Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘plumbing company near me’

Common Holiday Plumbing Disasters

Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021
common holiday plumbing disaster

Common Holiday Plumbing Disasters 2021

As the Christmas season approaches, you could find yourself spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Tureks Plumbing services, plumber Appleton WI, has put together a list of common holiday plumbing disasters that you may strive to prevent during family gatherings to help keep your Appleton home safe.

Plumbing Mishaps During the Holidays

Listed below are some common holiday plumbing Disasters. Your plumber Appleton WI values the integrity of your households plumbing system and is aware that it is an afterthought for most, especially during the holidays. However, we urge you to read these common issues so you know what to look out for.

No Hot Water

Investing in quality water heaters is necessary if you want hot water. If you have guests coming to your home, you should consider having a tankless water heater installed by our experts at Tureks Plumbing Services, water heater replacement Appleton WI. This will help ensure that you can still use hot water to do the dishes right after three people have showered.

If your water heater is working, but you have an issue with running out of water sooner than you may be used to, it may be as a result of sediment in your water tank. To fix this, you have to flush the unit to clear the debris. Our Fox Valley water heater repair techs can help with this.

However, if your water heater is already broken, then you need to call in a professional for a water heater replacement. 

Clogged Kitchen Sink

It seems logical to pour grease into your drain or garbage disposal because it’s a liquid, but this doesn’t mean you should do it. The grease may harden and end up clogging your whole drain. It may also cause an awful odor to come from the drain. If you would like to dispose of any cooking grease, Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, Sacramento plumbing services, recommend that you let it harden first before you dump it in your trash. 

Broken Garbage Disposal

The holiday season brings with it a lot of food, which translates to lots of leftovers. So, instead of throwing small pieces of vegetables into the disposal, chuck them in the bin. There are various items that your garbage disposal can’t grind down. Therefore, throwing them in the disposal could cause damage. Some of these items include coffee grounds, grease, potato peels, or eggshells. After dumping your leftovers in the trash, you should ensure you take the trash out immediately after you’re done to prevent your home from smelling. 

However, if your garbage disposal is clogged or not running, you should find the reset button (usually located at the bottom of the unit) and press it. If the disposal still isn’t working, you should get a Fox Valley plumber to repair it for you. Having a clogged garbage disposal is not only inconvenient but also smelly. If your disposal is not broken, but you notice that it takes a longer time to do its thing, then there might be a chance the blades need to be sharpened. An easy and quick way Appleton plumbers advise homeowners to do is to run a couple of ice cubes through the garbage disposal. 

Broken Washer or Dryer

If you have family staying with you for a long period of time, it’s likely that they’ll be using your washer or dryer. To ensure that both your dryer and washer are functioning properly, simply inspect the appliances. Ensure that there are no cracks in your hose lines. Additionally, you should inspect the seals and line connections. If you do not have stainless steel hoses, you should consider getting them as they are the best. The last thing you want your guests to do is to pay for dry cleaning.

Clogged Drains

It’s not uncommon for your plumbing lines to get clogged when your family is in town. If you notice that your drains are clogged, you should have a plumber from a plumbing company in Appleton, Wisconsin, come to fix it for you. Of course, you can try Drain-O and other pipe cleaners, but it may not fix the problem. If that does not work, you can then try snaking the pipes. When you have clogged drains, you can always contact an emergency plumbing company in Appleton, WI. Our team will restore your plumbing system in no time!

For any plumbing disasters that may choose to strike during the holidays, contact Tureks Plumbing Services. 

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in December, 2020 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Emergency Plumber, Plumbing Problems, Residential Plumbing | Comments Off on Common Holiday Plumbing Disasters

Hiring a Plumber Checklist

Wednesday, April 28th, 2021
hiring a plumber checklist - Fox Valley WI

Hiring a Plumber Checklist

On the hunt for the best plumbing contractor in Appleton, WI? Look no further! It’s critical for anyone in need of plumbing services to find someone who will be the right fit for their needs. With so many plumbing services in Fox Cities, it can be overwhelming deciding which plumber to choose. In the article below, we share our Hiring a Plumber Checklist. That way, you find the right person for the job. You can always contact Tureks Plumbing for your residential plumbing or commercial plumbing needs.

References 

Does the plumber you’ve hired have good references or online reviews? Always do some digging before booking a service with a plumbing company. It won’t take too long to read their Google My Business reviews or even ask around for a plumbing referral. Looking online will definitely help.

Residential vs. Commercial Plumbers

Commercial plumbers are best suited for corporate offices, restaurants, and companies, while residential plumbers are ideally suited for your home’s plumbing. Hire the best plumber for the job based on your requirements. At Tureks Plumbing, we offer Appleton residents both residential and commercial plumbing services. Give us a call. We’re happy to help!

Scope of Work

It’s important to clarify what the problem is before hiring a plumbing contractor to do the job. Some plumbing companies do not provide all plumbing services. For instance, if you need trenchless sewer repair, you should find someone who specializes in this service. That way, you have someone who is knowledgeable in the work you need.

Availability 

Most plumbers work regular hours, with a “24/7 emergency services” option. This service comes with a cost. Look for a 24/7 plumbing company that you can count on at all hours of the day. You’ll need someone who can respond quickly and tackle any urgent jobs that come their way. That’s why so many Appleton residents rely on Tureks Plumbing to get the job done right.

Estimates 

Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a Twin Cities plumbing company, recommend getting an estimate before the job begins. That way, you can avoid any hidden costs or fees. The written estimate should include everything: labor, sections, and so on. However, the calculation should not be written until they have thoroughly examined the issue. A plumber who isn’t willing to give you an estimate shouldn’t be on your list. 

Presentable & Professional

Hiring a plumber who is hardworking and professional is a must. There are plenty of plumbing companies in Appleton, WI, who are exactly this. You always want to have complete confidence in your plumber. Contact Tureks Plumbing today if you’re searching for “plumbing services near me.” 

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Fox Valley Plumber | Comments Off on Hiring a Plumber Checklist

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. 

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Water Heater Repair | Comments Off on Water Heater Repair Tips

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

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Professional Plumbing Services, Residential Plumbing, Tankless Water Heater, Water Heater, Water Heater Instillation, Water Heater Repair | Comments Off on Tankless Water Heater Myths

Signs You Need Commercial Plumbing Repairs

Wednesday, December 9th, 2020
signs you need commercial plumbing -

Signs You Need Commercial Plumbing Repairs

As a general rule, commercial plumbing systems are used more often compared to residential ones. This is mainly due to the number of public and employee restrooms as well as the huge supply of water needed for your Appleton, WI business. 

At least once in your business’s lifespan, you will need commercial plumbing services. At Tureks Plumbing Services, we provide a wide range of professional plumbing services for businesses all around Wisconsin. 

Your business’s need for plumbing repair services depends on the age of the plumbing system. Not sure whether your plumbing system is working properly? Read the signs to you need commercial plumbing repairs below. 

Bad Odors From Your Drains or Pipes 

If you turn the tap in your bathroom on and notice a repulsive smell coming into the room through your drain, this may be an indication of sewage backup. Having backed up sewage is not a light matter and should be addressed immediately. Ignoring this issue may cause a lot of damage to your commercial property. This may also affect the health of your customers and employees negatively.

Not to worry, though. Fox Valley plumbing companies can handle any plumbing problem, whether it be burst pipes or clogged drains.

Water Stains on Your Walls 

Have you taken note of any water stains beneath plumbing pipes or on your business’ walls? This may be the result of leaky pipes. Our Fox Valley commercial plumbing experts have been trained and equipped with leak detector equipment and other tools that can be used to find leaks in the plumbing system of your business. 

Once the leak detection is complete, and the locations have been pinpointed, we form a plan that details how we’ll remedy the leaks. Depending on your specific preferences, we may end up re-piping your business using either copper pipes or PEX pipes. 

Leaks may seem like a tiny problem but should not be ignored. Minor leaks develop quickly into a bigger issue that’ll cost you more money to fix. If you aren’t sure how serious a leak is, you should contact our team for an estimate on sewer pipe repair in Appleton, WI. We will assess the damage and work with you to solve the problem. 

Have You Been Experiencing Low Water Pressure?  

Have you noticed that the water in your toilets or sinks is flowing slowly? This may be a result of clogged pipes. Low water pressure indicates that you need to hire a commercial plumbing company. The sooner you contact a professional, the better. As a business owner, you want to avoid any plumbing emergencies, if possible. 

Do You Have Discolored Water Coming From Your Pipes?

This could be an indication of corroded pipes. Discolored water is typically brown or yellow. It should be noted that any type of water discoloration should be looked into immediately.

In some cases, the reason for an abnormal watercolor could be excessive dirt in the water supply in your area. No need to get worked up though, Fox Valley commercial plumbers will fix it for you at an affordable rate. To do this, we may need to replace or repair your pipes to ensure your customers and employees’ health. 

High Utility Bills

On a general scale, commercial enterprises have high utility bills. However, if you notice a sudden spike in your bills, it may an early sign of a huge plumbing leak. Contact your maintenance plumber in Appleton, WI, if you expect a leak. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a St. Paul plumbing company, agree that not addressing this issue early on may lead to your building having a mildew or mold problem.

Lack of Hot Water 

For some enterprises, hot water is important for many operations, while for others, having lukewarm hot water isn’t a big deal. To make sure your customers and employees are comfortable, have a local plumbing company come to access your water heater. You may need a water heater repair or replacement if you’re not getting hot water immediately. 

You Have Burst Pipes

Sometimes, especially during the winter, water that’s frozen inside your pipes may cause your pipes to burst. This can cause a lot of damage if it’s not immediately fixed.

While it may not be easy for you to find the affected pipes, having your plumber from a commercial plumbing company in Appleton, WI, such as Tureks Plumbing Services, take a look and provide solutions is your best option. 

You may realize after reading this article that you require commercial plumbing repairs in your business. Our Tureks Plumbing Services team is available and happy to be of service. Contact Tureks Plumbing for all your plumbing needs, whether it be residential or commercial plumbing.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Commercial Plumbing, Emergency Plumber, Fox Valley Plumber, Plumbing Problems | Comments Off on Signs You Need Commercial Plumbing Repairs

What is High-Pressure Water Jetting?

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020
what is high-pressure water jetting? - Tureks Plumbing Services

What Is High-Pressure Water Jetting?

High-pressure water jetting also referred to as hydro-jetting, is a technique of unblocking and cleaning drains. It uses high water pressure to thoroughly clean drains that have been clogged. This technique removes even the toughest of blockages that may be in your pipes and drains. High-pressure water jetting completed by Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin, leaves your drainage system almost as good as new. You may, therefore, find yourself experiencing no problems with your system in the future. 

To help understand how high-pressure water jetting works, here’s a list of some of its benefits.

Hydro-Jetting is Versatile

This method of cleaning can be used to fix both commercial and domestic drainage-related issues. Our commercial plumbing company in Appleton, WI, utilizes state of the art technology to clear blockages from your drains using high-pressure water jetting. Additionally, the drainage engineers are trained and skilled, thus ensuring that there’s no risk of your drains clogging up in the future. 

It is an Effective Drain Cleaning Technique

While there are various traditional methods that can be used to unblock drains, none of them equal the effectiveness of high-pressure water jetting. Snaking or rooting a drain does not clean your drainage pipe fully, which leaves residue behind even after the unblocking has been done. Some residue types are sticky, and this may cause the pipe to block, again, explains our friends at Do It Right Plumbers, an OC drain cleaning company. 

On the other hand, using high-pressure water jetting to clean your pipes thoroughly ensures that no residue is left behind. This ensures the water flows in your pipes steadily and continuously with no hindrances. Contact an emergency Fox Valley plumbing company today for effective drain cleaning using this technique.

An Environmentally Friendly Option

While it may seem that hydro-jetting is a waste of water, this is a misconception. This is because little water is used, and it only looks like a lot because the pressure of the water in use is high. If you live near a water body such as a river or lake, many drain service providers will utilize water from the river or lake with added pressure to clean your drains. Water is a valuable resource for mankind, so an option that scarcely uses a resource is a better option to that which exploits a lot of the same resource.

In addition, Fox Valley plumbing experts assert that this method of cleaning your drains does not use any harmful chemicals. It, therefore, has no negative impact on the environment.

A Cost-effective Option

Using traditional methods, such as chemical cleaners, baking soda, vinegar, or hot water to unclog your pipes, is only a temporary fix. This only makes it more expensive to have your drain cleaned regularly. The use of hydro-jetting, on the other hand, is effective after one cleaning session. Additionally, it leaves no possibility of your drains clogging up in the near future. This makes it a cost-effective way to unblock drains. Tureks Plumbing Services provides this service at affordable rates; contact us today!

Cleaner Method of Cleaning Your Pipes

In comparison to traditional methods of cleaning your drains, high-pressure water jetting is cleaner, faster, and more efficient. Because it uses water pressure, it requires no chemicals or acid that leave a foul smell behind in your home or your business. Furthermore, the job is done quickly, which reduces the risk of many people getting exposed to possible contaminants. This makes it a cleaner technique for cleaning your pipes that poses no health risks. 

Hydro-Jetting Services in Fox Valley

Now that we are well informed on the various benefits of hydro-jetting, you should make sure you use hydro-jetting to unblock your clogged drains. Instead of contacting other companies that may prefer to use traditional sewer methods that may not be safe to clean your pipes, contact Tureks Plumbing Services to clean your pipes using hydro-jetting or trenchless sewer repair.

The method is effective, judging by the benefits mentioned above, so contact us for the best results!

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Drain Cleaning, Sewer and Drain, Tankless Water Heater | Comments Off on What is High-Pressure Water Jetting?

How Long Will My Pipes Last?

Wednesday, October 21st, 2020
how long will my pipes last - Tureks Plumbing Services

How Long Will My Pipes Last?

Plumbing has dramatically evolved over the years. Clay and lead piping were among the first materials to be used. These were used to transport water to public buildings and homes. In the early 20th century, when homes began to be built with indoor plumbing, materials such as copper, cast iron, terra-cotta, and galvanized steel were utilized. 

Until World War II, lead piping was the majority’s material of choice when it came to plumbing pipes. As awareness about lead poisoning grew, its popularity drastically declined. Post World War II brought about galvanized screw piping as the choice material for plumbing pipes in homes.

In the 1970s, copper and polybutylene grew in popularity. Currently, polybutylene is now banned by most, if not all, building codes, as research found out that the material was compromised when exposed to chlorine.  

Knowing the different types of plumbing pipes in your home ensures that you take the necessary steps to avert floods, leaks, and potential health hazards. If you’d prefer a professional’s assistance from the beginning, contact Tureks Plumbing Services. Let’s discuss the main plumbing pipes commonly found in your home.

Types of Plumbing Pipes

Copper Pipes

Two major types of copper piping can be utilized in a plumbing system. They include flexible copper tubing and rigid copper. Copper piping is usually manufactured in different sizes, the most popular ones being the 15 and 22 mm. 

Copper piping is a reliable material that can endure for more than 50 years. It is also not prone to leakage or corrosion. It will not pollute water, it can be recycled, can withstand extreme temperature changes, and since bacteria cannot flourish in the pipes, it is safe to use copper to transport drinking water. 

Polyvinylchloride Pipes (PVC)

This is a mixture of plastic and vinyl. They are mostly used for highly pressurized water. They can also be used in draining and transporting drinking water. 

PVC pipes last for an indefinite period as they are not susceptible to corrosion or rust. These pipes can also handle high water pressure as stated above and are very light, making them easy to carry and use. PVC pipes are also affordable and are offered as an economical alternative for plumbing pipes. To replace PVC pipes with CPVC pipes for the additional advantage they offer, get in touch with a Fox Valley plumbing company.

Galvanized Steel Pipes

These pipes are made of steel, which is then coated in a zinc layer to prevent rusting. However, they are rarely used these days because of their unreliability. If your home was built in the 1980s or before then, it might have galvanized piping. Consider replacing these right away. Contact Tureks Plumbing Services to replace your galvanized steel pipes.

The pipes last between 20 to 50 years before they start breaking down. They are prone to rust and corrosion, which may lead to lead contamination, which is hazardous. Mineral buildup in the pipes forms clogs that block water from flowing.

For emergency plumbing services such as burst galvanized steel pipes or pipe corrosion, contact the best plumbing company in Appleton, WI.

Cross-linked Polyethylene Pipes (PEX)

This is a relatively new material in the plumbing scene but is gaining popularity as it is being utilized in new homes. The main difference between PEX and PVC is that PEX pipes are flexible; they can make 90 degree turns without fragmenting. McQuillan Bros, a Twin Peaks plumbing repair company, says that these pipes are easy to cut and join together, making the installation process for experts like the Fox Valley plumbing company easy and quick, promoting efficiency. 

PEX pipes are completely corrosion and rust-resistant. These pipes are also able to hold out against extreme temperatures. Despite being more expensive as compared to PVC, they are still significantly more affordable than copper.

An additional advantage of these pipes is that they are made to last.

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC)

These pipes are PVC pipes, the only difference being that they are chlorinated. This makes them able to withstand temperature differences that PVC cannot.

The pipes are rust and corrosion resistant as well as lightweight, making them easy to carry and use. They withstand temperatures of up to 200 degrees, meaning they can handle and transport hot water. If you’d like CPVC pipes installed in your home, contact a plumbing company in Appleton, Wisconsin.

In any case, you should check for and remove polybutylene piping and lead piping in your house, especially if your house was constructed between the 1970s and 1990s.

Polybutylene is plastic and gray. The material is prone to breakage and is mostly found in houses located in Mid-Atlantic states, the Sun Belt, and the Pacific Northwest. If you suspect your house does have these pipes, have a Fox Valley plumber come and conduct an inspection as soon as possible.

Lead pipes, on the other hand, are dull gray and have a 100-year lifespan but are a hazardous and toxic material, especially when it leaches into your drinking water as it causes lead poisoning, the effects of which can be treated but are irreversible.

If you’re in need of plumbing services in Appleton, WI, contact a plumbing professional and have the water tested for lead. If the lead content is 15 ppb (parts per billion) or more, have a professional plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services replace your home’s pipes immediately.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Plumbing Pipes, Plumbing Problems, Professional Plumbing Services | Comments Off on How Long Will My Pipes Last?