4 Key Benefits of Drain Cleaning

May 26th, 2021

4 Key Benefits of Drain Cleaning

4 Key Benefits of Drain Cleaning 2021

As you may already know, your drainage system plays a crucial role in your home’s day-to-day. It’s a crucial part of removing waste from the main sewer line. Any draining problems that arrive must be dealt with immediately. One of the best ways to keep hiring an Applegate plumbing company for annual plumbing maintenance. Below, our Fox Valley plumbers discuss four key benefits of drain clearing.

 1. Prevents/Reduces Blockages

Future blockages will be avoided or minimized if you let professionals clean your drain regularly. If standing water immediately appears every time you take the shower or you use the sink, this indicates a blockage. Don’t wait for this problem to become worse – call a plumber now!

So, letting a professional Appleton plumber check your drains and pipes will prevent blockages and clogs from happening. Also, this will prevent the need for invasive and costly plumbing works later on.

 

2. Limits Foul Plumbing Odor

Drains release a nasty odor that can cause an unpleasant scent around your house. If your drains start to back up, sewage, oil, and grease can sit in the pipes. If simple flushing of water does not eliminate the foul odor, this indicates the need for a professional drain cleaning service. Not only will the professional plumber clear out your drainage but will also identify the root cause of the nasty odor and conduct all necessary repairs.

3. Maintains a Safe & Clean Home

Sewage backup, clogged pipes, and poor drainage can undermine your living environment. These plumbing problems can lead to mold growth. This is particularly harmful to your health as well the spread of bacteria and germs, says McQuillan Bros, the best plumbing company in Minnesota.

But if your drains are clean and well-maintained, this prevents severe cleanliness concerns. Your pipes will be free of unsanitary sewage and nasty odors, resulting in a clean and safe home environment. Our friends at Maid for Muddy Paws, who offers cleaning services Magnolia, recommend hiring a professional company to help with keeping your drains clean.

In addition to keeping your indoors clean, professional drain cleaning will also result in safe and sanitary outdoor areas. This will prevent the presence of standing water that causes slippery surfaces, plant death, soil erosion, and mosquito breeding areas.

4. Prevents Costly Future Expenses

Plumbing maintenance is less expensive than solving severe plumbing problems. Using a camera, Turek’s Plumbing professionals can see the inside of your pipes. This way, they will know the pipe’s exact current condition. From there, they will recommend the next best course of action. If, for instance, you have deteriorating pipes, they will recommend replacing these immediately to prevent other plumbing problems and costly repairs later on.

So, with these benefits, a professional drain cleaning service is definitely a worthy investment. So don’t hesitate to book regular plumbing maintenance today! Contact Tureks Plumbing Services today for quality plumbing services.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in September 2018 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

Continue Reading

What Is a Sewer Cleanout?

May 19th, 2021

Sewer Cleanout

What Is a Sewer Cleanout? 2021

A home’s plumbing system is an intricate network. One of the most important components of this network is a sewer cleanout. When you ned a sewer cleanout in Appleton, WI, you can always trust Tureks Plumbing. We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing. Below, we discuss sewer cleanout and what you can expect. 

What is a sewer cleanout?

According to trusted Wisconsin plumbers that service Fox Valley and Applegate residences, the sewer cleanout is a capped pipe that enables people to gain access to a clogged sewer line so that they can clean out any blockages. It is a requirement for the connection of the house’s main drain to the house sewage. Usually located no more than three feet past the edge of the home, homeowners can identify it by the “S” stamped on the concrete or painted on the curb. Underneath this marker is the home’s sewer line which is connected to the city sewer. However, for homes with a septic system, the cleanout is placed between the house and the septic tank.

If it’s placed where it should be it usually comes with a cap that says “clean out.”

Do all homes have a sewer cleanout?

The short answer is no. Not all homes are built to code therefore some houses actually do not have one and just rely on a basement cleanout. These homes are at a great risk of indoor flooding due to the build-up of debris in the drainage system, says our friends at Gilmore Heating and Air, a trusted Sacramento plumber. 

Are cleanouts always located in the same places?

For homes that are built to code, the answer is usually. However, a lot of residences have the sewers added after the construction of the home. To locate the cleanout for such houses, plumbers typically just follow the line from the street side connection and the house.

Do homes have only one cleanout?

A lot of homes actually have multiple sewer cleanouts. The extra cleanouts are often capped stubs or pipes sticking out of exterior walls, and they can also be found in basements and crawl spaces. At times, they are even located in the attic for the easy removal of obstructions in the vent of the drainage system. Multiple cleanouts are created for the convenience of accessing both lateral and vertical drains in people’s homes.

Sewer cleanouts, however, are believed to be the most essential because this help prevent drains in the house from getting backed up and directing water (dirty water, mind you) back into the house.

Given the special function of a sewer cleanout, it’s imperative that plumbing professionals install it correctly. Your Fox Cities plumbers at Turek’s Plumbing advise homeowners to save up for a sewer cleanout. It can be helpful to have a cleanout installed if there are repetitive blockages in the drainage system. If you’re having difficulty with your plumbing system, contact Tureks Plumbing today! 

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in August 2016 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

Continue Reading

Creative Bathroom Designs for Small Spaces

May 12th, 2021

Creative bathroom design for small spacesCreative Bathroom Designs for Small Spaces 2021

We all love a good mirror selfie, whether it’s a small powder room or a master bath! But there’s nothing like an outdated bathroom to ruin your photo. In this article, we explore some creative bathroom designs for small spaces. Our bathroom remodeling experts will help you make your bathroom both functional and beautiful. We hope this blog inspires you to turn your space into something you’ve always wanted. 

Planning Bathroom Layout

Create the illusion of a much bigger space by placing a mural on one wall. Poster style-murals can easily achieve the look of a bigger and longer room. Try an unconventional layout. This will allow you to maximize space and enhance style while maintaining the functionality of the bathroom. Consider sinking the tub, or placing the vanity against a shower glass.

Splurge On Bathroom Tiles

If you can put a lot of special features into your bathroom, make those elements that you can easily put in really count, such as the tiles. Mosaic tiles can easily amp up the style of the bathroom, and if you use a really lovely pattern for the tiles, everybody will likely overlook how small the space is. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a plumbing company that offers the best plumbing services in Twin Cities., have seen so many creative ways to use tile! They agree that the right bathroom tile can elevate the space.  

Walls and Lighting

If your small bathroom needs a touch of class, applying high-quality and beautiful wallpaper on the walls that don’t get wet will do the trick. And what’s grander than using a small crystal chandelier as the main source of illumination in the room? If you can’t do anything about the size of the room, you certainly can do something about the items you place in the bathroom.

Mirrors and Strategic Lighting

These are time-tested design tricks for small spaces. Mirrors create the illusion of a much bigger space, and if you add lighting fixtures in areas that will really allow light to “explode,” the bathroom will look more expensive. You can also use dimmable lights or lamps to create a different ambiance for the space.

Built-ins or Shelving

Recessed shelves for books and magazines are great for maximizing space and adding character to bathrooms. The easy access to reading material can also make the room a more relaxing “retreat” for family members.

Paint

Horizontal stripes on the wall. You can paint these or use wallpaper strips to make the bathroom seem wider. Paint the ceiling using an interesting hue. Applegate remodelers suggest painting the ceiling because this is a great trick in pulling the eyes away from the small size of the bathroom.

Have you been researching creative bathroom designs for your home? If you are thinking about a home remodel in Appleton, contact the plumbing professionals at Turek’s Plumbing today! We also provide residents with quality plumbing services and trenchless sewer repair!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in August 2016 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

Continue Reading

Water Efficient Plumbing Fixtures

May 5th, 2021

water efficient plumbing fixtures

Why Make the Switch to Plumbing Fixtures That Conserve Water? 2021

Whether you are trying to conserve water, whittle down your monthly water bill, or help save the environment, there is one simple step that can help you achieve these goals. Fox Valley plumbers recommend switching to water-efficient plumbing fixtures! 

These fixtures are plumbing fixtures that conserve water. But exactly how much water, money, and energy can be saved? The EPA estimates that if all American households make the switch to these plumbing fixtures, the country will save roughly 3 trillion gallons of water and $18 billion dollars annually. Let that statistic soak in for a minute.

On top of that, swapping out your old plumbing fixtures for their high-efficiency counterparts can help substantially reduce energy consumption — and in turn, greenhouse emissions. According to the EPA, if at least one in every 100 households makes the switch to high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, there will be around a 100 million kWh reduction in the consumption of electricity which will help eliminate up to 80,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. The largest appliances like your water heater, dishwasher, and washer and dryer will make the biggest difference, while outdoors having a water-efficient irrigation system. But those also come with larger price tags. You don’t have to have a huge budget to begin reducing your water usage, say our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, who offers plumbing services in Sacramento. 

Here’s a brief guide on how do you choose which affordable water-efficient fixtures to start with when reducing your water usage

Low Flow Toilets

Toilets account for a substantial amount of water usage and waste in a household — that’s about 30 percent of the overall water consumption. If the toilet currently installed in your home uses over 1.6 gallons of water per flush (GPF), consider switching to a high-efficiency toilet.

There are three basic options you can choose from high-efficiency or ultra-low flush toilets, dual flush toilets, and composting toilets. High-efficiency toilets have a GPF of 1.28. Dual flush toilets have two flush buttons: one for liquid waste and another for solid waste. Composting toilets, on the other hand, use virtually no water for flushing.

Scott Valley Water district also has rebates for homeowners who switch to low-flow toilets.

Water Efficient Showerheads

In an average household, showering accounts for 20 percent of indoor water use. By making the switch to high-efficiency showerheads, you can save as much as 70 percent of your shower water use.

Today’s high-efficiency showerheads have a strong shower stream so you do not have to exchange a powerful stream for water savings. If the showerhead installed in your bathroom has 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute), switch to an ultra-low flow showerhead with a GPM of 2 and below.

On top of reducing water consumption, these showerheads can also help reduce energy consumption by decreasing the demand for hot water.

Water Efficient Faucets

Older, inefficient faucets have an average GPM of 2.5. In this case, you can either switch to a high-efficiency faucet with a GPM of 1.5 or below or simply use an aerator or flow restrictor with the faucets currently installed in your home.

If you need a Fox Valley Plumber you can trust to recommend the right brands or even install your new fixtures and appliances, give the professionals at Turek’s Plumbing a call.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in June 2016 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

Continue Reading

Hiring a Plumber Checklist

April 28th, 2021
hiring a plumber checklist - Fox Valley WI

Hiring a Plumber Checklist

On the hunt for the best plumbing contractor in Appleton, WI? Look no further! It’s critical for anyone in need of plumbing services to find someone who will be the right fit for their needs. With so many plumbing services in Fox Cities, it can be overwhelming deciding which plumber to choose. In the article below, we share our Hiring a Plumber Checklist. That way, you find the right person for the job. You can always contact Tureks Plumbing for your residential plumbing or commercial plumbing needs.

References 

Does the plumber you’ve hired have good references or online reviews? Always do some digging before booking a service with a plumbing company. It won’t take too long to read their Google My Business reviews or even ask around for a plumbing referral. Looking online will definitely help.

Residential vs. Commercial Plumbers

Commercial plumbers are best suited for corporate offices, restaurants, and companies, while residential plumbers are ideally suited for your home’s plumbing. Hire the best plumber for the job based on your requirements. At Tureks Plumbing, we offer Appleton residents both residential and commercial plumbing services. Give us a call. We’re happy to help!

Scope of Work

It’s important to clarify what the problem is before hiring a plumbing contractor to do the job. Some plumbing companies do not provide all plumbing services. For instance, if you need trenchless sewer repair, you should find someone who specializes in this service. That way, you have someone who is knowledgeable in the work you need.

Availability 

Most plumbers work regular hours, with a “24/7 emergency services” option. This service comes with a cost. Look for a 24/7 plumbing company that you can count on at all hours of the day. You’ll need someone who can respond quickly and tackle any urgent jobs that come their way. That’s why so many Appleton residents rely on Tureks Plumbing to get the job done right.

Estimates 

Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a Twin Cities plumbing company, recommend getting an estimate before the job begins. That way, you can avoid any hidden costs or fees. The written estimate should include everything: labor, sections, and so on. However, the calculation should not be written until they have thoroughly examined the issue. A plumber who isn’t willing to give you an estimate shouldn’t be on your list. 

Presentable & Professional

Hiring a plumber who is hardworking and professional is a must. There are plenty of plumbing companies in Appleton, WI, who are exactly this. You always want to have complete confidence in your plumber. Contact Tureks Plumbing today if you’re searching for “plumbing services near me.” 

Continue Reading

Sewer Line Damage From Tree Roots

April 21st, 2021
sewer line damage from tree roots - Appleton WI

Sewer Pipe Damage From Tree Roots

So many Fox City residents experience sewer pipe damage from tree roots. So, why is this plumbing problem so common? Mother nature can’t help it. As trees begin to grow, it’s common for their roots to infiltrate underground sewer lines. In the article below, we discuss the seriousness of sewer pipe damage from tree roots. For plumbing services, contact Tureks Plumbing.

Signs of Damaged Pipes

  • Clogged drains – If you keep experiencing clogged drains, it’s likely that you have sewer pipe damage from tree roots.
  • Noises – Gurgle sounds are common after flushing the toilet.
  • Blocked or collapsed pipes – this is often manifested as a clogged drain or toilet. It might be that someone flushed something they shouldn’t have. It is also caused by tree roots in sewage line pipes.
  • Sinkholes – If you see a sinkhole in your yard, it is possible that tree roots are growing within your sewer pipes. Keep a safe distance from it and hire a Fox Valley plumber for a plumbing pipe inspection. This is a severe warning sign that suggests a significant sewer line problem. This amount of tree root disruption in sewer lines jeopardizes your home’s base.
  • Foul odors – Typically, damaged sewage lines emit foul odors. You can have a major sewage problem if you smell rotten eggs or sulfur.

Are you experiencing these plumbing problems? Contact Tureks Plumbing today.

The Dangers of Tree Roots in Sewer Lines

Tree roots travel long distances in search of water, and they also seek moisture from tiny leaks. Unfortunately, your sewer line may be the only place for this. Roots with hair-thin strands can easily clog pipes. The gunk, when combined with the grime and grease that flows into the sewer pipes, can cause toilets, sinks, and other drains to become sluggish and even back up.

In addition, roots cause pipes to start cracking. Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, the best plumbers in Sacramento, explains clay pipes in older plumbing systems are particularly fragile. This plumbing issue of tree roots in sewer line systems causes some serious damage.

How to Avoid Tree Roots Out of Sewage System Pipes

The only way to deal with tree root problems is to avoid them from happening in the first place. Here’s what our plumbing professionals recommend doing to prevent tree roots from growing in sewer line drain systems.

  • Landscaping – Big trees will have big roots, so keep an eye out for any damage. You can go to the extent of removing trees to prevent the roots from infiltrating your sewer lines. 
  • Stay on top of drain clearing and repairs – If yous suspect that there is a plumbing problem, address it before it grows into a bigger problem. Unfortunately, this type of pipe damage won’t go away on its own. When searching for a “plumber near me,” find a plumber who offers trenchless sewer line repair. Regular clearing and cleaning of sewer lines prevent root growth within your pipes. As a result, substantial sewage upgrades can be avoided.
  • Get regular inspections – Living in an older home? Our plumbing contractors recommend annual plumbing inspections. 

Contact Your Appleton Plumber

A full-functioning plumbing system is crucial for any home. Don’t put off calling a plumbing professional any longer. For any plumbing problems, contact your Appleton plumber as soon as possible. Our Tureks Plumbing team will work with you to provide residential plumbing solutions and restore your plumbing in no time! 

Continue Reading

Water Heater Repair Tips

April 14th, 2021
water heater repair tips - Appleton WI

Troubleshooting Tips For Common Water Heater Issues

In your house, your water heater works hard to provide hot water during showers, dishwashing, and laundry. Since we all heavily rely on our water heater, there are times where your water heater gets overworked. If you’re having trouble with your water heater, we recommend following these water heater repair tips. In need of a water heater repair? Contact Tureks Plumbing in Appleton, WI.

Common Water Heater Problems & Solutions

Water Heater Temperatures 

Water temperature issues are common issues with water heaters. Here are three water temperature problems, as well as their possible causes and solutions:

  • Water is cold – A lack of fuel, a defective thermostat, or a faulty heating element are the most common causes of cold water in a hot water heater. Begin by looking at the fuse box to make sure there are no electricity issues
  • Water isn’t hot enough – If your water isn’t hot enough, it may be due to an undersized water heater, crossed connections, or a defective heating element or thermostat. Turning off the water source and turning on a hot water faucet will rule out a crossed connection. If the water still flows, you might have a crossed connection. Aside from that, we suggest contacting a plumbing contractor for a water heater inspection.
  • Too hot water – Too hot water normally indicates that the thermostat is set too high. To change the thermostat temperature, consult your water heater manual. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your hot water heater to 120° F for the best combination of heat and performance.

Water Heater Leaking

Water leakage can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Temperature and pressure issue (T&P) a safety valve
  • Insufficient water heater problems
  • Overheating a clogged valve
  • A defective gasket

Next, inspect the loose heating element bolts and tighten them as required. If the heating element continues to leak, you will most likely need to replace the gasket. Additionally, look for leaks on or around the storage tank – since storage tanks usually corrode from the inside, you’re likely witnessing the beginning of the end for your water heater.

Of course, you can eliminate tank leaks entirely by investing in a tankless water heater. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, who provides the Twin Cities plumbing services, explains that tankless water heaters last almost twice as long as the storage water heaters. Additionally, they take up about a quarter of the room.

Discolored Water

Rusty water may imply corrosion of your tank’s inner lining, which is often caused by a failing anode rod. Contact a licensed water heater technician to see if removing the anode rod would resolve the issue. From there, you’ll know if you need a water heater repair or water heater replacement. 

Strange Noises 

The most common source of strange noises coming from your water heater is sediment buildup. You should try to resolve this issue by flushing the water heater. Ask our plumbers in Appleton, WI, about how to flush your water heater. If you flush your water heater and the issue continues, or if the sediment accumulation is too large to remove, contact us for an estimate on a water heater replacement. 

Continue Reading

Prevent Plumbing Leaks

April 7th, 2021
prevent plumbing leaks - Appleton WI

Prevent Plumbing Leaks in Your Home

If a small leak goes unnoticed or overlooked, it can quickly grow into a significant issue. A leak can cause damage to your plumbing system, yard, or house, in addition to raising your bill. Fortunately, many leaks can be easily avoided! In the article below, we share a few common ways to prevent plumbing leaks in your home. For residential plumbing in Appleton, WI, contact Tureks Plumbing. 

Washing Machine

Washing machines are used pretty often in the average household. If not properly maintained, washing machines are susceptible to leaks. To avoid a leaky washing machine, change the hoses every five years and inspect the connections every year. This can be done by your plumber during an annual or regular inspection. A good rule of thumb is to avoid starting a load of laundry and leaving. This way eliminates the possibility of your flooding your laundry room while you’re gone.

If your washing machine’s hoses or connections leak, contact a licensed plumber to repair the problem. In the meantime, turn off the water to your home to prevent further damage.

HVAC System

A drain pipe is often used to extract the moisture formed by your air conditioner system. A major sign that your A/C system is leaking is when you notice moisture coming from the ceiling. Our friends at Gilmore, an HVAC company that offers air conditioning repairs in Sacramento, say, “If you’re experiencing this problem, the condensation line may be clogged, or the pan is accumulating water. Dirt, dust, mold, and other related materials are commonly responsible for this clog. To avoid this HVAC problem, we recommend annual HVAC tune-ups and changing the air filter every season.”

Pipes & Drains 

If your sewer drain is clogged or leaking, it can lead to a serious plumbing emergency. Not only does this take a toll on your home, but it also affects your health. Ask a plumbing company near me if they can install a backflow preventer in your sewage drains.

Keep in mind that tree roots are often the cause of many plumbing leaks. The roots will often infiltrate the plumbing pipes, causing your plumbing to leak. If you can, plant trees far enough away from your house. Otherwise, you may need to hire a plumbing contractor for trenchless sewer repair. 

Toilets

Every household needs a working toilet. There may be a few reasons why your toilet is leaking. Whether it’s overflowing or leaking at the supply line, it’s a problem that needs to be fixed immediately. When your toilet leaks at its supply line, you’ll need to stop its source. Start by opening the tank lid and closing the flapper. Then you’ll lift the ball and shut off the wall stop until a professional plumber can take a look. 

Kitchen

Another place that can experience plumbing leaks is in the kitchen. Here, we have the dishwasher and refrigerator. Most homeowners don’t keep up on washer or refrigerator maintenance until something goes wrong. Our plumbing contractors recommend checking these appliances on a regular basis. In the end, this could save you from having to replace your kitchen appliances or deal with plumbing repairs. Instead, you can focus on any home remodeling projects! 

Home’s Foundation

Slab leaks are water leaks that occur in the piping under your home’s base. Many are caused by improper development, changes in the city’s water pressure delivered to your home, soil movement caused by changes in weather conditions (from hot to cold and wet to dry), or natural disasters such as earthquakes. Fortunately, most slab leaks can be avoided with proper plumbing maintenance.

Furthermore, plumbing leaks can be caused by corrosion in your pipes. Avoid them by avoiding chemical drain cleaners for removing sewage clogs, and be sure to periodically check the pH levels of your incoming water; 6.5 to 8.5 is the usual range. Our plumbing contractors explain that a pH that is too high or too low can have negative effects on your pipes.

Although not a plumbing leak, improper irrigation, and drainage can cause damage to your house. If you have a plumbing leak, contact Tureks Plumbing for 24/7 emergency plumbing services in Appleton, WI. 

Continue Reading

How to Select a Fixtures for Your Remodel

March 24th, 2021
fixture for your remodel appleton wi

How to Select Your Fixtures for Your Remodel

Finding the perfect fixtures to compliment the cabinets and countertops is critical. If you’re on the hunt for new fixtures for your home remodel project, look no further. Our general contractors at Tureks Plumbing share some tips on how to select a fixture for your remodel. Below, we explore some trends to consider.

Expand The Faucet’s Range of Motion

Traditional faucets allow for little range of motion. When remodeling your kitchen, consider how the size of your faucet could expand full functionality. For instance, pull-out spouts, larger nozzles, and other design features can make for a modern, sleek, and efficient style.

LED Light-Equipped Faucets

A trend that has recently become popular in modern-day kitchens is LED Light-equipped faucets. This feature is perfect for those who often sneak into the kitchen or bathroom late at night. It’s not only practical but a great party trick. Many LED light-equipped faucets have the capability to change color with the temperature of the water. This makes a lot of sense from a practical point of view.

Touchless Faucets 

Touchless faucets are among the most useful modern technologies. If you’re undergoing a kitchen remodel, we highly suggest incorporating a touchless faucet. It makes everyday use so easy! The simple wave of your hand triggers the faucet to turn on. This is particularly useful when your hands are dirty. They’re also able to detect objects such as cups. Our friends at Maid for Muddy Paws, a cleaning company in The Woodlands, TX, agree that touchless faucets can help keep your kitchen more sanitary and make your daily tasks simpler.

Fixture Style

When you pick up your new kitchen fixtures, take note of your own sense of style rather than what’s most common. Think about whether you’re going to enjoy it as much as five years from now. There are so many different options when it comes to style that there is something for every taste. Modern minimalist fixtures often look better with a simple, understated style of decoration, while ornate faucets may complement a more luxurious kitchen. Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., a retail general contractor, recommend matte black or brass-colored fixtures for a timeless option.

Features to Consider

When remodeling, you may want to think about whether you prefer to have two different hot and cold knobs or a streamlined simplicity of a single handle. Do you want a water filtration device to be built into your socket? Will you like a pull-out sprayer? There are plenty of styles to choose from, even for something as basic as a kitchen faucet.

Hire a Home Remodeling Contractor

When the time comes to upgrade your bathroom or your kitchen, contact Tureks Plumbing Services. We offer both kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling services in the Fox City areas and beyond. Our plumbing contractors are happy to give you an estimate on your remodeling projects. Need 24/7 emergency plumbing services? Call Tureks Plumbing. 

Continue Reading

How to Unclog a Dishwasher

March 17th, 2021
how to unclog your dishwasher - Appleton, WI

How to Unclog a Dishwasher

Have you ever reached to open your dishwasher, only to see a big puddle of water at the bottom of it? You’re not the only one. If you have standing water at the bottom of your dishwasher, it’s time to call a plumber. Below, our plumbing contractors in Appleton, WI, share a few tips on how to unclog a dishwasher. 

Step 1: Unload The Dishwasher

The first thing you should do if your dishwasher is clogged should be to remove all of the dishes and silverware from your appliance. Once everything is cleared from your dishwasher, remove the bottom dishwasher rack so that you can easily access the bottom. 

Step 2: Turn Your Dishwasher Off

Ensuring that your dishwasher is turned off is critical for your safety. You may need to go to your electrical breaker and turn off the electricity in the kitchen. If you need help fixing your dishwasher, you can always contact Tureks Plumbing Services.

Step 3: Drain the Clogged Dishwasher 

Once your dishwasher has been disconnected, you’ll need to remove the standing water with a towel. This will allow you to get to the bottom of what started the clog. For instance, there could be pieces of broken glass causing your dishwasher not to drain properly. The chances are that you could find out what’s causing the problem if you just look at the bottom of the dishwasher. 

Step 4: Locate the Hose

If you haven’t figured out what’s causing your dishwasher to clog yet, you’ll need to locate the dishwasher’s drain hose. This connects directly connects to your sink’s garbage disposal. Look under the sink or under the dishwasher. You may have to take your dishwasher from out of the wall to access the hose. 

Step 5: Clear the Hose

There’s a chance that your dishwasher’s hose needs to be replaced or cleared. After locating the drain hose, detach it from the dishwasher. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a plumber in Woodbury, MN, about unclogging a dishwasher. They suggest using plyers to loosen or disconnect the hose. It would be a good idea to have a bucket or pan to catch any excess water from the hose. If indeed your drain is clogged, you can try to use can try commercial de-cloggers or grab a coat hanger and unclog it. If you don’t notice any debris that could damage the hose, there could be a clog in the dishwasher itself.

Step 6: Check the Dishwasher’s Drain

Look for a basket-shaped portion at the bottom of your dishwasher and remove it with a screwdriver. Then as you did with a drain hose, use a de-clogging system. If your dishwasher is still not draining properly at this stage, it’s time to search for a “plumber near me.”

Hire a Professional Plumber

To many people’s surprise, it’s very easy to learn how to unclog a dishwasher drain without the help of a professional. However, if not done properly, you can cause more harm than good. Decide whether or not DIY plumbing repair is worth it. To ensure that your dishwasher is working properly, contact Tureks Plumbing today. We offer a variety of plumbing services for homeowners in the Fox Cities and beyond, whether it’s 24/7 emergency service, home remodeling, or residential plumbing services.

Continue Reading