When to Address a Water Heater Problem

When to Address a Water Heater Problem

leaking-water-heater-with-tools

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Your heater or furnace is probably the first thing you think of when considering heating appliances that sometimes need maintenance, repair, or replacement. But unlike your home’s heating system, which gets to take a break during the summer, your water heater is working all year long, supplying plentiful hot water every day. It deserves some appreciation for everything it does, and it definitely deserves your attentiveness when something does go wrong.

So how can you tell when there’s a problem with your water heater that requires professional help? There are several things you can be on the lookout for. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to seek out qualified water heater repair in Orlando.

Leaking

This one might seem obvious, but there’s a little more to it than you might imagine. There is a place where water will escape when necessary, to reduce pressure. It’s called the pressure relief valve, so dripping there shouldn’t be considered cause for concern. But if there’s water coming from anywhere else, this is a very urgent concern. The gas or electricity to the unit should be shut off immediately, and a technician should be called in.

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Rumbling

If your water heater makes this ominous noise, it is cause for concern—but don’t worry, it’s not a sign of immediately impending disaster! It may be caused by a pressure problem, or by a buildup of sediment in the bottom of the tank. Another possibility is a break in the dip tube. This is the channel that carries cold water to the bottom of the tank where it will be heated. An experienced service professional will be able to determine which is the cause.

Discolored Water

If you turn on the hot tap and the water that runs out looks dirty, this could be from sediment. However, it could also be rust from inside the tank, in which case the unit may need to be replaced.

Corrosion

While water heaters are made to be corrosion-resistant, nothing can truly be corrosion-proof. Over time, it is possible for corrosion to occur. If you’re noticing it on external parts, you should consult a professional. It may be that only certain parts require replacement.

Not Enough Hot Water

If your usage patterns have stayed about the same but the water heater isn’t keeping up with your use, and you’re running out of hot water sooner than you would expect or finding the water just plain not hot enough, it’s time for repairs. This could have to do with sediment, with the dip tube allowing hot and cold water to mix, or with the thermostat needing recalibration.

Not Enough Water Pressure

If the hot tap only gives you a trickle, the circulator pump could be the culprit. If your system is tankless, a buildup of limescale from hard water can narrow the intakes, allowing less water through. In either case, you should reach out to a professional.

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

Reddit Plumbing: Great for DIY Plumbing and Plumbers Alike

reddit

Traffic on Reddit is as busy as the South Sacramento Freeway during rush hour! In May 2022, the online forum measured approximately 1.7 billion visits, making it one of the most-visited websites, according to Statista.

So while social sharing websites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram gather all the attention, Reddit is becoming a stealth social powerhouse. But what is Reddit? How does it work? And why is Reddit great for DIYers and plumbers alike?

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How to Clean Gutters and Clogged Roof Drains

clogged gutter

Properly installed gutters and roof drains help protect your property from rain and other conditions. But like most installations, gutters and drains require regular maintenance to continue getting the job done. The most common fix you’ll likely have to perform is unclogging, and there are numerous ways to do this. In this blog, we’ll discuss the best way to clean clogged gutters and clogged roof drains, and get this: You may not even have to get on the roof!

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What Does a “Dripping” Sound Mean?

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If you’ve been searching online for help with your air conditioning in Verona, NJ because you just heard a dripping noise, then your search is over! We’re experts in this industry, and we’re going to talk about what this sound could mean in addition to some sounds that prove a different problem is happening.

First, we just want to say that you’ve done an excellent job of being vigilant with your air conditioning system. Sounds are some of the best ways to figure out if your air conditioner is running into problems and needs repairs. A dripping noise might sound more normal than other noises, like bubbling and hissing, but it could still be a sign that some work needs to be done on your AC depending on when it was last maintained.

Let’s get into it. For more information about your particular AC setup or situation, feel free to call our team.

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Where Does the Dripping Come From?

When your air conditioner makes a dripping noise, it can be easily explained. You see, the humidity in the air immediately condenses when it’s cooled from the AC unit. That condensation then forms along the coils of the AC system and drips down into a pan which collects the moisture to eventually deposit it in a drain. Depending on how much humidity there is, like on a very muggy day, you’re going to hear more dripping since more humidity in the atmosphere is being siphoned out of the air and condensing.

The good news is that this dripping sound is completely normal and something that you shouldn’t be worried about. The bad news is that it can become a problem over time, and there’s one more sign we’d like to talk about that signals this!

Can This Be a Problem?

Dripping condensate can be a problem for air conditioners, but only if the condensate drain gets clogged. If you’ve been hearing a lot of dripping coming from the AC, then you shouldn’t necessarily be worried, but there are two signs that could be problems if you detect these as well.

  1. If your AC hasn’t been maintained in a while, you’re more likely to have dirty coils and a clogged condensate drain.
  2. If you smell a “dirty sock” smell coming from your air conditioner, this is a clear sign that the condensate drain is clogged and the moisture is allowing for mold to grow inside the system.

Do yourself a favor and schedule routine maintenance for your system, as well as get the condensate drain cleared if you smell any foul odors coming from the vents or unit itself.

Refrigerant Leaks Don’t “Drip”

We know some homeowners might be curious that this “dripping” noise is the sound of refrigerant leaking, but we’d like to halt the rumors by simply saying no. Refrigerant is a gas when it’s in our atmosphere and standard pressure, meaning it leaks from refrigerant lines by “hissing” like a normal gas would. Sometimes leaking refrigerant can make a “bubbling” noise as well, but that’s actually the sound of air bubbles entering the liquid refrigerant line, not the refrigerant dripping out.

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

Signs That You Have a Plumbing Leak

rusty-pipe-leaking-water

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Water can create a staggering amount of damage to areas it runs through. Just look at the Grand Canyon! Many of the surfaces in your home are not water-resistant: sheetrock, carpets, and wood cabinets. It’s easy to see that a plumbing leak could cause tremendous, expensive damage.

Occasionally, a plumbing leak is sudden and obvious. But often, it happens slowly. If it’s not addressed promptly, water can soak into your home, causing rot and decay. How will you know a slow leak has started, especially when your plumbing is behind walls or in cabinets? There are signs that can clue you into a plumbing leak in your home and let you know it’s time to reach out to an expert in plumbing in Winter Park, FL. We’ll start with the more obvious and work our way toward the sneakier leaks.

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Water You Can Hear

Dripping, and trickling sounds that occur when you’re not using an appliance such as a clothes washer or dishwasher are very definite signs that something is wrong. A leak that creates enough water to be heard is probably significant, and you should reach out to a plumber immediately.

Water Damage You Can See

A steady flow of even a small amount of water can cause pooling on surfaces. A new stain on your ceiling during a very rainy period may indicate a roof leak, but if it showed up during dry weather, or in an area unlikely to be affected by a roof leak, your plumbing is probably the culprit. But not all water damage looks like a puddle. Bubbling, bulging, or buckling walls, doors, or floors can also indicate that water has swelled the materials they are made of.

Water Damage You Can Smell

Have you noticed a musty smell around your home? Have you found spots that might be mildew? Are there areas where mold didn’t grow previously that are now growing mold like it’s a popular new crop? The humidity caused by excess water flowing through your home makes an ideal environment for mold to grow. Not only is mildew unsightly and unpleasant-smelling, but it’s also unhealthy to breathe—and it’s a sign that your plumbing needs to be checked for leaks.

Cracks in Your Home’s Foundation

Older homes tend to settle over the years, and a superficial foundation crack should not be a surprise. But a lot of cracks, or the sudden development of new cracks, are cause for concern. One possible cause is a slab leak, or underground leak, from your plumbing. It’s important to have professional help assessing whether that is the case.

Increased Water Bills

The final sign of a sneaky leak is not even something you will discover in the walls or floors or foundation of your home. It’s something you’ll discover in your mailbox (or your email inbox). Increases in water bills are usually due to causes you’re already aware of, such as filling a swimming pool. When your water bill increases and you don’t know why, it may be that a plumbing leak is causing unseen damage somewhere in your home and also causing damage to your bank account.

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

The Best Way To Clean Your Bathroom Mirrors

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Bathroom mirrors can be difficult to keep clean with so many things working against you, like toothpaste specks, water spots, and fingerprints. If you’ve ever tried to get a spotless shine when cleaning your mirror, you know that it’s easy to end up with lots of streaks.

Below are the steps you need to take to get a clean bathroom mirror every time.

1. Spot Treat With Rubbing Alcohol & a Cotton Pad

The best way to remove tough stains and spots like toothpaste globs, hairspray, or smeared fingerprints is to use rubbing alcohol.

Other sprays and cleaners will just smear these spots, but dabbing a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad to treat those areas before wiping down the entire mirror will leave you with a streak-free mirror.

2. Spray a Vinegar & Water Solution

While you can use a glass cleaner that you already have, we recommend making a solution of one part vinegar and one part distilled water.

Not only is this mixture easy to make, but it also prevents streaking from excess soap you find in many store-bought sprays.

Spray a light layer of the solution directly onto your mirror. Avoid spraying too much, which would cause the solution to drip off your mirror.

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3. Wipe Clean With a Microfiber Cloth

While many people turn to paper towels to clean glass, they can make things worse, as they often leave behind dust, residue, or lint.

We’ve found that the best way to truly clean glass is to use a high-quality, flat-weave microfiber cloth. It cleans effectively without being thick enough to collect lint or other particles that could be left behind on the mirror.

Start in the top left corner and slide your cloth straight across to the top right corner and back again, making your way down to the bottom of the mirror.

4. Inspect for Streaks

Look at your mirror from a few angles to ensure it’s completely clean.

If you notice any streaks or spots, spray a small amount of your vinegar and water solution directly on the imperfection and wipe it clean. Your mirror should be spotless!

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

How to find the best plumber in Ottawa?

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Finding a good plumber in Ottawa can be tricky. There are many different plumbers to choose from, and not all of them are created equal. It is important to do your research before hiring a plumbing company in the capital, as you want to make sure you are getting the best possible service at a price you can afford.

How do I find a reputable plumber in Ottawa?

There are many ways to find a good plumbing company. Below is a list of 15 ways that can help you find the best reputable plumber in Ottawa:

1. Ask around for referrals from friends or family members who have had recent plumbing work done.

This is one of the best ways to find a reputable and qualified plumber, as you can get first-hand accounts of the quality of work they do.

2. Check online reviews from sites like Google or Yelp.

Sarah J. Barber
Sarah J. Barber
2022-08-15
The Irish Plumber is outstanding!
We’ve called them on two separate occasions and both times the work was done efficiently!
We would definitely recommend!
Phylroy Lopez
Phylroy Lopez
2022-08-15
Extremely friendly and did the job quickly and professionally for a reasonable price.
Dawn Rogers
Dawn Rogers
2022-08-12
I had the pleasure of having Thomas, a plumber with the Irish Plumber Team, come to my condo to change 6 leaking and corroded bathroom faucets, a shower cartridge and to replace the cartridge and nozzle on the GROHE faucet in the kitchen. He called to inform me he was on his way and was very punctual and even a few minutes early. He was very polite and professional. I showed him all the areas that I felt needed attention and he got right to work immediately. Overall he did an awesome job. I am super pleased. I can now use the kitchen faucet with the ease and functionality that it is made to have. A plumber from a previous company switched out the cartridge in the kitchen sink from a 1.75 GPM and replaced it with a 2.2 GPM and in my opinion it destroyed the functionality of the GROHE 32298SD1Lady Lux Kitchen Faucet. It made the water pressure too forceful and thus hard to control the spray function and flow of the water. I have arthritis in my hands and I bought this type of kitchen faucet because of the ease in which it handled. Thomas replaced the cartridge with the 1.75 GPM and the new nozzle that GROHE supplied free of charge and its now working amazingly. He will be back in a few weeks to change the cartridges in the master ensuite as both Thomas and Steve, our chief maintenance manager, were not able to turn off the water supply. Water will need to be shut off from units 804-1304 in order to switch out the shower cartridges. I am very happy with the great service Thomas provided and I think the Irish Plumber Company is a very good company to work with. Highly recommend this company.
Sincerely
Dawn Rogers
Sharon O'Brien
Sharon O’Brien
2022-08-10
On time! Friendly honest service! Will call again for sure 🍀
Arturo
Arturo
2022-08-02
Excellent service, thank you!!! Very happy with the work.
Peter Fortier
Peter Fortier
2022-07-28
This was my third time using the Irish Plumber and they continue to provide excellent service. Thomas is very friendly, explains the work to be done clearly and is thorough in performing the work. This is a professional organization and I highly recommend them.
Patrizia Giannantonio
Patrizia Giannantonio
2022-07-27
Thank you, Michael, for your expertise in addressing the plumbing issue. The new faucet looks good and is working great…no cloths required.
Ciao, Patrizia
808 Bronson
808 Bronson
2022-07-21
Arrived on time and worked efficiently. Very professional and polite. Cleaned up after the work. Best of all, very willing to explain what may be the causes and how to prevent in the future. Job well done.
K DO
K DO
2022-07-14
Excellent service. Il a proposé une solution innovatrice pour régler un problème de longue date et maintenant nous avons accès à l’eau dans la cour arrière. Il a également mis fin au bruit infernal des tuyaux qui cognaient pendant chaque brassée! Je le recommande. Excellent service. Proposed and implemented an innovative solution to a long-standing problem, and now we have easy access to water for the back yard. Also put an end to the sound of pipes hammering for every single load of laundry. I recommend The Irish Plumber.
Luc Lafreniere
Luc Lafreniere
2022-07-13
Michael was super responsive and communicative from the start. Combine that with these reviews and I can confirm this is the guy(s) to hire. Zero regrets. Clear, quick communication. On time over two days. Hard working along with his two other guys to help him (Thomas and Sébastien, awesome to see a COOP student learning along with them). They did a 2 piece bathroom rough in for my basement, concrete had to be dug out, connections to the stack, water lines, etc. They also got all the water/drains for a kitchen sink done in the same basement portion on top of redesigning and connecting a mudroom sink on the main floor. Vent pipes, drains, everything done well. He even noticed some less than ideal stack design choices which he fixed along the way. Kept the house very clean considering the work they had to do. And he tolerated my chattiness very well. Bonus 😉 Probably not the cheapest, but hey, excellent quality work! I paid for quality. Merci beaucoup! *EDIT* I completed the entirety of the project over the past few weeks. Toilet, multiple sinks (3) all installed without a hitch. Everything was perfectly positioned. Photos added. Note the exposed plumbing was intended.

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Plumbing reviews will give you an idea of what other customers have thought about the plumbing services they received from different companies in Ottawa.

3. Interview potential candidates.

When you have a shortlist of plumbers you are considering, it is important to interview them to get a better sense of their qualifications and experience. This will also allow you to ask about their rates and services.

4. Make sure the plumber is licensed and insured.

This is important in case anything goes wrong during the plumbing work. You want to be sure that the plumber is protected financially in case of any accidents or damages.

5. Ask for references from previous clients.

A good plumber should be able to provide you with a list of satisfied customers who can vouch for their quality of work.

6. Check out the plumber’s website.

This can give you some insight into their business practices and what type of services they offer.

7. Ask the plumber for an estimate.

When you have a good sense of the scope of work that needs to be done, ask the plumber for an estimate of the cost. This will help you budget for the repairs or installation.

8. Make sure the plumber is available when you need them.

If you have an emergency, you want to be sure that the plumber is available to come to your aid right away. A leaking faucet or a clogged toilet can’t wait until regular business hours.

9. Get a written contract.

Although this is optional, it’s always a good practice to have a contract that outlines the scope of work and the cost before the service begins. This will protect you in case anything goes wrong.

10. Make sure the plumber cleans up after themselves.

You don’t want to be left with a mess after the plumbing work is done, so make sure the plumber cleans up before they leave.

11. Ask about warranty or guarantee.

Many reputable plumbing companies offer some type of warranty or guarantee on their workmanship. This can give you peace of mind in knowing that you are covered in case something goes wrong.

12. Ask about payment options.

Be sure to ask about payment options before the work begins, so you know what to expect. Many plumbers accept cash, cheque, e-transfers or credit card.

13. Be sure to get a receipt.

After the work is completed, be sure to get a receipt for your records. This will come in handy if you ever need to file a claim or dispute any charges.

14. Leave a review.

If you were happy with the plumbing services you received, be sure to leave a review on Google or Yelp to help other customers in their search for a good plumber in Ottawa.

15. Check out the Better Business Bureau.

The Better Business Bureau is a good resource to use when looking for a reputable business. You can check to see if there have been any complaints filed against the plumber you are considering.

By following these simple tips, you can be sure to find a qualified and reputable plumber in Ottawa who will meet your needs and budget. With so many different companies to choose from, it is important to do your research to ensure you are getting the best possible service.

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How To Remove Broken Glass From Your Garbage Disposal

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Len The Plumber breaks down everything you need to know about safely removing broken glass from your garbage disposal in this helpful guide. We’ll cover:

  • Safety hazards to avoid while removing broken glass from the garbage disposal
  • Equipment you’ll need to remove the glass safely
  • How to get the glass out of your garbage disposal step by step
  • When to contact a plumber for garbage disposal repair

If you’ve ever broken a dish in your kitchen sink, you understand the nightmare of having shards of glass stuck inside your system. Removing broken glass from your garbage disposal can be a hazardous process if you don’t take the proper safety precautions.

Before getting started, it’s important to understand what you’ll need and what the process involves so you can restore safe system operation in no time.

Safety Hazards To Avoid When Removing Glass From the Garbage Disposal

First things first — it’s important to know what not to do when attempting to remove broken glass from your garbage disposal. Be sure to avoid the following safety hazards during this process:

  • Don’t leave the power on: When removing anything from your garbage disposal, you must first cut the power to your system. Leaving the power on while removing glass from your system can increase your risk of injury.
  • Don’t stick your hands down the disposal: Never stick your bare hands down the garbage disposal when removing broken glass. This is a surefire way to get a nasty cut. Instead, rely on other tools to carefully remove what’s clogging your system.
  • Don’t hover over the disposal: After you’ve removed everything from inside your system and restored power, don’t make the mistake of hovering your hands or face over the unit. You could have missed small pieces of glass that could shoot up out of the disposal and injure you.

What You’ll Need To Remove the Broken Glass

Before beginning, you’ll need to assemble the proper tools. These include:

  • Thick rubber gloves
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Shop vac with a long-headed attachment
  • Hex key

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Step-By-Step Instructions for Removing Broken Glass From Your Garbage Disposal

Now that you’re properly equipped and know the safety hazards to avoid, it’s time to get the glass out of your garbage disposal. Here’s how to do it the safe way:

1. Turn Off the Disposal

As stated before, you must turn off all power to your system before beginning the process.

Not only should you turn off the disposal itself, but you should also switch off the breaker at the service panel as well for good measure.

2. Remove Larger Pieces of Glass With Pliers

Using your needle nose pliers, begin pulling out as many glass pieces as you can find hiding in your garbage disposal.

Most of the larger shards will be located toward the top of the drain’s opening.

3. Remove Smaller Pieces With a Shop Vacuum

You’ll need to use your shop vac to remove the smaller pieces of glass. Use the long-head attachment to begin sucking out the glass from the drain opening.

Depending on how large the pieces are toward the bottom, some shards may need to be sucked out individually if the nozzle isn’t wide enough to capture them.

4. Use the Hex Key To Turn the Blades

After vacuuming, there may still be remaining bits of glass. To remove these, use the hex key underneath your disposal to turn the blades.

Continue to suck up any remaining glass with your shop vac. Repeat steps three and four as many times as necessary to eliminate the shards.

5. Restore Power to Your Disposal

Once you feel confident that all the glass has been removed from your disposal and sink, restore power to your system by switching the breaker to the “on” position in the service panel and turning on the unit.

When To Call a Plumber for Help

It’s important to know when to call in for professional help. Consider calling a plumber to remove the glass from your system if:

  • You don’t have the proper tools.
  • Your system won’t turn back on after attempting DIY glass removal.
  • You hear strange noises from your system after removing broken glass.

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

Causes Of Clogged Drains And How To Fix Them?

clogged drain, drain clog, drain clogs, drain cleaning, drain clearing, plumber, plumbing, plumbers

Causes Of Clogged Drains And How To Fix Them?

Clogged drains is one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face. There are many different causes of clogged drains, and many different ways to fix them.

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1. Hair

Hair is a big culprit of clogged drains – especially in bathroom drains, like your shower and sink. If enough hair gets down in your drains, it can cause water backups and clogs.

2. Soap

We are all familiar with soap scum that can accumulate over time in bathroom and shower drains. When combined with other materials, like hair and dirt, it can lead to clogs.

3. Oil, Grease and Fat

Oil, grease and fat should never be washed down the drain as it solidifies and hardens in your pipes, ultimately causing clogs. Contrary to popular belief, even running hot water down the drain won’t resolve this problem.

4. Flushing Non-Flushable Items

The only items that should be flushed down a toilet are waste and toilet paper. Flushing non-flushable items, such as cotton balls, hair, toys, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels can cause clogs. Even flushable wipes aren’t the best, as they don’t disintegrate as well as regular toilet paper and could clog your pipes overtime.

5. Tree Roots

If you have a crack in your pipes, even if a very tiny crack, tree roots can get inside and cause blockages. Eventually, this will obstruct water flow and cause damage to your plumbing.

6. Too Much Toilet Paper

Even though toilets are meant to handle toilet paper, too much toilet paper can lead to clogs. If you’re using more than a few squares at a time and noticing frequent clogs, then this could be the cause of your problem.

7. Dirt and Sand

We see this a lot, especially in the summertime. You’re outside a lot, spending time at the beach or watching your kids play in the pool. After all the fun is over, it’s time to take a shower. If you don’t wash off before stepping into the shower or bath, all that dirt and sand can get into your drains and clog them.

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How To Fix Your Drain Clogging Issues

Drain clogs can be vert inconvenient to deal with. Whether you’re noticing clogs in your kitchen, bathroom, or somewhere else around your house, make sure to ditch the store-bought drain cleaner. This stuff can really do more damage to your pipes. It’s best that you contact a professional drain cleaner to help clear your drains once and for all. After your drains are back to new, consider taking the following preventative measures to avoid these problems in the future:

  • Hair: Use a hair strainer drain guard that will prevent any hair from going down the drain.
  • Soap: To prevent soap scum from accumulating, use liquid soap instead of bar soap and keep your shower dry as much as possible.
  • Oil, Grease and Fat: Refrain from ever pouring oil, grease or fat down your sink.
  • Flushing Non-Flushable Items: Never flush anything that isn’t toilet paper or waste, including flushable wipes.
  • Tree Roots: Cut trees around your sewer line, or create a barrier between your trees and sewer line.
  • Too Much Toilet Paper: Use less toilet paper in a single flush.
  • Dirt and Sand: Always wash off before stepping foot into the shower or bath.

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

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