Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Plumbing Problems’

5 Common Sewer Line Problems And Signs You Have Them

Monday, August 20th, 2018

5 Common Sewer Line Problems And Signs You Have Them

Your residential sewer line plays a crucial role in allowing you to have a hygienic and healthy home. When your sewer line is blocked, broken, or has certain issues, this will affect the entire main line of your home plumbing system.

Here are the five common sewer line problems you may encounter and signs that you have these issues:

Blockage

Sewer lines can become blocked if you keep throwing grease and oil down the sink and flushing objects that shouldn’t be flushed, such as diapers and tampons. The blockage will then restrict water flow in your sewer line.

Common signs that indicate you have a blocked sewer line are:

  • Loud gurgling noises in the pipes
  • The drains are working slower
  • Water is backing up into the lowest drains of your home

Broken, collapsed and skewed pipes

Old residential sewer lines especially those produced before the ‘90s were made of clay or poor-quality plastic pipes. These fixtures become weaker and brittle as the years go by.

If these pipes are not replaced, they will be broken by the shifting of frozen ground or soil surrounding the sewer lines. They can be broken by tree roots as well.

Deteriorated pipes can cause sewer backup. As such, you will also observe water backing up and your drains working slower if your sewer line pipes are damaged.

Tree root infestation

Tree roots naturally gravitate towards areas where water sits to find nutrients. If the sewer line is close enough, roots may grow directly into the pipes. The roots will enter through cracks, crevices, and holes.

Tree root infestations can cause water to back up and overflow. This is one of the biggest plumbing problems you may encounter and often requires major repairs.

Pipe corrosion

Iron pipes last for about 15 to 20 years. After that, they can rust and break open.

Pipe corrosion can also be hastened by the mineral content of the water flowing through the pipe. Its location (behind walls or underground) will speed up its deterioration as well.

If you are experiencing frequent drain backup, your sewer line may already be corroded.

Blocked house trap

A house or plumbing trap is a specially designed fitting shaped like a U which prevents odors from coming out of a city line. It contains water which acts as a natural barrier that blocks odors from escaping and preventing any of them from entering the home.

In case objects such as diapers and tampons are caught in the belly of the trap, the entire system may start to malfunction.

A bad smell coming from your drains can indicate that you have this sewer line issue.

So, knowing the common sewer line problems and their signs is one thing; dealing with them is another. Fixing these issues can be time consuming, complicated, and dirty job. As such, it is best to call plumbing experts immediately when you notice these plumbing problem signs.  

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Where to Find Your Sewer Cleanout

Monday, August 13th, 2018

Where to Find Your Sewer Cleanout

Clogs and sewage – certainly not the stuff everyday conversations are made of.

Still, it pays to know what you need to do in case your household ever, quite, unfortunately, gets plagued by a stoppage in the main drain line.

This is not just about a drain clog in the toilet, tub or sink. The main drain line delivers all the wastewater coming from your house to the city or municipal sewer system, or to a septic tank and leach field system.

Hence, a blockage in your main drain line means raw sewage backing up into your house resulting in an unimaginable stench, and waste-laden water spilling over to your floors – the stuff of nightmares, and a certain health hazard unless addressed ASAP.

This is why it is so important for you to know exactly where to find your sewer cleanout. If it’s your first time getting to know about this feature of your plumbing system, read on.

For every house, there’s usually only one sewer cleanout

Ideally, all houses should have a main sewer cleanout. But a few don’t, while some larger houses can have as many as three.

Whenever there is a blockage in your main drain line, this is the plumbing fitting to look for.

But how do you find it?

To locate your main sewer cleanout, you need to do a bit of sleuthing to determine where it is highly likely to be found.

Its location is usually dependent on geography and the house design. However, there are three spots you can try checking first where you might just find it:

Outdoor Clean-Outs

Residences located in regions with a warm climate tend to have their main cleanout located outside. Try looking behind thickets or bushes, or see if you can find a plastic or metal box in a recess in the soil.

Basement

If you have a basement, the main cleanout would most probably be located there.

Bathroom

If you live in a house with a slab foundation, you may want to go looking for the main cleanout in the bathroom. If it’s not there,  your garage where it’s likely to be found near a floor drain.

Get professional plumbing help

A main sewer line blockage is something you most likely can’t fix on your own. A stoppage in the main line is something which definitely requires the expertise and skills of experienced plumbers. You’ll need tools such as a drain snake or a motorized drain auger to fix the problem. You also need to protect yourself from the unsanitary conditions of dealing with sewage. Therefore, give your trusted plumber a call, and get your plumbing issue fixed right away.

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Slow Drain Septic System Problems

Thursday, June 22nd, 2017

Slow Drain Septic System Problems: Signs, Causes, and How to Fix Them

The bathroom is one of the dirtiest places in your home since different types of bacteria can be found here. Once you have a drainage or septic system problem, you will consider your toilet even more unsanitary and a hassle to use.

Signs of a Septic System Issue

Septic system problems are more common in houses and buildings that have already been in use for many years. Some of the signs that indicate you already have this kind of plumbing problem are:

  • Water is draining slowly from the shower, bathtub, sink, and other areas
  • The sound of gurgling from the tub or sink when a toilet is flushed
  • Water backing up in toilets, tubs, and sinks
  • Water puddles on the grounds on your lawn
  • The smell of sewage odors outdoors

Possible Causes

There are several reasons why you have a problematic or slow drain septic system. The most common one is the overuse of the system. This means that too many people are using or too much water is being used in the household or building that the usage has gone beyond the system’s capacity.

Another common cause of this problem is the lack of or delay in inspection, maintenance, and pumping. Once your septic tank becomes full, the filter in the outlet baffle will start to plug. This plugging action will cause the water level inside the tank to rise which will restrict the flow of effluent.

Finally, your septic system may not be working properly if something is clogging the pipes or drains. Grease, food, certain sanitary products, toys, or even pieces of clothes can be stuck somewhere in the pipes and cause the slow drain or the system’s malfunction.

Getting Things Back to Normal

If the reason behind your slow drain problem is a blockage, you can remove the clog by using some tools at home. However, harder clogs and blockages will require the use of a plumbing snake; in such instances, it is best to call in experts to do the job to avoid further damaging your plumbing and septic system.

Calling in professional plumbers at the onset of a problem is always a smart idea since the contractors will know how and where to identify the issue quickly. In case you have slow draining fixtures, plumbers will check the drain-vent system. If the problem is in this area, they have the expertise, tools, and equipment to fix the issue. Also, if you already have a failed septic system, qualified plumbers will be able to detect this easily. Depending on the particular problem and design of your system, the professional plumbers will give you sound advice on whether it is best to have your system repaired or replaced.

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Why Are My Drains Bubbling?

Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017

Bubbling toilets or drains explained

Whenever you use the bathroom to take care of your personal hygiene, the only sounds you would want to hear are the ones you make as you move around — the sudden rush of water as you turn on the tap, the toilet flushing, water going down the drain. If your body pipes up as well — such as your stomach rumbling thanks to the heavy meal you had earlier — that would be expected, and thus totally fine, too.

What you don’t want to hear, however, is a gurgling noise coming from various areas of the bathroom. If you hear this gurgling or bubbling noise after you use the shower, sink, or the toilet, it could mean trouble — and it’s something that you shouldn’t ignore.

Why are my drains bubbling? Here are possible answers to this question:

·         There is a blockage in your vent pipe or drain

·         A pipe may have collapsed or gotten damaged

·         There is a buildup of grease dirt or other debris in your home’s plumbing

Vent pipes are joined to the major pipes that make up your home’s plumbing. These typically end at the roof of your house. If a vent pipe is blocked by things such as accumulated dirt or debris coming from outside your house such as dead leaves, these gurgling noises indicate that air cannot escape through the vent. Instead, the air makes its way to the nearest available opening, which could be the sink in your bathroom.

If the problem is buildup in your plumbing, it means that water cannot drain properly. Typically, both water and air flow through the drain and then escape the pipes through their respective spots. When the pipes are dirty and blocked, however, the air bubbles will end up getting expelled at the nearest vent, which results in the bubbling noise.

Keep in mind, though, that if you hear the gurgling noise in every drain you can find throughout the house, then it is an indication of a much bigger blockage in the main plumbing pipe, and not in the smaller pipes attached to the drains.

How can these blocks — and consequently, the gurgling sounds — be prevented?

There are a number of things that everyone in the household can do to keep your home’s pipes free and clear:

·         Refrain from pouring or throwing anything down the drain that could cause buildup — this could be grease, hair strands, food particles, and other physical waste.

·         If the buildup already exists, you can try using chemical solutions to clean out the pipes. Make sure to use the product as directed so that they can work as intended. Also, remember to follow safety precautions when handling the chemicals.

·         Alternatively, an auger can be used to manually unclog the pipes. With sufficient force, any buildup can be broken up, but take care not to cause damage to the pipes and cause additional leaking problems.

If you’re unsure about how to perform these properly, there’s always the option of getting in touch with the plumbing specialists in your area. These professionals will know exactly how to diagnose and resolve your plumbing problems and get rid of that troublesome gurgling noise once and for all.

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Common Plumbing Problems In Older Homes

Thursday, April 27th, 2017

Even in today’s digital age, many people are still looking to buy older homes. But often, these buyers are only looking at the surface of the house.

It’s important to look beyond what you can easily see — for instance, check the pipes.

Galvanized Pipes

Plenty of older homes have galvanized piping. A galvanized pipe is made of steel covered with a layer of zinc to protect it. But the zinc erodes from the piping over time, which causes the pipes to fail from the inside. In turn, this leads to different problems like stopped-up toilets and faucets and low water pressure. Sediment will fill the pipes as they corrode, thereby blocking water flow.

Concrete or Cast Iron Pipes

Some older homes have these kinds of pipes. Concrete pipes won’t deteriorate; however, they will shift and move under the home’s foundation. Cast iron pipes, on the other hand, will deteriorate over time just like the galvanized pipes but can eventually disappear.

Lead Pipes

These pipes have a lifespan of a century. Although they wear well, they may leak lead into the drinking water, causing serious health conditions to households.

Copper Pipes

These can be too pricey for home plumbing, but copper pipes are reliable and durable since they are not prone to leaking.

What else to look for?

Thoroughly check the components attached to pipes, water heaters, drains, and other plumbing systems regularly. When they are not maintained properly, huge problems can happen.

A valve on a line might look normal but it may not work well. Just because it is not leaking does not necessarily mean that there’s no problem with it.

How to Manage Plumbing Issues in Older Homes

  • Determine what kind of pipes were installed – Whether the property has copper, galvanized or concrete pipes, let a licensed plumber inspect it. This professional knows if the pipes are still fully functional or already need replacement.
  • Have a professional check the foundation of the property – Aside from the deteriorating pipes, it is also possible that tree roots have strangled the property’s sewer lines. To prevent costly future repairs, ask a certified professional to check the foundation of the sewer lines and septic systems of the property.
  • Renovate – This is the last resort in managing plumbing issues in older homes. Replace the older pipes with new plumbing systems. Also, replace or repair the property’s water lines, drains, vents, and sewer lines.

Prior to buying a house, it’s always best to know and understand the common plumbing problems in older homes. Also, you should have a professional plumber evaluate the property’s current plumbing condition – which is why you should call us today!

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When To Replace Your Hot Water Heater

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017

Once you have a water heater installed, you can rely on this piece of equipment to give you hot or temperate water whenever you need to take a bath.

But although you can expect this system to give you years and years of comfortable baths, there will come a time when it will stop working properly. And if you don’t want to be unexpectedly drenched in freezing water on a particularly cold morning, you need to know when to replace your hot water heater so that you can avoid such an uncomfortable, shocking situation.

There are certain signs that would indicate that you need to replace your water heater immediately. These include the following:

Your heater is already more than 10 years old.

Most water heaters last between 10 and 15 years. Once your system passes the 10-year mark, you will start encountering issues every now and then and you will soon find yourself spending a lot of money on repairs. Unfortunately, having your heater repaired regularly only delays the inevitable. You would do well to put all that money on a new heater.

Recurring loud, unusual noises.

As the years go by, sediment will build up in your water heater tank. You will soon hear banging or rumbling sounds from your heater due to the obstruction inside the tank.  Although a plumber will be able to remove small amounts of buildup, there will come a time when the sediment will harden and this will become too difficult to take out. Aside from causing loud noises, this hard sediment may make your heater inefficient.

Excessive leaks.

The presence of puddles of water around the heater or water seeping down the sides of the heater are usually signs that the water heater tank may be fractured. If this is the case, you will have no choice but to replace the heater to get rid of the existing leaks and prevent any further damage.

Rust around the fittings.

If the fittings around your water heater are corroded, or look rusted or worn down, this may indicate that there is an issue with the unit as a whole. Corrosion is even more likely if the leaks appear around the valves or the pipework. A professional plumber can help you decide whether it will be worth your while and your money to have the issue fixed by replacing the damaged part or if it is best to simply replace your heater with a new one.

It is producing less hot water.

Lastly, if you start noticing that there is a lack of hot water coming from your heater even if you play with the settings, this is usually a sign that your equipment is no longer working efficiently. This is especially true if you observe a sudden decrease in the amount of hot water or that your hot water never seems to get hotter than lukewarm.

You don’t have to immediately buy a new heater if you notice that your current one is starting to act up. A plumber will be able to help you decide if an old heater is worth repairing or if it is best to buy a new one. Call us today to set up an appointment!

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7 Ways to Effectively Prevent and Clear Clogs in Your Drain

Monday, March 27th, 2017

Clogs in the drain are household inconveniences that can be avoided. Since many are easily disgusted by the backflow of murky water caused by a clog in its usual path, it’s important to know what shouldn’t be done in order to prevent these blockages from building up inside drains.

As such, professional plumbers in Wisconsin have listed seven effective ways to prevent clogs below, as well as solutions to clogged drains that you can apply.

Don’t pour cooking grease into the sink.

It may be liquid in form when you pour it in, but an instant change in temperature can cause it to solidify. In Wisconsin, where it’s often cold, grease poured down the sink will harden in drain tubes right away, according to professional plumbers who service Applegate and Fox Valley residents.

Don’t dump coffee grounds in the sink.

Sure, these won’t harden in the drains and can be pushed down by the strong flow of water, but they can build up over time, especially if they get caught in hardened grease.

Don’t flush hair down your bathroom drains.

Hair doesn’t deteriorate and it can get entangled with the different elements present in your drain. Use a drain cover and throw away hair in the trash instead. It’s nasty, but what’s nastier is fishing out a huge hairball from your drain that’s preventing water from flushing away from your house.

If grease is already clogging your drain, the quickest solution to use is boiling hot water.

The hot temperature will turn grease into liquid again and it will mix with hot water and flow down the drain easily.

Another solution for clogs created by grease and soap scum is a solution of baking soda and vinegar.

This solution will corrode clogs and clear the drain. Not only that, baking soda and vinegar have disinfecting properties too, so if your drains are getting to be really stinky, the solution can take care of that as well.

To get rid of soap scum and hair, you can also try lye.

If you’re not familiar with lye, it’s a chemical that is used to perm the hair and it’s also used for soaps. Since it’s potent enough to alter the shape of or even burn hair, it’s effective in dissolving clogs in the drain. Make sure that you only use a small amount of lye because it’s a caustic substance.

For clogged garbage disposals, try filling an ice cube tray with equal parts of vinegar and water. Freeze the mixture of vinegar and water, and when you have ice cubes, dump them in the garbage disposal. The acidity from the vinegar will clean the drain and its chips will scrape grease off the drain walls. 

If you’re suffering from a clogged drain, schedule an appointment with us today!

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WHAT NOT TO FLUSH DOWN YOUR TOILET

Thursday, March 9th, 2017

Do Not Flush These Objects Into Your Toilet

There are only two things that need to be flushed down a toilet: human waste and regular toilet paper.

There is one reason why a clogged toilet is one of the leading plumbing problems in a household. People throw things into the toilet that they shouldn’t.

Some people think of the toilet as another trash can where they can dispose of anything they like. But when you throw foreign objects into the toilet, you will not only cause clogs in the toilet. Apart from that, you can experience other problems like damage to the septic tank and pollution. Furthermore, you will need to spend money to fix these problems.

What are the objects that you should not throw into the toilet?

Food and cooking oil/grease

Some homeowners think that it is all right to throw grease into the toilet because it is a liquid. However, grease can congeal when it cools down. And when that happens, the solidified grease can clog the pipes.

Cleaning pads and wet wipes

Plumbers from around the country have seen a marked increase in toilet clogs and backups in sewage pipes. The culprit? Wet wipes.

Instead of throwing used wipes into the toilet, find a trash can and throw these there.

Dental floss

Dental floss is non-biodegradable. Over time, as more of this item accumulates in the toilet, it can cause clogs.

Cotton balls and Q-tips

Cotton does not break down after you flush it down the toilet. Instead, it accumulates and forms clumps which then cause clogs, especially in areas where the pipes bend.

Diapers

Diapers expand when these are put underwater, making them difficult to flush down toilets. However, if you manage to flush one, it can get caught in the bend of the pipe and cause a clog.

Expired pills

If you find expired pills in your medicine cabinet, do not flush these down the toilet. Although these will not cause the toilet to clog, it can cause water pollution. And when the water you flush down the toilet finds its way to the groundwater supply, it can harm wildlife.

Tissues and paper towels

If you prefer to use paper towels and tissues, do not throw these into the toilet. Unlike regular toilet papers, these do not dissolve in the water.

Cigarette butts

If you must smoke in a bathroom, dispose of your cigarette butts properly. When you throw cigarette butts into the toilet, these will simply float on the water. And when the water flushed down the toilet gets to the groundwater supply, that water will be loaded with lots of harmful chemicals.

Have a clogged toilet? Contact us for help!

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How to Deal with Basement Flooding

Friday, March 3rd, 2017

basement flooding

Basement and Bathroom Flooding

Any type of flooding in your home is a problem, but two of the worst types that your household could experience are bathroom flooding and basement flooding.

Bathroom flooding can be a disgusting process for all because of the human waste factor and how it can impact your entire household’s daily hygiene routine. Despite this, basement flooding remains a much bigger concern. Aside from the fact that it can be caused by everything from overland flooding, to infiltration flooding, to sewer backup, to a combination of two or all three of these types of flooding (different levels of nastiness for flood water), it can also lead to serious structural damages that can make your home unsafe to live in.

Since the basement is part of the house’s foundation, compromised elements in this room can alter the integrity of the entire structure. It’s important to mention as well that because of the room’s location, it’s quite prone to mold growth, which can pose health risks for you and your family. Molds are not easy to treat, and getting rid of them will not only set your finances back, but it will also be a great inconvenience to your family since you will be asked to evacuate your home until the situation is properly resolved.

Suffice it to say, basement flooding is a situation that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. You can’t let dirty water just sit in the room and breed all sorts of potentially harmful elements; the quicker you get rid of the water, the better. For this job, you will need plumbing specialists to help drain the flood and also correctly identify the cause of flooding.

Urgently addressing the situation is required if the flooding is caused by sewer backup. Applegate and Fox Valley plumbers say that while contaminated water is the main issue, other factors worsen the problem. Flooding can place extra pressure on the pipes underneath the home and this can result in the heaving of basement floors, especially when improper backwater valves are used.

Also, weeping tiles are connected to the municipal system through sanitary sewer laterals or storm sewer laterals, and sewage can be pressured back into the weeping tiles; this may result in great damage to the home, which will not only require repairs but replacement of materials as well.

If you need to have your basement serviced due to flooding, your insurance company may be able to help shoulder the cost due to sewer back-up, so do get in touch with them to see if your insurance policy can actually cover the cost of sewer backup damage. If it does, you won’t have to worry much about getting your home properly restored.

Contact us today for more information.

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Common Commercial Plumbing Problems (and How to Avoid Them)

Thursday, November 24th, 2016

commercial-plumbingCommon Commercial Plumbing Problems

A plumbing issue in your commercial property can be one of the costliest and most inconvenient situations you can face. If left unattended, even a minor issue can become a serious and complicated problem within just a short span of time. The flow of your operations, the health and safety of your clients and employees, and your everyday productivity and efficiency can all be affected by commercial plumbing problems.  

While addressing plumbing problems promptly is important, the best course of action is still to be proactive in preventing issues before they happen. As an owner, manager or caretaker of a commercial property, it’s your duty to be familiar with common commercial plumbing problems so you can undertake measures to reduce their possibility of occurring.  

Common Plumbing Problems

Water leaking from pipes, taps and fixtures is a frequent problem for both commercial and residential plumbing systems. Leaks can be caused by a variety of reasons, from simple, everyday wear-and-tear to worn-out connectors to pipe damage.

Leaking can cause property damage, flooding and a significant waste of water and energy. Thus, it’s a must to conduct routine check-ups and maintenance. Plumbing maintenance should be performed by a professional. A good plumbing check up will include checking the condition of each component in your plumbing system.

Another common plumbing issue is blocked drains and clogged toilets and sinks. When drainage is slow or not working well, the accumulated water may eventually overflow. When the water overflows it can be extremely difficult to control and clean up.  

Clogged Toilet

Meanwhile, a clogged toilet is the last thing you would want to worry about when managing a commercial property. Aside from the possible overflow, it may also cause unpleasant odors and health risks if it’s not addressed immediately.

Commercial property owners must then be very strict about keeping bathrooms, restrooms and other wet areas clean and well-maintained. All the time to prevent debris and foreign objects from blocking drainage systems.

How to Prevent Commercial Plumbing Problems

Don’t call a plumber only when an emergency happens. It’s best to look for a reputable local plumber to perform maintenance work, systems upgrades and replacements. The more familiar a plumber is with your system, the better they will be able to solve problems should those arise.

Your Fox Cities plumbing team at Turek’s Plumbing will not just assess the system and hunt for damage. They will also conduct improvements and other related jobs to ensure pipework and drainage systems are working in tip-top condition.

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