Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘plumber near me’

How to Unclog a Dishwasher

Wednesday, March 17th, 2021
how to unclog your dishwasher - Appleton, WI

How to Unclog a Dishwasher

Have you ever reached to open your dishwasher, only to see a big puddle of water at the bottom of it? You’re not the only one. If you have standing water at the bottom of your dishwasher, it’s time to call a plumber. Below, our plumbing contractors in Appleton, WI, share a few tips on how to unclog a dishwasher. 

Step 1: Unload The Dishwasher

The first thing you should do if your dishwasher is clogged should be to remove all of the dishes and silverware from your appliance. Once everything is cleared from your dishwasher, remove the bottom dishwasher rack so that you can easily access the bottom. 

Step 2: Turn Your Dishwasher Off

Ensuring that your dishwasher is turned off is critical for your safety. You may need to go to your electrical breaker and turn off the electricity in the kitchen. If you need help fixing your dishwasher, you can always contact Tureks Plumbing Services.

Step 3: Drain the Clogged Dishwasher 

Once your dishwasher has been disconnected, you’ll need to remove the standing water with a towel. This will allow you to get to the bottom of what started the clog. For instance, there could be pieces of broken glass causing your dishwasher not to drain properly. The chances are that you could find out what’s causing the problem if you just look at the bottom of the dishwasher. 

Step 4: Locate the Hose

If you haven’t figured out what’s causing your dishwasher to clog yet, you’ll need to locate the dishwasher’s drain hose. This connects directly connects to your sink’s garbage disposal. Look under the sink or under the dishwasher. You may have to take your dishwasher from out of the wall to access the hose. 

Step 5: Clear the Hose

There’s a chance that your dishwasher’s hose needs to be replaced or cleared. After locating the drain hose, detach it from the dishwasher. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a plumber in Woodbury, MN, about unclogging a dishwasher. They suggest using plyers to loosen or disconnect the hose. It would be a good idea to have a bucket or pan to catch any excess water from the hose. If indeed your drain is clogged, you can try to use can try commercial de-cloggers or grab a coat hanger and unclog it. If you don’t notice any debris that could damage the hose, there could be a clog in the dishwasher itself.

Step 6: Check the Dishwasher’s Drain

Look for a basket-shaped portion at the bottom of your dishwasher and remove it with a screwdriver. Then as you did with a drain hose, use a de-clogging system. If your dishwasher is still not draining properly at this stage, it’s time to search for a “plumber near me.”

Hire a Professional Plumber

To many people’s surprise, it’s very easy to learn how to unclog a dishwasher drain without the help of a professional. However, if not done properly, you can cause more harm than good. Decide whether or not DIY plumbing repair is worth it. To ensure that your dishwasher is working properly, contact Tureks Plumbing today. We offer a variety of plumbing services for homeowners in the Fox Cities and beyond, whether it’s 24/7 emergency service, home remodeling, or residential plumbing services.

Continue Reading

Common Sump Pump Problems

Wednesday, March 10th, 2021
common sump pump problems - Fox City plumber

Common Sump Pump Problems

Though spring is historically a season of heavy rains and flooded basements, we can also see this in the cold winters in Appleton, WI. If you’re not prepared accordingly, the weather can ruin your home. Older homes are more susceptible to water damage and such. Therefore, it can be hard to keep the basement dry. A sump pump is necessary for keeping out water. Since Winsconsin gets a lot of snow and rain, you’ll need to maintain or even replace your sump pump if necessary. To avoid wear and tear on your sum pump, read below where our plumbers in Appleton, WI, discuss the common sump pump problems.

Always Running

If your pump is running all the time, or even just running when there’s no excuse for it, it’s a warning that something is wrong. All this overwork will cause your pump to wear out prematurely. If your sump pump is always running, it may be that the switch is stuck or a broken valve. However, the issue may also be that there is constant flooding that you are not aware of or that the pump just isn’t the right size. Consult a specialist and have them come out and address the problem as soon as possible.

Missing the Lid

A missing lid on your sump pump is just asking for debris build-up. This can cause problems by blocking the pump and jamming the switches. If your pump is clogged or stuck, our registered plumbers are happy to help. Contact us for a sump pump repair and we’ll get it up and running in no time. 

Noisy Sump Pump

All of the sump pumps make some noise while they’re running, but any odd sound is usually not a good sign. There may be thuds, thumps, rattling, grinding, or gurgling, much of the time, also suggesting problems with the engine. Fortunately, the engines can typically be fixed. Our plumbers will let you know if you need a sump pump repair or a replacement

Dry Sump Pump Pit

If your pump is running, but the pit is empty, the problem is with your pump or drainage system. The pump and the system should operate together, but if the pit is dry, the drain system can be blocked. Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, & Plumbing, a plumbing company in Sacramento, point out that the pump was improperly mounted. 

Search for a Plumbing Company Near Me

As mentioned above, a well-functioning sump pump is necessary for avoiding water damage. If you’re having trouble figuring out what the problem is with your sump pump, it’s time to contact a professional. No matter the plumbing needs, you can rely on Tureks Plumbing. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services in Appleton, WI, and surrounding areas. 

Continue Reading

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.

Continue Reading

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!

Continue Reading

Leaking Toilet Base

Wednesday, September 25th, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1569263090937{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]leaking toilet base - Plumber in Appleton WIA leaking toilet base can prove to be a big nuisance in the bathroom, especially if it is an old bathroom. A leaking toilet base is an unhygienic problem, and it can make your bathroom look not well taken care of. Another problem is that it can damage your bathroom flooring, and leave stains. To avoid severe water damage arising because of a leaking toilet base, you can address this common plumbing problem by fixing it yourself even if it the first time you are trying your hand at plumbing repairs.

Call Your Local Plumbing Experts

Our team at Tureks Plumbing Services are always ready and happy to assist you with your plumbing problems. If you don’t have time to deal with leaking toilets then give us a call at anytime. Our expert plumbers can analyze and advise you on the problem and the best possible solution for it.

How to Fix Leaking Toilet Base

  • Problem identification: To do this, you first need to dry the base, and this can be done by wiping it by a cloth or a towel. After doing this, you need to check all the connections.
  • Address the faulty connections: The bolts connecting the tank to the toilet are secured with rubber washers to prevent the water from leaking. Leakage can occur if these bolts have loosened up. Therefore if you find these bolts to be loose, you can tighten them using a screwdriver. Although you should make sure you do not overtighten the bolts because this can cause the tank to crack. You also need to make sure that the toilet is level on the floor because if it is un-level, it might break the seal. If tightening the bolts does not address the problem, then it means that the problem lies somewhere else. In that case, you may need to reach out to for our plumbing services.
  • Replace the washers: You might need to replace the washers if tightening the bolts does not solve the problem of a leaking toilet base. The washers might have worn out, and before replacing them, you will first need to stop the water source. After that, remove the bolts, dry the area, and replace the washers.
  • Replace the wax ring: If the problem still persists, it is possible it is due to a failed wax ring. The wax ring is not a very expensive replacement and will therefore not cause a serious dent in your pocket. But on the flip side, it might take a few hours of your time to replace as you will have to remove the toilet in order to replace it. After removing the toilet base, you need to remove the old ring and replace it after thoroughly cleaning the surroundings. After this replacement, you can install the toilet back into its original place. If this sounds like too much work, we will gladly do it for you, just fill out a plumbing service request.
  • Replace the toilet altogether: If all of the methods mentioned above have failed, there is only one option left, and that is to remove and replace the whole toilet itself.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Continue Reading