Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘plumber in Appleton WI’

Kitchen Sink Backing Up When Washing Laundry

Wednesday, September 29th, 2021
Kitchen Sink Backing Up When Washing Laundry - Fox Valley Cities

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. 

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Flood Draining Maintenance Tips

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021
floor drain maintenance tips - Appleton WI

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.

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How to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater

Wednesday, September 15th, 2021
How to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater - Appleton WI

Expanding the Life of Your Water Heater

Most homeowners don’t realize how heavily they rely on their water heater. As you probably know, your water heater is responsible for all of your hot water. Without it, it would be difficult to shower, wash dishes, and do laundry. To keep your water heater working at its best ability, it is recommended that you have it serviced by your Appleton plumber. There are other ways to increase its longevity. In this article, Tureks Plumbing shares how to extend the life of your water heater tank and preserve its efficiency and safety.

Water Heater Maintenance

This will only take a few minutes. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, contact Tureks Plumbing. Here’s what you’ll need: 

  • Bucket
  • Plumbers Tape
  • Towels
  • Slip joint pliers

Note: pressure release valve is required for the following tasks.

How Long Does a Water Heater Last?

You may be wondering how long water heater tanks last. Some water heaters can last a decade without maintenance. Some are not so lucky. Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, a plumber in Sacramento, point out that the unit’s life expectancy depends on the type of water heater you have. However, a few minutes of water heater maintenance once a year is worth the effort. If there are any issues, here are some water heater repair suggestions to assist keep it running.

Checklist for Basic Water Heater Maintenance: Examine the Pressure-Relief Valve

Put the Valve to the Test

Check the pressure-relief valve, which is usually placed on the top or side of the water heater. If the pressure inside the tank becomes too high, this valve will automatically open. Place a bucket beneath the valve for draining.

Change the Valve (if Necessary)

Replace the valve if it does not release water when you lift the lever. The replacement is straightforward: Turn off the water, drain the tank, and then detach the discharge pipe and the old valve. Wrap sealant tape around the threads of the new valve and screw it in. If your valve has been sitting for a while and has never been tested, it may leak after you test it. 

Examine Your Work

Close the cold water supply line shutoff valve that feeds the water heater. Then, using any faucet, turn on the hot water to relieve the pressure inside the water heater’s tank. Keep the water running until you’ve finished your work. Turn off the electricity to your electric heater at the main panel. Turn the gas control dial to “off” on a gas heater.

Built-up Sediment From the Water Heater Tank Should Be Drained.

Drain the tank to flush out sediments that have accumulated at the bottom. Sediment buildup reduces the efficiency of your water heater, shortening its life and increasing your energy expenditure. Two or three liters of water should be plenty to wash away sediments, but always let the water flow until no particles are visible in the bucket. Slowly open the drain valve and let the water run until it is clear and sediment-free.

Expect Noises

Don’t be alarmed if you hear gurgling or groaning from the heater. That sound is simply air entering the system as the water drains. Drain the tank entirely, detach the old valve, and screw in a new one if the drain valve won’t close tightly when you’re finished. To restart the water heater, open the shutdown valve and run hot water from any faucet to purge the system of air. Then, relight the pilot or switch on the electricity.

Set the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If the dial lacks digits, use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the water temperature. Higher temperatures promote sediment buildup and increase the danger of scorching injuries.

Now that you know how to extend the life of your water heater, you can easily incorporate this in your annual to-do’s. If you come across any problems, don’t hesitate to contact Tureks Plumbing. Our team is available 24/7 for emergency plumbing services. 

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Reasons Not to Use Liquid Drain Cleaners

Wednesday, September 8th, 2021
reasons not to use liquid drain cleaners - Appleton plumber

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.

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Water Heater Repair Tips

Wednesday, April 14th, 2021
water heater repair tips - Appleton WI

Troubleshooting Tips For Common Water Heater Issues

In your house, your water heater works hard to provide hot water during showers, dishwashing, and laundry. Since we all heavily rely on our water heater, there are times where your water heater gets overworked. If you’re having trouble with your water heater, we recommend following these water heater repair tips. In need of a water heater repair? Contact Tureks Plumbing in Appleton, WI.

Common Water Heater Problems & Solutions

Water Heater Temperatures 

Water temperature issues are common issues with water heaters. Here are three water temperature problems, as well as their possible causes and solutions:

  • Water is cold – A lack of fuel, a defective thermostat, or a faulty heating element are the most common causes of cold water in a hot water heater. Begin by looking at the fuse box to make sure there are no electricity issues
  • Water isn’t hot enough – If your water isn’t hot enough, it may be due to an undersized water heater, crossed connections, or a defective heating element or thermostat. Turning off the water source and turning on a hot water faucet will rule out a crossed connection. If the water still flows, you might have a crossed connection. Aside from that, we suggest contacting a plumbing contractor for a water heater inspection.
  • Too hot water – Too hot water normally indicates that the thermostat is set too high. To change the thermostat temperature, consult your water heater manual. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your hot water heater to 120° F for the best combination of heat and performance.

Water Heater Leaking

Water leakage can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Temperature and pressure issue (T&P) a safety valve
  • Insufficient water heater problems
  • Overheating a clogged valve
  • A defective gasket

Next, inspect the loose heating element bolts and tighten them as required. If the heating element continues to leak, you will most likely need to replace the gasket. Additionally, look for leaks on or around the storage tank – since storage tanks usually corrode from the inside, you’re likely witnessing the beginning of the end for your water heater.

Of course, you can eliminate tank leaks entirely by investing in a tankless water heater. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, who provides the Twin Cities plumbing services, explains that tankless water heaters last almost twice as long as the storage water heaters. Additionally, they take up about a quarter of the room.

Discolored Water

Rusty water may imply corrosion of your tank’s inner lining, which is often caused by a failing anode rod. Contact a licensed water heater technician to see if removing the anode rod would resolve the issue. From there, you’ll know if you need a water heater repair or water heater replacement. 

Strange Noises 

The most common source of strange noises coming from your water heater is sediment buildup. You should try to resolve this issue by flushing the water heater. Ask our plumbers in Appleton, WI, about how to flush your water heater. If you flush your water heater and the issue continues, or if the sediment accumulation is too large to remove, contact us for an estimate on a water heater replacement. 

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Tankless Water Heater Myths

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021
tankless water heater myths

Tankless Water Heater Myths

If you think it’s time to replace your current water heater, you may want to consider upgrading to a tankless model. The best plumbing companies will agree that a tankless water heater is the better choice. A new tankless water heater can last up to 30 years. If you’re considering a tankless water heater installation in Appleton, WI, read the article below to learn more about tankless water heater myths.

Myth: Easy To Switch to a Tankless Water Heater

Most homes in Appleton, WI are over 10 years old, so it’s likely that your water heater has a storage tank. Going from a storage-tank water heater to a tankless water heater is harder than it looks. Tankless water heaters burn fuel with coal. As a result, the construction phase for a tankless water heater can also require work on the gas lines to ensure that the device receives adequate gas supplies. 

In addition, extra work might also be needed to equip your home with the necessary ventilation to guide the exhaust gasses outdoors. Therefore, it’s not recommended that you swap out your water heater yourself. Contact Tureks Plumbing Services for professional tankless water heater installation. 

Myth: The Water Is Instantly Hot

A lot of people had the idea that a tankless water heater is comparable to instant hot water in your showers or faucets. Yes, it’s accurate that the tankless device heats up the water as it’s switched on. But, the water also has to pass through the plumbing in your home until it’s sent to the working plug. Essentially, it would take almost the same time for hot water to enter the tap as it does from the storage water heater. If you want to shorten the waiting period for you to finally use hot water, you may want to look at a circulating system installation in combination with your tankless machine to hold hot water continuously accessible in the pipes for immediate supply.

Myth: Require an Annual Inspection

One of the benefits of a tankless water heater is skipping annual inspections! There’s no maintenance timeline for a tankless water heater. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a plumbing company in Stillwater, say that it really depends on the hardness of the water. The harder the temperature, the faster the mineral deposits can build up in the water heater. Your tankless water heater will force much of this through the system, but if there’s a build-up, the scale detector program will send you an error message, and then you’ll need to have it serviced by a professional plumber.

Myth: Not Enough Water

As we mentioned above, most homes have a storage-tank water heater. Therefore, switching to a tankless water heater creates a common misconception that there’s a lack of hot water. “Not the case at all. The water is heated when it moves through the unit. So, you don’t need to worry about not getting enough hot water,” says Ed Tureks from Tureks Plumbing. 

Contact a Plumbing Company in Fox Valley

Need water heater services in Appleton, WI? Tureks Plumbing is happy to help! Our team of professional, licensed, and insured plumbers can service, repair, and install your water heater. We’ve been serving the Fox Valley and surrounding areas for over 20 years. Contact us today for a water heater estimate or if you need residential plumbing services or commercial plumbing services.

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Why You Should Get a Tankless Water Heater

Wednesday, February 10th, 2021

why you should get a tankless water heater

Why You Should Get a Tankless Water Heater 2021

Unlike traditional water heaters, on-demand or tankless water heaters only heat water when needed. Depending on the capability of the heater you mount, these tankless water heaters typically deliver hot water at a flow rate that averages 2-5 gallons a minute. Tureks Plumbing Services shares the following reasons why you should get a tankless water heater installed in your Fox Valley home.

Tankless Water Heaters Are Compact

As lot sizes get smaller due to the increasing demand for real estate, it becomes important to scale down the size of the different appliances one installs in their home. Tankless water heaters are perfectly suited for someone who wants to save space because they are compact. The tankless water heater doesn’t have a storage tank, so it occupies less space when compared to the traditional water heaters with storage tanks. Talk to a plumber in Appleton, WI, and confirm whether a tankless water heater of the capacity you require will fit in the space available if you couldn’t fit in a traditional water heater.

Tankless Water Heaters Conserve Energy

One of the complaints against traditional water heaters is that they waste energy because the water in their storage tanks must always be kept hot in anticipation of a need for that water. This energy that is wasted during this standby time is conserved when one has a tankless water heater. As already mentioned, tankless water heaters only heat water at the moment when hot water is required at a point of use, such as your dishwasher. Talk to a Fox Valley plumber for the actual figures of how much energy you will be able to save if you install a tankless water heater of the capacity you desire in your home.

No More Hot Water Shortages

Do you remember how you cringed when the supply of hot water suddenly stopped while you were taking a shower? Such scenarios are common when many points of use require hot water from a traditional water heater at the same time. With a tankless water heater, such shortages will be a thing of the past because the heater will keep heating water for as long as there is a demand for hot water at a point of use within the plumbing system. However, the expert plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services caution that you can only have an unlimited supply of hot water if the hot water isn’t being used beyond the discharge capacity of the tankless water heater. The key to unlimited hot water with a tankless water heater is that an expert should advise you on the best heater size for your needs.

Longer Service Life

A water heater is one of the expensive appliances in a home, and it is normal to expect these devices to last as long as possible so that you recoup your investment. Tankless water heaters have the distinction of having a longer service life when compared to their traditional counterparts. Since the tankless water heater doesn’t have a storage tank, there is no risk that it will spring a leak and fail. According to experienced plumbers in Appleton, WI, tankless water heaters last for approximately 20 years, while traditional water heaters will last for a maximum of 15 years.

Tankless Water Heaters Conserve Water

Tureks Plumbing Services also confirms that you will conserve more water when you switch to a tankless water heater. How does this happen? With a traditional water heater, people typically let some water run to waste as the cold water in the pipes makes way for the hot water to follow. This wasted water adds up over time, and your water bill is affected. With a tankless system, you get hot water as soon as you open the faucet or other points of use. Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, a home service company in Sacramento, agree that you save the water that you would have lost while waiting for the faucet to discharge hot water.

You Get Purer Water

Like a traditional water heater ages, its storage tank may start rusting. This rust finds its way into the water you use at different points of use, and this could put your health at risk. This risk of corrosion explains why homeowners have to keep replacing the sacrificial anodes in the hot water heater to prevent corrosion from taking place. Others have to hire a plumber in Appleton, WI, to inspect and maintain their hot water heaters. Eventually, corrosion still happens, and the water discharged may even start looking discolored in extreme cases. Tankless water heaters don’t have storage tanks, so you get cleaner or purer water each time you open a faucet or other point of use.

As you can see, tankless water heaters have numerous advantages over water heaters with storage tanks. However, you can only enjoy those benefits if you work with Tureks Plumbing Services to select the appropriate tank and install it correctly. So, contact Tureks Plumbing today to witness how these heaters can transform the hot water system in your home.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in July 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

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5 Tips For Preventing Common Sewer Line Issues

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021

5 Tips For Preventing Common Sewer Line Issues

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 are five 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 necessary plumbing 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. 

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Plumbing Tips When You’re Away from Home

Wednesday, November 18th, 2020
Plumbing Tips When Your Away From Home- Tureks Plumbing

Plumbing Tips When You’re Away from Home

Are you planning on going on a mini winter vacation? You should consider following these plumbing tips when you’re away from home. This will help you save money and prevent the shock of coming back to unpleasant plumbing surprises.

Make Sure You Set Your Water Heater to the Lowest Setting

Please ensure that you turn down the temperature of your water heater before you leave your house. This will keep your energy on the low while you’re away. Alternatively, you could also shut off the water heater completely and drain it. This may help to prevent flooding. There is no point in paying for hot water that no one is going to use. 

While you’re at it, you should check the condition of your water heater. If there’s an issue, call a plumbing company in Appleton, Wisconsin, for water heater replacement services.

Fix Any Issues with Faucets and Other Appliances

Before leaving, you should set aside time to check on your appliances and faucets for any signs of leaks and loose hoses. Additionally, any small issues, such as your toilet continuously running, should be fixed before you leave.

Make a list of everything that has an issue ad get it fixed before your departure. You can contact Tureks Plumbing Services to fix leaking faucets at an affordable price. 

Leaving these issues unfixed can be costly, especially if the leak worsens while you are away. Prevent damaged flooring by getting the leaks fixed immediately as they may also increase your water bill. 

Empty and Clean Your Refrigerator

A few days before you leave, empty your fridge of the items that can easily spoil, such as meat, dairy products, fresh produce, and tofu. This will allow you to turn up the fridge thermometer, which will help cut down on energy costs. 

If you do end up throwing these perishables out, ensure that you dispose of the waste properly. Fox Valley plumbers warn that pouring everything down the drain may clog your garbage disposal.

Also, if you are using trash bags, please take everything out for garbage collection before you leave. Forgetting may mean you are coming back to your house smelling of rotten eggs and spoilt milk, and no one wants that!

Adjust Your Thermostat

Turning up down thermostat during the summer, whether manual or programmable, may help avoid wasting energy. However, do not turn off your AC as the heat buildup may affect wood floors, doors, cabinets, etc.

Our friends at Gilmore Heating and Air, a heating and cooling company in Folsom, says that if you are leaving during the winter, turn down your thermostat but do not turn off your furnace completely.

Check on Your Sump Pump

If you live in a house with a basement, Tureks Plumbing Services recommends that you ensure that your sump pump is working properly before you leave. A sump pump’s work is to divert water from a house to other places like a dry well or a municipal storm drain. Unexpected weather changes such as heavy storms may damage your property, especially if your sump pump is not working and your basement may flood. A working sump pump prevents the basement from flooding.

Have a professional plumber from a Fox Valley plumbing company come to your house and perform routine maintenance to make sure your sump pump is running smoothly at least a week or two before your departure.

Do Not Turn Your Pool Pump Off

If you have a pool, turning off your pool pump before you leave may cause a buildup of algae in your pool. Instead of turning off your pool pump, you should keep it running at optimal settings and have a friend come to your house once every few days to check on your pool and make sure that the pump is operating properly.

Ask a Trusted Friend to Check on Your House

It’s always advisable that you have a relative or friend look after a house when you are out of town. Ensure that you leave them with your emergency contacts, including your plumber’s phone number. 

Alert Your Alarm Company

If your home has a monitored alarm system, ensure that you contact the company to let them know that you will be away. Provide them will your contacts as well as that of a trusted neighbor, just in case the company can’t be able to reach you.

Checking on these things before you leave for vacation will wipe any worry away. You can actually enjoy your vacation without any hassle, knowing that your house will be dry and clean when you come back. 

For more expert plumbing tips, contact the team at Tureks Plumbing Services. We are more than happy to offer our plumbing services!

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Is Trenchless Sewer Replacement For Me?

Wednesday, September 16th, 2020
Is Trenchless Sewer Replacement Right for My Home - Tureks Plumbing

Is Trenchless Sewer Replacement For Me?

As we became more industrialized and people moved to urban areas, sewer lines quickly became integral to everyday life. The system of sewer lines crisscrossing the country transports sewage from residential and commercial properties to disposal or treatment facilities, allowing us to live clean, healthy lives. And like most systems that are used consistently, they require constant maintenance and repair to make sure they run effectively. 

If you are a homeowner in Appleton Wisconsin, it’s your responsibility to make sure your sewer line is in good shape, with help from Turek’s Plumbing Services. It is the largest drain in your home, and if you don’t practice regular plumbing maintenance, any problems that aren’t addressed in time can lead to some pretty hefty repair costs. Unfortunately, conventional sewer pipe in Appleton, WI is usually slow and disruptive, especially if the sewer lines are buried deep. Additionally, it’s generally difficult to predict the actual price as the cost of parts and labor varies with each client. 

Enter trenchless sewer line replacement, an alternative repair technique that doesn’t require plumbers in Appleton, Wisconsin, to dig up your lawn to get at the pipes in need of repair. Simply put, it means doing repairs without extensive digging. It allows emergency plumbers in Appleton, Wisconsin, to do sewer line pipe repair without digging trenches and disrupting your day-to-day activities. So what problems may require trenchless sewer line repair?

Common Types of Sewer Problems

Homeowners in Appleton Wisconsin should be on the lookout for:

  • Tree roots – If you have mature trees on your property, especially close to the sewer lines, their roots may infiltrate the line, causing extensive damage over time.
  • Blockages can be a result of grease or some other material restricting water flow.
  • Broken collapsed or cracked pipes, especially due to shifting or frozen soil.
  • Pipe corrosion or deterioration. This is more common in older pipes that aren’t made from PVC.
  • Belied pipes, where a section of piping has fallen into the ground, creating an area where waste material converges. 
  • Leaking joints caused by broken seals between pipes. This allows water to escape into the area surrounding the pipe. 

Trenchless Pipe Repair in Appleton, WI

If you are experiencing any of the plumbing problems described above, call a plumber in Appleton Wisconsin. Although most of these issues can be easily fixed through conventional pipe repair, no one wants the big mess a trench will create in their yard, and that’s where trenchless sewer repair done by Tureks Plumbing Services comes in. A trenchless sewer line can be put in place to replace an existing sewer line in three ways:

Pipe Bursting

It is used to replace brittle pipes like clay, cement, asbestos, concrete, and cast iron, says McQuillan Bros, an HVAC and plumbing company in Minneapolis. Two processes occur simultaneously: A static or dynamic head inserted into the host pipe is used to fragment the existing pipe, and an expander cone pushes the fragment out. At the same time, a new pipe attached to the back of the static head is laid out as the old pipe fragments are pushed out.

Pipe Splitting

They are usually used to replace ductile pipes like steel, plastics, and ductile iron by cutting them into segments using an internal head with cutter blades. A new pipe attached to the back of the cutting head is simultaneously laid out in the same alignment as the original pipe.

Internal Point Repair Appleton, WI

Internal point repair in Appleton, Wisconsin uses fiberglass to repair damaged pipes. The affected pipe is first cleaned to remove any tree roots, debris, or other possible obstructions. A camera is used to inspect the pipe to pinpoint the problem area. Then a pneumatic packer pulls structural fiberglass impregnated with resin inside the pipe. Once it is in place, the pneumatic packer inflates the fiberglass, positions it over the problem area, and allows it set.

Pipe bursting employs three methods: pneumatic, hydraulic, and static pull. Static pull uses a constant pull force to break the old pipe while pneumatic and hydraulic pull uses dynamic force. The method your plumber in Appleton Wisconsin uses will depend on:

  • Soil conditions
  • Groundwater conditions
  • The type of new pipe
  • The degree of upsizing required
  • The type of pipe being replaced
  • The depth of the pipe
  • Availability of the required equipment

Trenchless pipe repair in Appleton, WI, is a great solution for most of the plumbing problems. It allows your plumber in Appleton, Wisconsin, to discreetly fix plumbing issues without ripping up your lawn and disrupting your normal day-to-day activities. What’s more, it takes only a couple of hours, compared to the day or two it takes conventional pipe repair in Appleton WI, and your plumber will be out even before you know it. If you aren’t sure whether your property is suitable for trenchless pipe repair in Appleton WI, contact Turek’s Plumbing Service for a consultation.

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