Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Plumbing Problems’

4 Most Common Bathroom Plumbing Problems

Monday, March 18th, 2024

You probably don’t want to think much about bathroom plumbing problems. But the truth is, we get calls for bathroom plumbing repairs all the time. It’s better to know what to look for and schedule service sooner rather than later when you think that something is wrong.

When you need to schedule an appointment for bathroom plumbing repairs in Kaukauna, give our team a call. We are here to help no matter how big or small your plumbing needs are. You can keep reading to learn more about the four most common bathroom plumbing services we complete and the early signs of each problem.

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These 4 Plumbing Services Can Save You Big

Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023

Maintaining a well functioning plumbing system is important for the comfort and functionality of your home. While plumbing issues can be inconvenient and costly, investing in certain plumbing services in Appleton, WI, can save you a large amount of money in the long run.

Let’s look into four plumbing services that can help you avoid major expenses and keep your plumbing system running smoothly for years to come.

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How Do You Fix a House Drain?

Wednesday, August 9th, 2023

A properly functioning house drain is important for maintaining a healthy and hygienic living environment in your Neenah, WI, home.

When a drain becomes clogged or damaged, it can lead to unpleasant odors, slow drainage and even water damage! Fixing a house drain may seem like a daunting task. It might have you searching up drain repair near Neenah.

With the right approach and tools you can tackle many common drain issues. Here are some basic steps to fix a house drain and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

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Always Know Where Your Water Shut-Off Valve Is

Monday, February 20th, 2023

This is an essential tip for any homeowner, and one that is criminally underrated.

It’s heartbreaking each time we’ve seen leaks and burst pipes become disasters due to a homeowner not knowing where their water shut-off valve is.

These components are vital in an emergency, and they’re going to save you time, stress, and keep your furniture safe when a leak does occur.

Since this is an informative blog, we can’t just tell you where the location is and call it a day. That would be too easy and it wouldn’t be right, since you’re probably wondering how this part works and why it’s so important.

So, let’s answer all of your questions and give a thorough examination of the intricacies of your water shut-off valve. Let’s discuss what it is, why it’s there, and how it’s going to be important during the next plumbing emergency in Appleton, WI.

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Preventing Clogged Toilets

Tuesday, October 12th, 2021

Preventing Clogged toilets appleton WiPreventing Clogged Toilets and Other Bathroom Mishaps 2021

We all know how inconvenient a clogged toilet can be. Fortunately, you do not have to possess advanced plumbing knowledge to keep your bathroom in good working order. Here are some tips from our Fox Valley plumbers that will help you in preventing clogged toilets and other related problems. For emergency plumbing services in Appleton, WI, please contact Tureks Plumbing.

Use Mild Cleaners For Your Toilet

If your toilet tends to get backed up, there are some mild cleaners you can try using. Apart from mild soaps, try mild items like baking soda and vinegar that can help you keep your toilet squeaky clean. Apart from keeping your toilet hygienic, regular cleaning will also allow you to spot potential problems before they worsen.

Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

Plumbers are divided on the issue of chemical drain cleaners. For some, using these is all right. However, there are plumbers who believe that the disadvantages of these outweigh the advantages. What disadvantages? Chemical drain cleaners can be hazardous to your health, especially if used and handled incorrectly. These can also damage pipes and fixtures and kill beneficial bacteria in the septic tank. Read this article why to learn the reasons not to use chemical drain cleaners.

Conduct Regular Inspection 

Make it a habit to check the components of your toilet every six months. Check whether everything is functioning correctly.

Trying To Save Water

Using a brick is one of the old tricks for saving water used for flushing. However, this only works for older toilets. But you still might want to avoid using bricks as these can break off into smaller pieces which can then clog the toilet. Instead, fill a water or soda bottle with either sand or small rocks.

Get Bathroom Leaks Fixed ASAP

Small bathroom leaks can add a few and sometimes several more dollars to your monthly bill. Check your toilet and faucets regularly and when you detect leaks, have these repaired as soon as possible. Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, a Sacramento plumber, also urge you to stop leaks. Plumbers will tell you that it can cost you 20 gallons of water per day if it’s not fixed. 

Don’t Use The Toilet As A Trashcan

Every member of the household, including the young ones, should learn how to properly use the toilet. That also means avoiding throwing foreign objects into it. Although this is sometimes unavoidable no matter how closely you watch your children, we hope your little ones bathroom play is limited to the tub and those rubber duckies. 

Consider Using a Different Kind of Toilet Paper

Super soft toilet paper can be quite difficult for the septic tank to break down and can lead to further problems down the road. Consider using a different type of toilet paper. Also, check out our recent post on flushable wipes. 

Invest In a Flange Plunger

A flange plunger (and a bucket of hot water) will often suffice for common clogs. Alternatively, you can use a snake or auger, but if that is not something you are familiar with, give us a call. We will be able to quickly get a plumber over to your home to inspect and clear out the problem. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Get Expert Help

Sometimes, plumbing problems can be complicated and you might find yourself out of your zone of genius. There’s certainly nothing wrong with asking your local plumber for some assistance in these cases. There are some plumbing problems that are DIY worthy and others, where you just need to call in a professional. If you live in the Fox Cities area, give Turek’s Plumbing a call for all of your plumbing emergencies, and kitchen or bathroom remodel estimates.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in May 2016 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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How to Speed up Slow Drains

Wednesday, October 6th, 2021

slow drains

Solutions to Slow Drains 2021

There are plenty of plumbing problems that don’t seem like they need to be fixed immediately. For example, a faucet that drips or even slow drains in your home. Most Fox Valley homeowners will wait until it gets much worse before taking action. As your local plumber, trust us when we say fix the problem before it becomes an even bigger problem. This is especially true with slow drains — when water in your sinks, tube, or toilets is moving slowly, we encourage you to pay attention to that. If you have a chemical drain cleaner that doesn’t seem to solve the issue or the issue returns within a few weeks, that is a sign there is something in your main sewer line that is causing the problem. In this article, our Tureks Plumbing team shares how to speed up slow drains in your home. 

When To Call A Local Plumber

Most emergency plumbers will tell you that slow drains should never be dealt with lightly because they are usually in the early stages of a serious and complex plumbing issue. What may eventually happen is all of your plumbing fixtures will back up and possibly become unusable when slow drains are ignored. Slow drains could mean that there’s a growing buildup in your drain, and when there’s a buildup of anything, there’s always a risk of damage to the plumbing structure.

Slow Drains Aren’t Safe

Also, clogs can cause widespread contamination. Say, your kitchen sink won’t drain quickly; germs and bacteria from the drain and the sink will just settle and breed there. That area of your home will stink, and fungus and other unsavory elements might grow. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, who offers Twin Cities Plumbing services, agree that those experiencing slow drains are creating a bigger problem than just an inconvenience. It’s important to hire a professional if you continue to experience slow drains. 

Slow Drains Are Frustrating

That’s not the only inconvenience you’ll have to deal with; naturally, you won’t be able to use your kitchen sink for washing dishes and all the other tasks you normally use it for. Your routine will have to change, and that can affect your quality of life at home.

However, slow drains shouldn’t make your life difficult because they’re very easy to solve. Any emergency plumber can take care of this issue and restore the proper working order of your plumbing system. Whatever the reason behind it may be, the best plumbing professionals have a collection of effective solutions ready.

May Need Drain Cleaning 

For clogs in the drain pipes, emergency plumbers in the Fox Valley area use a specialized sewer camera to examine the root of the clog and to pinpoint its exact location. In an attempt to solve the problem of slow drains, they use everything from a high-pressure water jetter, to an auger, to a variety of special plumbers tools to quickly dislodge food debris, soap scum, and other buildups so wastewater can flow away from the house quickly. This is usually done from the main sewer clean-out located on the outside of your home. 

That’s not all plumbers do when they take care of slow drains and get rid of blockages in the sewer lines. They also inspect the structural integrity of the plumbing system to see if there are other issues present that may be contributing to the faulty performance of the system or issues that have developed as a result of the initial plumbing problem. For example, pipe corrosion, or something like tree root damage that may impact your sewer system. Ask Tureks Plumbing about our trenchless sewer drain repair services.

Contact Tureks Plumbing in Appleton, WI

If you’re dealing with slow drains, that’s a real problem that you need to address appropriately — right away. Call in the pros and put an end to the inconvenience it creates. If you are in need of an experienced plumber or drain cleaning service in Fox Valley, give Turek’s Plumbing a call, we are here to solve your plumbing problems and earn your business. 

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in June 2016 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

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Tips for a Clog-Free Summer

Tuesday, June 29th, 2021
tips for a clog-free summer

Tips for a Clog-Free Summer in Appleton, WI

Summertime life may be carefree and simple, but that is not the case for plumbers and many homeowners. Summer can be a time of clogged drains and overflowing toilets. The reason for more plumbing service calls during the summer season is pretty simple. Kids are home throughout the day, which can result in more plumbing problems, says our Appleton plumbers. During this season, families are more active, so it’s likely that more things are getting dumped down the drain or disposed of. In this article, we share plumbing tips for a clog-free summer in Appleton, WI! 

Watch What You Flush

According to Tureks Plumbing Services, more frequent clogs are a side effect of using water-saving toilets. As a result, people must be more cautious about what they flush. Wet wipes, while convenient, might block sewage systems. Even flushable items will not dissolve as fast as toilet paper. Trust us when we say that if you constantly put “flushable” wipes in the toilet, you will have plumbing problems. 

Flushable wipes aren’t the only item you have to watch for. Paper towels, napkins, and even too much toilet paper can clog your toilet. When flushing the toilet, our Fox Valley plumbers recommend keeping the handle down to ensure a full flush that pushes everything through.

Take It Easy on Your Kitchen’s Garbage Disposal

Being mindful about what you put down in the garbage disposal can help you avoid additional plumbing problems. Many garbage disposals have difficulty grinding up summer staples like melon rinds and corn cobs. Grease from barbecues is another summer clog reason. Never pour hot grease down the drain or garbage disposal. The liquid you pour down combines with the leftover food to harden into a sticky substance. When you use your garbage disposal, make sure it is clear by flushing it with plenty of water.

Don’t Put Your Hair Down the Drain

For a clean, cool summer look, many individuals clip and shave their hair. However, do not attempt to wash your hair down the bathroom drain because the mix of hair, soap, and toothpaste can form an impenetrable clog. Consider placing hair catchers in shower and bathtub drains for persons with long hair. There are plenty of affordable devices that will collect your hair before it goes down the drain. It may be gross, but it will save you money on trenchless sewer repairs.

Bathtub Drains

Bathtubs may be kept clear with a little regular care. According to Tureks Plumbing, dumping a gallon of boiling water down your bathtub drain once a month will help you have a clog-free summer. After that, it’s a good idea to run regular warm water for approximately five minutes simply to keep pushing everything as far down and out as you can. Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, a plumber Sacramento, recommends staying away from chemical drain cleaners. They’re not recommended for the life of the plumbing system. In fact, they can cause more harm than good. With each use, they can actually degrade pipelines. Leaks can form over time, causing costly damage and being pricey to repair.

Contact Plumbing Company Near Me

Don’t give up if you wind up with a clogged toilet, sink, or drain. In most circumstances, an experienced, dependable plumber can unclog a clogged drain in a matter of minutes and at a fair price. It is more preferable to have it done correctly than to try to fix it yourself and cause a much larger problem. If you’re in need of plumbing services in the Fox Valley area and beyond, contact Tureks Plumbing Company. Our team of plumbing professionals will fix the problem in no time. 

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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.

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How to Adjust a Toilet Fill Valve

Wednesday, February 24th, 2021

how to adjust a toilet fill valve - tureks plumbing services

At Tureks Plumbing Services, we make it our duty to educate our customers so that they can fix as many plumbing defects in their homes as they can before they have to call a plumbing professional. It is for the same reason that our experts share the different ways in which you can adjust the toilet filling valve if you see that the toilet tank is not being refilled after you’ve flushed, or that the water is still flowing out of the tank because the filling valve has failed to stop further inflows. In the article below, our Fox Valley plumbers share five ways to adjust the toilet fill valve.

What Is a Toilet Fill Valve?

Your toilet has two valves that work each time you use the toilet. The first valve is the flush valve, which allows water to move from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl when you flush. This flush valve closes once all the water has drained from the toilet tank.

The second valve is the toilet fill valve or ballcock. This valve is responsible for controlling the movement of water into the toilet tank. The valve opens when the tank is empty and then closes once the tank has filled to the predetermined level. As already mentioned, this valve may malfunction and either prevent water from flowing into the tank, or the valve fails to stop water from getting into the tank even when the tank is full. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a plumbing company in Minneapolis, MN, explain that the specific steps that you take to adjust the fill valve will depend on the type of valve that is in your toilet tank.

How to Adjust Your Toilet’s Fill Valve

Adjusting a Piston/Plunger Ballcock

This type of fill valve depends on a ball attached to a float rod (made from brass) to control water flow into the toilet tank. As the ball moves up or down, the rod shifts and activates a plunger inside the ballcock assembly. That plumber can either let water through (if the ball moves downwards), or it can block the flow of water into the tank (if the ball moves upwards).

Adjusting this ballcock is, therefore, a simple task that entails gently bending the brass rod downwards or upwards, depending on your needs. For example, you can bend the rod upwards if the tank wasn’t filling up completely after you flush the toilet. Tureks Plumbing Services cautions that you shouldn’t raise the rod so high that the maximum level of water will exceed the top of the overflow tube. Conversely, you can bend the brass rod downwards if you notice that water was filling the tank to the point of overflowing.

Adjusting Brass Diaphragm Ballcocks

This type of ballcock resembles the plunger valve, except that there is no plunger stem in the brass diaphragm ballcock. The valve body is round and houses a diaphragm seal. Afloat rod moves this mechanism up and down to control water movement. As was the case for the piston valve, you also bend the float rod downwards or upwards in order to adjust the level at which water fills the tank.

Our plumbing company in Appleton, WI, also suggests that you may need to use penetrating oil to free the button of the diaphragm cup if mineral deposits or sediment have locked it in the closed position. Manually push the button down and up multiple times until it can move freely.

Adjusting Plastic Diaphragm Ballcocks

Recent models of plastic diaphragm ballcocks come with an adjustment screw that you can use to alter the fill level of the toilet tank. Turn this screw clockwise if you want to lower the fill level. Conversely, turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise when you want the fill level to be higher.

Adjusting Fill Valves That Have Float Cups

Most toilet assemblies now come equipped with a fill valve that has a float cup, so if yours is a newer house, then it is most likely to have this type of fill valve. The flow of water in such a system is regulated by a cylindrical plastic float. This float moves down or up along the shaft of the fill valve.

A metallic spring keeps the float cup attached to a small float rod. Tureks Plumbing Services advises that you can simply press both sides of this spring and then move the float cup downwards or upwards in order to adjust the fill level of that toilet tank.

Some models of this type of fill valve come with screws that you can adjust to raise or lower the fill level. Check for such a screw and manipulate it to change the level at which the tank fills.

Adjusting Pressure-Activated Fill Valves

Truly floatless fill valves depend on pressure differences to regulate the flow of water into the toilet tank. In this case, the fill valve sits inside the water in the tank. Sensors in the valve detect the pressure differences and cause the valve to move up or down. Check the top of the fill valve and locate the adjustment screw found there. Turn this screw clockwise to raise the fill level or turn it counterclockwise if you want to lower the fill level.

As you can see, the task of adjusting the fill valve is easy once you identify the type of valve in your toilet tank. Contact a plumber in Appleton, WI, for help if you aren’t able to correct the water flow anomaly in your toilet tank despite implementing the tips above. Tureks Plumbing Services offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services in Appleton, WI, so reach out any time you need our services.

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

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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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