure to close your garage door on cold days to offer an additional layer of protection from the cold air and wind if water lines run through your garage or the outer wall that connects to it.
Allow Warm Air to Flow Into Tight Spaces
Leave the doors open on the cupboards beneath your sinks and let the water trickle from the faucets when the temperatures are forecast to be very cold. This will enable warm air from the rest of your house to flow around the pipes, preventing them from freezing, and the dripping water will keep pressure in the lines from building up.
Set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees if you’ll be traveling or away from home for a prolonged amount of time during the chilly months. Shutting off your main water supply and opening each faucet to let the water drain from the pipes is also a good idea.
Pipes Should Be Rerouted
Your supply lines and water pipes may also be rerouted away from unheated portions of your house, such as the garage and outside walls, by a skilled plumber.
If Your Pipes Freeze, What Should You Do?
To begin, turn off the house or business’s main water supply valve.
Then turn on the faucet into which the pipe pours water (if you can determine the location of the frozen pipe). This will release some of the system’s pressure and enable the water to flow more freely when the temperature changes.
Next, if feasible, warm up the room. Open doors to let extra heat in, open heating vents, or switch on a space heater if possible.
You may next use a hair drier or a space heater to attempt to reheat the pipes around the frozen region. Hot clothes placed around the pipe might also be helpful. Always keep an eye on the warming process and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for optimal usage.
Water spilling from thawing pipes should be avoided near electrical cables and appliances. The combination of water and electricity is very harmful.
What happens if the pipeline bursts?
Shut off your main water supply and contact a plumber if your pipe is leaking or has broken. Water damage may be minimized by turning off the water supply.
We make every effort to offer up-to-date and accurate information, but this material may include mistakes or information that is inappropriate for your circumstance or your equipment. The resources on this website are intended to give general information. Tureks Plumbing Services disclaims any and all responsibility arising from the information given. Always review your equipment’s operating handbook before attempting to repair or alter plumbing, electrical, or other equipment in your home or company, and only do so if you are competent.
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What to Do When Kitchen Sink Backing Up When Washing Laundry
Plumbing problems can be the worst, especially when it’s affecting several parts of your home. A kitchen sink backing up when washing laundry is definitely out of the normal. This problem can be caused by either a clogged drain or a venting issue. So, where do you start? Well, if you’re looking for a quick fix, we always recommend contacting your local plumbing company. If you’d like to try to fix this on your own, continue to read the article below!
The Location Of The Clog
All plumbing fixture drains in a residence, including the washing machine drain, must connect to a 3- or 4-inch main drain pipe that connects to a sewer or septic tank outside the home. To drain a washing machine into a kitchen sink, the kitchen sink drain must connect to the washing machine drain pipe. Our Appleton plumber says that the clog lies somewhere after the connection to the kitchen sink drain but before the connection to the other drains. Note that the water would just back up from the washing machine drain if the clog was before the kitchen sink. If the blockage occurred after the connection with other fixture drains, it would back up into the lowest fixture, which was usually a shower or toilet.
Drainage Issues
Washing machines may pump up to 15 gallons of water per minute into the drain. This is significantly quicker than any other fixtures or appliances. A drain pipe of 1 1/2 inches was thought to be adequate for earlier washing machines. However, code now requires a washing machine drain pipe size of at least 2 inches in many regions for appropriate drainage. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, who offers Twin Cities plumbing services, say that due to the grease and food that is frequently poured into them, kitchen-sink drain pipes clog more frequently than other plumbing fixtures. Due to the volume of water pumped from the washing machine, even a partial obstruction in the shared drain pipe from the kitchen sink can cause the washing machine to back up into the sink.
Ventilation Issues
If there is a gurgling sound coming from the sink drain when the washing machine drains, the backup could be caused by a venting problem. Drainage problems will occur if the washing machine or kitchen vent is run incorrectly or is too small. Similarly, if the vent is clogged, consider a straw with liquid in it. The liquid will not drain if one end of the straw is blocked. The same is true for a plumbing system. If you hear gurgling coming from the kitchen sink, it’s because the sink is being used as a vent.
Resolving the Issue
If the sink is gurgling, visually inspect the vent for blockages. A clog in a drain pipe is most likely too far away to be unplugged by plunging. At this point, if your kitchen sink is backing up when washing laundry, you should contact Tureks Plumbing. Our team of experienced plumbers will resolve the problem in no time. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services throughout the Fox Valley cities areas.
Floor Drain Maintenance Tips From Appleton Plumber
Floor drains are frequently overlooked when it comes to residential plumbing. Floor drains seem similar to drains found in bathtubs and showers because they are flush with the surface, but they are more typically found in basement floors, garages, laundry rooms, older bathroom floors, and even on patios and roads. Floor drains are installed everywhere. There is a need for quick, effective water drainage. Most Appleton homeowners do not consider floor drain maintenance until a problem arises. Follow these recommended floor drain maintenance tips from your Appleton plumber.
Fill Traps On A Regular Basis
Indoor floor drains collect overflow from sinks, toilets, tubs, water heaters, and washing machines, among other things. Floor drains, whether indoors or outdoors, are designed to efficiently and safely transport water. It’s transferred to a sewer or municipal storm drain, keeping the floor dry and rooms from flooding. The overall objective of traps is to keep sewage odors and gasses from entering your home through the drain. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, who offers Twin Cities plumbing services, recommend filing these drain traps on a regular basis to see that they’re working efficiently. Simply pour a gallon of water down each floor drain in your home. Water will fill the trap, creating a barrier between your home and the sewer system.
Immediately Remove Clogs
Many various forms of material build on your floor, from pet hair to dust bunnies. Therefore, it has the potential to end up in and block. The first indicator of a clogged drain is if it drains slowly. If you find a blockage early on, you’ll avoid flooding. You can easily eliminate that tiny clog with a plunger and a few pumps. Another trick is to try pouring a baking soda and vinegar solution in the drain. When all else fails, contact Tureks Plumbing Services. Our team offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services throughout the Appleton, WI areas.
Clean Your Drains On A Regular Basis
Check your plumbing drains for debris. It’s recommended that you clear them at least once a quarter. You can always hire a professional plumber for drain cleaning services. Getting your drains cleared will help you avoid plumbing disasters. It’s also a good idea to arrange professional drain cleanings once a year to avoid obstructions and keep your drains working smoothly.
How to Prepare Plumbing For Spring
ay freeze in freezing weather, causing a major mess and expensive damage if they burst. Fortunately our 
