Nothing can dampen your spirits faster than getting a water bill without knowing you have a leak somewhere in your home or business. If you’ve experienced this problem, then you know how high an unchecked leak can drive your water costs.
It is important for you to take care of your home’s plumbing system. One of the most common problems that homeowners encounter involves clogged drains. When the drains are clogged, this can be incredibly frustrating. Water can back up into the sink, toilet, or shower, causing water to overflow. Fortunately, there are several steps that every homeowner can follow to try to avoid these drainage issues from developing.
The top method of handling clogged or stopped up drains is to try to avoid them. Homeowners can save a lot of stress, money, and time by watching what they put down the drain. Drains are supposed to remove waste water and nothing else. This means avoiding the dumping of wipes, grease, and hygiene products, diapers, food, and other chemicals down the drain. This will reduce the chances of an obstruction forming.
When there is a clogged drain, one of the first items that homeowners reach for is a liquid drain cleaner. Sadly, this is usually a mistake. Liquid drain cleaner is actually not that effective at removing clogs in drains. Furthermore, liquid drain cleaner contains a host of chemicals that can quickly destroy pipes. Finally, liquid drain cleaner is also toxic, making it dangerous to handle.
Instead of reaching for liquid drain cleaners, go with a plunger instead. Plungers are incredibly helpful for removing clogs from drains safely and efficiently. At the same time, there are lots of different types of plungers. Each one is designed to turn a different drain. Cup plungers are meant for flat drains such as sinks. On the other hand, flange punters are meant for toilets. It is a good idea to have one of each to apply the proper suction to a clogged drain. Using the right plunger will also prevent a mess from developing.
If the plunger doesn’t work, then think about using a snake. A snake is a long, thin rod that can enter a clogged drain and remove some of the debris. Do not use a snake to completely unclog the drain, as using it repeatedly could damage the drain. Once the clog has been loosened, move back to the plunger.
Still having issues with your clogged drain? Give a call at your local plumbing pros at 954-981-2133. We are open 24/7 and no job is too small or big for us
This post first appeared on http://www.atozstatewideplumbing.com
Rust and other types of corrosion are the worst problems a water heater can face. When rust starts to develop on a water heater tank, that usually means the entire water heater must be replaced.
But if you care for your water heater properly with regular professional maintenance and repairs done as needed, you shouldn’t have to worry about corrosion until the system is reaching the end of its lengthy service life. Most of the thanks for that protection against rust and corrosion goes to a component called the anode rod. We’re going to focus on this part of your water heater today, because understanding it will help you remember why regular maintenance for a water heater is so critical.
The anode rod is a long metal rod inserted into the top of the water heater tank that extends down through the tank. The job of this rod is to stop corrosion from affecting the tank. Corrosion occurs when metal and water are in contact in the presence of oxygen. A water heater already has some defenses against corrosion, such as a glass lining in the tank and methods to keep oxygen from getting inside. But the anode rod provides the most effective prevention.
Essentially, the anode rod attracts corrosion to itself so it doesn’t affect the rest of the water heater. It corrodes so the rest of the water heater doesn’t. This is why the anode rod is sometimes called a “sacrificial” anode rod. Sounds a bit dramatic, but it does literally sacrifice itself to corrosion so the rest of the system can enjoy a longer service life.
The anode rod isn’t made from a single type of metal but from two. With most anode rods, this is magnesium or aluminum wrapped around a core of steel. The contact of these two different metals causes a process called electrolysis. This attracts the ions that cause corrosion, so they move away from the other parts of the tank and instead cause the rod to corrode.
What happens when the anode rod completely corrodes? It will no longer protect the rest of the water heater. And this is why regular maintenance is so important: the anode rod must be changed at regular intervals when it corrodes all the way through. Each year during professional maintenance for your water heater, one of our technicians will check the anode rod to see if it’s time to replace it and then replace it if necessary.
Regular maintenance helps prevent corrosion in other ways as well, such as flushing the tank and catching leaks that can allow oxygen into the tank. You can trust our professionals to keep your water heater in great shape. We work with all types of water heaters in Glendale, AZ and we know what yours needs to keep working for your household for many years to come.
Trust to The Trusted Plumber when it comes to your water heater repair services in Glendale, AZ and the surrounding area.
This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com
A leaking toilet – one of the most common plumbing problems to plague homeowners – is known to cause house-wide havoc. Not only is it a nuisance, a leak wastes water, increasing your monthly water bill. But, what if you don’t know that you have a leak? How can you detect a silent leak before it causes widespread damage and expensive toilet repairs?
If your home has a septic system, you know it comes with its own set of responsibilities. Unlike homes connected to a municipal sewer system, it requires attention at regular intervals to prevent unsanitary (and expensive to mitigate) backups. Our blog post – “Septic Tank Maintenance: What You Need to Know” – covered general maintenance duties. This month, we focus on determining when the tank needs to be pumped out.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average household septic system should be pumped every three to five years. While most people only think about the contents of the toilet winding up in the septic tank, every time you run water anywhere in your house – be it a sink, shower, tub or washing machine – the water goes into the tank.
Sludge and other sediments slowly accumulate in the tank while the water enters the drainfield and leaches into the ground. Over the course of three to five years, these layers accumulate on the bottom and the sides of the tank, eventually diminishing its capacity to store wastewater for gradual release into the drainfield. If not pumped out, the contents of the tank will back up into your plumbing fixtures and on some occasions into the drainfield. To say this situation is best avoided is a tremendous understatement.
The three-to-five-year timeframe is general. The actual frequency depends upon the following factors:
Your septic tank includes a T-shaped outlet which prevents sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling to the drainfield area. If the bottom of the scum layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the outlet, your tank needs to be pumped.
How can you tell? We don’t recommend taking a look yourself. Our Adams and Son Plumbing team does recommend you call a professional to perform an inspection on an annual basis, or at the three-year mark. The EPA recommends the following:
If you haven’t been keeping track of septic tank pump-outs and inspections, there are trouble signs that indicate it’s on the verge of backing up. If you notice any of the following, call a septic system professional immediately:
For additional information, Puget Sound Starts Here provides an excellent FAQ sheet on septic systems. Although Puget Sound is far from Central Florida, the information still applies. You can also print out the PDF to keep handy for reference.
In addition to the issues previously listed, the worst-case scenarios include having to replace the septic tank itself and/or the drainfield. Leaks can occur in old tanks – especially those that haven’t been properly maintained. Replacing a drainfield is expensive, typically running into several thousand dollars. The cost depends upon many factors, such as size of your septic system, soil type, removal of trees or fencing, etc. Be prepared for most of your yard to be dug up.
Obviously, prevention is far preferable to the cure. Keep your tank well-maintained, and you’ll be more likely to get the full period of useful service from it – which could be up to 40 years.
Most people don’t think about where the tanker truck goes after pumping out their septic tank. As long as it’s out of your life, you probably immediately put it out of your mind and enjoy flushing again without worrying about a backup.
But some people do think about it. And if this question has ever crossed your mind, writer Josh Clark of HowStuffWorks has the answer! Because his article is for a national audience, some disposal destinations may not apply to your municipality. But you’ll get the general idea.
“Prior to federal laws that restrict septic sludge dumping, waste companies could simply bury it in dump sites. As it became clear that sites like these were a health hazard, they were outlawed. These sites remain, though many are in the process of remediation (clean-up).
“These days, federal and state laws govern the final destination of the contents of your septic tank. In some cases, the septic contents are taken to waste treatment plants and added to the stew piped in from a municipal sewer system or delivered to independent, for-profit companies specializing in the treatment of septage. Septage may be treated in cesspools, which hold the waste while chemical or biological materials break it down into effluent [source: National Small Flows Clearinghouse]. Septage may also be dumped in approved landfills. The guidelines concerning septage dumping are strict and sites can be few and far between, however.”
As you’ve hopefully learned, septic tank maintenance is one of those necessary responsibilities that has dire consequences if neglected.
If your septic tank is due for inspection and/or cleaning, our team at Adams and Son Plumbing has been providing experienced, expert septic system service to Central Florida residences for over 60 years. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
The post Does Your Septic Tank Need Cleaning? appeared first on Adams and Son Plumbing Services.
Are you looking to get better plumbing services in your home? If so, you can start with drain cleaning. Drain cleaning is something that you need to invest in for your home on a regular basis. We know that it might not be something that you think about often. After all, there are many things that you’re probably juggling on a daily basis. We don’t expect you to be on top of everything 100% of the time. We’re here to give you the reminders that you need.
If you’re looking for a plumber in Orlando, FL that can do your home justice, just make sure that you schedule an appointment with us. We’re here to help you with all of your plumbing needs. Just get in touch with us.
Do you need drain cleaning work in your home? Here are the signs that you do:
Have you noticed that something smells foul when you stand near your sink? This isn’t something that you want to have in your home. If you’ve noticed a foul odor in your house, then it means that you probably have a back-up in one of your drains. This isn’t something that you want to notice because it’s a clear sign that something more dire is on the horizon. Come to us for what you need.
Have you noticed that things in your home are moving quite slow? Maybe you’ve noticed that your sink is still full of water long after you walk away from your sink. It doesn’t matter what the issue is. You’re going to need to note this problem and move to fix it fast.
Is there always a little standing water in your home’s sink? This is a sign that you need to clean out your home’s drain. Slow drainage signals an issue. Your drainage problems are bad. We’re going to make sure that you get the work that you need. Standing water is a plumbing issue that can quickly become a hygienic issue. Don’t let it linger.
Your plumbing system makes some weird noises from time to time, but the noises should never be loud or concerning. If you notice some weird noises happening in your home, then it’s time for you to get in touch with us. because there’s likely an issue with your plumbing. We’re going to help you find the right plumber for your needs.
Have you noticed that fruit flies have suddenly popped up in your home? Fruit flies can pop up near your sink if you have food waste backed up in your drains. These flies are a nuisance and they’re not something that you have to deal with. Come to us when you want to clean out your drain and allow you to bypass this problem ASAP.
Contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. We can help you with your plumbing needs from clogged drains to leaking pipes.
This post first appeared on https://www.modernpi.com
There are three certainties in life—death, taxes, and the fact that you need to replace your air conditioner’s air filter. There’s no getting around this concept, no matter how clean you think your indoor air quality is. These filters are meant to get clogged up, so the sensitive components of your air conditioner can remain dirt, dust, and debris-free! It’s just responsible as an air conditioner owner to replace the filter when you need to.
So, as your neighborhood HVAC specialists, we’d like to talk about your air conditioning in Essex County. More specifically, we’d like to put together a step by step guide for you to follow when the time comes for your air conditioner’s filter to be replaced.
Are you nervous about replacing the filter? Or perhaps you’ve just never done it before? Don’t panic, it’s going to be just fine. This is a simple procedure that takes a few minutes. Keep reading to learn how.
Replacing your air conditioner’s air filter is going to require a little bit of precision. You don’t want to stick your hands anywhere they shouldn’t be, so you’re better off following along with our step by step guide. Don’t worry, it’s not complicated.
Before you do anything, it’s always a good idea to turn your air conditioner off before you complete this process. You wouldn’t keep your car running at the gas station while you fill it up, would you?
The air filter is located in the return air ducts. This location can be found easily in your air conditioner’s manual, but to be more specific, it’s where your indoor air is taken in to be cooled by the system. Once you’ve located the return air duct, your air filter should be somewhere inside and labeled for easy access.
While removing the air filter sounds easy enough, we can’t help but urge you to be careful. If it won’t budge or is giving you some resistance, you might be better off calling for our help. Don’t force things or touch things that you’re unsure about. When in doubt, give us a call!
This step is important. You need to figure out whether or not your air conditioner’s filter is disposable or replaceable. If it’s disposable, you’re going to need to throw it out and pick up a new air filter that’s the exact same size and material. If it’s replaceable, you can just rinse it off or scrub it off the same way you would your clothes dryer filter.
Make sure when you’re putting the new or old air filter back in the system, that it’s facing the right way! This can usually be done by taking note of which way it was facing when you removed it. An air filter that faces the wrong way will not work as effectively!
Once your air filter is securely put in place, turn your air conditioner on and see if you can feel the difference! If something doesn’t feel right, make sure you call us so we can diagnose the problem.
The folks at Margo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. are the experts on home air conditioning. If you contact us, we can help you.
This post first appeared on https://margoplumbing.com
Did you know DIY repairs can help you save about $20,000 in the long run? While DIY repairs are amazing for some projects, sometimes it creates more problems than it fixes. Sometimes visiting a water heater Toronto repair shop that has licensed professionals can be the best bet.
Although with this easy guide, you can learn how to drain your hot water heater in no time. From what to expect to how to get started, we’ll break down each step so you can learn how to fix the problem quickly and correctly.
Now, are you ready to get started? Here’s how to drain a hot water heater:
First and foremost, make sure you’re prepared for a leak to occur. There’s a possible chance the drain valve won’t completely close once you unfasten the tank. After all, the drain valve has been there for up to a year, possibly even longer, and the older it becomes, the less it will close completely.
In fact, 27 million households have water heaters that are over ten years old. Not many people consider that not all leaks occur due to a puncture of a fracture.
Instead, some leaks can happen as a result of the deterioration of materials. For example, aging and rusting can increase the chances of a leak.
With that in mind, be ready to put a stopper on the valve or have to replace the drain valve. The older the valve, the more likely there will be a leak of some form. Although, if your water heater has a plastic valve, then it might be time for an upgrade.
For those that are ready to take the leap, make sure to check out our affordable drain services. We provide free inspections, upfront pricing, and even a membership program for those that want to save even more money!
Before you begin, make sure you check the pressure relief valve to ensure that it’s working correctly. To do that, turn off the water heater. Although, if it runs on gas, change the water heater to pilot mode.
Then, activate the lever on the valve to the cold water line. To reduce the mess that may take place, place a bucket below the pressure relief valve. That way, it ensures that if any sediment spills, it goes into the bucket, leaving you with a quick and easy cleanup solution.
Once the valve is opened, look for water or listen for the sound of air. If either happens, that means the valve is working correctly, and you can proceed to the next step.
However, if nothing happens, and you see no signs of dripping water and hear no air coming from the valve. Then, the valve most likely needs to be replaced.
Place a hose from your water heater to around the exterior of your house. If your water heater is in your basement, you may need to connect two water hoses: one that runs from the heater to a portable pump and another that reaches the outside of your home. To be safe, make sure you wait several hours for the water to cool down before you open the drain valve.
Although if you want to speed up this process, take a long, hot shower. It works to efficiently speed up the draining process.
After you open each and every hot water facet located in your home, go ahead and open the water heater drain valve. If you have a pump, it’s time to turn on that as well. Allow the tank to completely drain, then switch on the water supply.
It helps if there are shorts bursts of water as it will shift the sediment and help remove it. Although if you see that the sediment is starting to slow down or block the flow of water, try to get it out the way. You can do so by removing the drain valve so that sediment can be removed faster.
You can even get a long screwdriver to help you dislodge the big pieces of sediment. Just remember to keep a couple of buckets nearby as they’ll catch the outflow.
When the water that’s coming out of the tank looks clear, switch off the water supply. Next, close the drain valve and turn on the cold water.
Although, make sure you also turn the pressure relief valve to its correct position. Then shut off all of the water facets you previously turned on in your home.
Lastly, make sure you turn on our water heater, which is now free and clear of sediment and debris.
Draining a water heater can be difficult, although, make sure you carefully follow these four steps, and you’ll be on the right track. Just be prepared for a leak to occur if you have an old, rusty, or cheap plastic valve. In that case, you might want to talk to an educated profession beforehand to see if you want to upgrade your entire water heater or just a few parts.
Whatever you decide, remember to place a bucket under the drain valve. Not only will it decrease the mess, but it will provide a quick and easy cleanup solution.
The post An Expert Guide on How to Drain a Hot Water Heater first appeared on Anta Plumbing Blog.
This post first appeared on https://blog.antaplumbing.com
Did you know that there are at least five incredible ways that toilets have changed the world? For starters, they help keep humans (as well as other living creatures) healthy. They do so by ensuring that human waste doesn’t end up straight in land and water systems.
Toilets even help prevent blindness, keep women safe, and save energy!
Unfortunately, when toilet clogs develop, they can bring more harm than good. For instance, they can give rise to sewer backups, which, in turn, can cause raw sewage to flood your home. Keep in mind that sewage may cause at least 15 types of diseases.
That’s why it’s best to keep your toilets clean and clear of clogs at all times. This way, you can protect your family’s health and also your home from wastewater damage.
To that end, we’ve come up with several ways on how you can avert toilet clogs. Keep reading to learn more about them, as well as what you should do in case you still run into these issues.
From 2010 to 2018, the City of Toronto had an average of 10,000 calls per year from homes due to sewer “line-blocks.” That’s at least 80,000 logged reports for blocked sewer lines in just the city of T.O. alone!
Many of these line-blocks occurred due to none other than items labeled “flushable.” Unfortunately, they aren’t really flushable, meaning they don’t disintegrate as claimed.
In light of this, researchers from Ryerson University tested 101 single-use products. Of these, 23 claimed to be “flushable.” However, none of these, including the 23 so-called “flushable” items, passed the test.
With that said, one of the best ways on how to prevent toilet clogs is not to flush anything other than the three “Ps.” These “Ps” include pee, poop, and (toilet) paper. Don’t flush any other type of paper (such as facial tissue or paper towels).
The City also advises consumers not to flush wet or facial wipes, diapers, condoms, and tampons. These are among the biggest culprits behind sewer system line-blocks.
Children’s toys are some of the most “curious” items found in sewage treatment plants in Canada. They even found an animal horn and a pair of dentures in Charlottetown sewers before! All these are things that shouldn’t really be going down the toilet.
With that said, it’s best to also teach the kids about proper flushing practices and etiquette. Educate them about flushing only the three “Ps” and how dumping toys in the toilet can cause problems. It’s also wise to tell them about proper toilet usage (such as how much of it to use) to keep toilet problems at bay.
FOG is an acronym for “fats, oil, and grease.” Municipalities in Canada shell out over $250 million to clean FOG mixed with trash each year.
FOG should never go down any drain, as these liquids can harden as they go through the drain pipes. They can also combine with other objects, such as food debris and wipes. They can even turn flushable toilet paper into a clog if they mix with it as the paper disintegrates.
Also, note that fats, oil, and grease are among the primary culprits of plumbing backups. That should be enough reason to dispose of these liquids properly.
A clogged toilet may also be due to someone accidentally dropping an object into it. These may include anything such as a toothbrush, comb, containers, toys, and pieces of cotton, to name a few. Either way, whatever you bring inside the bathroom can fall into the toilet bowl and cause a blockage in it.
You may even find yourself dropping precious jewelry by accident into the toilet! A professional plumber in Toronto may be able to retrieve it for you, though, using a plumbing camera and a snake.
In any case, the best way to avoid these situations (and toilet clogs) is to keep the toilet lid closed. You may also want to post a friendly reminder by the wall in front of the toilet. This way, everyone in your household can contribute to preventing plumbing clogs.
One of the best times when to call a plumber for a clogged toilet is if you’ve already had several issues with it. Your plunger may no longer be enough to clear the drain away. Another is if the water in the toilet doesn’t recede even after several minutes from flushing it.
These are all signs that you have a massive clog in the toilet drain pipe or the bathroom drain line. This could turn into a potentially dangerous (and expensive) toilet backup problem.
With that said, it’s a smart idea to have a local licensed plumber clean your drains at least once every year. Do this even if your toilets and drains haven’t displayed any symptoms of clogs. Regular drain cleaning can help keep blockages from occurring in the first place.
In addition, a reliable plumber can also check your home for other potential causes of clogs. For example, trees growing near your sewer line may cause blockages in the future. That’s because their roots can wrap around and choke plumbing pipes.
If the above were to happen, you’d likely end up requiring more extensive pipe repairs. Worse, a clog in the main drain or sewer line can affect your home’s entire plumbing system.
So, rather than wait for these issues to occur, it’s best to prevent them from the get-go. A Toronto plumber can help you do that by assessing your home’s pipes for vulnerabilities.
There you have it, everything you need to know about keeping toilet clogs at bay. As you can see, many of these have to do with proper toilet (and flushing) practices. Keep these tips in mind, especially the three “Ps,” so you can reduce your risks of having clogged toilets.
Are you having problems with your toilet or any other part of your home’s plumbing system? If so, then please know that our team here at Anta Plumbing is always ready to help. Give us a call now so we can provide you with free expert advice and plumbing service quotes!
The post Top Plumbing Tips for Preventing Toilet Clogs first appeared on Anta Plumbing Blog.
This post first appeared on https://blog.antaplumbing.com
Your drains are draining slowly and your toilet is slow to flush. You’ve used homemade solutions to clear your drains. You’ve broken out the plunger and eventually the auger. Despite all your attempts, nothing has seemed to work!