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

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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Causes of Foul-Smelling Septic Tank and Slow Drain

Wednesday, September 12th, 2018

Causes of foul-smelling septic tank and slow drain

Foul-Smelling Septic Tank and Slow Drain: 4 Possible Causes

A foul-smelling septic tank and slow drain are among some of the serious plumbing problems that must be addressed immediately. Otherwise, these can lead to costly home repairs.

To better understand how these problems happen, Turek’s Plumbing shares four potential causes and some ways to prevent them.

Overuse

Just like any home appliance or furnishings, overusing your draining system can lead to problems. If, for instance, you and your family are using more water and giving out more waste than what your septic tank can accommodate, slow draining will happen in an instant.

Water usage is usually the main culprit because, with too much water, the septic tank will drain too long. Also, the sediments that have settled at the bottom of the tank will be disturbed. As a result, it will flow into the leach field, which will then clog up the system. When this happens, there will be sewage backup, and wastewater can leak into your home and in your yard.

Thus, if it has been 2-3 years since your septic tank has been pumped-out, contact an Appleton plumber now. A professional septic tank pumping and cleaning service will prevent the occurrence of serious septic tank problems. Investing in this service periodically will prevent blockages in the sewer drain, eliminate foul smells, and prevent the leakage of sewage.

Mechanical Issues

Slow drains can also be a result of mechanical issues. Your toilet or sink may have become ill-fitted over time. This must be checked by a Fox Valley plumbing company to make sure that your fixtures and drainage will once again function efficiently and properly.

Tree Roots

The roots of your trees are too resilient. They can easily drill right through anything that is on their way. So make sure that your drainage system and septic tank are installed in an area where tree roots can’t reach.

Long Plumbing Maintenance Intervals

Plumbing maintenance must be done on a regular basis. But if you have a busy daily schedule, there is a higher possibility that you’ll forget to call professionals to inspect and clean your septic system. You may only be reminded when it’s already too late.

So to prevent this from happening, you need to create a schedule or perhaps assign a family member to remind you of the cleaning and pumping schedule. If not, you can use today’s technology – for instance, create a reminder on your smartphone.

Adhering to a regular maintenance schedule for your septic system must be taken seriously. After all, this is the only way for you to enjoy a quick-draining home.

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Warning Signs of a Damaged Sewer Pipe

Monday, August 27th, 2018

Warning Signs of a Damaged Sewer Pipe

A damaged pipe can be a big hassle and a huge drain on your monthly budget.

And unknown to many homeowners, this issue often takes years to arise. More often than not, the warning signs of a damaged sewer pipe are there, hiding in plain sight, ignored, or attributed to another problem.

Homes that are 25 years old or older are particularly vulnerable to damaged sewer pipes. This is because these often use cast iron pipes.

What are the warning signs of damaged sewer pipe homeowners should be on the lookout for?

Slow drainage

Slow drainage is a fairly common plumbing problem which can be resolved fairly quickly. However, if the problem is not resolved after several attempts, it may be a sign of an impending sewer pipe damage.

Here, slow drainage is an indicator of the formation of the blockage.

Foul odor

A sewer pipe that is in good working condition should be able to contain the scent of sewer gas.

If you notice that distinct odor in your home, it may be a sign that the sewer pipe has been cracked.

Backups and blockages

When the backup or blockage occurs in more than one drain, it is highly likely that your sewer pipes are deteriorating.

Therefore, these types of backups and blockages do not respond positively to pipe cleanings.

Molds

Molds build up when the humidity level inside a home increases. And one of the possible causes for the increase of humidity inside a home is a cracked sewer pipe. Our friends at Gilmore Heating & Air, a residential ac company in Placerville, recommend consulting with an HVAC company to learn about bacteria-fighting heating and cooling systems.

Pest problems

You have tried practically every solution available for you to get rid of rodents and insects that have infested your home and nothing still works.

It’s not that the solutions that you have implemented are simply not working. It is highly possible that you are attacking parts of the problem.

These unwanted invaders take advantage of the smallest available space to invite themselves in your home.

Patches of unusually green grass

You’re proud of your lawn and all of the efforts you have put toward it. But during one of your mowing sessions, you notice one particular area where the grass seems to be thriving.

The culprit may be the sewage leaking below that area, blessing the grass with nutrients.

Structural damage

When sewer pipes are nearing the end of their usable lifespan and potential damage is imminent, you will notice structural damage in and around your home.

So, this can take various forms, including cracks or settlements in the foundation, sinkholes, and indentations in the lawn or beneath pavers.

Be vigilant

Taken individually, these signs may be considered as indicators of smaller problems.

But if you notice these in conjunction with one another, you might be facing a serious plumbing problem. Contact a plumbing expert immediately. 

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5 Common Sewer Line Problems And Signs You Have Them

Monday, August 20th, 2018

5 Common Sewer Line Problems And Signs You Have Them

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

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

Blockage

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

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

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

Broken, collapsed and skewed pipes

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

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

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

Tree root infestation

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

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

Pipe corrosion

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

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

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

Blocked house trap

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

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

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

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

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Where to Find Your Sewer Cleanout

Monday, August 13th, 2018

Where to Find Your Sewer Cleanout

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But how do you find it?

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

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

Outdoor Clean-Outs

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

Basement

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

Bathroom

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

Get professional plumbing help

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

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What Do I Do With an Old Bathtub?

Tuesday, August 7th, 2018

What Do I Do With an Old Bathtub?

So you’ve just recently noticed that your tub’s old and worn, and you also suspect that it has already begun to leak. With no bathroom renovation budgeted for in, say, the next five years, getting your tub replaced doesn’t seem like a great idea.

After all, the mess replacing your tub will lead to, and the huge expense and the time it would take for the newly installed tub to be reusable, aren’t things you can deal with right now. All you want is an efficient and reasonable option to get your tub working again within the shortest time possible.

So if you ask yourself, What do I do with an old bathtub, when buying an entirely new one is out of the question? The answer is to either get it refinished or relined.

Tub Refinishing

Otherwise known as “reglazing,” tub refinishing is a labor-intensive process (about four to six hours of site work by a single technician) which involves the use of hazardous chemicals and the following basic steps:

  • Masking the tub surface to protect it from the overspray
  • Venting the bathroom area to get rid of the toxic fumes
  • Caulk removal
  • Swathing the tub in hydrofluoric acid to ensure surface adherence
  • Washing away the hydrofluoric acid
  • New caulk installation
  • Air drying the tub with a fan
  • Spray on coating fast-drying epoxy (two coats)
  • Cleaning with a tack cloth to get rid of dust particles and other foreign objects
  • Spray applications of a polyurethane finish coat (x4) with sanding done in between applications
  • Polishing
  • Curing time of 24 hours (minimum) before the tub can be used with water

Tub Relining

Unlike reglazing work which involves most of the action taking place right in your own home, tub reliners are made offsite after a local installer like Tureks Plumbing has taken exact measurements of your tub and sends them, along with some clear photos, to the tub liner manufacturer he works for.

So, what happens next?

  • Identification of the make/model by the tub liner manufacturer.
  • Using an in-house model of the same, a vacuum-formed mold of the tub is made using a sheet of 1/4 inch ABS acrylic (it’s used for football helmets and airplane windshields, too!). The resulting mold is a 35-pound liner that fits seamlessly on your old tub. Take note that this process takes about four to eight weeks!
  • Prior to installation, the installer uses denatured alcohol to thoroughly clean the old tub and removes both the drain and overflow. The liner is then trimmed to ensure it fits snugly, especially if your tub is in a corner or is set against the wall.
  • The tub liner is then securely attached to the old tub using a two-sided butyl tape and silicone adhesive combo.
  • A matching new drain and overflow are also installed.
  • To finish off, the installer applies caulking at the seams.

The entire installation process can take six to eight hours for one technician to finish. Then you can use your “new” tub right away.

Weighing Your Options

Both refinishing and relining are cost-effective options if you do not have the budget yet to get a new tub, nor do you have the inclination to have your bathroom use interrupted by a mini home renovation project. They can also add years of use to your tired, old tub – depending on what is stated on the warranty.

However, if you have a fiberglass tub, a jetted one or a claw-foot tub, you may need to look elsewhere. Both reglazing and relining companies tend to not take on jobs for such tub types.

So, have you decided yet? Be sure to call Tureks Plumbing Services for more professional advice regarding your tub fixing options.

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