Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Plumbing’

Bathroom Plumbing Basics

Wednesday, September 5th, 2018

Basic plumbing problems

5 Bathroom Plumbing Basics Homeowners Should Know By Heart

Plumbing issues in the bathroom can be one of the most stressful problems you can have in your home.

Knowing the basic bathroom plumbing hacks can ensure you can still use your toilet until a professional plumber can get to the bottom of your issue and provide a long-lasting solution.

Here are five bathroom plumbing basics you should know about to deal with some common plumbing issues:

Low water pressure

Taking a bath with low water pressure can really be a drag. But before you call a plumber, check if the pressure remains low when you switch from cold water to hot water. If it does, this means that there is some kind of mineral deposit in your shower head aerator.

If your aerator is removable, take it out and soak it in vinegar overnight. In case the aerator is not detachable or your shower doesn’t have one, soak the shower head in a bag of vinegar overnight.

In case this quick-fix does not work, an Appleton plumber says that the shower head cartridge may be blocking the water flow, thus causing the low water pressure. For this instance, you need to call a plumber since the cartridge needs to be removed and fixed or replaced.

The plumber will also need to the check the water pressure at the water meter and inspect your pipes to determine other possible causes.

Leaking faucet

One of the most common causes of a dripping faucet is a worn-out washer. This is the rubber part that forms a seal to prevent water from coming out. All rubber washers wear out over time due to exposure to water.

To know if this is the cause of dripping faucet in your bathroom, you will have to unscrew the faucet to remove the cartridge and check the washer. If you don’t have the tools to unscrew the faucet and to remove the cartridge, you will have to call a plumber.  

Slow or clogged drains

Slow or clogged sinks and shower drains are often caused by a buildup of accumulated hair, soap and shampoo scum, and other debris in the drains.

To fix this issue, remove the pop-off drain cover in the sink or shower floor. Put on some rubber gloves and remove any debris. You can also use an auger or an old, partially straightened wire hanger to pull up hair strands and other debris.

If this does not fix the problem, use a plunger to loosen the debris. Next, flush the drains with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to further unclog and clean the drains.

Clogged Toilet

A clogged toilet can make your bathroom and even your home unsanitary.

If you’re not afraid to get dirty to try and fix this problem, use a plunger to remove the clog. In case the plunger does not work, use an auger to dislodge clogs that the plunger can’t reach.

If you don’t want to unclog your toilet on your own or it still doesn’t work, call a professional.

Running Toilet

Lastly, a running toilet problem can often be fixed by replacing a warped or broken flapper, installing a new chain, or readjusting the float.

If you have this issue, you should start by checking the flapper valve first since this part often breaks easily. You can then replace the flapper easily. There are also different toilet repair kits you can buy to stop water from running continuously in your toilet.

In case any these quick fixes do not work, hire a plumber to check your toilet since there will be a deep-seated cause behind this problem.

When you have a bathroom plumbing issue, it is important that you know the difference between minor and major plumbing issues. This will help you save a lot of time and effort in attempting a DIY job. It will prevent you from spending more money than needed as well.

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Pros and Cons for Alternative Waste Line Piping

Monday, July 9th, 2018

Pros and Cons for Alternative Waste Line Piping

There was once a time when ceramic, metal and concrete were the only materials used for plumbing.

Today, most pipe metals like galvanized steel and copper. But while metal plumbing is long-lasting, it requires strenuous installation work. Moreover, metal pipes must be welded or threaded, and tubing will require the installation of fittings.

Tureks Plumbing shares some pros and cons for alternative waste line piping materials used by professional plumbing contractors today.

1. Plastic

The use of plastic plumbing pipes was introduced in the 1930s. It gives professional plumbers an option that is easier to install and that prevents the common plumbing problems with metal pipes.

Pros

Corrosion-resistant – Plastic pipes are not easily corroded by common household chemicals or water. It can be adjusted to meet residential plumbing needs, including drainage and water supply.

Easier installation – Since plastic pipes are light, plumbing jobs using these pipes are easier to install and even cost less than those involving metal pipes.

Low heat conductivity – Plastic does not conduct heat, so it can maintain the temperature of the water it carries.

Cons

Sensitivity to sunlight – Plastic pipes will become brittle if they are exposed to the UV rays of the sun.

Low melting point – Since plastic burns or melts at lower temperatures, it presents an added danger in case of a house fire.

2. Pipe

Galvanized pipe is a steel or iron pipe that has been plated using a corrosion-resistant zinc surface. Pipes are connected using threaded fittings. Also, they are sealed with pipe dope or thread tape.

Pros

Rust-resistant and durable

It can last for up to 50 years

Cons

Heavy – Since these pipes are made of steel or iron, these are heavy to handle.

Highly susceptible to blockages – As pipes begin to deteriorate, they become prone to blockages.

3. Cast Iron

Gone are the days when cast iron piping was connected using melted lead. Today, the material is connected with plastic or rubber fittings.

Pros

Long-lasting – In some applications, the use of cast iron piping can exceed 50 years.

Quiet – These pipes can reduce, if not eliminate, the usual sounds of running water as it passes through.

Cons

Heavy – Since it is made of iron, it is too heavy, so transporting and working with it can be difficult.

Hard – These pipes are challenging to cut. It usually requires special tools like a metal cutting saw or snap-wrench.

Repairing or installing your plumbing system will depend on the specifications and design of your original plumbing. But it is always best to consult a trustworthy plumbing contractor like Tureks Plumbing before commencing with any plumbing project or to hire them to get the whole job done.

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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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Plumbing Projects to Increase Your Home’s Value

Wednesday, October 19th, 2016

Plumbing Projects

What Plumbing Projects Could Increase Your Home’s Value?

Whether or not you intend to sell your Appleton, WI home, it wouldn’t hurt to make some improvements. It’s important to note, not all home improvements have the ability to increase your homes value.

Among the home improvement efforts that can actually have a huge impact on your home’s market value are those that include plumbing, since plumbing is such an essential component in a comfortable and convenient life at home. As such, provided below are plumbing projects to increase your home’s worth:

Adding a New Bathroom

HGTV estimates an 80% to 130% return on investment from a new bathroom remodel. Why such value? People like the convenience of being able to take a bath or use the toilet whenever they need to. Bathrooms have become spaces to experience full comfort and relaxation. People have great appreciation for a well-designed bathroom that will provide them such an experience. And of course, the cost of bathroom implements is no joke. If they are high-quality provisions that offer multiple convenience features (such as “futuristic” toilets and senior-friendly hot tubs), and are combined beautifully with each other for optimum function, then the value they’ll create in the lives of people will be greater.

Kitchen Remodeling

Modern kitchens boost home values by anywhere between 5% to 10%; incorporating new gas appliances and improving plumbing to match a better floor layout can really enhance the value of the room. The kitchen remodelers that Applegate and Fox Valley residents trust advise placing the cooktop and dishwasher on the sink for a smoother flow of activities in the kitchen.

Replacing Old, Rusty Iron Pipes

Home appraisers pay great attention to plumbing when assigning value to a home. Directing money toward the replacement of old pipes on the property can boost the property’s market value. Heavy-duty plastic tubing is generally the more preferred option now. This type of tubing is much easier to maintain and homeowners won’t have to worry about rusty particles in the water.

These three plumbing projects are the most highly recommended to implement in order to boost the value of your property. These projects may seem complicated or daunting at first. But you can have the assurance that when you do decide to sell, you will get a solid return on your investment.

If you are looking for a plumber in Applegate, contact the professionals at Turek’s Plumbing today!

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Things to Consider Before Starting a Bathroom Remodel in an Old House

Wednesday, July 6th, 2016

bathroom remodel

Bathroom Remodel | Remodeling a Bathroom in an Old House

 

Aside from the kitchen, the bathroom is the one room in the house that easily succumbs to wear and tear. Entire households make use of this specific room to take care of their hygiene needs every day. Also, the presence of moisture, humidity and all kinds of chemicals and substances from the different bath and cleaning products used here can do significant damage to furnishings and fixtures that are not designed to withstand such an environment.

 

If a bathroom remodel in an old house is a project that you mean to take up in the near future, then you need to keep a few simple design options and tips in mind so that your new bathroom can successfully function and stand up to constant use — and look pretty, too. Here are some ideas you should consider:

 

Select a high-performing toilet.

There is a wide range of high-efficiency toilets available today that not only get the job done after your business is completed, but also let you conserve resources and the environment.

 

Choose your tiles well.

You may have specific preferences for the way your floor tiles function in the bathroom. If you have small children or elderly relatives living with you, for instance, you may lean more toward having a non-slip floor installed in your new bathroom. Tiles with matte finishes, plenty of grout lines, textured surfaces or glazes with sand would be ideal for this purpose.

 

If you want a low-maintenance tile floor, on the other hand, stick to glazed or porcelain tiles. Stay away from natural stone since these are porous — they absorb water and develop stains if they are improperly sealed, which means more cleaning time for you.

 

Pick an acrylic caulk.

This kind of formula can be easily removed even without using strong chemicals, making it easy to remove the next time replacement is in order. It’s also worthwhile to pick caulk that comes with a long-lasting mildewcide.

 

Install a sink that fits your family’s requirements.

If you need more storage and countertops, a vanity with sink would be an excellent choice. For less utility but more style, a vessel sink would be a nice touch. A standard pedestal sink would also be a good compromise between aesthetics and function.

 

Update your wiring.

Years (perhaps decades) of plugging in hairdryers, hair straightening irons, electric toothbrushes and electric razors have surely taken a toll on your bathroom’s outlets and wiring, so give them an overhaul. Replace 15-amp wirings with 20-amp ones and provide enough outlets for everyone’s appliances.

 

Taking on a bathroom remodel can be a complicated process however, don’t let that deter you. Call the plumbing professionals at Turek’s plumbing and let them help you transform your old bathroom.

 

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Why Do My Pipes Rattle When I Flush The Toilet?

Tuesday, June 21st, 2016

Pipes Rattling

Why Do My Pipes Rattle When I Flush The Toilet?

If you live alone and your plumbing makes all sorts of weird noises, it’s certainly hard not to get spooked. It is especially easy to get spooked on cold nights when the plumbing is more likely to rattle. Blame the horror movies that used faulty plumbing as a prelude to the appearance of a serial killer or another suspicious creatures. 

The Big Question

“Why do my pipes rattle when I flush the toilet?” you ask yourself. The odds of that being due to the presence of some creepy creature is unlikely, so stop scaring yourself. According to a plumber in Fox Valley, that noise is usually caused by loose pipes, high water pressure, or a water hammer.

 

Three Potential Causes To Address Rattling

These three potential causes are very easy to for a Fox Valley plumber to help you address.

Loose Pipes

For loose pipes, plumbers just need to secure them in place so they don’t go jiggling about and making noises. To do this, plumbers access the pipes through an open area where the pipes are exposed, such as in the basement. But if there’s no access panel and all pipes are concealed, plumbers cut through the wall or ceiling (and replace the cut part after), inspect the loose pipes, and then clip them in place. When this minor repair is completed, you can test the fixtures to see if using them will create those rattling sounds again.

Strong Water Pressure 

Now, when it comes to strong water pressure that causes pipes to vibrate, highly trained and experienced plumbers say that the easiest solution is to install a pressure-reducing valve. This little implement can make sure that the water pressure in your home is just between 40 to 60 pounds per square inch or PSI.

Water Hammer Arrestor

And as for a water hammer, which is caused by fast-closing valves like faucets and toilet fill valves, one of the solutions is a water hammer arrestor — this is added to the offending pipes. Take note that only professional plumbers should perform this repair. Adding a water hammer arrestor usually requires cutting and soldering pipes – it’s a lot of work that requires precision. Another solution to consider for a water hammer is to replace the toilet’s fill valves with quieter, slow-shutting fill valves.

 

Plumbing noises such as rattling pipes are easy to fix so, don’t delay in taking care of this problem. Call in the professionals at Turek’s Plumbing to help with your plumbing problems. Timely repair will restore your peace of mind. Timely repair can also prevent further damage to your pipes, which is more complicated and expensive to resolve. 

 

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Should You DIY a Kitchen Remodel? A Fox Valley Plumber Weighs In

Thursday, June 16th, 2016

kitchen remodel

Should You DIY a Kitchen Remodel?

Should I DIY my kitchen remodel project? That is a fairly common question homeowners ask. There is no simple answer to this question. You must account for your personal circumstances in order to arrive at the best decision.

 

Why DIY-ing has become popular

Why have DIY projects become more popular in recent years? There are plenty of possible answers to this phenomenon.

One major factor influencing this trend is the steep cost of labor. In many projects, the cost of labor is considerably higher than the cost of the materials, driving homeowners to look for other options, including DIY.

Additionally, there are plenty of resources currently available that DIY-ers can utilize. Unlike before when knowledge and expertise were handed down by a master to his apprentice, today you can watch a video, download an e-book, or read a blog post, and you’ll get detailed step-by-step instructions on how to do something.

Finally, there’s the unique sense of achievement and ownership you get from knowing that you created something with your own hands.

 

When DIY is not a better option

However, not all projects are suitable for the average individual. How do you know if you should DIY a project or call in an expert? Here are three scenarios.

  • The tasks involved serious risks

 

Simply put, if you do not want to risk the safety of your loved ones and your property, you need to hire someone who can perform the job safely.

  • Messing up will cost you more

 

When you commit mistakes with small projects, you can chalk those up to experience. But when correcting your mistakes leads to hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in costs, then you better call in the professionals.

  • Your home’s value is at stake

 

For larger projects like a kitchen remodel, you have to be aware of the impact of the final outcome on the value of your home.

  • The project requires a permit

 

When a project requires a permit, that often means that it is too complicated and difficult to tackle for someone with minimal experience.

 

Should you DIY your kitchen remodel?

If you have above average skills and if you are confident that you can produce the best outcomes, and you are not worried about the potential added costs, perhaps you can consider going the DIY route with the remodel. However, you still have one hurdle to face: getting a building permit.

For most homeowners, it makes better sense to enlist the help of a seasoned Fox Valley plumber. Remember, you are not simply paying for someone to do a set of tasks for you. You are paying for expertise, time savings and quality work.

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Essential Plumbing Spring Cleaning Tips

Tuesday, April 19th, 2016

Plumbing spring cleaning tips

Essential Plumbing Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring is the season of rebirth and renewal, so it makes sense that Appleton, Wisconsin locals make use of its arrival to give their homes a thorough inspection and cleaning to get rid of all the damage and debris left behind by the harsh winter. Making a fresh new start in a house that is orderly and free from functional issues is the best way to welcome spring.

On that note, here are some important spring cleaning plumbing tips that will help protect your property against all kinds of plumbing problems:

For general plumbing maintenance:

  • If you suspect slow leaks, take a water meter reading before you go to bed and refrain from using water overnight. In the morning, take another reading. If you have no idea what a water meter reading is or your reading is fluctuating, call a plumber!
  • Inspect all exposed pipes under your sinks and in the basement for signs of leaks.
  • If sewers frequently back up into homes in your Fox Valley neighborhood, talk to your local Plumber who can install a backflow valve in the floor drain helps prevent this from happening in the future.
  • If there are infrequently used drains around the house, pour a gallon of water into them to fill the trap. This also prevents odors from finding their way into the house.
  • Got any slow drains? Use a snake to make sure that they will effectively carry water away from the house in case of a flood. Also, installing flood alarms is a good idea for folks who have larger homes. Slow drains can also be a sign of a larger problem, learn more HERE. 

For bathrooms and kitchens:

  • Make sure that there are strainers in all drains so that soap scum, hair and other debris won’t clog drain lines. You can find them for about $2 in any hardware store. 
  • Check all faucets, toilets, tanks and bowls for drips, cracks or leaks. For toilets, add six drops of food coloring to the water in the tank — if color appears in the bowl within 30 minutes, you may have a leak.
  • Turn the water supply valves under toilets and sinks to make sure they aren’t sticking. But be sure to turn them back. 

For home appliances:

  • Clean out the lint trap in your washing machine and attach some pantyhose or a wire trap to the end of the hose that drains out the washer.
  • Your washing machine, dishwasher and ice maker all have supply hoses, so check them all for leaks or bulges (or if they are already 10 years old or older). If they must be replaced, stainless steel hoses are recommended.
  • Drain several gallons of water from your water heater tank to flush out sediment buildup. Make sure that the temperature setting does not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider getting a water heater that is more than 15 years old replaced to prevent major issues down the line. 

For outdoor spaces:

  • See if your outdoor faucets and hoses allow water to flow freely. If water leaks inside your house the first time you use a faucet or hose outside, there may have been a frozen pipe that is now cracked, and it must be replaced.
  • Clean out all gutters, downspouts and yard drains.
  • Inspect plumbing vent pipes for any birds that may have built nests there.

We hope you find these tips useful and you learned something new! Give us a call if you have any concerns when it comes to the plumbing in your home.

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