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

7 Ways to Save Water at Home

Friday, January 4th, 2019

tureks plumbing services Ways to save water at home

7 Ways to Save Water at Home

Many areas regularly experience water shortages that cause the utility companies to ration how much water each home can access in a day. Additionally, the cost of water has been creeping upwards over the years. These two factors make a strong case for saving as much water as you can in your home. This article discusses some of the easy ways to save water at home so that you reduce how much you spend while conserving the environment.

Fix Water Leaks

Experienced professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services estimate that most homes have water leaks they aren’t aware. Many homeowners don’t realize this until a plumber performs a plumbing system inspection, or a major leak develops, and water starts gushing out. Those undetected leaks not only cause your monthly water bill to rise, but they also have the potential to trigger other costly effects. Damage to your foundation and the risk of mold growth in your home are commonly caused by water damage.

It is therefore prudent to fix any faucet or other leaks as soon as they are noticed. In the meantime, you can use a bucket to collect any water from a leaking faucet. Use that water for other domestic chores, such as watering your indoor plants.

Be Mindful of How You Use the Dishwasher

Many modern dishwashers come with an Eco setting. Use that setting each time you are using this appliance. Additionally, you can save more water by waiting until you have a full load for the dishwasher before you start it. This measure will use water more economically than when you run less than full loads in the dishwasher.

Upgrade to Water-Efficient Appliances

Efficiency is much more important today. Our friends at Gilmore Heating & Air, a plumbing and residential ac company in Folsom, agree that homeowners everywhere are upgrading to energy-efficient HVAC systems and water-efficient appliances. By popular demand, most appliance manufacturers now have water-efficient models that you can consider for your home. For example, you can ask an Appleton plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services to replace your old toilets with dual-flush versions.

The dual-flush toilets conserve water because a user flushes using less water after a short call while the full flush is reserved for the time when a member of your household has done number two. Similarly, a smart sprinkler system can save you a lot of water. Since the system will determine the most appropriate volume of water to use during each session of watering your lawn. Sensors in the soil detect how much water is still available and send signals to the control system to tweak its parameters for that day.

Buy Biodegradable Cleaning Products

One of the biggest reasons why there is less water, and it is expensive is the impact of the pollutants contained in modern cleaning products. Those pollutants are poured down drains, and they ultimately end up in underground water reservoirs or streams. Utility companies, therefore, have to use a lot of resources to clean that water before supplying it to homes and other places where it is needed.

Plumbers in Appleton, WI, therefore advise homeowners to opt for eco-friendly cleaners when shopping. This will reduce the degree to which groundwater is polluted.

Know When to Water Your Plants

The time when you water your plants can also contribute to water conservation or wastage in your home. For example, a person who waters the lawn at midday will waste a lot of water because a fraction of that water will evaporate instead of percolating into the ground. In contrast, another person who waters the lawn early in the morning or late in the afternoon will conserve water because most of the water will soak into the ground during the cool weather. It is also helpful to invite a Fox Valley plumber to check the irrigation system for leaks.

Reduce Your Shower Time

Research has established that the traditional showerheads release about five gallons of water every minute. People who take lengthy showers, therefore, waste a lot of water. Another of the ways to save water at home entails spending no more than five minutes when showering. Use a timer if need be. Switch to low-flow showerheads as well so that you cut water use in the shower further. Plumbers from Tureks Plumbing Services can help you to select the most appropriate showerheads.

Another related trick is to keep the water faucet off as you brush your teeth, shave or soap your hands. A touch-free faucet can be a good upgrade for the purpose of saving water as you use the bathroom sink.

Spread the Word – Save Water

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that your efforts alone will achieve the water conservation results that you desire. Tell all your family members to participate to save the most water! Devote more effort towards training your kids to be mindful of how they use water. You will gradually see them become more conscious of their water-use habits.

Implementing the different ways to save water at home requires you to partner with an experienced plumber in Appleton, WI. Contact Tureks Plumbing Services if you need any help in dealing with a plumbing problem. We are available 24/7 throughout the year, including holidays.

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6 Winter Plumbing Tips That Will Save You Money

Friday, December 28th, 2018

winter plumbing tips that will save you moeny

6 Winter Plumbing Tips That Will Save You Money

The plumbing system undergoes a lot of stress during the winter. It’s imperative that you do everything possible to protect your plumbing system from developing costly defects during this time of the year. This article discusses some of the winter plumbing tips that will save you money. 

Turn the Exterior Water Valves Off

The water pipes outside your home have the highest chance of freezing since they are exposed to the elements. It is therefore advisable for you to wrap them in insulation and also turn the water off. Additionally, experts at Tureks Plumbing Services recommend that you leave the outdoor faucets to drip slowly so that the likelihood that the pipes will freeze is reduced.

Locate the Main Shutoff Valve

Another of the important winter plumbing tips is that you need to know where the main shutoff valve of your plumbing system is located. This information will help you to take swift action to turn the water supply off in case a plumbing emergency, such as a pipe burst, occurs. Otherwise, searching for the main valve as water is gushing all over your house can result in serious water damage that will be expensive to fix. Fox Valley plumbers also recommend that you open and close this valve at least once each year to keep it working properly.

Be Careful When Conserving Energy During the Winter

Many homeowners tend to lower the thermostat setting on the HVAC system as they leave home in order to conserve energy. However, you need to be mindful that you can end up being penny wise but pound foolish while trying to save a few dollars on your energy bill without thinking about the broader implications of that decision. In other words, turning the temperature too low can create an opportunity for a plumbing pipe to freeze and trigger water damage that will cost you thousands of dollars to fix. An experienced plumber in Appleton, WI, recommends that you play it safe and avoid lowering the temperature to less than 45°F so that you conserve energy but protect water pipes from freezing while you are away.

Check the Outdoor Drainage

Your lawn will receive huge amounts of snow and rain during the winter, so make sure the drainage works. Start by checking the gutters and downspouts for any debris that may prevent snow and water from draining away. Clear the yard too so that nothing prevents runoff water from leaving your property.

Take Extra Care of the Kitchen Plumbing

Winter also coincides with the holidays, so the kitchen plumbing is under excessive stress during this time. The kitchen drains, and garbage disposal needs proper care to continue functioning.

For example, Tureks Plumbing Services recommends that you wait for all oils and fats to solidify in your cooking pots instead of pouring them down the drain. Rather, scrape them off the containers and into the garbage bin for disposal. This will save the drains from clogging up due to the effects of those fats.

Similarly, use the garbage disposal carefully. Always start the disposal before you pour food debris into it, then run water through the disposal so that the drains are cleared. This will prevent the disposal from clogging up.

Make the Right Hiring Decisions

Your plumbing system will function based on how well the system was taken care of prior. This begins with hiring the most qualified and experienced professionals, such as those from Tureks Plumbing Services, to service and repair the system. Such professionals will be licensed and insured, and you will receive a written statement detailing each repair that needs to be done each time something breaks.

The winter plumbing tips shared in the discussion may not cover all the basics that you need to look into. However, they will go a long way towards reducing the likelihood of problems in your plumbing system. Work closely with your Fox Valley plumber so that you can receive all the information and technical assistance.

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Plumbing Resolutions for the New Year

Wednesday, December 26th, 2018

Plumbing Resolutions for the New Year

Plumbing Resolutions for the New Year

Research has it that approximately 45 percent of all people make resolutions at the start of each year. However, only a paltry 8 percent of those people actually implement those resolutions. Our team Tureks Plumbing Services would like you to consider the following plumbing resolutions for the New Year so you can save on your plumbing bill in 2019!

Be More Considerate of Your Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal is one of the unsung heroes of your plumbing system. However, many homeowners ignore this appliance until something malfunctions. Let next year be a different year for the garbage disposal in your home. Resolve to treat it better by being more mindful about what you deposit inside the disposal. For example, don’t place large chunks of debris inside the disposal just because it has blades that can cut that debris into tiny pieces. Instead, cut the debris into smaller pieces so that the garbage disposal doesn’t overwork.

Such consideration will reduce the wear and tear on your disposal. Defects will also be fewer, so you will have a reduced need to call Tureks Plumbing Services to fix a disposal malfunction.

Fix Defects Promptly

The second of the plumbing resolutions for the New Year entails taking prompt action as soon as a defect is detected in the plumbing system. You see, plumbing defects differ in intensity/seriousness. For example, a minor leak may develop at the kitchen faucet, or the main water pipe into your home may burst and start gushing water into your yard. These two leaks elicit different degrees of urgency among homeowners.

However, that minor leak that you delay to fix can result in additional problems. For example, the slow leak can inflate your monthly water bill. Secondly, the moist conditions created by the leak can promote the growth of mold and mildew (with their attendant health risks).

It is therefore wise for you to contact a plumber in Appleton, WI, each time you detect any defect in the plumbing system. The New Year will then have fewer plumbing emergencies if you act quickly each time a defect is noticed.

Conserve Water

You should also resolve to conserve water more in the New Year. This can be attained in several ways, such as upgrading to water-efficient toilets and showerheads. In fact, even fixing defects promptly can help you to conserve water since the wastage resulting from plumbing defects will be avoided.

Consult a Fox Valley plumber in case you want to implement more comprehensive changes in your home in order to make the plumbing system more efficient. The professional will inspect your home and suggest the most cost-effective ways to conserve water in your home.

Give Your Water Heater More Attention

The water heater in your home is an important appliance from a comfort point of view and from the aspect of energy-efficiency. For example, a sudden malfunction can deny your family members hot water to take a shower in the middle of winter. Such an inconvenience can be hard to bypass during such weather.

It is therefore vital that you resolve to give your water heater more attention this coming year (and beyond) so that it can continue to give you the reliable service that you have come to expect. Check the anode frequently and replace it when it is eroded. Flush the tank regularly so that sediment doesn’t accumulate and spring a leak. You can also ask a Fox Valley plumber to check that water heater so that the defects you weren’t aware of as a layperson are fixed before they worsen and compromise the functioning of the appliance.

Keep Pipes Warm

Your plumbing resolutions for the New Year may not be complete if you haven’t thought about how to winterize the plumbing system. Make a conscious decision to keep the water pipes warm during the cold months of the year so that you can forestall those pipes from bursting after freezing.

It is especially important to keep the pipes outdoors and those where no air conditioning exists (attic and basement, for example) warm by wrapping them in insulation. This insulation is affordable and can be bought in rolls at plumbing or hardware stores. Ask one of our experts at Tureks Plumbing Services for recommendations in case you aren’t sure of which particular product to buy and use.

Have Regular Inspections Done

Resolve to start being more proactive rather than reactive when it comes to addressing plumbing system issues. Don’t wait for a problem to occur before you pay some attention to the plumbing system. Instead, ask an experienced plumber in Appleton, WI, to inspect the entire system at least once each year so that defects can be caught early. Such proactive measures will reduce your expenditure on plumbing repairs, and the system will break down less frequently.

Tureks Plumbing Services is available round the clock throughout the year. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help in implementing any of the plumbing resolutions for the New Year covered in the discussion above. We shall do everything possible to keep your plumbing system working without a hitch.

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6 Ways to Afford Your Dream Home Improvement Project

Tuesday, December 18th, 2018

Tureks Plumbing Services - Ways to afford Your dream home improvement project appleton wi

6 Ways to Afford Your Dream Home Improvement Project

One of the biggest challenges homeowners face is affordable home improvement projects. Here are some ways to save for a home improvement and keep that project within budget.

Put Aside Money Until You Can Afford the Improvement

They say good things come to those who wait, and the same applies to home improvements you’ve been longing to do. You’ll most likely complete the home renovation if you start putting money aside now.

For example, you can dine out less frequently in order to reduce your expenditure. The money that you save when you eat in can go towards the home improvement project. Of course, it helps when you know how much you will need for the project. So, talk to Tureks Plumbing Services about the project you have in mind. The estimates you get will help you structure a budget.

Get Money Out of the Equation as Much as You Can

Another way to afford your dream home improvement is a trade or sweat equity. Instead of draining your account to pay for the work, why not search for people to whom you can render your services in exchange for theirs?

For example, you can offer your accounting services to a Fox Valley plumber in exchange for the plumbing services of that individual or company in a home improvement plumbing project. Admittedly, it will take some extra work for you to reach out to the professionals you want to implement this barter arrangement with.

Reconsider How You Source Materials

Where and how you get the materials needed for a home improvement project may also offer avenues for you to save and keep the project on track budget-wise. For example, instead of buying the plumbing materials you need from a hardware store, why not check out the garage sales in your area so that you can reuse what others no longer need? Tastes and preferences evolve, so chances are you will get good quality materials using this approach.

Flea markets, estate sales, and thrift stores are other places where you can find budget-friendly materials. Explore these options and only buy new materials if you fail to find what you want. Remember to have those products refinished (where possible or necessary) so that they can look as good as new before they are installed by a local plumber in Appleton, WI.

Shop for Affordable Contractors

The cost of labor takes a sizeable chunk of your home improvement budget. It, therefore, follows that any savings that you make on this item alone can go a long way towards making the entire project affordable.

Consequently, you would be well advised to devote some time to search for an affordable contractor for your project. For example, search for a vendor who is willing to regard your project as a side hustle while undertaking main contracts. Such a contractor is likely to be more affordable than another who looks at your project as their main employment during that time.

Remember to get bids from different Fox Valley plumbers so that you get an idea about the reasonable rates.

Do Some of the Work Yourself

Another of the clever ways to save for a home improvement project is by taking on some of the work yourself so that you avoid having to pay someone for that work. For example, home improvement project estimates will usually include the cost of prepping for the project and cleaning up once the project is completed.

Do as much of the work yourself as possible so that you cut the project cost. For example, you can remove the bathroom tiles yourself in preparation for the installation of a new bath. Similarly, you can take care of disposing of the debris after the project instead of leaving it for the Fox Valley plumber.

Rethink Your Choice of Materials

Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., a tilt-up construction company, agrees that you can also reduce the cost of any renovation project by opting for budget-friendly materials. For example, you can buy laminates instead of splurging on granite countertops for your kitchen. The lower-priced product will look as attractive as the top-of-the-range option, but at a fraction of the cost.

Use this approach for all the materials that you need for your home improvement project. The experts at Tureks Plumbing Services can help you select reliable materials for all budget ranges.

Now you know the different ways to save for a home improvement. Get to work implementing those techniques so that you bring your dream to life. Fox Valley plumbers are waiting to help you in any way they can. So, don’t hesitate to ask for their input if you have budgetary constraints.

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What Causes Water Pressure to Decrease?

Wednesday, November 21st, 2018

what causes water pressure to decrease

What Causes Water Pressure to Decrease?

Low water pressure can be frustrating as it has an effect on your daily life. From use in the kitchen to the shower, low water pressure can make a task as simple as washing the dishes a nightmare.

So what causes water pressure to decrease? We have 6 common reasons why most homes face water pressure issues.

Water pressure issue #1: Issue with the water valve

Two valves control most homes water flow. If you face water pressure issues, you want to check these valves first. They are usually near the water meter. The valve that is positioned on the street side is the city’s, you may not have access to this since it belongs to the city. The other valve, which is on the side of your home, controls the water in your home.

You want to make sure both the valves are completely open. They control the water flow into your home so if it is not completely open then chances are you will have low water pressure. When operating the valve, you need to be gentle with it. Don’t apply too much force, which can cause damage.

If access to the city valve is cut off then you can contact the city office and see if they can send someone down to open it for you.

Water pressure issue #2: Fault in the fixtures

The faucets and showers in your home are used daily. With time they start to wear and tear. Faulty fixtures are one of the most common reasons for low water pressure. Once they get old the fixtures easy clog up with limestone, dirt, and even rust. All of which results in lower water pressure.

The best way to test whether it is a certain fixture is to run water through it at the same time with another. If you notice a difference in the pressure of the two then you know that one is faulty. Before running the test, just be sure to clean the aerator of the fixture so no dirt is stuck in it, which also results in lower pressure. When you’ve determined a fixture to be faulty, you can clean it out to clearing out the clog or have it replaced.

Water pressure issue #3: A damaged pressure regulator

The pressure regulator does exactly as it names states, it regulates water pressure in the plumbing. It is important that the regulator stays in shape otherwise you will either get no pressure or too much of it.

Fixing a regular isn’t hard; you just need to replace it. You can do it on your own or seek help from an Appleton plumber.

Water pressure issue #4: Clog in the water pipes

If your fixtures and valve have been cleared after inspection then the reason behind low water pressure could be clogged pipes. Clogged pipes aren’t easy to deal with and is better if left to a professional. You can consult a plumber to help figure out how the clog can be resolved. This can only be done after they inspect the pipes and determine where the clog is.

Water pressure issue #5: Plumbing problem

Corrosion in the plumbing can happen in older homes. If you are having trouble diagnosing the problem then chances are the plumbing is corroded. This may require a complete overhaul of the plumbing, which is obviously a project you cannot take up on your own. An Appleton plumber can help you with the project they can assess the corrosion and determine what the proper step maybe.

Water pressure issue #6: Main supply line has issues

If your home has been cleared from the above issues then chances are there is an issue with the main supply line. The line doesn’t supply your home with enough water, which has resulted in lower pressure. A plumber in Appleton, WI can help you assess this problem and help you take the right step to have it resolved.

There are numerous different factors that cause water pressure to decrease The hard part for most homeowners may just be identifying what the problem is. Before you take any drastic steps on your own be sure to get an expert to help out with the assessment and tell you the right course of action to take. Otherwise, you may end up causing more problems.

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How to Keep Your Bathtub From Clogging

Wednesday, November 14th, 2018

How to keep your bathtub from clogging

Help! How Can I Prevent My Bathtub From Clogging?

You come home from a long day of work. All you’ve been thinking about on your drive back is getting into a nice, hot, steamy shower to help you relax. You step into the bathtub, rinse your body with water, lather the soap up and everything only to notice the water not going down the drain. What was supposed to be a relaxing shower turns into a nightmare.

Bathtub clogs can ruin the best of showers or bath. You don’t need to worry though; Tureks Plumbing Services has 4 tips that will help you keep your bathtub from clogging.

Drain covers were made for a reason

The drain cover is one of the simplest methods to help prevent drain clogs. It isn’t easy preventing hair from going down the drain as it usually falls while you shower. Hair is probably one of the biggest factors for bathtub clogs. A drain cover helps keep hair from going down the drain. It’s also an inexpensive solution since you can easily buy one at your local home store.

There are a wide variety of drain covers available, made from different materials. The most popular materials are stainless steel and silicone. After you get a cover, be sure to clean your drain cover once in a while because scum will build up.

Use a clog remover once every two months

Clog removers aren’t only helpful when you have a clogged bath or shower but can also prevent it from happening. It makes sure that the drain is free and breaks up any minor clogs that may be forming. Just purchase a reliable, top quality clog remover. Those that use too many corrosive ingredients may end up damaging your pipes in the long run.

If you are looking for a cheap drain solution then vinegar can help. White vinegar has chemicals in it that help break down build up. So you can pour around 15-20 oz. of it down the drain and let it work its magic for about 10 minutes. Then flush the vinegar along with the buildup with hot water.

Baking soda also gets the job done. It also doesn’t have a pungent smell like vinegar. Just grab a handful of baking soda and throw it down the drain. Get boiling hot water and pour it in after. This will clear the drain and eliminate any odor from it.

Let the water flow

A simple way to prevent clog is to let the water run for a few minutes after you are finished with your bath or shower. Just after you step out, turn the hot water on and let it flow through the drain for about a minute or two. The hot water helps flush any small build up in the pipes.

Avoid showering after putting on body oil

Grease is a known enemy of pipes. Grease easily sticks and causes clogged drains. A lot of people like to shower after putting body oil on this is a big no. It is better for you and the drain if you use the body oil after you shower and let your body soak it in rather than your drain pipes. If there is residue from the oil then that can easily be wiped off with a towel.

Maintaining a clean drain is important. If proper maintenance is not done then it can end you costing a lot. If you have tried the above tips but still have troubles with a clogged bathtub then it is time you give the professionals at Fox Valley Plumbing Company a call. They can help sort any drain issues you may have, leaving you with a free flowing bath.

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A Professional Bathroom Plumbing Service

Wednesday, October 17th, 2018

a professional bathroom plumbing service

What You’ll Get When You Invest In A Professional Bathroom Plumbing Service

To have a fully usable and sanitary bathroom, you need to have a functional plumbing system.  So, if your bathroom has a clogged toilet or drain, slow-draining tub, or low water pressure, all the activities taking place in this room will be affected or hampered.

Although it may be tempting to attempt a DIY job when it comes to repairing or maintaining your bathroom plumbing to save a few bucks, you have to know that all these tasks are best left to the experts.

Professional bathroom plumbing service providers understand the intricate details of bathroom plumbing and have the skills, knowledge, tools, and equipment to deal with any kind of issue that will cause this room to be unusable.

Hiring the Services of Turek’s Plumbing

Turek’s Plumbing, a trusted plumbing company in Wisconsin, offers a variety of bathroom repair and maintenance services that will ensure you and your family can use this room comfortably. These include:

  • Repair and unclogging of toilets
  • Improvement of low water pressure
  • Repair of leaking faucets
  • Repair of water and drain line leaks
  • Installation and repair of water heaters
  • Bathroom design and remodeling

Whether you hire the pros of Turek’s Plumbing for repair, maintenance, or installation, you will enjoy these benefits:

  • High-quality bathroom fixtures and piping equipment
  • Better comfort and hygiene
  • Improved electricity and water savings
  • Increased value of your home

Highly skilled and state licensed plumbing technicians

They are fully trained in using different plumbing detection and repair equipment and strategies. They also have full knowledge of all local and state codes. In addition, our plumbing technicians complete state-certified continuing education classes annually. They attend in-house weekly training classes as well to ensure they are up-to-date with all current, relevant codes and technical changes in the industry.

Friendly and professional staff

All our employees are accommodating and respectful. Additionally, we provide honest ethical service that will exceed your expectations at any time of the day or night. The company provides upfront and transparent pricing and warranties on labor and parts as well.

Expertise in providing customized services

Our plumbing technicians are trained to assess each situation carefully to produce the most effective results for your unique plumbing requirements.

Sufficient coverage

 Aside from being a state-registered and licensed company, Turek’s Plumbing is also fully insured. As such, all customers are protected in case any damage occurs while our technicians are working on your property.

When you hire a professional plumber in Appleton, WI to handle a simple or complex repair, installation, or maintenance work in your bathroom, you will always get your money’s worth. You will always have a better, fully functional bathroom when they complete their work.

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How to Install a New Water Heater

Wednesday, October 10th, 2018

How to install a new water heater

How to Install a New Water Heater

Today, instant hot water is no longer considered a luxury; it is now more of a necessity. When you have a water heater, you don’t have to run the bath for several minutes to get the right temperature. You won’t suddenly be drenched by cold water in the middle of enjoying a warm bath as well.

The key to enjoying a warm or hot water every time you need it is to install your water heater properly. Although this is a job best left to experts, there is nothing wrong with trying to install it yourself. And once you have any problems going through with any of the installation steps, you have to call a professional plumber immediately.

Installing Your Electric Water Heater

Below are the steps on how to install a new water heater properly and safely:

Turn off the water and electricity supply

Shut off the circuit breaker for the line where you will connect the heater.  Next, turn off the home’s main water shutoff valve or the shutoff valve at the cold water supply line running to your current heater.  

Drain the old tank

Turn off the cold water supply to the heater. This is often located at the top of the unit. Next, connect a hose to the water heater’s drain valve and open the valve. Place the end of the hose near a floor drain or into a pail.

Make sure you drain the tank completely before you turn off the valve and remove the hose.

Disconnect the electric and plumbing connections

Next, disconnect the water heater’s electrical wires. Label the wires or take a picture so that you can easily use them later when connecting your new heater’s wires. Once done, disconnect the hot and cold water supply pipes.

If your current heater used copper piping, you may need to cut the pipes. Use a pipe tubing cutter to do this and leave as much of the pipe as possible.

Remove the old heater and place the new one

Once you have taken down the old tank, place the new heater into position. Make sure you line it up with the existing electrical and plumbing connections.   

Next, install the different fittings. These include the temperature and pressure relief or TPR valve and discharge drain pipe. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Connect the water pipes

If the cold water supply does not have a shutoff valve, now is the time to install one. When done, use the correct fittings to connect the cold water inlet and hot water outlet on the water heater to their respective pipes. Be sure to use the correct type of fittings.

Connect the heater to the electrical source

Use the previous wire connections as a guide and connect the new wires in the same way that you removed them. Make sure you follow the labels when connecting the cables to the electrical source.  

Set the temperature

Turn on the cold water supply valve to the water heater and turn on the main water supply valve to fill the tank with water. Next, restore power to the water heater circuit. Set the temperature between 110 and 125 degrees F and wait until the water in the tank comes up to temperature. Leave the water turned on for a few minutes to ensure that the heater maintains the desired temperature.

Getting Help from Pros

As you can see from the steps above, installing a new water heater is not an easy task. You will need a number of plumbing tools which you may not have as well.

If you don’t want your new water heater to become a fire, explosion, and health hazard, hire a pro to install it properly.

By hiring a plumber to handle the installation, you:

  • Ensure the electrical lines are connected properly and safely
  • Allow the ignition sources to be checked, cleaned, and repaired, if necessary
  • Avoid damaging the TPR
  • Avoid the possibility of bacterial contamination

By letting a trusted Appleton plumber handle the water heater installation, you will be sure you can use your newly installed electric water heater as soon as possible. You will be able to use it safely for a long time as well.

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6 Signs You May Have a Problem With Your Main Sewer Line

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2018

6 Signs You May Have a Problem With Your Main Sewer Line

Your property’s plumbing system goes beyond the visible pipes to the main sewer line connecting them. Today, plumbing problems are among the worst issues you would want to deal with as a homeowner because these may involve a hefty amount of your time and money. Often, this involves your main sewer line, resulting in busted pipes and flooded bathrooms.

But determining if the plumbing problem has something to do with your sewer line is not an easy task. Often, problems go unnoticed without professional help. A damaged main sewer line, for instance, is a huge problem that can become too expensive when not addressed immediately.
To help you, Turek’s Plumbing shares six signs you may have a problem with your main sewer line.

1. Nasty odors

A problem-free sewer line is airtight. So if you smell nasty odors coming out from the pipes, this means that there is a leakage in your main sewer line.

2. Sewage backup

Sewage backups are common. However, if this happens each time you flush the toilet, you may have a problem with your sewer line.
Remember that all drains rely on the main sewer line in order to drain properly. So if you notice blockages in your drains, this is a sure-fire sign of a damaged sewer line.

3. Slow Drains

One of the common plumbing issues homeowners encounter is a slow drain. Usually, this can easily be dealt with by drain cleaning or a plunger. But if these efforts don’t work anymore, the issue may already involve your main sewer line.

4. Sewage in your yard

Once your sewer line gets clogged, your home’s wastewater might not make it to the sewer. Instead, it gets out from the sewer clean-out, which then pours sewage into your yard.
A good indication that sewage is leaking out in your yard is when your lawn looks more lush than usual; that’s because sewage is an excellent fertilizer.

5. Mold

Mold is caused by several issues, including a damaged main sewer line. Even a small crack in the line will result in water leaks inside your home, leading to mold growth. Deal with mold immediately because this is detrimental to your health.

6. Foundation issues

Other signs of a damaged main sewer line include foundation issues like foundation settlement, cracks in the foundation slab, and sinkholes. These problems are often caused by leaks that are left unaddressed for a long period of time.
Plumbing problems can disrupt your daily routine. When dealing with these problems, a reputable Fox Valley plumbing company highly recommends calling plumbing experts, regardless of how mild or severe they are. This is the only way to make sure that the problem is fixed properly.

Don’t wait for your main sewer line to be damaged! The moment you notice a plumbing problem inside or outside your home, immediately call a professional Appleton plumber.

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When Should I Replace My Home Appliances?

Wednesday, September 26th, 2018

When should I replace my home appliances

When Should I Replace My Home Appliances?

Our home appliances allow us to cook, keep our food fresh, and do a lot of chores more efficiently and faster. They provide a lot of conveniences that without them, we will have a hard time functioning properly.  

Because of our reliance on various home appliances, we are so used to them being around that we tend to forget when we bought them, and even neglect to maintain and clean them properly.

However, if you are now asking yourself “When should I replace my home appliances?”, the first thing you have to do is to find out how old they are. If you kept the receipts, simply check the date. 

In case the appliances you have in your home were installed by the previous owner, look through the paperwork that you signed when you bought the house or try to find the original listing. The past owner may have written the age of all the major appliances on these documents. He or she might have also left behind the original paperwork for the appliances which will have the date of purchase and installation.

Pros from a Fox Valley plumbing company say if you can’t find any of these documents, look for the label on your appliances. The label will have the date when the appliance was manufactured. This may be an actual date with a month and year or the info is coded into the serial number.

Lifespan of Home Appliances

Once you know the date when the appliances were bought or manufactured, you need to know how long they can be functional and cost-efficient devices to have at home.

Tureks Plumbing shares below the average lifespans of the most common household appliances:

  • Refrigerator – 8 to 15 years
  • Stove – 10 to 15 years
  • Microwave oven – 5 to 10 years
  • Washing machines – 8 to 12 years
  • Dryer – 11 to 18 years
  • Dishwasher – 8 to 10 years
  • Garbage disposal – 10 to 15 years

Should You Replace or Repair Your Appliances?

If an appliance has already passed its minimum lifespan and it is still working properly, you can continue using it. Our friends at Gilmore Heating & Air, a residential ac company in Placerville, adds that regular maintenance can prolong its quality and usability. Stay on top of maintenance just like you do with your heating and cooling system.

However, if the appliance won’t turn on at all, it could mean it is beyond repair. So, it’s time for a replacement from an expert. Although the appliance may work after being repaired by a professional, you have to way out the pros and cons. If you are continuously having the appliance repaired at a high price, you might as well get a new one.  

A good rule of thumb to remember is that if the repair will cost over half of what a new appliance would cost, it is best to get a replacement. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact us.

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