Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Fox Valley Plumber’

Why Is My Toilet Bubbling?

Wednesday, April 17th, 2019

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

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

Why the Toilet May Be Bubbling or Gurgling

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

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

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

Plunge the Toilet

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

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

Check With Your Neighbors

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

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

Use a Plumber’s Snake

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

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

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

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

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

Inspect and Clean the Vent Stack

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

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

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

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

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Plumbing Mistakes New Homeowners Make

Thursday, March 28th, 2019

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Top 7 Plumbing Mistakes New Homeowners Make

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

Thinking Any Tool Will Do

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

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

Taking Long to Fix Minor Defects

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

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

Not Shutting the Water Off

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

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

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

Mismatching Plumbing Materials

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

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

Doing Unpermitted Work

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

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

Careless Mistakes While Soldering

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

Not Asking for Professional Help

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

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Top 6 Trenchless Sewer Repair Benefits You Should Know

Wednesday, March 20th, 2019

Trenchless sewer repair benefits

Top 6 Trenchless Sewer Repair Benefits You Should Know

Needing sewer line repairs on your property usually triggers groans from homeowners because of the inconvenience. However, new trenchless sewer repair technology is now available and you can opt for this modern way of fixing sewer line defects. Here are some of the key benefits of trenchless sewer repair that you can consider.

Trenchless Sewer Repair Is Less Invasive

Traditional sewer repair methods were a nightmare because of all the disruption that it would cause. For example, a large section of your yard can be dug up in order to fix a damaged sewer pipe.

Trenchless sewer repair has provided a solution to all this mess. In this method, only one or two access holes are dug and the repair is completed without further damage to your landscape. Ask a Fox Valley plumber about trenchless sewer line repair if you need sewer repair done.

Trenchless Sewer Repair Requires Less Time

Another major advantage of trenchless sewer repair is that less time is required to complete the project. An expert at Tureks Plumbing Services explains that there are two key reasons for this time-economy of the technique. First, the fact that minimal digging is needed saves time. Where plumbers need several days or weeks to dig up and then return the fill earth into the hole during traditional sewer repair, trenchless sewer repair needs just one or two access holes and the job can proceed swiftly.

The second reason why less time is required is that a significant portion of the work is done by machines rather than by humans. For instance, the process of inserting a liner inside a damaged sewer pipe is achieved using a machine. Traditional sewer repair often requires more man labor. For instance, workers will have to get inside the pipe in order to repair it, and this takes more time.

Trenchless Sewer Repair is Less Expensive

Initially, it is easy to conclude that trenchless sewer repair is more expensive compared to traditional sewer repair. However, a closer analysis shows the reverse to be true. For example, a plumber in Appleton, WI explains that traditional sewer repair may seem affordable but when you factor in the costs you incur to restore your yard to the state it was before the repairs, then the option doesn’t seem so affordable after all. The longer lifespan of the completed trenchless sewer repairs also spreads out the cost and makes the option affordable in the long run.

Higher Quality Work

Trenchless sewer repair utilizes high-quality materials that make the completed job better than traditional plumbing. For example, cured in place pipes (CIPP) are used to fix damaged pipe sections. These pipes have no seams. So, they stand a high chance of lasting much longer than metallic pipes which have joints. In fact, many trenchless sewer repair firms often say the pipes will last for 50 or more years! This is due to the high quality of the materials used during trenchless sewer repair.

Improved Sewer Function

The latest technology that is used during trenchless sewer repair ensures a successful repair. For instance, the seamless CIPP pipes used to remove the places where solids flowing through the system could snag and cause a clog to develop. You should, therefore, talk to a Fox Valley plumber about trenchless sewer repair if you would like a more efficient system once the repairs are completed.

Convenience

As already mentioned, traditional sewer repair takes several days or even weeks to be completed. Can you imagine living in your home for all those days when you cannot use the toilet or shower? You will most likely find a temporary place to live, such as a hotel, while the plumbers complete the repairs. Such inconveniences can disrupt your life and make it harder for you to do the things that you normally do, such as focusing on your job while at work. Trenchless sewer repair spares you those inconveniences since the sewer system will be back to normalcy in a short time.

Trenchless sewer repair may not be appropriate for all situations. For example, the damaged pipe section may be on an undeveloped section of your property where traditional trenching wouldn’t cause any serious damage. It is therefore advisable for you to talk to an expert at Tureks Plumbing Services so that the suitability of this method can be ascertained.  

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Why You Should Hire a Commercial Plumber

Wednesday, February 13th, 2019

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Why You Should Hire a Commercial Plumber Instead of a Handyman

Some inexperienced owners or managers of commercial buildings may think that it will be more cost-effective for them to hire a handyman to fix commercial plumbing problems instead of hiring commercial plumbers for those tasks. However, many compelling reasons exist to make the case for hiring commercial plumbers for all plumbing maintenance and repairs in commercial buildings. This article discusses some of those reasons.

The Use of Appropriate Tools

Plumbing problems can be complex. For example, drains can block due to accumulations of grease and fats, or due to solids that were inadvertently flushed. Non-professionals are likely to use the wrong tools to try and fix the problem. These tools may at best not get rid of the problem completely. They may even create worse problems, such as when the pipe is damaged by the improper tools. Commercial plumbers like those from Tureks Plumbing Services, use the best tools for a given problem so that the issue will be fixed without creating additional problems within the plumbing system.

Round the Clock Availability

Handymen don’t specialize in any kind of job, so they are likely to accept any and all kinds of assignments given to them. These individuals get tired and therefore only work within a given timeframe. You are likely to be stuck in case the plumbing system develops a problem outside business hours, on weekends or during holidays.

Fox Valley plumbers are available 24/7 because they know that plumbing problems don’t respect work schedules or holidays. You can, therefore, count on someone from Tureks Plumbing Services coming out to your aid each time you call about a problem. Who doesn’t want such an assurance of help at any time of the day or night?

Plumbing Code Compliance

Good luck to you if you want to rely on a handyman to maintain your commercial plumbing system in accordance with the plumbing code of your area. You risk having the building shut down by the authorities as soon as plumbing code violations are discovered. It is far better to engage a commercial plumber in Appleton, WI so that you are sure that the professional will do everything in accordance with the applicable code in your area. This will save you from the losses associated with closing your building until all plumbing code violations are rectified.

Lasting Plumbing Solutions

Don’t expect anything other than a patched up job from a handyman. For example, he or she will fix a leak by trying different materials around the damaged pipe. It is just a matter of time before that makeshift repair gives way and you have a worse problem on your hands. A Fox Valley plumber will inspect the affected section of the plumbing system and select a repair method that will fix the problem for good. Which would you prefer, the patches of a handyman or the lasting solutions implemented by an experienced commercial plumber?

Insurance

A commercial plumber in Appleton, WI is always insured and bonded. This means that you will be protected in case your property is damaged while the plumber is working. For example, your property may sustain water damage in case a pipe suddenly bursts while the plumber is working. The insurer of the plumber will meet all the costs of fixing the water damage. In addition, the work done by a commercial plumber comes with a warranty. So you will not incur any additional cost in case the repair fails within the warranty period. Handymen don’t provide these protections.

Provision of a Variety of Services

Tureks Plumbing Services is a one-stop center for all your commercial plumbing needs. You will be able to get any service you need, such as plumbing system inspections, plumbing repairs, and maintenance, etc. Such a broad range of services cannot be obtained from a handyman, however, experienced he may be. Fox Valley plumbers undergo extensive training, so they are equipped to provide a wide range of plumbing services.

As you can see, you can save money and time by engaging the licensed plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services anytime you need plumbing Services in Appleton, WI or the surrounding areas. We’ll design a custom plan so that you never have to suffer a preventable plumbing problem.

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Common Objects That Clog Toilets

Wednesday, February 6th, 2019

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Common Objects That Clog Toilets

It is sad to realize that many homeowners spend a lot of money each year to hire plumbers to unclog their toilet or plumbing system. It’s unfortunate because a significant fraction of those emergency plumbing calls could have been avoided if only the homeowners and their family members knew that they shouldn’t flush certain common objects down the toilet. Here are the most common objects that clog toilets. 

Excessive Amounts of Toilet Paper

Most people instinctively know how much toilet paper to use and flush down the toilet. However, kids may not have such rationality, and they will quickly turn flushing toilet paper into a game. When a large amount of toilet paper is flushed in one go, it can bunch itself into a tight ball as it travels down the drain. That ball of toilet paper will not degrade as rapidly as expected, and a clog may develop at that point where the ball has snagged. Fox Valley plumbers advise parents to teach their kids to refrain from flushing excessive amounts of toilet paper.

Don’t Flush Hair 

Are you in the habit of cleaning your pet dog in your bathtub and then letting the fur flow down the drain? Or do you collect that fur and flush it down the toilet? Whether it is human or animal hair, never flush it down your toilet. Many plumbers in Appleton, WI admit that the number one cause of shower drain clogs is hair. A better option is to place a strainer on the bathtub drain so that all the hair is collected and disposed of properly with the trash. Don’t even think of dumping it in the toilet!

Don’t Flush Feminine Hygiene Products

It is common to find signage in public restrooms reminding users not to flush feminine hygiene products like tampons and sanitary towels down the toilet. However, some people don’t implement the same advice at home. Those products aren’t biodegradable, and they will clog the toilet sooner rather than later. Always have a trash can in the bathroom so that such products can be disposed of with the trash instead of finding their way into the toilet. The number of times you have to call a Fox Valley plumber for help regarding a clogged toilet will reduce significantly once you make this one change.

Don’t Flush Paper Towels

There’s a reason why a trash can is placed close to the sink where you wash your hands after using a public restroom. That can is intended to be a receptacle for the paper towel you use to dry your hands. While paper towels are made from, well, paper, they are thick and will not break down easily when flushed. In case you weren’t aware that paper towels shouldn’t be flushed, now you know. Talk to a plumber in Appleton, WI about the plumbing problems caused by paper towels if you still have doubts about the dangers of flushing paper towels.

Don’t Flush Toys

This one seems obvious, but curious and playful kids will not hesitate to turn flushing toys into a game. All it takes is just one toy to get stuck anywhere in the plumbing drains, and you will have a major clog in the system. As you know, kids will always be kids, so take the precaution of having someone to supervise them at all times if they have toys while in the bathroom.

Don’t Flush Baby Wipes and Diapers

You may think that flushing diapers may be a quick fix to the odors, but that quick fix will cost you once the toilet develops a clog. The same risk will take place when you flush baby wipes or any type of wipe. Don’t believe it when the packaging of the wipes says that they are “flushable.” What the manufacturers mean differs from what your plumber in Appleton, WI will regard as flushable. This is because anything you flush should degrade in a short time so that blockages don’t develop in the plumbing system.

There are many other common objects that you should refrain from flushing down the toilet. A simple way to remember them all is to adopt a simple rule that you and your family members should only flush toilet paper and nothing else. Call Tureks Plumbing Services if you suspect that a clog is preventing your toilet from draining as quickly as it should. We shall send an experienced Fox Valley plumber to assess the situation and perform the needed work before your toilet backs up.

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Why Flushable Wipes Will Clog Your Drains

Wednesday, January 9th, 2019

why flushable wipes will clog your drains

Why Flushable Wipes Will Clog Your Drains

Many manufacturers of wet wipes claim that their products can be flushed down the toilet, but the experience of many homeowners shows that plumbing problems result when these wipes are routinely flushed. This article seeks to answer the question “Are flushable wipes safe to flush?”

How Does Flushing Wet Wipes Compare to Flushing Toilet Paper?

Tureks Plumbing Services reveals that in different tests conducted, toilet paper was found to disintegrate within 8 seconds after being flushed down the toilet. However, wet wipes hardly disintegrated more than a minute after being flushed.

This inability to breakdown quickly makes wet wipes a risky product to flush down your toilet because the wipes eventually accumulate and cause a clog in the system.

Why Would Manufacturers Claim That Wet Wipes Are Flushable?

Two possible reasons could explain why some manufacturers claim that the wet wipes they make are flushable. The first reason is that due to competition, some manufacturers may choose to be “economical with the truth” (mislead buyers) by asserting that you can flush their products down the toilet. Saying otherwise would mean that the product wouldn’t be popular among buyers since no one wants to do extra work to dispose of the wet wipes in the garbage when flushing them is an easier option.

Secondly, the protocol that some manufacturers use to test whether a wet wipe is flushable or not isn’t as rigorous as what plumbers would want. For example, the manufacturer may design a computer simulation model to generate data on how quickly the wipe will breakdown. At the same time, the manufacturer may just test whether the wet wipe will go down the drain. So if it does, then it has passed the test of being flushable. Consequently, many wipes pass the “flushability test” without being flushable in the true sense of the word.

How do Wet Wipes Cause Clogs?

As already mentioned, wet wipes don’t break down as quickly as toilet paper does. Consequently, these solid materials will flow down the drains and slow down as they move further in the system. Fox Valley plumbers say that problems arise as these wet wipes approach the entrance to the septic tank. This is because the entry points are small. So, the wipes stand a high chance of building up there and causing a blockage.

Matters are worsen based on the condition of your pipes. For example, some metallic pipes are so degraded that the wipes can snag on their interior surfaces. This triggers a domino effect of other materials piling up behind the wet wipe until a clog forms. The big ball of solids will be costly to trace and remove.

Experienced plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services explain that the condition of the pipes may be the reason why one home will develop a major clog months later while another home will take longer to suffer the consequences of flushing wet wipes down the toilet.

Why Professional Drain Cleaning Is Important

You can never be sure that wet wipes or other unsuitable materials (feminine hygiene products, for example) have never been flushed down the toilet. The effects of such actions don’t usually show immediately. So, Tureks Plumbing Services advises homeowners to be proactive and have the drains cleaned professionally at least once every three years.

This professional drain cleaning does a more thorough job than the chemical cleaners that some people pour down drains. For example, the chemical cleaners can damage some plumbing pipe materials. Plumbers select the most appropriate technique, such as water-jetting, to clean out the plumbing drains so that they are clear.

Now you have a comprehensive response to the question “Are flushable wipes safe to flush?” In case you still have other concerns, just reach out to Tureks Plumbing Services or any Fox Valley plumber. You will get the help you need to make the right choices regarding what to flush or not flush.

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7 Ways to Save Water at Home

Friday, January 4th, 2019

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7 Ways to Save Water at Home

Many areas regularly experience water shortages that cause the utility companies to ration how much water each home can access in a day. Additionally, the cost of water has been creeping upwards over the years. These two factors make a strong case for saving as much water as you can in your home. This article discusses some of the easy ways to save water at home so that you reduce how much you spend while conserving the environment.

Fix Water Leaks

Experienced professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services estimate that most homes have water leaks they aren’t aware. Many homeowners don’t realize this until a plumber performs a plumbing system inspection, or a major leak develops, and water starts gushing out. Those undetected leaks not only cause your monthly water bill to rise, but they also have the potential to trigger other costly effects. Damage to your foundation and the risk of mold growth in your home are commonly caused by water damage.

It is therefore prudent to fix any faucet or other leaks as soon as they are noticed. In the meantime, you can use a bucket to collect any water from a leaking faucet. Use that water for other domestic chores, such as watering your indoor plants.

Be Mindful of How You Use the Dishwasher

Many modern dishwashers come with an Eco setting. Use that setting each time you are using this appliance. Additionally, you can save more water by waiting until you have a full load for the dishwasher before you start it. This measure will use water more economically than when you run less than full loads in the dishwasher.

Upgrade to Water-Efficient Appliances

Efficiency is much more important today. Our friends at Gilmore Heating & Air, a plumbing and residential ac company in Folsom, agree that homeowners everywhere are upgrading to energy-efficient HVAC systems and water-efficient appliances. By popular demand, most appliance manufacturers now have water-efficient models that you can consider for your home. For example, you can ask an Appleton plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services to replace your old toilets with dual-flush versions.

The dual-flush toilets conserve water because a user flushes using less water after a short call while the full flush is reserved for the time when a member of your household has done number two. Similarly, a smart sprinkler system can save you a lot of water. Since the system will determine the most appropriate volume of water to use during each session of watering your lawn. Sensors in the soil detect how much water is still available and send signals to the control system to tweak its parameters for that day.

Buy Biodegradable Cleaning Products

One of the biggest reasons why there is less water, and it is expensive is the impact of the pollutants contained in modern cleaning products. Those pollutants are poured down drains, and they ultimately end up in underground water reservoirs or streams. Utility companies, therefore, have to use a lot of resources to clean that water before supplying it to homes and other places where it is needed.

Plumbers in Appleton, WI, therefore advise homeowners to opt for eco-friendly cleaners when shopping. This will reduce the degree to which groundwater is polluted.

Know When to Water Your Plants

The time when you water your plants can also contribute to water conservation or wastage in your home. For example, a person who waters the lawn at midday will waste a lot of water because a fraction of that water will evaporate instead of percolating into the ground. In contrast, another person who waters the lawn early in the morning or late in the afternoon will conserve water because most of the water will soak into the ground during the cool weather. It is also helpful to invite a Fox Valley plumber to check the irrigation system for leaks.

Reduce Your Shower Time

Research has established that the traditional showerheads release about five gallons of water every minute. People who take lengthy showers, therefore, waste a lot of water. Another of the ways to save water at home entails spending no more than five minutes when showering. Use a timer if need be. Switch to low-flow showerheads as well so that you cut water use in the shower further. Plumbers from Tureks Plumbing Services can help you to select the most appropriate showerheads.

Another related trick is to keep the water faucet off as you brush your teeth, shave or soap your hands. A touch-free faucet can be a good upgrade for the purpose of saving water as you use the bathroom sink.

Spread the Word – Save Water

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that your efforts alone will achieve the water conservation results that you desire. Tell all your family members to participate to save the most water! Devote more effort towards training your kids to be mindful of how they use water. You will gradually see them become more conscious of their water-use habits.

Implementing the different ways to save water at home requires you to partner with an experienced plumber in Appleton, WI. Contact Tureks Plumbing Services if you need any help in dealing with a plumbing problem. We are available 24/7 throughout the year, including holidays.

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6 Winter Plumbing Tips That Will Save You Money

Friday, December 28th, 2018

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6 Winter Plumbing Tips That Will Save You Money

The plumbing system undergoes a lot of stress during the winter. It’s imperative that you do everything possible to protect your plumbing system from developing costly defects during this time of the year. This article discusses some of the winter plumbing tips that will save you money. 

Turn the Exterior Water Valves Off

The water pipes outside your home have the highest chance of freezing since they are exposed to the elements. It is therefore advisable for you to wrap them in insulation and also turn the water off. Additionally, experts at Tureks Plumbing Services recommend that you leave the outdoor faucets to drip slowly so that the likelihood that the pipes will freeze is reduced.

Locate the Main Shutoff Valve

Another of the important winter plumbing tips is that you need to know where the main shutoff valve of your plumbing system is located. This information will help you to take swift action to turn the water supply off in case a plumbing emergency, such as a pipe burst, occurs. Otherwise, searching for the main valve as water is gushing all over your house can result in serious water damage that will be expensive to fix. Fox Valley plumbers also recommend that you open and close this valve at least once each year to keep it working properly.

Be Careful When Conserving Energy During the Winter

Many homeowners tend to lower the thermostat setting on the HVAC system as they leave home in order to conserve energy. However, you need to be mindful that you can end up being penny wise but pound foolish while trying to save a few dollars on your energy bill without thinking about the broader implications of that decision. In other words, turning the temperature too low can create an opportunity for a plumbing pipe to freeze and trigger water damage that will cost you thousands of dollars to fix. An experienced plumber in Appleton, WI, recommends that you play it safe and avoid lowering the temperature to less than 45°F so that you conserve energy but protect water pipes from freezing while you are away.

Check the Outdoor Drainage

Your lawn will receive huge amounts of snow and rain during the winter, so make sure the drainage works. Start by checking the gutters and downspouts for any debris that may prevent snow and water from draining away. Clear the yard too so that nothing prevents runoff water from leaving your property.

Take Extra Care of the Kitchen Plumbing

Winter also coincides with the holidays, so the kitchen plumbing is under excessive stress during this time. The kitchen drains, and garbage disposal needs proper care to continue functioning.

For example, Tureks Plumbing Services recommends that you wait for all oils and fats to solidify in your cooking pots instead of pouring them down the drain. Rather, scrape them off the containers and into the garbage bin for disposal. This will save the drains from clogging up due to the effects of those fats.

Similarly, use the garbage disposal carefully. Always start the disposal before you pour food debris into it, then run water through the disposal so that the drains are cleared. This will prevent the disposal from clogging up.

Make the Right Hiring Decisions

Your plumbing system will function based on how well the system was taken care of prior. This begins with hiring the most qualified and experienced professionals, such as those from Tureks Plumbing Services, to service and repair the system. Such professionals will be licensed and insured, and you will receive a written statement detailing each repair that needs to be done each time something breaks.

The winter plumbing tips shared in the discussion may not cover all the basics that you need to look into. However, they will go a long way towards reducing the likelihood of problems in your plumbing system. Work closely with your Fox Valley plumber so that you can receive all the information and technical assistance.

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Plumbing Resolutions for the New Year

Wednesday, December 26th, 2018

Plumbing Resolutions for the New Year

Plumbing Resolutions for the New Year

Research has it that approximately 45 percent of all people make resolutions at the start of each year. However, only a paltry 8 percent of those people actually implement those resolutions. Our team Tureks Plumbing Services would like you to consider the following plumbing resolutions for the New Year so you can save on your plumbing bill in 2019!

Be More Considerate of Your Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal is one of the unsung heroes of your plumbing system. However, many homeowners ignore this appliance until something malfunctions. Let next year be a different year for the garbage disposal in your home. Resolve to treat it better by being more mindful about what you deposit inside the disposal. For example, don’t place large chunks of debris inside the disposal just because it has blades that can cut that debris into tiny pieces. Instead, cut the debris into smaller pieces so that the garbage disposal doesn’t overwork.

Such consideration will reduce the wear and tear on your disposal. Defects will also be fewer, so you will have a reduced need to call Tureks Plumbing Services to fix a disposal malfunction.

Fix Defects Promptly

The second of the plumbing resolutions for the New Year entails taking prompt action as soon as a defect is detected in the plumbing system. You see, plumbing defects differ in intensity/seriousness. For example, a minor leak may develop at the kitchen faucet, or the main water pipe into your home may burst and start gushing water into your yard. These two leaks elicit different degrees of urgency among homeowners.

However, that minor leak that you delay to fix can result in additional problems. For example, the slow leak can inflate your monthly water bill. Secondly, the moist conditions created by the leak can promote the growth of mold and mildew (with their attendant health risks).

It is therefore wise for you to contact a plumber in Appleton, WI, each time you detect any defect in the plumbing system. The New Year will then have fewer plumbing emergencies if you act quickly each time a defect is noticed.

Conserve Water

You should also resolve to conserve water more in the New Year. This can be attained in several ways, such as upgrading to water-efficient toilets and showerheads. In fact, even fixing defects promptly can help you to conserve water since the wastage resulting from plumbing defects will be avoided.

Consult a Fox Valley plumber in case you want to implement more comprehensive changes in your home in order to make the plumbing system more efficient. The professional will inspect your home and suggest the most cost-effective ways to conserve water in your home.

Give Your Water Heater More Attention

The water heater in your home is an important appliance from a comfort point of view and from the aspect of energy-efficiency. For example, a sudden malfunction can deny your family members hot water to take a shower in the middle of winter. Such an inconvenience can be hard to bypass during such weather.

It is therefore vital that you resolve to give your water heater more attention this coming year (and beyond) so that it can continue to give you the reliable service that you have come to expect. Check the anode frequently and replace it when it is eroded. Flush the tank regularly so that sediment doesn’t accumulate and spring a leak. You can also ask a Fox Valley plumber to check that water heater so that the defects you weren’t aware of as a layperson are fixed before they worsen and compromise the functioning of the appliance.

Keep Pipes Warm

Your plumbing resolutions for the New Year may not be complete if you haven’t thought about how to winterize the plumbing system. Make a conscious decision to keep the water pipes warm during the cold months of the year so that you can forestall those pipes from bursting after freezing.

It is especially important to keep the pipes outdoors and those where no air conditioning exists (attic and basement, for example) warm by wrapping them in insulation. This insulation is affordable and can be bought in rolls at plumbing or hardware stores. Ask one of our experts at Tureks Plumbing Services for recommendations in case you aren’t sure of which particular product to buy and use.

Have Regular Inspections Done

Resolve to start being more proactive rather than reactive when it comes to addressing plumbing system issues. Don’t wait for a problem to occur before you pay some attention to the plumbing system. Instead, ask an experienced plumber in Appleton, WI, to inspect the entire system at least once each year so that defects can be caught early. Such proactive measures will reduce your expenditure on plumbing repairs, and the system will break down less frequently.

Tureks Plumbing Services is available round the clock throughout the year. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help in implementing any of the plumbing resolutions for the New Year covered in the discussion above. We shall do everything possible to keep your plumbing system working without a hitch.

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Posted in Bathroom Remodel, Kitchen Plumbing, Kitchen Remodel Planning, Plumbing Pipes, Plumbing Problems, Plumbing Trends, Professional Plumbing Services, Residential Plumbing, Sewer and Drain, Toilets, Water Efficiency, Water Heater, Water Heater Instillation, Water Heater Repair, Water Pressure | Comments Off on Plumbing Resolutions for the New Year

The Best Time of Year for Home Improvement Projects

Thursday, December 20th, 2018

the best time of year for home improvement projects - Tureks plumbing

The Best Time of Year for Home Improvement Projects

The success and cost of a home improvement project may depend on how well you time that project. However, many inexperienced homeowners don’t know what they should consider starting a home improvement project. This article discusses some considerations which will help you to select the best time of year for home improvement projects.

Consider How the Weather Will Impact the Home Improvement Project

The weather plays a key role in easing or making it hard to execute a home improvement project. For example, it will be harder to dig the foundation of a home addition during the winter. Instead, such a project will be easier to do in the warmer, drier months of the year. Similarly, the hot weather is an ideal time for power washing the exterior walls since they will dry quickly. However, that same hot weather is unsuitable for refinishing hardwood flooring because the new finish will dry too quickly.

Talk to your plumber in Appleton, WI, about the specifics of your home improvement project so you can figure out the best time to start your project.

Hire A Professional for Your Home Remodel

Your desire to have a home improvement project done may be subject to the availability of the professionals. For example, it can be hard to get an HVAC technician to come to your home on the same day that you call and ask to have your HVAC system upgraded during the busy seasons.

Similarly, the warmer months of the year mark peak time for most tradespeople since many homeowners are having a home remodel projects done before the cold weather sets in. This means that you may have two options when selecting the best time of year for home improvement projects.

First, you can plan ahead and book the needed professionals, such as those from Tureks Plumbing Services, early enough so that they will be available at the time you want the project to be done. You can then sit back and wait for the agreed time to reach for the work to kick off.

Secondly, you can try to schedule your home improvement project for the off-peak season. For example, you can schedule an interior painting project during the colder months.

Consider Your Home Improvement Budget

Your budget may also influence when the best time of year for home improvement projects may be. For example, it can be hard to get discounts on major materials and labor during the peak seasons.

Conversely, you will get good deals when you schedule the project during an off-peak season. For instance, it may be more affordable for you to have a new bath installed during the winter instead of peak summer time. 

You can therefore specifically target off-peak seasons for all your home improvement projects. In case you want to negotiate hard for discounts and concessions from the suppliers and professionals. But, don’t ignore the specific project requirements (such as the ideal weather conditions).

Your Household’s Home Improvement Project

It may be hard to come up with a recommendation of an ideal time when certain projects should be done by everyone since each situation is unique and those unique conditions may dictate the correct timing for different homeowners.

For example, you may want to install a Jacuzzi in your home just in time for your wedding anniversary. This may cause you to schedule a home improvement project during an “unorthodox” season. However, this will compel you to ask experienced plumbers, like Tureks Plumbing Services, to execute the work you need.

As you can see, what may be the best time of year for home improvement projects for one family may be inappropriate for another family. Share as much information as you can with a Fox Valley plumber or any other suitable professional so that issues of project timing can be worked out without compromising the other crucial considerations.

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