Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Plumbing Problems’

7 Plumbing Problems You Should Not DIY

Wednesday, November 11th, 2020

Plumbing Problems You Should Not DIY

As a homeowner, you’ve probably DIY-ed a bit around your house, from the broken drawer handle to the leaky faucet. These projects are basic and can be done in a few hours. However, there are times when you need to call your Appleton, WI plumber. Otherwise, you may end up creating a bigger problem than the initial issue. Keep in mind that some states do require a licensed contractor to complete plumbing jobs. Below our plumbing contractors share seven plumbing problems you should not DIY.

Gas Leaks 

Gas leaks are very rare, but they’re still hazardous to human health and to human life as well. If you do recognize the rotten egg smell that is a sign of gas, then you should evacuate the house immediately.

Then contact emergency services as well as a Fox Valley plumber and wait outside for help. Do not attempt to fix the leak yourself. A certified plumber knows how to deal with natural gas. This also applies to any gas-related problems you might be experiencing. For your own safety as well as that of others, do not try to fix the issue yourself.

Expanding or Moving Your Pipes

If you are planning to expand your plumbing or to move your pipes on your own, we suggest you don’t. To do this, you need a permit before you can begin your operations, and you also need a professional plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services.

Expert plumbers who are licensed know the code requirements that ensure that you and your family are safe and that you are within regulations.  

Standing Water

This refers to any body of stagnant water. If you ever encounter standing water in your home, contact a Fox Valley plumber immediately. It does not matter if it’s your sink, toilet, or water heater. It can be caused by leaky pipes, a clogged sewer line, or cracks in the house’s foundation.

Most of the time, standing water is a sign of a bigger issue. So before you begin digging into the problem, get a professional Appleton, WI plumber who will use their expertise to determine the exact cause and repair the problem before your house turns into a waterpark.

Rerouting External or Internal Pipes

If your DIY repairs involve the tearing down or opening up of a wall or the digging up of your yard, then you should, without a doubt, get a professional involved. The issue may be larger than it seems, and without expert knowledge, you can’t really tell for sure. 

If you would like to reroute your pipes, involve a certified plumber first. They will inspect your home and make sure that it can accommodate the changes you’d like to implement. A professional plumber will also determine whether those modifications will be up to the plumbing regulations and standards that are set by the local and state government. If they aren’t, they may suggest other ways to execute your desires. Their knowledge helps advise on practical ways of doing what you want, the right way.

Plumbing Appliances

If your appliances such as the sump pump, water heater, or any other water-based appliances have issues, it’s best to have an expert come check them out. The maintenance or replacement of these appliances can be a demanding process that requires skill. Only a licensed plumber from a Fox Valley plumbing company can replace or repair these appliances correctly.

Large Water Connections & Water Pressure

Every homeowner should have the know-how or ability to turn off the water supply in their own home. For simple DIY projects, shutting off the water is not a big deal. However, if you are unsure about which lines to shut off or you need to handle a large water connection, it would be best to call in a professional. 

Your home’s water pressure can be tricky to maneuver. Do It Right Plumbers, an Orange County plumbing company, often gets calls from customers complaining about their water pressure. Most have tried just about everything and can’t seem to figure it out. Trust us, it’ll save you the time and hassle if you contact a professional plumbing company.  

Foul Odors

Bad smells may be an indication of a much larger issue. More often than not, it is caused by bacteria that feed on the buildup inside your pipes. The materials you flush down the drain can cling to the pipes’ sides and create a biofilm.

If some vents of your plumbing system fail, you may also notice a foul odor coming from them. The bottom line is the pipes need to be taken apart and cleaned. This should be done by a professional plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services. Contact us today for the professional plumbing help you need.

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Why Are My Drains Gurgling?

Wednesday, November 4th, 2020

Why Are My Drains Gurgling?

why are my drains gurgling - Tureks Plumbing

So, you’re doing the dishes at the kitchen sink, and suddenly, you hear a gurgling sound. Why are my drains gurgling? Gurgling is usually caused when there’s something that’s blocking air or water from flowing in your pipes. Water traveling slowly in your pipes forms air bubbles that create a gurgling sound.

There may be different things that cause the blockages that result in the gurgling sound. Experts at a Fox valley plumbing company highlight some of those factors:

A Blocked Sewer Line

This is the pipe that carries all the wastewater from all the pipes in your house to the septic tank or main sewer line in your yard or street. If you have a clogged sewer line, then all the pipes in your house will be affected. 

However, if you aren’t sure whether your sewer line is clogged, try flushing the toilet upstairs. If sewage starts to overflow from any pipes below, it is likely blocked.

You might want to call a plumber immediately. Check out emergency plumbers in Fox Valley for affordable rates and efficient services.

Usually, the main blockages for sewer lines are due to:

  • Broken pipes
  • Bathroom products
  • Tree roots (these are the most common cause) 

Trees need water to survive. This water is usually absorbed using the roots underground. Roots can grow into old drains in search of water. They may cause the breakage of pipes, which may result in unplanned expenses.

Replacing pipes isn’t cheap, but you can contact Tureks Plumbing Services, 

In Appleton, WI, bathroom products are the biggest cause of blockages in sewer lines. 

Below is a list of bathroom products you should not be flushing down the toilet:

  • Diapers
  • Pads and Tampons
  • Baby wipes
  • Dental floss
  • Q-Tips
  • Tissues
  • Paper towel

If you do flush them down the drain, please refrain from doing so frequently. Also, look for alternative means to dispose of your products.

A Blocked Vent System

The plumbing vent in your house allows air to pass through the pipes without interrupting the water flow. Drain or sewer vents usually extend to the outside of the house (mostly through the roof) from the waste pipes.

If your plumbing vent is clogged, then your plumbing system will not function.

To determine if your plumbing vent is clogged, you can: 

  • Try to listen for your pipes gurgling
  • Observe the speed at which your water drains
  • Smell for any bad odors that may be coming from your drain. 

These odors are mostly caused by the gases and air that have been trapped in the pipes, which create a foul smell.

A Blocked or Damaged P-Trap 

A P-Trap is a curved pipe that holds an amount of water under any sink in your house. The P-Trap’s main purpose is to create a water seal that prevents sewer gases from exiting through your drains, which protects your home from bad odors.

If your P-Trap has been damaged or has not been installed correctly, you’ll notice a stench when you flush the toilet or when water is flowing into your sink or shower drain.

If you can smell the sewage, then the time has come for you to replace your P-trap.

However, if your P-Trap is located in your wall or underground, please contact a professional from Tureks Plumbing Services.

I advise you not to DIY this, or it may end up costing you a lot more time and money, in the end, to repair it professionally.

A Blocked Drain

The main reason your pipes are gurgling could be either a partial or complete blockage. There’s a difference between the two and knowing how to differentiate between them is important.

A Partially Blocked Drain

A partially clogged drain is a few moments away from being a completely clogged one. To know whether you have a partially blocked drain, note how long it takes to drain water. If the water drains slower than usual and you can hear some gurgling, that means your drain is partially blocked.

The first thing you should do is clean your pipes using a pipe cleaner as soon as you notice your water draining slowly.

A Completely Blocked Drain

Ignoring a partially blocked drain and not cleaning it will result in a completely blocked one.

When the water rises in your bathtub or sink instead of draining, then you have a completely blocked drain.

Some of the causes of a complete drain blockage are:

  • Hair
  • Dirt
  • Soap residue
  • Dead skin
  • Oils or grease
  • Toilet paper build-up

Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a plumbing company in St. Paul, MN, agrees that if you have more than one drain in your house that is experiencing a blockage, this may indicate a blockage in your sewer line. 

You should contact a sewer pipe repair company in Appleton, WI, to scope the line, that is, use a camera to inspect the reason for the clog. You can always count on Tureks Plumbing Services to provide 24/7 emergency services. We’ll restore your plumbing back to its original glory! 

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Plumbing Maintenance for Fall

Wednesday, September 9th, 2020

Plumbing Maintenance for Fall

The fall season brings memories of brilliant, lush colors, and cool, comfortable temperatures. It is a period of reprieve after the intense heat of summer and before the winter’s frigid cold rolls in. However, as the leaves start to fall and the heat of the summer dissipates, homeowners everywhere should be aware of how the cold of winter will affect them. The sudden drop in temperature will wreak havoc on their plumbing, especially if they are unprepared.

Although a lot of us take it for granted, plumbing plays a crucial role in modern society. It allows us to properly dispose of waste material and keep our homes clean and sanitary. That’s why plumbing maintenance is important in the weeks leading up to the winter. The prolonged cold weather can be extremely hard on your plumbing fixtures, especially if you aren’t prepared. 

If you’ve neglected regular plumbing maintenance and didn’t address minor issues throughout the year, they will most likely be compounded in the winter months. At Turek’s Plumbing Services, we are committed to keeping your plumbing in top shape all year round. But before we look at some of the ways you can prepare your plumbing for the winter, let’s discuss what the cold does to your pipes.

How Cold Weather Causes Plumbing Problems

Winter temperatures in the U.S. usually average just above freezing at 33.2 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can hit lows of 2.6 F in places like Alaska. When the temperature dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the chances of exposed pipes or poorly insulated pipes in garages, basements, and crawl spaces freezing increase exponentially. And whether it’s clean water or waste material flowing through those pipes, you definitely don’t want them to burst, especially during the winter.

A burst pipe will cause water damage, requiring thousands of dollars’ worth of repairs, and it creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. What’s more, burst pipes aren’t always conspicuous, and it may be long before you actually discover it, and this may weaken structures and possibly lead to health problems. That’s why plumbers in Appleton, Wisconsin, recommend you regularly inspect pipes you suspect are at risk of freezing, especially exposed or cracked pipes in exterior walls, attics, and basements.

If there isn’t any water coming out of the faucet or it only trickles at low pressure, one of your pipes may be frozen. Also be on the lookout for:

  • Frost, on the pipe, especially those that can be seen and the ones under the sink.
  • Strange or odd smells from a faucet or drain

If you can find the spot where a pipe is frozen, you can thaw it out by applying heat on the frozen section of the pipe. Try wrapping an electronic heating pad, heat the area with a hairdryer, or use towels soaked in hot water. However, don’t use a blowtorch, kerosene heaters, a charcoal stove, or any other open flame device as they represent a severe fire hazard. If this doesn’t work, contact a plumber in Appleton, Wisconsin. Now let’s look at some plumber approved tips on plumbing maintenance as the winter approaches.

Plumbing Maintenance Tips for the Fall

Your plumbing fixtures will be especially vulnerable as the temperature drops. Here’s what you can do:

  • For outdoor hoses, the water inside them can freeze and expand in cold temperatures. This expansion will cause them and any connected pipes in the house to freeze and break. Disconnect the water hoses, drain them of any remaining water, and store them in a dry area to prevent this.
  • Outdoor faucets that leak or drip can lead to water damage and severe plumbing issues in the winter. Make sure the faucets are fixed during the fall, and once the outdoor hoses are disconnected, cover and insulate the faucets with a Styrofoam insulation kit. 
  • If your house has an interior shut off valve that is connected to the outside faucets and plumbing, Orange County plumbers recommend shutting it off and opening the outdoor faucet valve. This will ensure that there is no remaining water in the line that could freeze during the winter.
  • Make sure you insulate any pipes in non-heated areas like the crawl space or the garage. This will prevent them from freezing. 
  • At the spot where a pipe enters your home, gaps can easily develop between the pipe and the wall over time. Cold air can enter through these gaps. Gilmore Heating & Air, a heating and cooling company in Placerville, says HVAC systems work a lot harder and even freeze the pipes. Seal any gaps you find with weather stripping, caulking, and insulation.
  • Your water heater will be working a lot harder in the winter months, so make sure you completely flush it in the fall. This will remove the sediment buildup, which blocks proper heat transfer, ensuring the water heater runs more efficiently in the winter months. 
  • Additionally, make sure your sump pump is properly cleaned and insulated. This will ensure it doesn’t freeze in the cold temperatures. Appleton plumbing maintenance professionals can help if this task is difficult for you.

Take advantage of the fall to winter-proof your plumbing. Integrating these tips into your plumbing maintenance routines will make sure your plumbing operates efficiently during the coming winter months. At Turek’s Plumbing Services, we are committed to keeping your plumbing in good shape all year round. Contact us for your bathroom renovation, pipe repair, pipelining, sewer pipe repair, and trenchless pipe repair needs in Appleton Wisconsin today.

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No-Dig Trenchless Sewer Repair

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2020
no-dig trenchless sewer repair Fox Valley

No-Dig Trenchless Sewer Repair with Tureks Plumbing

What is Trenchless Sewer Repair?

You no longer have to dig up your yard or driveway thanks to trenchless sewer repair. There are so many trenchless sewer repair benefits! This no-dig trenchless sewer repair option is cost-effective and much less damaging than traditional sewer repair methods. 

Fox Valley homeowners prefer trenchless sewer repair because it permanently fixes sewer issues without the digging. If you have a sewer problem, you can count on Tureks Plumbing. Our team will quickly evaluate your sewer and drain lines with a sewer camera. Once we’ve done a camera inspection, our team will recommend the best solution. 

How Does Trenchless Sewer Repair Work? 

First, our team will clean out all roots and de-scale any debris. After the cleaning process is complete, our team will start to repair the pipelining. 

There are several trenchless rehabilitation options that plumbing professionals may recommend. The Perma-Lateral System is our go-to trenchless repair solution. This no-dig sewer repair technique is designed to create a new pipe within the old pipe by inserting a new liner. The length of your custom pipe liner depends on the solution you and your technician have decided upon. 

Unlike traditional sewer replacements, the Perma-Lateral System only requires one access point. Once the liner has been placed in the damaged pipe, it’ll take up to 3 hours for the ambient to be cured or 20 minutes if it’s steam cured. Once the lining has been cured, and the bladder has been extracted, the pipe will be as good as new! 

Here’s a quick look at a recent trenchless sewer repair project.

trenchless sewer repair in Appleton WI

How Do I know if I need Trenchless Sewer Repair? 

Trenchless sewer repair is not only quick, easy, and affordable, but it’s also effective in fixing a ton of sewer problems. Here is what trenchless sewer repair is commonly known for fixing:

  • Cracks in pipes
  • Corrosion
  • Pipe breaks
  • Tree roots
  • Sewage backups
  • Minor pipe misalignment

Trenchless Sewer Repair Costs

Trenchless pipeline rehabilitation varies in costs. Our friends over at McQuillan Bros, a plumbing and HVAC company in St. Paul, agree that the cost depends on the soil type, materials used, and how deep the pipes are buried. No dig sewer repair options are still one of the most cost-effective solutions for the long term. You won’t find yourself spending thousands of dollars to restore your pipes.

Whether you need trenching or trenchless sewer repair, you can count on Tureks Plumbing. Our plumbing professionals have extensive experience in providing trenchless sewer repair services in Appleton, Neenah, Oshkosh, and more. Contact us today to learn more about our plumbing services. 

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Biggest Plumbing Myths

Wednesday, July 1st, 2020

Biggest Plumbing Myths

Biggest Plumbing Myths - Tureks Plumbing Services

Your plumbing system can easily be a casualty of plumbing myths. While sometimes they work, they could also put your entire plumbing system in danger. 

When it comes to such delicate systems, it is best to work with facts. After all, it is the myths about plumbing that make it inherently harder to run a fully functioning home. The expert plumbers in Appleton, WI explain some common myths about plumbing: 

Lemon Peels Are Good For Your Garbage Disposal 

This myth is aimed at helping people keep their garbage disposals clean. Due to its work, your garbage disposal will smell and it is understandable to want to get rid of that smell. However, orange peels only mask the smell and do nothing to improve the functionality of your drain. In fact, the peels are more likely to cause damage to your blades which will lose their functionality and cause more problems along the drain. 

The best way to clean your garbage disposal drain is to use hot water, soap, and a brush. This will help remove the smell and get rid of any accumulated particles within the drain. Also, make sure to disconnect the system from the power source to avoid accidents. 

Water Draining Means Clear Draining

Just because the drain in your kitchen seems to be working doesn’t mean it is. Sometimes, we notice faults in our homes such as slow drainage or a finicky tap and apply quick fixes. 

While this saves time and money,  applying a quick fix allows the situation to get worse explains Sacramento plumbers from Gilmore Heating, Air, & Plumbing. Make sure to clean your drainage systems manually and have the plumbing checked every few months.  

A Wire Hanger is as Good as a Plumbing Snake 

Drainage problems require urgent fixing before they cause more problems in our homes. Most people tend to use a wire hanger instead of using appropriate tools such as a plumbing snake. 

The problem with using a wire hanger is that it could cause more damage than it is intended. An exposed wire could damage the pipes by scratching the interior surface. This, in turn, makes it easier for food and waste debris to attach themselves. If you have to use a wire hanger, wrap it with a piece of clothing at the end. 

Flushable Wipes are Safe to Flush 

Wet wipes are liked because they offer quick cleaning solutions and are easy to dispose of. However, not all wipes can and should be flushed. The fact that the package has a flushable tag on them only means that they won’t clog your drainage system when you flush. They, however, take longer to break down and can cause problems to the environment.

Getting the best plumber for your Home 

You are likely to encounter at least two plumbing problems in a year depending on factors such as where you live and the number of people you live with. These plumbing issues can morph into big issues if not looked at in time and by a professional. Contact Turek’s Plumbing for all your plumbing needs in Appleton Wisconsin and enjoy fast and professional services all-year-round. 

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Spring Cleaning for Drains and Sewers

Wednesday, March 11th, 2020

Spring Cleaning for Drains and Sewers - Tureks Plumbing ServicesAs spring approaches, homeowners can’t help but think about spring cleaning from purging the garage to decluttering drawers. One aspect of spring cleaning that people tend to forget is the drains. Like everything else, your home’s drains also need to be cleaned.

Plumbing professionals highly recommend having your drain cleaned around this time of the year. You need to go through your home and mark every drain from the sink to bathtubs. Cleaning the drains will help decrease the chances of clogs. The following tips will help you take the right step to prevent your drains from getting clogged:

Start with the Kitchen

Your kitchen sink is put through a lot. All those plate scrapings going down the drain can accumulate and result in a clog. You want to make sure that when washing dishes, you throw any leftover food into the trash, no matter how small it may be. This will help prevent your kitchen drain from clogging. 

The Bathroom

The shower drain can clog up easily if you don’t take care of it. All the hair that gets caught up in it, as well as residues from shampoo and soap you use, can easily get caught up in the drain. To prevent this from happening, Sacramento HVAC company and plumbing experts recommend that you set a hair catcher on the drain, so it catches all the gunk. You won’t have to worry about having to get it cleaned out of the drain due to it clogging up.

Outdoor Drains

Outdoor drains are a bit trickier as they need to be inspected properly. You need to check the roots and everything around them so you can see if the pipes are damaged or not due to them as well as check for leaks. You may want to consult the professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services to inspect the drains in your home. Not only will they inspect the drains, but they can ensure that preventative measures are taken to stop clogs. 

Should you Consider Commercial Cleaners to Clean Drains?

Commercial cleaners can help you unclog drains, but they result in more problems in the long run. First off, the cleaners don’t actually tackle the main problem causing the clog, instead act as a temporary solution. The chemicals in the cleaner are also harmful to the environment. Instead of relying on commercial cleaners, contact the best plumbing company in Appleton, Wisconsin, for professional plumbing services.

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Why You Might Have Stinky Plumbing Problems

Wednesday, March 4th, 2020

You will notice at times that your plumbing literally stinks. If your drains/sinks are reeking of an awful smell, you’ll likely need the help of a 24-hour plumber in Fox Valley. So, what’s causing this smell? Well, there are numerous reasons why you may be having this plumbing problem: 

A Breach in the Sewer Line

There are a few different reasons why your sewer line becomes breached. For example, clogs can result in pressure buildup, which causes the line to burst. With sewers being underground, tree roots can grow and spread through the line. Bad soil conditions can result in the line sinking into the ground. All of which results in line breaking and sewerage leakage.

To identify a sewage leak, you need to pay attention to your toilets and drains. You’ll know that there’s a sewage problem when there’s a clog. Placerville HVAC company and plumbing adds that there is no easy way to resolve the issue on your own, and you will have to call your Appleton plumber to come and fix it for you.

Dirty Garbage Disposal

Yes, the garbage disposal is there for you to get rid of the garbage, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to clean it. Without proper garbage disposal maintenance, your kitchen sink will start to reek overtime. You can clean the disposal on your own as there are numerous DIY to do it, including using vinegar and baking soda. Just make sure you disconnect the disposal before you do it. 

P-trap Plumbing Problems

Sometimes plumbing problems occur in the “U” or “P” shaped part of the sink’s pipes. What typically happens is there is a small amount of water buildup. To fix this problem, you will need to cycle water through the pipes. This type of problem usually occurs when you infrequently use a toilet or sink, which results in the water in the pipe drying out. 

Buildup of Biofilm

Biofilm is the result of buildup from various products you use, such as soap, shampoo, oil, and cream. As biofilm starts to form in the drain, it attracts bacteria that feed on it. The bacteria that buildups emit an unpleasant odor. You can use a natural cleaner such as hot water, vinegar, and baking soda. You let the solution sit for about two hours and flush down hot water again, the biofilm should be removed along with the smell.

Most of these problems are not too difficult to tackle. But if you want professional plumbing help, contact the professionals. Are you looking for a plumbing company in Appleton, Wisconsin? Give Tureks Plumbing Services a call. Our plumbing experts will get your plumbing system up and running in no time! 

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Bathroom Problems You Can Fix Yourself

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019

bathroom problems you can fix yourselfLike most other things, the more the bathroom is used, the more likely it is that problems will start to arise, which you will then have to fix. Whenever there is a problem in the bathroom, the first reaction of people is to call your Fox Valley plumber to get them fixed. But all problems are not of the severity that only a professional plumber can fix them. There are many bathroom problems you can fix yourself, and this can save you a lot of time and money. 

The experts at Tureks plumbing in Appleton, WI have identified some problems that do not require professional assistance. But before we get into that, you need to understand how your toilet works since most of the bathroom-related problems are toilet-related.

A Quick Understanding of How Your Toilet Works

The toilet consists of two parts: the bowl that sits on the ground, and the upper tank that holds the water until you release it when you flush the toilet. The tank is the place where most problems arise, as it contains two important valves and the handle which initiates the toilet flush. 

Plumbing Problems You May Be Able to Fix Yourself

  • Toilet not flushing: This is perhaps the most common problem and has multiple ways to fix it. First, you need to check the handle to see if it is too tight or too loose and then tighten or loosen it accordingly. You can also check on the lift chain to see if it is attached to the flapper and the lift arm correctly, then adjust it accordingly. In case the flapper is not sealing the flush valve opening, you need to replace it because it might be damaged. 
  • A leaking toilet base: Although it sounds horrible, it is not a very hard problem to fix. This problem is mostly caused due to a damaged wax ring that seals the base of the toilet to the drain opening in the floor. In order to replace the wax ring, the toilet needs to be removed, but it is not that hard. By removing the toilet, yourself and replacing the wax ring, you can save money. 
  • A clogged toilet: Another one of the more common toilet problems, this one is probably the easiest to resolve. All you need is a specialized toilet plunger with an internal cup, and you are ready to resolve this problem within a few minutes. In case the clogging is more stubborn, you can use another specialized tool called toilet auger. 
  • Water level too high: This can be caused by a damaged or an old fill valve, which might need to be cleaned or replaced. Another cause might be debris in the fill valve resulting in the malfunction of the shut-off mechanism, and the solution is to clean out that debris

 

If you are unable to fix any of these problems on your own and need assistance, contact us at Tureks Plumbing Services. Having bigger plumbing issues? We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services across the Appleton, WI area. 

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When to Replace Your Water Softener at Home

Wednesday, September 18th, 2019

How to Know When to Replace the Water Softener at Home - Tureks PlumbingLike any of the other appliances that you have in your home, the water softener will also need to be replaced at some point. It is important for you to know when the time has come to replace this appliance. Most water softeners last for between 10 and 15 years, so if yours is more than a decade old, then you could consider replacing it. Apart from the age, there are other signs that you can base upon to make the decision to replace your water softener. Tureks Plumbing Services shares some of those warning signs.

Less Lather Than Expected

If you notice that you have to use more soap or shampoo in order to get enough lather while you take a bath or shower, then it may be time to replace the water softener since the current one isn’t doing a good job of softening the hard water.

Spotted or Stained Laundry

When you run your clothes through the laundry machine, and the clothes have visible white spots or stains, you can suspect that the water softener isn’t doing its work as it should and you may, therefore, need to be replaced. The spots you see are minerals that have remained after the water evaporated as your laundry dried.

This problem can also be seen on your dishes and pans since the same minerals making your clothes to look dirty are also present in the water used in the dishwasher. Consequently, if you see streaks on your dishes and other kitchenware, take that as a sign that the water softener may have become ineffective and it may be time to replace it or have a Fox Valley plumber check and repair it.

Deposits Around Faucets and Pipes

You also need to observe the pipes and faucets in your home. If you see crusty deposits on those faucets and pipes, then the water softener may not be doing its job. That chalky substance can gradually clog the pipes or even damage them.

Changes in the Taste of Water

If you have been drinking water directly from a faucet, you may start to notice that its taste changes to something you don’t like. That change may signify that the minerals which the water softener was removing are now remaining in the water because the water softener is no longer doing its work as it should. This suspicion may gain further credence if you notice any of the other signs discussed earlier.

Changes in the Water Pressure

If the water pressure at different points of use drops inexplicably, the problem may lie squarely with the malfunctioning water softener. The drop in pressure may be due to the mineral deposits in hard water accumulating on the walls of the pipes to the extent that water cannot flow through easily. Fox Valley plumbers advise that it is much better, in the long run, to replace the water softener instead of indulging in the futile task of repeatedly clearing the clogged pipes.

Too Much Salt

Older water softeners required the homeowner to keep topping up the salt that is used by the appliance to soften hard water. Appleton plumbers reveal that if you check your water softener and find that the supply of salt isn’t changing despite the water softener running, then that water softener may have reached the end of its usefulness and it may be time to replace it.

Dry and Itchy Skin

If your skin feels itchy and dry after a shower, then some dissolved minerals may be remaining in the water. This is a sign that the water softener isn’t as effective as it once was.

When to Replace Your Water Softener

The signs above are only indicative and may not be definitive proof that it is time to replace your water softener. This is because the problem may be fixed by servicing the appliance, or another cause may be responsible for the signs you see. For example, the metallic water pipes in your home may be rusty, which could explain the altered taste of the water in your home. The best way to confirm that your water softener is due for replacement is by asking an Appleton plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services to check the softener and determine whether servicing or repairing it may restore it to full functionality, or whether replacing it is the best option. Don’t live with the problems resulting from hard water flowing through your pipes, contact Tureks Plumbing Services for help today!

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How to Prepare Your Plumbing for Fall

Wednesday, September 11th, 2019

how to prepare your plumbing for fall - Tureks Plumbing ServicesThe weather changes that occur during autumn bring several risks for the plumbing system of your home. Preparing your plumbing for this season will help to avert many of those potential problems. The following tips provided by the experienced plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, WI, will get you underway with this task.

Insulate Your Water Pipes

When a pipe freezes and bursts, the resultant damage can cost you thousands of dollars to fix. The best way that Fox Valley plumbers recommend for preventing this problem is by insulating the water pipes so that they are protected from the cold.

You can buy self-adhering pipe insulation from a plumbing supplies store near you and install this insulation yourself. All you have to do is measure the pipe you want to insulate is and then cut the appropriate length of insulating material.

To make this activity as easy as possible, experienced Appleton plumbers suggest that instead of trying to insulate all the pipes in one day, spread out this work over several days.

Pay special attention to the outdoor water pipes and those in spaces that aren’t conditioned, such as the basement, since these are most prone to freezing during cold weather.

Disconnect the Hose

Now is also the time to disconnect all the water hoses outside your home. Drain those hoses and keep them in your garage or any other sheltered place in your home. Check the faucets to which the hoses were connected and repair any leaks to those faucets before the cold weather sets in.

This is also the time to turn the shutoff valves off so that the pipes supplying the garden hoses don’t retain any water in them. Any water that remains in these pipes could freeze and make the pipe burst.

Clear the Drainpipes and Gutters

Falling leaves and other debris are a threat to the drainpipes and gutters on your home because they can cause clogs that prevent water from flowing freely from the roof and away from your house. It is therefore important for you to inspect and clean out the gutters and the drainpipes so that they can do their work when the time comes.

If you are unable to clean the gutters and drainpipes on your own due to mobility challenges or safety concerns, ask Tureks Plumbing Services for help.

Inspect the Water Heater

The onset of cold weather means that your water heater will be working extra hard to keep your household supplied with the hot water .

Appleton plumbers recommend that you inspect and service the water heater so that it is at its best before the cold weather sets in. Flush the water heater and get rid of the sediment at the bottom of the tank.

Test the pressure relief valve and confirm that it is functional. Also, look underneath the heater to confirm that there are no puddles that could suggest that the water heater is leaking.

You can also check the anode rod if you hadn’t checked and replaced it recently. This component plays an important role in preventing your water heater tank from corroding since the anode sacrifices itself so that the water heater tank can remain intact. If you have a tankless water heater, then you don’t have to worry about sacrificial anodes.

Now might be a perfect time to ask your local Fox Valley plumber to examine your water heater. Tureks Plumbing can help you with any water heater repairs or replacements that are needed. Remember, it’s best to detect these plumbing problems sooner than later.

Service the Sump Pump

The sump pump plays an important role in preventing your basement from flooding by pumping out all the water that accumulates in the sump pit. This pump and any auxiliary pump in your basement need to be at its best to cope with the potential deluge of water entering the basement when the rainy season starts.

Check the discharge line and confirm that it is clear. If you test the pump and it appears to be having a technical problem, invite a plumber from Fox Valley Plumbers to check and fix any issue it may have.

It takes a lot of skill and care to prepare your plumbing system sufficiently for fall. This task is better handled by professionals, and the experienced plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services are at your service. Give us a call today, and we will take care of your commercial or residential plumbing needs just in time for winter. 

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Posted in Plumbing Pipes, Plumbing Problems, Residential Plumbing, Sump Pump, Water Heater | Comments Off on How to Prepare Your Plumbing for Fall