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Top Reasons Not To Use Liquid Drain Cleaners at Home
When your drain starts to become slow, your instinct may be to grab the liquid drain cleaner instead of calling a local plumber. Many Appleton plumbers can agree that liquid drain cleaners can cause more harm than good. In this article, our Tureks plumbers share the top reasons not to use liquid drain cleaners.
Say No to Liquid Drain Cleaners
Our experienced plumbers have a problem with chemical drain cleaners. To start, they are not suitable for cleaning drains, although marketing and advertising may have you convinced otherwise. There are plenty of other remedies for drain cleaning. Here’s why you should avoid liquid drain cleaners at all costs:
Drain Cleaners Are Toxic
The chemicals in commercial drain cleaners, particularly off-brand and low-cost variants, are extremely dangerous. The gases are harmful to your health and will irritate your nose and eyes. These fumes linger in the area where the chemical was employed for a long time after it has been disposed of. It’s safe to say these chemicals should not be going down your bathroom sink or shower drain.
Drain Cleaners Damage Your Pipes
Chemicals in drain cleaners can cause harm to pipes while purportedly “cleaning” them. Hydrochloric acid is the primary ingredient in liquid drain cleaners. This solution eats at your pipes and can eventually cause serious plumbing problems. Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, a plumber in Sacramento, agree that you would spend more money replacing your damaged pipes than you would have a professional come out in the first place.
Drain Cleaners Hurt the Environment
As we mentioned before, drain cleaners include harmful chemicals. As a result, they are extremely bad for the environment. Bottle residue ends up in landfills and can contaminate water, harming fish and other species.
Not an Effective Solution
What is the source of your drain clog? Drains can back up due to problems in the sewage system or broken pipes. Dumping chemicals down the drain will not solve these issues, just prolong them. Don’t waste your time or money on liquid drain cleaners. Contact Tureks Plumbing for professional plumbing services. Our team is happy to help, no matter what the problem. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing solutions in the surrounding areas of Appleton, Wisconsin.
Summertime life may be carefree and simple, but that is not the case for plumbers and many homeowners. Summer can be a time of clogged drains and overflowing toilets. The reason for more plumbing service calls during the summer season is pretty simple. Kids are home throughout the day, which can result in more plumbing problems, says our Appleton plumbers. During this season, families are more active, so it’s likely that more things are getting dumped down the drain or disposed of. In this article, we share plumbing tips for a clog-free summer in Appleton, WI!
Watch What You Flush
According to Tureks Plumbing Services, more frequent clogs are a side effect of using water-saving toilets. As a result, people must be more cautious about what they flush. Wet wipes, while convenient, might block sewage systems. Even flushable items will not dissolve as fast as toilet paper. Trust us when we say that if you constantly put “flushable” wipes in the toilet, you will have plumbing problems.
Flushable wipes aren’t the only item you have to watch for. Paper towels, napkins, and even too much toilet paper can clog your toilet. When flushing the toilet, our Fox Valley plumbers recommend keeping the handle down to ensure a full flush that pushes everything through.
Take It Easy on Your Kitchen’s Garbage Disposal
Being mindful about what you put down in the garbage disposal can help you avoid additional plumbing problems. Many garbage disposals have difficulty grinding up summer staples like melon rinds and corn cobs. Grease from barbecues is another summer clog reason. Never pour hot grease down the drain or garbage disposal. The liquid you pour down combines with the leftover food to harden into a sticky substance. When you use your garbage disposal, make sure it is clear by flushing it with plenty of water.
Don’t Put Your Hair Down the Drain
For a clean, cool summer look, many individuals clip and shave their hair. However, do not attempt to wash your hair down the bathroom drain because the mix of hair, soap, and toothpaste can form an impenetrable clog. Consider placing hair catchers in shower and bathtub drains for persons with long hair. There are plenty of affordable devices that will collect your hair before it goes down the drain. It may be gross, but it will save you money ontrenchlesssewer repairs.
Bathtub Drains
Bathtubs may be kept clear with a little regular care. According to Tureks Plumbing, dumping a gallon of boiling water down your bathtub drain once a month will help you have a clog-free summer. After that, it’s a good idea to run regular warm water for approximately five minutes simply to keep pushing everything as far down and out as you can. Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, a plumber Sacramento, recommends staying away from chemical drain cleaners. They’re not recommended for the life of the plumbing system. In fact, they can cause more harm than good. With each use, they can actually degrade pipelines. Leaks can form over time, causing costly damage and being pricey to repair.
Contact Plumbing Company Near Me
Don’t give up if you wind up with a clogged toilet, sink, or drain. In most circumstances, an experienced, dependable plumber can unclog a clogged drain in a matter of minutes and at a fair price. It is more preferable to have it done correctly than to try to fix it yourself and cause a much larger problem. If you’re in need of plumbing services in the Fox Valley area and beyond, contact Tureks Plumbing Company. Our team of plumbing professionals will fix the problem in no time.
When you move into a new place, the last thing you want to do is fix a plumbing issue. Not only do plumbing problems cost you time but also money. To ensure that your plumbing system is working in prime condition, you’ll want to hire the best plumber in town for a plumbing inspection. Otherwise, you won’t have a reliable plumber to help you with slow drains, toilet problems, or a leak under the kitchen sink. Below, our Fox Valley plumbers share their tips for hiring the right plumber for your plumbing needs.
Choosing the Right Plumber
Even if you end up putting off the search for the best plumber near me until a plumbing emergency, you’ll still want to have someone in mind when the time comes. It’s crucial that you find professionals with years of experience and a reputation for delivering prompt, high-quality work every single time, rather than settle for plumbers that offer low rates yet fail to resolve the problem at hand. To ensure that you’re getting help from the true experts, here are five tips for hiring the right plumber:
Look For a Licensed Plumber
Before any work gets done on your home, you should ask to see the plumber’s qualifications. This way, you can have peace of mind that they are allowed to practice professionally in your location.
Plumbing Service Estimates
Compare their quote with the competition’s to see if they are within a reasonable range. If they are within range it is a good sign. They’re not simply aiming to fetch more business by quoting unbelievably low prices. Also, long-established plumbers will be able to provide an almost accurate initial assessment.
Plumbing Experience
Extensive plumbing experience earned from having been in the industry for several years means the company has a good track record and is considered reliable in the area. Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, the #1 plumber Sacramento, recommends looking at online reviews, the company’s website, and social media to see if the company is as good as they say they are.
Are They Insured?
Insurance is careful about protecting your home. An insured company will also protect its own business, which is always a responsible thing to do.
Ask About a Plumbing Warranty
More than just performing great work, a reputable plumber will provide a guarantee on parts and labor. This will assure you of security as well as reliability when repairs are needed.
If you are looking for a great plumbing company in Fox Cities, contact Turek’s Plumbing to schedule your appointment today.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in August 2016 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
At Tureks Plumbing Services, we make it our duty to educate our customers so that they can fix as many plumbing defects in their homes as they can before they have to call a plumbing professional. It is for the same reason that our experts share the different ways in which you can adjust the toilet filling valve if you see that the toilet tank is not being refilled after you’ve flushed, or that the water is still flowing out of the tank because the filling valve has failed to stop further inflows. In the article below, our Fox Valley plumbers share five ways to adjust the toilet fill valve.
What Is a Toilet Fill Valve?
Your toilet has two valves that work each time you use the toilet. The first valve is the flush valve, which allows water to move from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl when you flush. This flush valve closes once all the water has drained from the toilet tank.
The second valve is the toilet fill valve or ballcock. This valve is responsible for controlling the movement of water into the toilet tank. The valve opens when the tank is empty and then closes once the tank has filled to the predetermined level. As already mentioned, this valve may malfunction and either prevent water from flowing into the tank, or the valve fails to stop water from getting into the tank even when the tank is full. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a plumbing company in Minneapolis, MN, explain that the specific steps that you take to adjust the fill valve will depend on the type of valve that is in your toilet tank.
How to Adjust Your Toilet’s Fill Valve
Adjusting a Piston/Plunger Ballcock
This type of fill valve depends on a ball attached to a float rod (made from brass) to control water flow into the toilet tank. As the ball moves up or down, the rod shifts and activates a plunger inside the ballcock assembly. That plumber can either let water through (if the ball moves downwards), or it can block the flow of water into the tank (if the ball moves upwards).
Adjusting this ballcock is, therefore, a simple task that entails gently bending the brass rod downwards or upwards, depending on your needs. For example, you can bend the rod upwards if the tank wasn’t filling up completely after you flush the toilet. Tureks Plumbing Services cautions that you shouldn’t raise the rod so high that the maximum level of water will exceed the top of the overflow tube. Conversely, you can bend the brass rod downwards if you notice that water was filling the tank to the point of overflowing.
Adjusting Brass Diaphragm Ballcocks
This type of ballcock resembles the plunger valve, except that there is no plunger stem in the brass diaphragm ballcock. The valve body is round and houses a diaphragm seal. Afloat rod moves this mechanism up and down to control water movement. As was the case for the piston valve, you also bend the float rod downwards or upwards in order to adjust the level at which water fills the tank.
Our plumbing company in Appleton, WI, also suggests that you may need to use penetrating oil to free the button of the diaphragm cup if mineral deposits or sediment have locked it in the closed position. Manually push the button down and up multiple times until it can move freely.
Adjusting Plastic Diaphragm Ballcocks
Recent models of plastic diaphragm ballcocks come with an adjustment screw that you can use to alter the fill level of the toilet tank. Turn this screw clockwise if you want to lower the fill level. Conversely, turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise when you want the fill level to be higher.
Adjusting Fill Valves That Have Float Cups
Most toilet assemblies now come equipped with a fill valve that has a float cup, so if yours is a newer house, then it is most likely to have this type of fill valve. The flow of water in such a system is regulated by a cylindrical plastic float. This float moves down or up along the shaft of the fill valve.
A metallic spring keeps the float cup attached to a small float rod. Tureks Plumbing Services advises that you can simply press both sides of this spring and then move the float cup downwards or upwards in order to adjust the fill level of that toilet tank.
Some models of this type of fill valve come with screws that you can adjust to raise or lower the fill level. Check for such a screw and manipulate it to change the level at which the tank fills.
Adjusting Pressure-Activated Fill Valves
Truly floatless fill valves depend on pressure differences to regulate the flow of water into the toilet tank. In this case, the fill valve sits inside the water in the tank. Sensors in the valve detect the pressure differences and cause the valve to move up or down. Check the top of the fill valve and locate the adjustment screw found there. Turn this screw clockwise to raise the fill level or turn it counterclockwise if you want to lower the fill level.
As you can see, the task of adjusting the fill valve is easy once you identify the type of valve in your toilet tank. Contact a plumber in Appleton, WI, for help if you aren’t able to correct the water flow anomaly in your toilet tank despite implementing the tips above. Tureks Plumbing Services offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services in Appleton, WI, so reach out any time you need our services.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in March 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
5 Tips For Preventing Common Sewer Line Issues 2021
Some of the sewer line problems homeowners in Appleton, WI, face include blocked, corroded, damaged, and root-infested pipes. By implementing the right preventative plumbing tips, you can escape all the hassles and high costs of sewer line and plumbing repairs. Below arefive tips for preventing common sewer line issues.
Do Not Flush Just Anything Down The Toilet
The toilet is designed to accommodate toilet paper and human waste, and nothing else. Avoid flushing diapers, tampons, cotton balls, and other paper products down the toilet since they do not dissolve easily and will simply block your pipes and cause an array of plumbing problems.
Avoid Pouring Oil and Grease in Your Sink
Grease, oil, and fatty substances that can be found in soaps and shampoos can accumulate inside the sewer line and cause a blockage. As such, it is important that you do not throw grease and leftover oil down the kitchen drains.
Installing a grease receptor under the kitchen sink will also help prevent grease stoppage. You can also keep the kitchen drain clean by pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water every few weeks or so. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a plumbing company in St. Paul, MN, recommend keeping a jar under your sink where you can pour grease into it after cooking.
Do Not Plant Trees or Shrubs Near Your Sewer Line
Tree roots naturally move to areas with water supplies, which include pipes. If you are starting a garden, avoid planting in areas near or on top of the sewer line.
You can also consider removing trees planted near the sewer line to prevent the roots from damaging the pipes.
Another option would be to sprinkle copper sulfate crystals around the sewer line. This substance will create a poisonous zone around the pipe and prevent the roots from infiltrating into the pipes.
Lastly, if you want to grow trees, plant ones with shallow root structures such as ash, maple, oak, and willow.
Install a Backwater Prevention Valve
A backwater prevention valve is installed into a sewer line and sometimes into a drain line in the basement of a home or building to prevent sewer backflows. When installed properly, the valve allows sewage to go out but not to come back in.
Have Your Sewer Line Checked Periodically
If you are living in a home that is more than 10 years old, have a Fox Valley plumber check your plumbing system and sewer line every year or so or whenever you have any problems with your drains. A professional plumber will be able to pinpoint the exact cause of your sewer line issue and make the necessaryplumbing repairs. In case you have iron pipes, consider having them replaced with UPVC pipes. They are more effective in preventing tree roots from entering your line.
When you have plumbing problems, contact Tureks Plumbing Services. One of our plumbers will assess your plumbing problem and recommend the solution that fits your budget and your needs. We also offer trenchless sewer repairs for a no-dig plumbing solution. Give us a call today for a free estimate!
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in October 2018 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
How to Tell if Your Sewer Line is Clogged or Broken
No homeowner wants to deal with plumbing problems of any sort, significantly when it can cost thousands of repairs. Your Fox Valley plumbing system goes beyond just the pipes inside your house. Most big plumbing issues typically arise on the mainline, and it’s best to stop them as much as possible. Damaged sewer lines can lead to sewage-filled bathrooms, busted pipes, and expensive repairs. If you’re experiencing any plumbing plumbings or have a plumbing emergency in Appleton, WI, contact Tureks Plumbings Services immediately. Below, we share the different ways on how to tell if your sewer line is clogged or broken.
Signs of Problems With The Main Sewer Line
It can be difficult to decide when the problem has to do with your main sewage line. Your home’s plumbing is complex, and it’s difficult to detect any problems without professional help. Problems like clogged drains are fairly common, but the broken main sewer line is a much greater problem that can be costly. If there is an issue with your main sewage line, professional plumbers in Appleton, WI agrees to watch out for the following warning signs:
Sewage Backup and Blockages
Sewage backups might happen every now and then, but if sewage backs up every time you flush the toilet, the problem could be your main sewer line. Both of your home drains depend on the main sewer line to drain properly. If you’re beginning to encounter blockages in more than one drain, it’s certainly a problem with your main sewer line.
Foul Smell
The main sewage line intact should be airtight, which ensures that no odors should escape the pipes. However, if you start to smell anything unpleasant, it may mean a leak in the main sewer line. If the smell of rotten eggs and waste continues to come out of your drains, it’s time to call a plumber.
Mold
Mold could be guilty of some issues, but the guilty party may be a broken mainline within the walls of your house. A crack in the line will allow enough water to leak into your house, which can lead to mold growth over time. The mold is dangerous to your health, so if you find that the mold is beginning to grow on your walls or ceilings, call your emergency plumber immediately.
Slow drainage can be a common plumbing issue, and most cloggings can be resolved with a simple fix, such as a plunger or drain cleaning. If simple unclogging methods do not work to fix the slow drain, the problem could be a deeper blockage in the main sewer line. Unfortunately, mainline logs are generally far larger than simple unclogging methods, but digging into the line itself to reach the root of the issue.
Lush Lawn
Your lawn may look more lush than usual, but it may not be a positive thing. Sewage serves as a great fertilizer, and if you start to see really green grass patches in your yard, it may be from a leaking sewage pipe.
Indentations of the Grass
Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air and Plumbing, a plumbing company in Sacramento, says to be on the lookout for lawn indentations, as well as lush lawns. If your main sewage pipe is cracked, it will saturate the soil around it, gradually causing it to dissipate and dip. Walk around where your sewer line is buried. If you find any changes in your grass, it may be time to call a plumber.
Damage to Home’s Foundation
A broken main sewer line is more than just a plumbing nuisance; it can cause significant structural damage to your house. Broken sewer lines left unchecked over time can lead to cracks in the foundation of your house, a settled foundation, or even sinkholes.
Waste
One of the most visible outdoor signs is if you can see the sewage pool in your yard. If your yard smells bad and there’s a puddle that’s just not going anywhere, the problem may be a broken main sewer pipe.
Pests
Unfortunately, the broken main sewage line can also contribute to unwanted pests inside your house. Rats and insects will easily squeeze through holes and gaps in your sewer line and find their way to your plumbing. These pests can be very harmful to your health. If you believe that you have pests in your pipes, a Fox Valley plumber may perform a visual inspection of your sewer system.
Don’t DIY Your Plumbing Problems
If you seem to have issues with plumbing all the time, it’s most likely a problem you can’t solve without professional assistance. Licensed plumbers can not only diagnose the cause of the problem but can safely fix or rebuild the main sewer line if necessary.
Let Your Fox Valley Plumbers Help
Plumbing issues can be a huge annoyance and disturbance to your home and your daily routine. Some plumbing problems can be repaired without professional assistance, but if the problem is with the main sewage pipe, you need to contact a specialist. In order to ensure that the problem is absolutely solved, contact Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, WI.
As most of us may know, it’s easy to fall behind home maintenance, from plumbing to electrical and HVAC and appliances. There’s a lot to take care of as a homeowner, which is why many people only fix things until it’s broken. To ensure appliances in your home run smoothly and to also save you from extra costs incurred due to breakdowns, you need to be aware of different systems in your home and how they’re functioning. To do this, you can schedule a plumbing inspection by a Fox Valley plumbing company at least once a year. Below, we explain what to expect during a plumbing inspection.
Why Are Plumbing Inspections Important?
While you can perform these inspections on your own, having a professional inspect your home has various benefits. First and foremost, you can rely on the expertise and experience of a Fox Valley plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services to locate and fix any problems that your plumbing system has.
Additionally, hiring a professional to perform a plumbing inspection for your system means that you don’t have to do it yourself. That way, you can spend your Saturday relaxing after a long week instead of housework. Having a professional inspection done also makes sure that all issues, both big and small, are fixed, from having your outdoor pipes insulated properly to prevent freezing over the winter to having your water heater flushed and tested regularly.
This saves you a lot of time and leaves you with peace of mind. What homeowner wouldn’t want that?
What Should You Expect During an Inspection?
A plumbing inspection done by our plumbing company in Appleton, Wisconsin, will include:
Discharge and sump pump inspection
Shut-off valve inspection
Video camera inspection of your sewer pipes and subsurface drains. Locating any misalignment and cracks and getting them fixed may prevent future pipe blockage or collapse
Inspection of your tankless water heater or storage water tank. Your water heater will have its pipes and pressure relief valves tested, then get its water temperature checked before it’s flushed.
An inspection of your laundry room, kitchen and bathroom venting, and drainage systems
Inspection of toilets, showers, and sinks. Here, toilets will get their filler mechanisms, flappers, and water levels checked
Examination of any and all exposed plumbing. This includes traps beneath the laundry room, bathroom, and kitchen sinks as well as shut-off valves
Inspection of the water filtration system
Checking your hydrants for leaks
Benefits of Having Your Plumbing Inspected
You get to save water and money by repairing any small leaks before they develop into big issues.
You lower your risk of plumbing emergencies. However, if an unanticipated plumbing emergency does arise, contact an emergency plumber in Appleton, Wisconsin, for assistance
Like everything else, plumbing systems have lifespans. Having an inspection done extends your system’s lifespan. Locating any faults in pipes and repairing them will keep your pipes from clogs and leaks, thus lengthening their lifespan
You can present your most recent inspection report to your Fox Valley plumber, making it easier to fix any issues without spending extra time searching for the sources
You get to maintain the value of your home. Your plumbing system’s condition plays a very important role in the home appraisal. Well-maintained pipes (with an inspection report as proof) gives you the upper hand in negotiations when selling your house
You identify pipes that are broken or cracked.
Should I Hire a Residential Plumbing Company?
If you already had your house inspected, but you have noticed leaks, you should contact a professional plumber at Tureks Plumbing Services as soon as possible. Leaks are destructive hence the need to address the issue quickly.
Despite not noticing any problems with your plumbing but you haven’t an inspection done, you should hire a plumbing company for annual plumbing maintenance services. McQuillan Bros, a Minneapolis plumbing company, agrees that this will save you time and money in the long run. If you decide not to get an inspection despite our recommendation to do so, you should be on the lookout for any issues that might arise and draw up a plan on how you wish to handle any problems if an issue arises or something breaks down.
Furthermore, having a home inspector carry out an inspection is no different from you doing it yourself. This is because they do not possess the technical knowledge to advise you on any issues your plumbing may have.
Contact a Fox Valley Plumber
If you have any concerns that you would like addressed, Tureks Plumbing Services can help you with your residential or commercial plumbing needs. Just give us a call today!
High-pressure water jetting also referred to as hydro-jetting, is a technique of unblocking and cleaning drains. It uses high water pressure to thoroughly clean drains that have been clogged. This technique removes even the toughest of blockages that may be in your pipes and drains. High-pressure water jetting completed by Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin, leaves your drainage system almost as good as new. You may, therefore, find yourself experiencing no problems with your system in the future.
To help understand how high-pressure water jetting works, here’s a list of some of its benefits.
Hydro-Jetting is Versatile
This method of cleaning can be used to fix both commercial and domestic drainage-related issues. Our commercial plumbing company in Appleton, WI, utilizes state of the art technology to clear blockages from your drains using high-pressure water jetting. Additionally, the drainage engineers are trained and skilled, thus ensuring that there’s no risk of your drains clogging up in the future.
It is an Effective Drain Cleaning Technique
While there are various traditional methods that can be used to unblock drains, none of them equal the effectiveness of high-pressure water jetting. Snaking or rooting a drain does not clean your drainage pipe fully, which leaves residue behind even after the unblocking has been done. Some residue types are sticky, and this may cause the pipe to block, again, explains our friends at Do It Right Plumbers, an OC drain cleaning company.
On the other hand, using high-pressure water jetting to clean your pipes thoroughly ensures that no residue is left behind. This ensures the water flows in your pipes steadily and continuously with no hindrances. Contact an emergency Fox Valley plumbing company today for effective drain cleaning using this technique.
An Environmentally Friendly Option
While it may seem that hydro-jetting is a waste of water, this is a misconception. This is because little water is used, and it only looks like a lot because the pressure of the water in use is high. If you live near a water body such as a river or lake, many drain service providers will utilize water from the river or lake with added pressure to clean your drains. Water is a valuable resource for mankind, so an option that scarcely uses a resource is a better option to that which exploits a lot of the same resource.
In addition, Fox Valley plumbing experts assert that this method of cleaning your drains does not use any harmful chemicals. It, therefore, has no negative impact on the environment.
A Cost-effective Option
Using traditional methods, such as chemical cleaners, baking soda, vinegar, or hot water to unclog your pipes, is only a temporary fix. This only makes it more expensive to have your drain cleaned regularly. The use of hydro-jetting, on the other hand, is effective after one cleaning session. Additionally, it leaves no possibility of your drains clogging up in the near future. This makes it a cost-effective way to unblock drains. Tureks Plumbing Services provides this service at affordable rates; contact us today!
Cleaner Method of Cleaning Your Pipes
In comparison to traditional methods of cleaning your drains, high-pressure water jetting is cleaner, faster, and more efficient. Because it uses water pressure, it requires no chemicals or acid that leave a foul smell behind in your home or your business. Furthermore, the job is done quickly, which reduces the risk of many people getting exposed to possible contaminants. This makes it a cleaner technique for cleaning your pipes that poses no health risks.
Hydro-Jetting Services in Fox Valley
Now that we are well informed on the various benefits of hydro-jetting, you should make sure you use hydro-jetting to unblock your clogged drains. Instead of contacting other companies that may prefer to use traditional sewer methods that may not be safe to clean your pipes, contact Tureks Plumbing Services to clean your pipes using hydro-jetting or trenchless sewer repair.
The method is effective, judging by the benefits mentioned above, so contact us for the best results!
As a homeowner, you’ve probably DIY-ed a bit around your house, from the broken drawer handle to the leaky faucet. These projects are basic and can be done in a few hours. However, there are times when you need to call your Appleton, WI plumber. Otherwise, you may end up creating a bigger problem than the initial issue. Keep in mind that some states do require a licensed contractor to complete plumbing jobs. Below our plumbing contractors share seven plumbing problems you should not DIY.
Gas Leaks
Gas leaks are very rare, but they’re still hazardous to human health and to human life as well. If you do recognize the rotten egg smell that is a sign of gas, then you should evacuate the house immediately.
Then contact emergency services as well as a Fox Valley plumber and wait outside for help. Do not attempt to fix the leak yourself. A certified plumber knows how to deal with natural gas. This also applies to any gas-related problems you might be experiencing. For your own safety as well as that of others, do not try to fix the issue yourself.
Expanding or Moving Your Pipes
If you are planning to expand your plumbing or to move your pipes on your own, we suggest you don’t. To do this, you need a permit before you can begin your operations, and you also need a professional plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services.
Expert plumbers who are licensed know the code requirements that ensure that you and your family are safe and that you are within regulations.
Standing Water
This refers to any body of stagnant water. If you ever encounter standing water in your home, contact a Fox Valley plumber immediately. It does not matter if it’s your sink, toilet, or water heater. It can be caused by leaky pipes, a clogged sewer line, or cracks in the house’s foundation.
Most of the time, standing water is a sign of a bigger issue. So before you begin digging into the problem, get a professional Appleton, WI plumber who will use their expertise to determine the exact cause and repair the problem before your house turns into a waterpark.
Rerouting External or Internal Pipes
If your DIY repairs involve the tearing down or opening up of a wall or the digging up of your yard, then you should, without a doubt, get a professional involved. The issue may be larger than it seems, and without expert knowledge, you can’t really tell for sure.
If you would like to reroute your pipes, involve a certified plumber first. They will inspect your home and make sure that it can accommodate the changes you’d like to implement. A professional plumber will also determine whether those modifications will be up to the plumbing regulations and standards that are set by the local and state government. If they aren’t, they may suggest other ways to execute your desires. Their knowledge helps advise on practical ways of doing what you want, the right way.
Plumbing Appliances
If your appliances such as the sump pump, water heater, or any other water-based appliances have issues, it’s best to have an expert come check them out. The maintenance or replacement of these appliances can be a demanding process that requires skill. Only a licensed plumber from a Fox Valley plumbing company can replace or repair these appliances correctly.
Large Water Connections & Water Pressure
Every homeowner should have the know-how or ability to turn off the water supply in their own home. For simple DIY projects, shutting off the water is not a big deal. However, if you are unsure about which lines to shut off or you need to handle a large water connection, it would be best to call in a professional.
Your home’s water pressure can be tricky to maneuver. Do It Right Plumbers, an Orange County plumbing company, often gets calls from customers complaining about their water pressure. Most have tried just about everything and can’t seem to figure it out. Trust us, it’ll save you the time and hassle if you contact a professional plumbing company.
Foul Odors
Bad smells may be an indication of a much larger issue. More often than not, it is caused by bacteria that feed on the buildup inside your pipes. The materials you flush down the drain can cling to the pipes’ sides and create a biofilm.
If some vents of your plumbing system fail, you may also notice a foul odor coming from them. The bottom line is the pipes need to be taken apart and cleaned. This should be done by a professional plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services. Contact us today for the professional plumbing help you need.
The fall season brings memories of brilliant, lush colors, and cool, comfortable temperatures. It is a period of reprieve after the intense heat of summer and before the winter’s frigid cold rolls in. However, as the leaves start to fall and the heat of the summer dissipates, homeowners everywhere should be aware of how the cold of winter will affect them. The sudden drop in temperature will wreak havoc on their plumbing, especially if they are unprepared.
Although a lot of us take it for granted, plumbing plays a crucial role in modern society. It allows us to properly dispose of waste material and keep our homes clean and sanitary. That’s why plumbing maintenance is important in the weeks leading up to the winter. The prolonged cold weather can be extremely hard on your plumbing fixtures, especially if you aren’t prepared.
If you’ve neglected regular plumbing maintenance and didn’t address minor issues throughout the year, they will most likely be compounded in the winter months. At Turek’s Plumbing Services, we are committed to keeping your plumbing in top shape all year round. But before we look at some of the ways you can prepare your plumbing for the winter, let’s discuss what the cold does to your pipes.
How Cold Weather Causes Plumbing Problems
Winter temperatures in the U.S. usually average just above freezing at 33.2 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can hit lows of 2.6 F in places like Alaska. When the temperature dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the chances of exposed pipes or poorly insulated pipes in garages, basements, and crawl spaces freezing increase exponentially. And whether it’s clean water or waste material flowing through those pipes, you definitely don’t want them to burst, especially during the winter.
A burst pipe will cause water damage, requiring thousands of dollars’ worth of repairs, and it creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. What’s more, burst pipes aren’t always conspicuous, and it may be long before you actually discover it, and this may weaken structures and possibly lead to health problems. That’s why plumbers in Appleton, Wisconsin, recommend you regularly inspect pipes you suspect are at risk of freezing, especially exposed or cracked pipes in exterior walls, attics, and basements.
If there isn’t any water coming out of the faucet or it only trickles at low pressure, one of your pipes may be frozen. Also be on the lookout for:
Frost, on the pipe, especially those that can be seen and the ones under the sink.
Strange or odd smells from a faucet or drain
If you can find the spot where a pipe is frozen, you can thaw it out by applying heat on the frozen section of the pipe. Try wrapping an electronic heating pad, heat the area with a hairdryer, or use towels soaked in hot water. However, don’t use a blowtorch, kerosene heaters, a charcoal stove, or any other open flame device as they represent a severe fire hazard. If this doesn’t work, contact a plumber in Appleton, Wisconsin. Now let’s look at some plumber approved tips on plumbing maintenance as the winter approaches.
Plumbing Maintenance Tips for the Fall
Your plumbing fixtures will be especially vulnerable as the temperature drops. Here’s what you can do:
For outdoor hoses, the water inside them can freeze and expand in cold temperatures. This expansion will cause them and any connected pipes in the house to freeze and break. Disconnect the water hoses, drain them of any remaining water, and store them in a dry area to prevent this.
Outdoor faucets that leak or drip can lead to water damage and severe plumbing issues in the winter. Make sure the faucets are fixed during the fall, and once the outdoor hoses are disconnected, cover and insulate the faucets with a Styrofoam insulation kit.
If your house has an interior shut off valve that is connected to the outside faucets and plumbing, Orange County plumbers recommend shutting it off and opening the outdoor faucet valve. This will ensure that there is no remaining water in the line that could freeze during the winter.
Make sure you insulate any pipes in non-heated areas like the crawl space or the garage. This will prevent them from freezing.
At the spot where a pipe enters your home, gaps can easily develop between the pipe and the wall over time. Cold air can enter through these gaps. Gilmore Heating & Air, a heating and cooling company in Placerville, says HVAC systems work a lot harder and even freeze the pipes. Seal any gaps you find with weather stripping, caulking, and insulation.
Your water heater will be working a lot harder in the winter months, so make sure you completely flush it in the fall. This will remove the sediment buildup, which blocks proper heat transfer, ensuring the water heater runs more efficiently in the winter months.
Additionally, make sure your sump pump is properly cleaned and insulated. This will ensure it doesn’t freeze in the cold temperatures. Appleton plumbing maintenance professionals can help if this task is difficult for you.
Take advantage of the fall to winter-proof your plumbing. Integrating these tips into your plumbing maintenance routines will make sure your plumbing operates efficiently during the coming winter months. At Turek’s Plumbing Services, we are committed to keeping your plumbing in good shape all year round. Contact us for your bathroom renovation, pipe repair, pipelining, sewer pipe repair, and trenchless pipe repair needs in Appleton Wisconsin today.
