Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Tureks Plumbing Services’

7 Signs You Need to Replace Your Sump Pump

Wednesday, April 10th, 2019

Signs You Need to Replace Your Sump Pump - Tureks Plumbing Services7 Signs You Need to Replace Your Sump Pump

The sump pump in your basement plays a crucial role in evacuating any water leaks into this lowest point in your home. However, this trusted equipment can fail and result in serious water damage to your property. It is therefore advisable for you to educate yourself about some of the warning signs of a possible sump pump failure so that you can take action in time to avert a disaster. Here are the top signs that Tureks Plumbing Services advises you to watch for in order to replace your sump pump before the worst happens.

Types of Sump Pumps

Submersible Sump Pumps: Submersible pumps are submerged inside the sump pit. They are designed to withstand water damage while submerged in the pit. One major advantage of submersible sump pumps is that they operate noiselessly because the water surrounding them muffles any noise produced by the motor. Additionally, the motors of these pumps tend to be more powerful than those in pedestal pumps, and this makes them the best choice for locations where flooding is most likely to occur. The pumps are also out of the way, so you will not be inconvenienced as you rearrange things in your basement. However, the typical lifespan of submersible sump pumps is shorter than that of pedestal pumps.

Pedestal Sump Pumps: These pumps derive their name from the pedestal on which their motors sit above the sump pit. The pump has a hose that drops into the sump pit and the pump uses this hose to draw the water out. This pump is easier to service because the motor is in an accessible location outside the sump pit. However, plumbers in Appleton, WI say the pump isn’t as powerful as the submersible versions. So, you would be well advised to avoid installing this pump in your basement if the possibility of flooding is high in your area. Also, the pump can be an inconvenience while you rearrange things in your basement. Pedestal pumps are also noisy while operating.

Signs That Your Sump Pump Is Due for Replacement

1. Age

All machines eventually reach the end of their service life, and sump pumps are no different. Talk to a Fox Valley plumber about replacing your sump pump if it has exceeded seven years in service. This discussion is necessary because sump pumps rarely last beyond 10 years, so you are better off not taking chances with an aging pump.

2. Excessive Vibration

Sump pumps usually start vibrating when their impellers have been bent by debris that has been sucked into the pump. Bent impellers are no longer balanced on the shaft, so that throws the operation of the entire system out of whack. The strain caused by the imbalance of the forces exerted on the shaft is a recipe for serious pump problems later on. It is hard to straighten a bent impeller to its original dimensions, and that is why the best course of action to take is to replace the pump. Avoid this premature replacement by installing a filter to keep debris from being sucked into your sump pump.

3. Nonstop Operation

Switch malfunctions are the biggest cause of a sump pump that runs nonstop. For example, plumbers from Tureks Plumbing Services frequently find that the pump switch is unable to connect to the power source, thereby preventing the pump from cycling on. Alternatively, the float arm may be unable to move freely if the pump shifts within the sump pit. These switch defects account for a significant portion of sump pump defects.

A more serious problem that may prompt you to consider replacing the sump pump is if that pump keeps running nonstop when no other mechanical or technical defect can be identified. In such a case, the pump may have inadequate capacity to handle the load of water in your basement.

4. Visible Rust

Another reason why you should consider replacing your sump pump is when you see rust from this equipment. Rust could be coming from corroded terminals. Iron bacteria can also cause visible rust, so you should ask a plumber in Appleton, WI to take a look before you replace the pump prematurely.

5. Pump Runs for Abnormally Long

A properly sized pump normally runs for variable durations depending on how quickly water is accumulating in the sump pit. However, some pumps may run for an inexplicably long time before turning off. Such a scenario may point to the fact that the pump is undersized for the task at hand. For example, the water discharge network may have several bends that require a lot of power from the pump if the water is to flow through the pipes to the discharge point. Alternatively, the distance over which the pump is required to push the water may be so long that the pump could be straining to perform that task. The best option in such a case is to consult Tureks Plumbing Services so that an appropriately sized sump pump can be installed in the place of the undersized one.

6. Irregular Cycling

You should also have your pump checked if it keeps cycling irregularly. For example, does it start and run for just a few minutes, and then restart shortly after even when there hasn’t been any heavy rain? The float switch may be improperly set or there could be an electrical defect. A plumber in Appleton, WI can take a look and advise on the way forward, which may include replacing the pump.

7. Frequent Power Outages

It may also be necessary for you to consider replacing your sump pump if you have been having frequent power failures. Such incidents expose the electrical components of the sump pump to so much stress that the entire unit may soon fail. Install a surge protection system for your entire home and the sump pump before you procure a new pump.

It may be costly to replace your sump pump, but have you considered the likely cost of dealing with water damage to your property if the sump pump fails as a heavy bout of rain falls in your area? Don’t take that risk. Contact us at Tureks Plumbing Services for an assessment of the health of your sump pump. We shall fix what can be fixed or advise you to buy another pump if our experts realize that your existing pump can no longer be relied upon to evacuate water from your basement.

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Why You Should Hire a Plumber for Your Bathroom Remodel

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019

Why you should hire a plumber for your bathroom remodel

Why You Should Hire a Plumber for Your Bathroom Remodel

Are you planning to remodel your bathroom so that you can boost the comfort and functionality of the space? Read on and discover why it may be advisable for you to hire a Fox Valley plumber during that remodel instead of attempting to do all that work on your own.

Setting Up the Drainage System Is Complex

You may get away with not hiring a plumber in Appleton, WI, if your bathroom remodel is minor. However, the stakes are much higher if you want to move plumbing lines or add a new feature. In such a case, you need the expertise of an experienced plumber on your side so that the layout of the new drainage system can be determined with as much precision as possible.

In this way, you will never have to deal with the problems that come with an improperly designed bathroom drainage system. For example, some homeowners who opt out of hiring a Fox Valley plumber during major bathroom remodels have ample time to regret their mistake when they realize that they can’t enjoy the remodeled bathroom because its drainage is sluggish or a major leak develops.

You May Need a Professional Opinion

A bathroom remodel provides an excellent chance to get up close and personal with the different pipes in order to assess their condition. As a layperson, it may be hard for you to make an accurate assessment of the condition of those pipes.

Consequently, you may proceed with the project and then have to rip everything up months later in order to fix a defective pipe. Avoid these extra costs and inconveniences by getting help from plumbing professionals.

Experienced Fox Valley Plumbers

An experienced Fox Valley plumber will bring all his or her accumulated knowledge and experience to bear during your bathroom remodeling project. For example, he or she will know exactly where to look for existing defects before installing the new bathroom fixtures.

Our plumbers in Appleton, WI have the best tools to get the job done right. You don’t want to go and buy specialized tools just to complete the bathroom remodel and leave the tools unused for years, do you? Hire a plumber and have peace of mind that your project will be done properly in the shortest time possible.

Tureks Plumbing Services Has Your Back

A lot can go wrong during and after a bathroom remodeling project. For example, you may accidentally drop and break the new sink you want to install. Or, the new toilet may shift and damage the plumbing pipes attached to it (resulting in major water damage).

All the costs of such unforeseen incidents will be on you if you completed the bathroom remodeling project on your own. However, Fox Valley plumbers are usually bonded and insured. So, the plumber’s insurance policy will cover mishaps that could occur during or after the project is complete. This is as long as it is within the period covered by the warranty.

As you can see, it makes a lot of sense to work with an experienced professional from Tureks Plumbing Services during your bathroom remodel project. If your budget is an issue, then find ways to divide the work. In this way, you will get the best of both worlds without taking any avoidable risks with this important section of your home. Contact us today and we will help you to get the bathroom remodeling project done cost-effectively.

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How to Clean Your Dishwasher

Wednesday, March 6th, 2019

How to clean your dishwasher - Tureks Plumbing Services

How to Clean Your Dishwasher

You may become increasingly uncomfortable about using utensils that have been cleaned in a smelly dishwasher, and you may be wondering what you can do to fix the problem. The experts at Tureks Plumbing Services share some simple tips and tricks that you can implement to get rid of dishwasher odors.

Scrub the Dishwasher

The drain filter is the most likely cause of the smells coming from your dishwasher. Access this component by removing the bottom rack of the dishwasher and then twist the filter until it comes out of its position. Use a brush to scrub it thoroughly so that all food particles are dislodged from it. Fox Valley plumbers also suggest that you scrub the door and the interior walls in order to eliminate any food particles that may be stuck there.

While at it, remove the gaskets on the dishwasher door and give them a scrub. The gaskets can trap food particles, and over time, those particles will start giving off a nasty smell. Tureks Plumbing Services reminds you to clean the dishwasher racks too. Remove them from the dishwasher and clean them from the sink. Scrub them thoroughly until they are spotless.

This thorough cleaning of the dishwasher is likely to get rid of the root cause of the smells. Our friends at Maid for Muddy Paws, who offers cleaning services in Katy Cypress, add that you are less likely to experience the same problem soon after.

Use Vinegar and Baking Soda

The white vinegar in your pantry can come to the rescue once odors start emanating from your dishwasher. Plumbers in Appleton, WI recommend that you place a cup of this vinegar on the upper rack of the dishwasher. Make sure your dishwasher is empty before you use this remedy. Next, run a full cleaning cycle. The vinegar will break up all the food particles that could have caused the smell.

The beauty of using vinegar is that its strong smell will quickly dissipate as your dishwasher dries once you open it. Similarly, the odors will also be long gone by the time the dishwasher dries.

For additional sanitization, sprinkle some baking soda over the entire bottom section of the dishwasher. A cup will suffice for this purpose. This time around, run the dishwasher at the hottest setting for the shortest time possible. The heat will make the baking soda to dissolve, and your dishwasher will be odorless at the end of that cleaning cycle.

Refer to the User Manual

Another way to get rid of the odors coming from your dishwasher is by reading the troubleshooting section of its manual. Fox Valley plumbers recommend this step because all manufacturers include specific steps that you can take if you notice odors coming from your dishwasher.

For example, the drain hose may be partially blocked, hence trapping water there and triggering smells with time. Improper drain hose installation can also gradually trigger odors since water from the sink can back up into the drain and remain stagnant there until odors develop. Tureks Plumbing Services, therefore, suggests that you read the troubleshooting chapter and take the suggested steps if the dishwasher remains smelly after you have cleaned it using the methods described earlier.

An electrical problem can also trigger an odor to come from the dishwasher, especially when there is a poor connection. Check the junction box under the door of the dishwasher. Call an expert, such as an electrician, if you suspect that an electrical defect may be responsible for the odor.

It may be time to involve the experts at Tureks Plumbing Services if the smells remain even after you have tried the solutions above. A clog may be further along the drain, and our plumber will locate it in no time. Schedule a service call today so that the inconvenience of the dishwasher odor can be eliminated.

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8 Kitchen Trends in 2019

Wednesday, February 27th, 2019

kitchen trends in 2019 - Tureks Plumbing Services

8 Kitchen Trends in 2019

2019 is well underway and you may wish to know which kitchen trends are on so that you pick one for your upcoming kitchen remodel. Here are eight stunning kitchen trends in 2019 that will get your creative juices flowing as you plan that kitchen remodel.

Kitchen Trend #1: Concealed Vents

Nothing sticks out like a sore thumb more than a range hood that is exposed within your kitchen. The hot trend as the year begins is that of concealed range hood vents. Such features give the kitchen a seamless look that will have you loving this space in your home!

Kitchen Trend #2: Wood and White

Another trend that is going to gather momentum this year is a kitchen that has two tones, such as wood and white combined. As an example, picture everything below the countertop as being made from wood with white trim, and then everything above the countertop is white, especially the open shelving used in lieu of upper cabinets.

Kitchen Trend #3: Curated Collections

Curated collections are also going to be a big trend in 2019, if the reports by plumbers in Appleton, WI are anything to go by. People are now opting to keep their rare handmade collections, such as vases and crocks, out in the open. These collections can turn your cooking space into an amazing display of diverse precious pieces.

Kitchen Trend #4: Industrial Countertops

Chances are high that you will be seeing a lot of textured countertops this year. For example, the countertop may be made from concrete and have splotches or a patina that makes the countertop look rusty. Such stunning designs will increase as people get tired of the glossy finishes in kitchens.

Kitchen Trend #5: Matte Black Cabinetry

Black matte is captivating, and this finish is promising to take 2019 by storm. To get its full splendor, select a countertop that contrasts with the black matte finish. A brighter color is recommended for this purpose so that the uniformity of the cabinetry can be broken and brightened.

Kitchen Trend #6: Mixed Metals

Brass is no longer going to be lonely in kitchens during 2019. It is now official; metals are now being mixed to create a stunning look. For example, you can have a faucet made out of copper, as well as a brass lampshade hanging just above your centralized kitchen counter. Mixed metals bring out the best in each other, and your kitchen is the better for it!

Kitchen Trend #7: Forged Iron Shelving

Another kitchen trend that plumbers in Appleton, WI are beginning to see more of is forged iron shelving. Forged iron is making a comeback as a material of choice in kitchens, and black is riding this wave too as the go-to color for this trend. This combination creates an elegant yet edgy atmosphere in kitchens.

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Common Touchless Faucet Problems

Wednesday, February 20th, 2019

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Common Touchless Faucet Problems

Are you considering installing touchless faucets in your home? Read on and discover some of the common issues that these kinds of faucets have so that you make an informed decision about buying and installing touchless faucets.

Touchless Faucet’s High Initial Cost

Touchless faucets use advanced technology to operate, and this technology makes the initial cost of the faucets to be high. They are certainly more expensive than the traditional faucets unless you consider the high-end versions of the traditional faucets. This high cost is also compounded by the technical help you will need to install the touchless faucet. The device requires an electrical connection in order to power the sensors upon which the faucet depends for its operation. That installation cost adds to the total cost of acquiring the touchless faucet.

Fixed Settings on Touchless Faucets

Some models of touchless faucets don’t come with a provision that allows you to customize the settings for the user. For example, many of the touchless faucets are designed to dispense only warm water. This means that you will be stuck with those settings, whether they are suitable for your needs or not. However, experts at Tureks Plumbing Services reveal that some newer models of touchless faucets some with a remote control unit or other ways through which a user can tweak the settings.

Energy Consumption

Touchless faucets either use batteries or are connected to the electricity supply in your home. You need to be mindful about how the faucet is powered as you select a model to buy. For example, some battery-powered touchless faucets use rechargeable batteries while others use batteries that need to be replaced periodically. Generally, the rechargeable batteries are a better option since they will save you from incurring a cost to replace the batteries from time to time.

Plumbers in Appleton, WI also reveal that touchless faucets that use electricity are becoming more common. However, these versions impose an extra load on your power supply, so your energy bill will increase when you opt for this type of touchless faucet. Any power outage also means that you will not have access to water when you try to use the faucet.

Accidental Activation of Touchless Faucets

People who have pets and young children may need to think carefully before buying and installing touchless faucets in the home. This is because pets and kids can unintentionally activate the faucet. For instance, pets may walk into the path of the sensors and cause the faucet to activate and discharge water. This not only wastes water but power as well.

Fox Valley plumbers also caution that young kids can also create a game out of activating the touchless faucet. Therefore, homeowners need to teach the kids to refrain from misusing the touchless faucets in the home.

Sensor Malfunctions on Touchless Faucets

Touchless faucets can become unreliable as their sensors age or get exposed to environmental challenges, such as dust. Any malfunction of the sensors means that the faucet will not work. Talk to a plumber in Appleton, WI for recommendations of the most reliable brands of touchless faucets. We will also advise you regarding how easy it may be to get replacement parts for the model you wish to buy.

The common problems above should not discourage you from buying touchless faucets for your home. Touchless faucets make things easy and are simple to use. Always do your research before making a purchase you’ll have to use every day. Involve our experts at Tureks Plumbing Services so that we can help you to select and install these devices correctly. Only then will you be able to enjoy the water conservation, superior hygiene and all the other benefits that accrue from using touchless water faucets.

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Why You Should Hire a Commercial Plumber

Wednesday, February 13th, 2019

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Why You Should Hire a Commercial Plumber Instead of a Handyman

Some inexperienced owners or managers of commercial buildings may think that it will be more cost-effective for them to hire a handyman to fix commercial plumbing problems instead of hiring commercial plumbers for those tasks. However, many compelling reasons exist to make the case for hiring commercial plumbers for all plumbing maintenance and repairs in commercial buildings. This article discusses some of those reasons.

The Use of Appropriate Tools

Plumbing problems can be complex. For example, drains can block due to accumulations of grease and fats, or due to solids that were inadvertently flushed. Non-professionals are likely to use the wrong tools to try and fix the problem. These tools may at best not get rid of the problem completely. They may even create worse problems, such as when the pipe is damaged by the improper tools. Commercial plumbers like those from Tureks Plumbing Services, use the best tools for a given problem so that the issue will be fixed without creating additional problems within the plumbing system.

Round the Clock Availability

Handymen don’t specialize in any kind of job, so they are likely to accept any and all kinds of assignments given to them. These individuals get tired and therefore only work within a given timeframe. You are likely to be stuck in case the plumbing system develops a problem outside business hours, on weekends or during holidays.

Fox Valley plumbers are available 24/7 because they know that plumbing problems don’t respect work schedules or holidays. You can, therefore, count on someone from Tureks Plumbing Services coming out to your aid each time you call about a problem. Who doesn’t want such an assurance of help at any time of the day or night?

Plumbing Code Compliance

Good luck to you if you want to rely on a handyman to maintain your commercial plumbing system in accordance with the plumbing code of your area. You risk having the building shut down by the authorities as soon as plumbing code violations are discovered. It is far better to engage a commercial plumber in Appleton, WI so that you are sure that the professional will do everything in accordance with the applicable code in your area. This will save you from the losses associated with closing your building until all plumbing code violations are rectified.

Lasting Plumbing Solutions

Don’t expect anything other than a patched up job from a handyman. For example, he or she will fix a leak by trying different materials around the damaged pipe. It is just a matter of time before that makeshift repair gives way and you have a worse problem on your hands. A Fox Valley plumber will inspect the affected section of the plumbing system and select a repair method that will fix the problem for good. Which would you prefer, the patches of a handyman or the lasting solutions implemented by an experienced commercial plumber?

Insurance

A commercial plumber in Appleton, WI is always insured and bonded. This means that you will be protected in case your property is damaged while the plumber is working. For example, your property may sustain water damage in case a pipe suddenly bursts while the plumber is working. The insurer of the plumber will meet all the costs of fixing the water damage. In addition, the work done by a commercial plumber comes with a warranty. So you will not incur any additional cost in case the repair fails within the warranty period. Handymen don’t provide these protections.

Provision of a Variety of Services

Tureks Plumbing Services is a one-stop center for all your commercial plumbing needs. You will be able to get any service you need, such as plumbing system inspections, plumbing repairs, and maintenance, etc. Such a broad range of services cannot be obtained from a handyman, however, experienced he may be. Fox Valley plumbers undergo extensive training, so they are equipped to provide a wide range of plumbing services.

As you can see, you can save money and time by engaging the licensed plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services anytime you need plumbing Services in Appleton, WI or the surrounding areas. We’ll design a custom plan so that you never have to suffer a preventable plumbing problem.

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Common Objects That Clog Toilets

Wednesday, February 6th, 2019

common objects that clog the toilet - tureks plumbing

Common Objects That Clog Toilets

It is sad to realize that many homeowners spend a lot of money each year to hire plumbers to unclog their toilet or plumbing system. It’s unfortunate because a significant fraction of those emergency plumbing calls could have been avoided if only the homeowners and their family members knew that they shouldn’t flush certain common objects down the toilet. Here are the most common objects that clog toilets. 

Excessive Amounts of Toilet Paper

Most people instinctively know how much toilet paper to use and flush down the toilet. However, kids may not have such rationality, and they will quickly turn flushing toilet paper into a game. When a large amount of toilet paper is flushed in one go, it can bunch itself into a tight ball as it travels down the drain. That ball of toilet paper will not degrade as rapidly as expected, and a clog may develop at that point where the ball has snagged. Fox Valley plumbers advise parents to teach their kids to refrain from flushing excessive amounts of toilet paper.

Don’t Flush Hair 

Are you in the habit of cleaning your pet dog in your bathtub and then letting the fur flow down the drain? Or do you collect that fur and flush it down the toilet? Whether it is human or animal hair, never flush it down your toilet. Many plumbers in Appleton, WI admit that the number one cause of shower drain clogs is hair. A better option is to place a strainer on the bathtub drain so that all the hair is collected and disposed of properly with the trash. Don’t even think of dumping it in the toilet!

Don’t Flush Feminine Hygiene Products

It is common to find signage in public restrooms reminding users not to flush feminine hygiene products like tampons and sanitary towels down the toilet. However, some people don’t implement the same advice at home. Those products aren’t biodegradable, and they will clog the toilet sooner rather than later. Always have a trash can in the bathroom so that such products can be disposed of with the trash instead of finding their way into the toilet. The number of times you have to call a Fox Valley plumber for help regarding a clogged toilet will reduce significantly once you make this one change.

Don’t Flush Paper Towels

There’s a reason why a trash can is placed close to the sink where you wash your hands after using a public restroom. That can is intended to be a receptacle for the paper towel you use to dry your hands. While paper towels are made from, well, paper, they are thick and will not break down easily when flushed. In case you weren’t aware that paper towels shouldn’t be flushed, now you know. Talk to a plumber in Appleton, WI about the plumbing problems caused by paper towels if you still have doubts about the dangers of flushing paper towels.

Don’t Flush Toys

This one seems obvious, but curious and playful kids will not hesitate to turn flushing toys into a game. All it takes is just one toy to get stuck anywhere in the plumbing drains, and you will have a major clog in the system. As you know, kids will always be kids, so take the precaution of having someone to supervise them at all times if they have toys while in the bathroom.

Don’t Flush Baby Wipes and Diapers

You may think that flushing diapers may be a quick fix to the odors, but that quick fix will cost you once the toilet develops a clog. The same risk will take place when you flush baby wipes or any type of wipe. Don’t believe it when the packaging of the wipes says that they are “flushable.” What the manufacturers mean differs from what your plumber in Appleton, WI will regard as flushable. This is because anything you flush should degrade in a short time so that blockages don’t develop in the plumbing system.

There are many other common objects that you should refrain from flushing down the toilet. A simple way to remember them all is to adopt a simple rule that you and your family members should only flush toilet paper and nothing else. Call Tureks Plumbing Services if you suspect that a clog is preventing your toilet from draining as quickly as it should. We shall send an experienced Fox Valley plumber to assess the situation and perform the needed work before your toilet backs up.

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What Are These Black Specks in My Water?

Wednesday, January 23rd, 2019

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What Are These Black Specks in My Water?

It is usually distressing to discover that the water supply in your home suddenly has black specks. So many questions arise, such as whether those specks are harmful, what their source is and what you can do to get rid of them. If you have been asking yourself, “What are these black specks in my water?” read on and learn the possible causes and what you can do to get rid of the specks.

Silt or Sand in Your Water Line

People who use water from a private well may observe tiny black specks in their water. The specks may also look brownish. These are usually particles of sand or silt that make their way to the faucets. There are three common reasons why these specks will appear in the water.

First, the well may be new, so the likelihood that water with particles will be pumped out is high. In such a case, it is common for the particles to stop appearing in the water if the well is pumped for several days in order to get rid of these contaminants.

Secondly, the well may not have a screen, or the existing one is worn. In this case, replacing the old screen or installing one will resolve the matter. Thirdly, it can also be helpful to install a well liner if your well was dug in sandstone. Whatever the root cause may be, Tureks Plumbing Services recommends swift action before your well pump is damaged extensively by those particles.

Mineral Deposits in Your Water Line

If you are asking about “black specks in my water”, another area to investigate is the possibility that mineral particles have precipitated in the water. The two key suspects in this regard are iron and manganese particles. While harmless, the particles can stain your clothes and dishes. The water pipes may also be affected if they are made from a material that can react with those minerals. Contact the utility company if you notice the water throughout your home shows the presence of these black particles.

Rust Particles in Your Water Line

Rust is usually orange or brown, but in some cases it can look black. These particles of rust is normally a localized problem, so you should suspect that some of the water pipes on your property are rusting if the black specks stop appearing after you have let the water run for a few minutes.

Contact a plumber in Appleton, WI, so that the affected pipes can be identified and replaced before a major leak develops. Refer the matter to the utility company in case all points of use are affected. Such a scenario points to a problem with the water mains, and that isn’t your responsibility to fix.

Disintegrating Rubber in Your Plumbing System

Don’t be quick to condemn the water supplier in case the black specks in your water are accompanied by traces of an oily substance. This is a clear indicator that a rubber fixture is breaking down somewhere in your plumbing system. The first place to look in this case is the hose connecting the water heater to an inlet line. Chloramine or chlorine in the water reacts with the rubber and gradually corrodes it, hence the black specks in your water. Contact Tureks Plumbing Services for a replacement hose that has a lining that protects it from the disinfectants added to the municipal water supply.

GAC in Your Filtration System

GAC, or granulated activated carbon, is a substance that is commonly used as a filter medium in the filtration systems installed by homeowners. You can suspect that these are the culprits when you see black specks in your water and you have a water filtration system in your home. If that is the case, you may not need to spend money on a plumbing repair call. Just check the manual of the filtration system or get in touch with the manufacturer for advice on how you can replace the filtration cartridge since the escaping particles show that the cartridge is defective or worn.

Now you know the possible answers to the question, “What are these black specks in my water?” Contact a Fox Valley plumber, such as one from Tureks Plumbing Services, and you will get professional help in dealing with those esthetically unpleasant specks in your water.

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8 Things You Should Never Pour Down Your Drain

Thursday, January 17th, 2019

things you should never pour down your drain - Tureks Plumbing Services

8 Things You Should Never Pour Down Your Drain

Many of the problems with your plumbing system can be traced to the deceptively simple mistakes that you make each time you pour something inappropriate down the drain. Read through the following list of the things you should never pour down your drain.

Avoid Pouring Grease and Cooking Oil Down the Drain

No amount of grease or cooking is small enough to pour down the drain. Grease and cooking oil solidify inside drains and attract other particles to them. Very soon, the mass will grow into a large enough ball to cause a blockage in the plumbing. You will then start noticing that the drains will function sluggishly. The next step will be a total blockage if nothing is done to fix the situation.

Tureks Plumbing Services advises that you refrain from pouring cooking oil or grease down your kitchen sink. Instead, pour oil or scrape grease into a garbage bin for proper disposal so that you save your plumbing system from the possibility of grease or oil-induced clogs.

Avoid Pouring Pumpkin Fragments Down the Drain

It is also a bad idea to dump any part of a pumpkin into the garbage disposal or kitchen drain. This risk increases exponentially during Halloween when you and your family members carve several pumpkins.

What is so bad about getting rid of pumpkins in the garbage disposal? For starters, pumpkin fragments harden when left on any surface. Haven’t you had trouble cleaning your carving knives after leaving them for a while in the aftermath of cutting pumpkins? Fox Valley plumbers caution that the pumpkin fragments can harden within the drain or garbage disposal and cause problems for the system. Instead, pour those fragments in the trash so that you spare the plumbing system from the eventual problems likely to be triggered when they harden inside the pipes.

Avoid Pouring Fibrous Food Items Down the Drain

While it is recommended that you consume as much fiber in your diet as possible, the same can’t be said for your home’s plumbing system. Fibrous foods, such as celery stalks should not be dumped in the garbage disposal. Those fibers will stick on the disposal blades or form clumps within the drainage pipes. Either possibility isn’t good for the health of the plumbing system and should be avoided by placing those foods in the garbage bin.

Avoid Pouring Rice and Pasta Down the Drain

Another thing you should never pour down your drain is rice and pasta. These items have a lot of starch in them. So they can congeal into a paste-like substance that will stick on the walls of the drainage pipes. Additionally, other solids flowing through the system will attach themselves to this starchy glue and cause a major clog to develop. Talk to a plumber in Appleton, WI, in case you have been disposing of these food items in the garbage disposal. The plumber will inspect the pipes and clean those drains so that any accumulations are removed before they cause a blockage.

Avoid Pouring Bones Down the Drain

The garbage disposal can easily crush different kinds of bones that you dump inside it, right? Wrong. The garbage disposal isn’t a crusher or any such heavy-duty machine. Making it break down hard bones will not only cause massive tear and wear, but also cause major problems to your system.

Err on the side of caution by dumping all bones, except tiny fish bones, into the trash can in your kitchen. This will prolong the service life of the garbage disposal and also safeguard the plumbing system from the harmful effects of any bones that may escape the blades of the garbage disposal.

Avoid Pouring Raw Meat Down the Drain

Raw meat (or trimmings) is also one of the things you should never pour down your drain. Experienced plumbers in Fox Valley say that the meat utilizes all the oxygen within the drainage system as it decomposes. Consequently, there will be no oxygen left for the beneficial bacteria that break down the wastes flushed down the plumbing. Over time, the wastes will accumulate in the septic tank and overflow into the drain field. It is, therefore, better to refrain from triggering this unfortunate chain of events if you want to avoid costly plumbing system repairs.

Avoid Pouring Flour Down the Drain

Flour has a lot of starch, so it should not be poured down the drain. When starch absorbs water, it forms some kind of glue that will bind any particles it comes in contact with into a tight ball. This ball of debris will grow larger until it partially or wholly blocks the drainage pipe. Tureks Plumbing Services recommends that you dispose of unwanted flour in the trash can so that it doesn’t cause plumbing system problems.

Avoid Pouring Coffee Grounds Down the Drain

Can you honestly claim that you have never poured coffee grounds down the drain in your kitchen? Most people have done so because they aren’t aware of the long-term harmful effects of that habit. Now that you know, refrain from pouring those spent grounds in the garbage disposal. They will accumulate in the drains and eventually cause a clog. A far better use of the coffee grounds is to scatter them in your garden or place them in your compost pile so that your plants can benefit from their rich nutrients.

The list of the things you should never pour down your drain is longer than what has been covered in the discussion above. Ask Tureks Plumbing Services professionals for specific questions regarding your plumbing system. Our plumbers will be more than glad to address your concerns, and we are waiting for your call if you ever have any plumbing system problem and need help resolving it.

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Why Flushable Wipes Will Clog Your Drains

Wednesday, January 9th, 2019

why flushable wipes will clog your drains

Why Flushable Wipes Will Clog Your Drains

Many manufacturers of wet wipes claim that their products can be flushed down the toilet, but the experience of many homeowners shows that plumbing problems result when these wipes are routinely flushed. This article seeks to answer the question “Are flushable wipes safe to flush?”

How Does Flushing Wet Wipes Compare to Flushing Toilet Paper?

Tureks Plumbing Services reveals that in different tests conducted, toilet paper was found to disintegrate within 8 seconds after being flushed down the toilet. However, wet wipes hardly disintegrated more than a minute after being flushed.

This inability to breakdown quickly makes wet wipes a risky product to flush down your toilet because the wipes eventually accumulate and cause a clog in the system.

Why Would Manufacturers Claim That Wet Wipes Are Flushable?

Two possible reasons could explain why some manufacturers claim that the wet wipes they make are flushable. The first reason is that due to competition, some manufacturers may choose to be “economical with the truth” (mislead buyers) by asserting that you can flush their products down the toilet. Saying otherwise would mean that the product wouldn’t be popular among buyers since no one wants to do extra work to dispose of the wet wipes in the garbage when flushing them is an easier option.

Secondly, the protocol that some manufacturers use to test whether a wet wipe is flushable or not isn’t as rigorous as what plumbers would want. For example, the manufacturer may design a computer simulation model to generate data on how quickly the wipe will breakdown. At the same time, the manufacturer may just test whether the wet wipe will go down the drain. So if it does, then it has passed the test of being flushable. Consequently, many wipes pass the “flushability test” without being flushable in the true sense of the word.

How do Wet Wipes Cause Clogs?

As already mentioned, wet wipes don’t break down as quickly as toilet paper does. Consequently, these solid materials will flow down the drains and slow down as they move further in the system. Fox Valley plumbers say that problems arise as these wet wipes approach the entrance to the septic tank. This is because the entry points are small. So, the wipes stand a high chance of building up there and causing a blockage.

Matters are worsen based on the condition of your pipes. For example, some metallic pipes are so degraded that the wipes can snag on their interior surfaces. This triggers a domino effect of other materials piling up behind the wet wipe until a clog forms. The big ball of solids will be costly to trace and remove.

Experienced plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services explain that the condition of the pipes may be the reason why one home will develop a major clog months later while another home will take longer to suffer the consequences of flushing wet wipes down the toilet.

Why Professional Drain Cleaning Is Important

You can never be sure that wet wipes or other unsuitable materials (feminine hygiene products, for example) have never been flushed down the toilet. The effects of such actions don’t usually show immediately. So, Tureks Plumbing Services advises homeowners to be proactive and have the drains cleaned professionally at least once every three years.

This professional drain cleaning does a more thorough job than the chemical cleaners that some people pour down drains. For example, the chemical cleaners can damage some plumbing pipe materials. Plumbers select the most appropriate technique, such as water-jetting, to clean out the plumbing drains so that they are clear.

Now you have a comprehensive response to the question “Are flushable wipes safe to flush?” In case you still have other concerns, just reach out to Tureks Plumbing Services or any Fox Valley plumber. You will get the help you need to make the right choices regarding what to flush or not flush.

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