Five Signs Your Dishwasher and Kitchen Plumbing Might Be Clogged

Dishwashers are great appliances to have in the home to take care of washing and sanitizing our dishes. Yet, when things go wrong and the dishwasher starts acting up, it can be quite a nightmare as water starts pouring out the sides and onto the kitchen floor. There can be a host of plumbing problems that are causing the water in the dishwasher to overflow out of the appliance.

The first thing you will want to do is stop the dishwasher cycle by opening the door. Next, you will want to shut the power supply off in the breaker box as a precaution. Now you are ready to start checking the kitchen plumbing for signs of clogs.

 

1. Check the drain screens and filter inside the dishwasher.

If there is excess food and grease buildup on the drain screens and filter basket, water will not drain as quickly and can remain in the machine as the cycle runs. Eventually, this can cause water to come pouring out the sides.

It is a good idea to clean the screens and filter every few cycles. Most new dishwashers have removable screens and filters you can rinse off with hot water. If you notice they are very greasy, you can wash them by hand using mild dishwashing detergent. Make sure to rinse well to remove all soap before putting them back into the dishwasher.

 

2. Check the kitchen sink drain.

Run water down the drain on the side of the sink that the dishwasher discharge hose is connected to and see if water drains correctly. If it backs up into the sink or is draining slowly, then the problem is in the drain line. This is easy to fix by calling your plumber for drain cleaning service.

 

3. Check the garbage disposal.

If you have a garbage disposal, the dishwasher discharge hose is connected to the disposal. If the disposal has excess food still in it that it hasn’t fully broken down, it can cause a clog. Turn on the cold water on and run the disposal.

If the unit won’t turn on, you need to reset it by pressing the red button on the bottom of the unit. Make sure the power switch is off when you push the reset button. After running the disposal, make sure water is draining correctly. If not, then you may have a drain clog.

If the disposal still won’t turn on after pressing the red button, or if it starts and then stops, there is a problem with the disposal. This is when you want to call your plumber and have them find out what is wrong with the disposal. Chances are, the disposal problem is what is preventing your dishwasher from draining.

 

4. Check the dishwasher drain hose.

Sometimes food and grease can cause a clog to form inside the dishwasher drain hose. The easiest way to check this is to remove the hose from under the sink and hang it into a bucket. Next, power up the dishwasher and select a quick wash cycle and verify that water pumps out the dishwasher. If not, you will need to have your plumber clean the dishwasher drain hose or replace it.

 

5. Make sure the dishwasher door seal and door are fully closed.

If a pot, pan, or handle sticks too far out of the dishwasher baskets and into the door area, it can be just enough to keep the door from fully closing and sealing correctly. You can also check the door seal and wipe off any excess food and grease, as these things can also prevent a tight seal to keep water in.

If you are having kitchen plumbing problems or plumbing issues in other areas of the home, call MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning at 281-994-6698 for help today! We also offer 24/7 plumbing emergency service in Katy and the greater Houston areas.

The post Five Signs Your Dishwasher and Kitchen Plumbing Might Be Clogged appeared first on Met Plumbing.

And What You Can Do About It

Everyone dreads taking a shower or washing their car with low water pressure, but the soothing luxury of sufficient water pressure doesn’t come without a cost to your wallet or your home.

For every 10 minutes of water use, high water pressure can waste 6 to 26 gallons of water, which can result in a pricey water bill. In fact, high water pressure also puts excess stress on your home’s plumbing system and reduces the life expectancy of appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters.

Water Pressure: How High Is Too High?

In general, residential water pressure is considered too excessive at or above 60 pounds per square inch (PSI). For most plumbing appliances and systems, the ideal water pressure is somewhere between 45 and 55 PSI.

Can High Water Pressure Damage Pipes?

Yes, high water pressure can erode pipes, causing:

• A greater risk of pipes cracking or breaking
• Leaks and disruptive sounds
• A reduced service life for both your pipes and your plumbing fixtures

3 Signs of High Water Pressure

Your home’s water pressure may be too high if you notice:

1. Banging pipes: Excessive pressure can cause water to thrash through pipes quickly, causing knocking or banging sounds.
2. Running toilets: Though uncommon, high water pressure can cause toilets to run continuously.
3. Leaking faucets: If your faucet leaks at certain times of the day or when using a plumbing fixture, high water pressure may be to blame.

If you recognize any of these warning signs, contact Len The Plumber. We can test and restore your home’s water pressure while identifying and addressing the underlying cause of the problem.

How to Fix High Water Pressure

Depending on the cause of high water pressure, the problem may be easily fixed with a pressure reducing valve (PRV). Some benefits include:

• Saving money on water bills
• Automatically reducing your home’s high incoming water pressure to a lower, more functional level
• Reducing your household water consumption by up to 30%

If you already have a PRV, expect it to last between 7 and 12 years. Whenever you need help replacing your PRV, determining how old your current system is, or identifying other solutions to your water pressure problems, contact Len The Plumber.

Need to Check Your Home’s Water Pressure? Contact Us!

At Len The Plumber, our local plumbers can diagnose and fix any water pressure problem or plumbing issue—no job is too big or small. Plus, with our 24-hour emergency service at zero extra cost and our great reviews, you can be confident that you’re getting top-quality plumbing solutions whenever you need help with your plumbing!

Call 800-950-4619 or contact Len The Plumber online now to schedule same day service!

We’re proud to be the team locals trust for top-notch plumbing services throughout Maryland, Northern Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. Simply contact us to experience our excellence for yourself!

This post first appeared on https://lentheplumber.com

Backups are a distinct and messy sign that something’s not right with your sewer line or plumbing system. Basically, sewer line backups occur when some type of blockage is preventing wastewater from properly flowing away from your home toward the municipal sewer system.

Figuring out precisely what’s stopping the wastewater flow in your system is the key to fixing the problem and preventing future backups.

Sewer Line Backups: How They End Up in Your Home

Here’s an overview of how sewer line backups can start, progress, and wind up spilling over into your home.

1. A blockage halts the flow of wastewater: The blockage can arise from various things, like sewer line clogs or tree root infiltration into your sewer line. It may also be caused by sewer line damage, like cracks or holes in the line, a sagging or collapsed sewer line, or a complete break in the sewer line itself.
2. Wastewater builds up in the sewer line: With nowhere to go, wastewater will accumulate in the portion of the line that’s connected to a home. As plumbing fixtures in that home are used, more and more wastewater will build up in the line.
3. Wastewater will find the nearest release point: Eventually, the line will be filled with wastewater, unable to hold any more. When that happens, wastewater will find the closest discharge point. This will be the lowest drain in a home, which is typically a basement floor drain or a drain on the lowest level of a home.
4. The backup will continue to build and cause problems with a home’s plumbing fixtures: As wastewater keeps building up in the sewer line, it can start to enter the drain lines that connect to a home’s plumbing fixtures. This will trigger problems with these fixtures, like multiple drain clogs at one time and gurgling toilets and drains. These problems can also include persistent foul odors coming from drains and backups in tubs or sinks when toilets are flushed.

At this point, it’s usually quite apparent that something’s not right with the plumbing, and it’s time to call a professional plumber for help.

How a Plumber Diagnoses & Fixes Sewer Line Backups

Professional plumbers, like the experts at Len The Plumber, will do several things to identify what’s causing the backup and the best way to fix it. This includes:

• Asking questions about how long the problem has been happening, whether it’s happened before, and exactly what you’re experiencing
• Testing the plumbing fixtures to see how they’re behaving and get a better idea of what the problem likely is
• Performing a pipe and sewer line camera inspection to see what’s happening inside of your lines, what the problem is, and where it lies

At this point, the plumber can determine what’s causing the problem and the best-fit solution for fixing it.

When Your Sewer Backs Up, Call Len The Plumber for Help

Len The Plumber is the team you can trust whenever you’re dealing with sewer line backups or emergencies. When it comes to drains and sewers, we’ve seen and fixed it all! Because we know how critical these problems can be, we proudly offer 24-hour emergency service at no extra cost!

Call Len The Plumber at 800-950-4619 for emergency sewer service now! We’ll be there within 2 hours, and we’ll give you a FREE, written estimate upfront.

For non-emergency sewer or plumbing service, you can also contact us online.

For more than 20 years, Len The Plumber has been dedicated to providing first-class plumbing service and solutions throughout Maryland, Northern Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Washington, D.C.

We invite you to check out our glowing reviews to see why we’re a leading plumbing company, and we encourage you to contact us whenever you need plumbing service so that you can experience our excellence for yourself!

This post first appeared on https://lentheplumber.com

Are funny sounds coming from your drains? Don’t ignore these sounds. A gurgling drain means business, but the good news is that there’s help available from your neighborhood emergency plumbing service in Pittsburgh, PA. So, even if the water releases from the drain while it’s making noises, you still need to call for service.

Read on to learn more about what noisy drains mean and how to fix the problem.

Slow-Forming Clogs

Although it seems like clogs appear without warning, many drain clogs develop over time, and they don’t make their presence a secret. Instead, they announce their presence in the form of drain gurgling. When this happens, the water’s releasing through the drainpipe, but not fast enough. The clog isn’t so big that it’s causing a backup, but it’s not making it easy for water to flow down the pipes.

Solution: First, try using either a toilet plunger or a sink plunger, depending on where the clog is located. If this doesn’t work, use a drain auger. When all else fails, call your local plumber for drain cleaning services.

Blocked Drain Vents

These are the vent stacks you see on your roof. Occasionally, they become blocked from outside debris. Wind and rain cause the vents to clog, but the vents are also prime real estate for squirrels, mice, birds, and other critters. The drain vent is responsible for releasing sewer gases and preventing them from building up in your home’s drain pipes. When the vents become blocked, this produces the gurgling sound.

Solution: If you’re not afraid of getting on the roof, you can inspect the drain vent for signs of blockage. However, it’s better to call for emergency plumbing repair service, so you don’t risk harming yourself climbing onto the roof.

Main Sewer Line Backup

This is the most serious of all situations that cause drains to gurgle. It’s also the source of many emergency plumbing calls. The most recognizable sign of the mainline clog is when you flush the toilet or release water in the sink, and other drains in the home begin to gurgle. They may even produce water bubbles, or in the most serious cases, raw sewage comes up from the drain.

Solution: You need more than an emergency toilet plumber for this problem. You need specialized drain and sewer plumbing services for this job. 

Why Drain Gurgles Require Immediate Attention

Sure, no one wants to pay high emergency plumber prices for a clogged drain. However, the longer you wait to get plumbing service, the higher the price is likely to be. Same-day plumbing service doesn’t have to be expensive, especially when you hire plumbers who don’t charge extra for 24-hour plumbing service. Do yourself a favor and get that drain looked at right away to save money.

Do you need emergency plumbing and drain in Pittsburgh, PA? Make sure you call the best plumbers with a reputation for excellent customer service, outstanding workmanship, and the promise to stand behind their jobs. Contact Stahl Plumbing at 412-273-1000 for quality drain cleaning services.

The post Drain Gurgling: What You Need to Know appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

Flushing a water heater is one of the basic steps of cleaning the system. During a water heater flush, all the water in the tank is drained out so any sediment or other build up inside can be removed. In some situations, the tank will also need to be descaled to remove build up of limescale, one of the side effects of hard water.

Regular flushing is an important part of proper routine maintenance for water heaters in Glendale, AZ. But how often do you need to schedule this service for your water heater?

Why a tank needs to be flushed in the first place

Before going into more detail about when to have the hot water tank flushed out, we’ll look at why it needs it in the first place. After all, it’s a closed system, so there isn’t any reason for particles to get inside it.

Except a water heater isn’t a closed system, not like a boiler that circulates the same water through radiators and baseboard heaters and then back to a tank. A water heater brings in water from outside through the municipal freshwater system. Although this water goes through treatment to remove chemicals and minerals from it, and also passes through a filter on its way to the water heater, some impurities can still make it through. Over time, these impurities will begin to settle along the bottom of the tank, creating a sediment layer. Getting rid of this sediment layer is the purpose of tank flushing

The reason you don’t want this mineral sediment in the water heater is that it reduces system energy efficiency. The layer of sediment blocks proper transfer of heat into the tank. You may notice a drop in hot water volume and a rise in heating bills. The tank may start to make bubbling and popping noises, which is the sound of a layer of heated water under the sediment layer rising up through it.

We recommend annual tank flushing

It can sometimes take years for the sediment layer to become thick enough that it causes noticeable problems. But you don’t want to wait for warning signs and poor water heater performance before taking action. A regular schedule of annual tank flushing will keep the system clean and working at peak efficiency and effectiveness.

You can find instructions online for how to do a tank flush yourself. It’s not a straightforward job and takes extra equipment and time. We recommend you leave this task to professionals, who can not only do it correctly and quickly, but won’t create any possible safety hazards.

Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about remembering to arrange for an annual tank flush, because this service is included in our regular maintenance program. We do a full inspection and tune-up for your water heater each time we come to your house to handle other plumbing maintenance jobs. Our plan also comes with extra benefits such as discounts on repairs and priority status for emergency calls.

The Trusted Plumber serves Glendale, AZ. Call us to sign up for maintenance for your water heater or to schedule other plumbing jobs.

This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com

You probably rarely think about toilet plumbing troubles until you need a plunger; however, a running toilet can cost you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars in wasted water every year. Typically, running water in your toilet wastes about 25 times more water than a shower leak and about 4 times as much water than a simple faucet leak.

Running toilets are often a simple fix and are brought on by a faulty flapper or floater in your toilet’s water tank. If it’s neither of those two apparatuses, then chances are you’ll need to replace your toilet altogether to solve the running water problem.

The True Cost of a Running Toilet

If your toilet is severely leaking and wasting a large amount of water, then replacing your entire toilet is financially and environmentally worth it. Typically, a running water toilet will waste thousands of gallons of water per month which translates to approximately $200 unnecessarily tacked onto your monthly water bill– that’s nearly $2,500 dollars a year down your toilet bowl.

The above scenario is in the case of an extreme toilet leak. For minor toilet leaks, your water bill won’t be as drastically high; however, it will be higher than normal. A moderate toilet leak will generally waste about 6,000 gallons of water per month and can cost you an additional $70 per month– $1,000 per year in waste.

Below you will discover just how much havoc a running toilet can have on your wallet and the environment; plus, we provide some simple tips on how to detect and fix your running toilet.

The Havoc of a Running Toilet

You may think that a cracked sewage pipe is the biggest contributor to a spike in your water bill; however, that isn’t the case. While sewage pipe damage does contribute to higher water bills, a running toilet can waste an entire gallon of water in about 30 seconds. Since there aren’t too many visual signs that your toilet is running, the problem can persist unknowingly and waste hundreds of gallons of water only for you to realize there is a problem when your water bill arrives.

According to the EPA’s WaterSense Program:

“Toilets are by far the main source of water use in the home, accounting for nearly 30% of an average home’s indoor water consumption. Older, inefficient toilets that use as much as 6 gallons per flush also happen to be a major source of wasted water in many homes.”

Quick Fixes

It doesn’t matter whether your toilet is running a lot or a little; it is taxing your wallet and the environment. Repairing your running toilet sooner rather than later helps minimize waste while being fiscally and environmentally responsible.

A simple and quick way to determine if your toilet is leaking is to insert a couple drops of food coloring into the tank and don’t flush your toilet for 20-30 minutes. Then, check to see if there is color in the toilet bowl. If there is, then you have a running toilet leak.

Once you have determined that your toilet is leaking, then you will need to identify the cause of the leak– faulty tank hardware or problematic toilet failure.

If the leak is due to a faulty flapper or floater, then that’s a quick fix; you may either need to adjust the hardware or purchase and install a new one (about $3) from your nearest home improvement store. However, if it is a more serious problem, then you should contact a professional plumber for further assistance on toilet repair and replacement.

This post first appeared on https://www.expresssewer.com

Floor drain backups can be baffling. When they happen, it can be easy to assume that there’s a problem with the floor drain itself—but that’s not the case at all. In fact, backups in a basement floor drain are usually a symptom of another problem in your plumbing system.

So, if you’ve noticed standing water in your basement or you’re experiencing floor drain backups, here’s what you need to know about what’s causing them and how to fix them.

Clogged Drain Lines & Floor Drain Backups

Clogs in any of your home’s drain lines can cause backups in your basement floor drain. That’s because, as the lowest drain in your home, the floor drain will be the first place that wastewater can go when it can’t flow to the main drain and sewer line. So, with the main drain backing up, wastewater will continue to build up in the line until it overflows and backs up out of the floor drain.

For homes that don’t have a basement floor drain, drain line clogs can cause backups in the lowest fixtures of the home, like ground-level tubs, sinks, or showers.

Sewer Line Clogs & Floor Drain Backups

Floor drains can also back up when clogs lie deeper in a home’s plumbing system, like somewhere in the sewer line. Similar to drain line clogs, sewer line clogs will stop the flow of wastewater. With nowhere to go, wastewater will back up until it finds the nearest release point, which will be a floor drain or the lowest drain in a home.

Sewer Line Damage & Floor Drain Backups

Sometimes, clogs have nothing to do with floor drain backups. That can happen when:

• A sewer line has cracks or holes.
• A sewer line is bellied, sagging, or collapsed.
• Tree roots have misaligned or infiltrated the sewer line.

In all of these cases, the sewer line will have a blockage that acts like a clog in that it forces wastewater to back up into a home. Unlike a clog, however, sewer line damage can require far more work to fix.

How to Stop Basement Floor Drain Backups

Since various issues can cause floor drain backups, stopping the backup starts with knowing precisely what’s causing it. And that requires a professional plumber. Some of the things a professional will do to identify the problem and the proper repair include:

• Asking you questions: A plumber will ask how long the problem has been going on, whether it’s happened before, whether the backup has a foul odor, and whether it gets worse when you’re using plumbing fixtures. The answers to these questions can help narrow down whether you’re dealing with a drain line or sewer line problem.
• Testing your plumbing fixtures: Turning different fixtures on and off can give a plumber firsthand information about how your system is acting (or acting up) as water flows through the drain and sewer line system.
• Performing a camera pipe inspection: This lets a plumber see exactly what’s going on within the lines, what the problem is, and precisely where it lies.

After this diagnostic process, a plumber will be armed with the information necessary to recommend the most appropriate repairs. Depending on the findings, the best repairs to stop basement floor drain backups could include:

• Drain cleaning and clearing service
• Sewer line repair
• Sewer line replacement

How to Prevent Future Basement Floor Drain Backups

Following repair service, the best way to avoid future backups in your floor drain is with regular drain cleaning maintenance service. If your sewer lines are in good shape, routine drain cleaning service will keep your lines clear, free of the buildups that can clog and stop up your system.

While that can save you the headaches and mess of backups, it can also save you a lot of money in the long run, helping you avoid the need for repairs or emergency plumbing service.

Schedule Drain & Sewer Line Service Now: Contact Len The Plumber

Whether you’re dealing with floor drain backups or any other plumbing problem, Len The Plumber is the team you can always rely on for customer-focused service and first-class plumbing solutions!

Call Len The Plumber at 800-950-4619 or contact us online to schedule service now!

We know that plumbing problems can’t wait—whether they happen during or outside of standard business hours. That’s why we’re proud to always offer 24-hour emergency plumbing service at no extra charge and a 2-hour response time for all drain and sewer emergencies! Plus, we always provide FREE estimates, upfront pricing, and exceptional service!

That’s why there’s no better choice for a plumbing company in Maryland, Northern Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Washington, D.C.—and why our customers love us!

This post first appeared on https://lentheplumber.com

Many of us have come to depend on the cool comfort provided by our air-conditioning systems. Air-conditioning can provide a welcome respite from even the hottest outdoor temperatures, which can be important not only for your comfort but your safety as well. However, when your air conditioner unexpectedly breaks down, it can leave you in a sticky situation, both figuratively and literally. Unfortunately, those unexpected AC failures may happen at the most inopportune moments, leaving you to sweat it out as you wait for a professional air conditioner and furnace repair service to restore your comfort level.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to limit your exposure to surprise breakdowns of your air-conditioning system. The greatest single step you can take in that regard is establishing a routine maintenance schedule with a professional company providing air conditioner repair in Pittsburgh, PA. But why is preventative maintenance so important to proper operation of your AC and heating systems? Keep reading to find out why routine maintenance is critical to the efficiency and longevity of your AC unit.

Better Performance

There are many components in your air-conditioning system that may work fine without maintenance for a while, but eventually they must be cleaned and restored to work at optimal levels. For example, your condenser coil is an important part of your AC, as it’s where the heat from the air in your home is expelled outside and the refrigerant is condensed back into a cold liquid used for cooling the indoor air. The coil radiates heat from the air, but it can only do so efficiently if it’s not dirty. If the coil becomes covered in grime, it could undermine the performance of the entire system. That’s just one of the ways that regular maintenance can ensure your unit is in optimal operating condition.

Better Efficiency

Likewise, a unit that is performing optimally will also run more efficiently, which will save you money on energy bills. For example, if your refrigerant levels are low, your unit won’t be able to maintain the temperature setting on your thermostat as easily. As a result, the unit will cycle on more often, and when it does it will run for longer periods. That will drive your energy costs up and leave you with increased bills at month’s end, especially during the hottest parts of the year. However, by performing routine maintenance, your HVAC professional can assess refrigerant levels and other operational factors to ensure your unit is running efficiently.

Longer Lifespan

Replacing an AC unit can be a costly endeavor, so most property owners prefer to get the longest life possible out of their current systems. One way to extend the lifespan of your AC unit is by performing routine maintenance. First, professional HVAC techs will inspect your system and can spot potential problems before they lead to AC failure. In those instances, repairs can be made that will not only keep your AC running in the present but also prevent more substantial future problems. Also, your system will experience less wear and tear when routine maintenance is performed. For example, a simple maintenance task, such as regularly changing the filters, can lead to less wear on the blower, thus extending its lifespan.

While you may have wondered why AC maintenance is important, it’s easy to see that performing routine maintenance on your HVAC system can save you money on energy bills, enhance the performance of your system, and extend the lifespan of your AC unit. If you need the help of a professional HVAC company in Pittsburgh, PA, call Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at 412-273-1000.

The post Why Is Air Conditioner Maintenance Necessary? appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

A garbage disposal is a great kitchen convenience that makes food scraps go away without making a smelly, gooey mess in the waste container. But even this hardy piece of technology can clog and malfunction. So, with apologies to that close relative you’ve nicknamed “The Human Garbage Disposal,” we offer a guide to what to do if your actual disposal jams – as well as how to prevent jams in the first place!

The care and feeding of your garbage disposal

Although not a delicate piece of machinery, a garbage disposal isn’t built to handle everything you may be inclined to feed it. Here’s a rundown of the most common materials that cause indigestion.

Bones – Instead of being crushed and going through the system, bones will just keep spinning around and around with the blades. If they do manage to make it past the disposal, they won’t be able to go down the drain pipes. Instead, they’ll simply stick and potentially clog your entire system. There’s some debate about the safety of disposing of very small bones, but it isn’t worth the risk.

Fibrous/starchy fruit and vegetable peels – Banana peels contain stringy, fibrous material that can split off from the peel itself and wind around the disposal’s blades. The disposal gets more and more tangled as it spins, and may lead to severe damage. Potato peels have a high starch content, causing them to turn into a thick, soupy mush that consequently causes clogs and blockages in the pipes. Add celery, onion skins, corn husks, artichokes and asparagus to this list.

Fruit pits and nuts – Every try to cut a peach or avocado pit in half? Can’t do it, right? Neither can your garbage disposal, which also can’t do double-duty as a nutcracker.

Pasta, rice, and oatmeal – How much trouble can those little grains cause? Or soft pasta? A significant amount, when the water greatly expands them from their original size. Think about the difference between a dry and wet kitchen sponge, and you’ll get the picture. In this state, they can easily fill up the disposal trap, or block the drain or pipes.  

Coffee grounds – Our colleagues at Haynes Plumbing in Harrisville, UT, describe the problems coffee grounds cause very well. “Although the grounds appear to be going down with no problem, they can actually cause a hefty amount of damage. They pile up quite quickly at the bottom of the drain, creating a thick and sludgy mass of sediment. This sludge keeps accumulating in your pipes and drains and can be very hard to get rid of. It’s a notorious culprit for clogs and other drainage issues. As appealing as the smell can be, it’s best to avoid trouble by tossing your coffee grounds in the trash or compost.”

Egg shells – Again, disposing of egg shells is the subject of debate. Some argue that the shells help keep the blades sharp; others point out that the inner membrane can cling to the edges of the disposal unit, which is not a good thing. Better to exercise caution and dispose of them in the waste basket or add to the compost pile.

Cigarette butts – We’re not going to judge or preach – except about the need to keep them out of your garbage disposal. The cigarette’s chemicals and other materials are shredded and spread throughout your drainage system. They may get stuck, leading to a clog. And if they do pass entirely through your plumbing, they’ll end up in your local water supply.

Grease and oil – Do not pour down any drain in your house! Our December 2018 blog post – “Pouring Grease Down the Sink? Don’t Do It!” – explains the many reasons why.

Can you run Drano down a garbage disposal?

Many people consider Drano the go-to quick fix for any clog. While S.C. Johnson – Drano’s parent company – says that most of the Drano product line (except Drano Kitchen Crystals) is safe for use in garbage disposals, professional plumbers don’t recommend it.

Reason? The main ingredient in all Drano products is sodium hydroxide, commonly known as caustic soda or lye. In addition to causing severe burns, this chemical can damage your pipes. When caustic soda combines with water, it produces heat. Used in a garbage disposal unit, it can combine with bleach or ammonia and release harmful fumes, as well.

There are effective alternatives that are safer for your plumbing, your health and the environment. Liquid Plumr is safe for use in garbage disposals, as its active ingredient is citric acid instead of sodium hydroxide. But for those who are very eco-minded, you can DIY by combining vinegar with baking soda.

Basic maintenance tips

To keep your garbage disposal functioning at its best, run ice cubes down periodically to prevent sludge build-up and sharpen blades. Grinding citrus peels will prevent unpleasant odors. When you are finished using your garbage disposal, briefly run the appliance with a bit of dish detergent and cold water to help keep it clean and clog-free.

Always use cold water when running the disposal, regardless of what you’re grinding. Using hot water can cause grease clogs. Even if you’re careful about not running grease down, some amount inevitably clings to or remains in food prepared using grease.

Troubleshooting your garbage disposal

If your garbage disposal goes on strike, our colleagues at Sansone in South Florida recommend the following troubleshooting checks.

Test the power outlet – This will likely be in the cabinet under the sink. Unplug the garbage disposal and plug in a food processor or blender, to see if it’s powered. If these appliances don’t turn on either, check your circuit breakers to see if the one providing electricity to your disposal has tripped. Turn it back on, then return to the kitchen to check if the garbage disposal is working.

Press the reset button – When a garbage disposal overheats, the reset button may pop out. This is the equivalent of your home’s circuit breakers tripping when overloaded. To fix it, make sure the disposal’s wall switch is set to “off” before doing anything else. Then wait a few minutes to allow it to cool off. Finally, open the cabinets underneath your sink and look for the cylinder that holds the disposal. Feel around the bottom for the red reset button and push it back in. Turn the switch back on to see if it works. If you hear a hum, something inside is jammed.

If this happens, what step you take next depends upon you level of DIY skill and confidence. If you are not comfortable taking the unit apart to locate the jam, call a plumber. If you are comfortable, Sansone and This Old House provide step-by-step instructions. Click on these links to access them.

When is it time to replace your garbage disposal?

A garbage disposal should last up to 12 years. Like every other mechanical device, it eventually wears out. Here are the signs that indicate replacement time is near.

• It clogs frequently (either the blades are getting dull or you need a larger disposal).
• You have to press the reset button often.
• Food takes longer and longer to grind.
• The unit is leaky.
• The unit is making loud noises. 

The take-home message

Whether you have an issue with your garbage disposal that requires professional attention, or need a new unit, Adams and Son Plumbing is ready to help. We are a family-owned business with over 50 years in plumbing service. A state-certified plumbing contractor, we have over three generations of master plumbing experience. Contact us to learn more and schedule a service appointment.

 

 

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Len The Plumber has been certified as the Best Pick in Maryland for drain and sewer services. This is the fourth year Len The Plumber has been honored with this recognition and featured in the annual Best Pick Reports® publication.

Based on customer feedback, the Best Pick honor is awarded to elite home service businesses that meet strict qualifications and receive top ratings from customers. Thousands of unbiased, independent surveys are conducted with customers who have firsthand experience with the business.

To earn the Best Pick certification:

• Businesses must receive 5-star ratings from at least 60% of the completed surveys.
• At least 85% of customers must state that they would recommend the business to a friend or family member.
• Businesses must carry all required state licensure and insurance coverage.

Len The Plumber is proud to continue the tradition of being Maryland’s Best Pick for sewer and drain services. To see why customers chose Len The Plumber as their top choice for plumbing companies in Maryland, check out these exceptional reviews.

Or, simply contact Len The Plumber for drain, sewer, and plumbing service to experience the excellence these top-rated plumbers always deliver!

About Len The Plumber

Since 1996, Len The Plumber has been a leading residential plumbing company in Maryland and throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Our fully licensed, expert plumbers are dedicated to providing customer-focused service and exceptional plumbing solutions. From scheduling your appointment to completing the job, your total satisfaction is always our number one goal.

Len The Plumber proudly offers 24-hour emergency service at no extra charge, 2-hour response times for sewer and drain emergencies, and upfront pricing. Whether you need drain cleaning, sewer line repairs, or any other plumbing service, we’re the full-service plumbing company you can always count on!

Those are just some of the reasons why Len The Plumber continues to be recognized as Maryland’s Best Pick for plumbing services. It’s also why we have been named the best local plumbing company by Baltimore Magazine’s editors and readers twice in 2019! But don’t take our word for it—contact us today to experience our first-class plumbing service for yourself.

This post first appeared on https://lentheplumber.com