Repairing versus Replacing a Water Heater

December 18th, 2019

To repair or replace? This is an important question every homeowner needs to answer when dealing with water heaters. 

Water heaters are important in many homes. Homeowners would wish to repair their water heaters instead of buying new ones. It is more economical. However, there comes a time when replacing the water heater is actually more economical and beneficial. Deciding whether to repair or replace your water heater can be decided upon based on a number of factors. 

Here are some of the factors that will determine whether you will call a plumbing company in Appleton Wisconsin for a repair or a replacement for your water heater. 

Age of Your Water Heater

Water heaters tend to last long. A basic water heater will have a lifespan of about 10 years. If your water heater is less than ten years old and has been providing you with great service, then repairing it will make more sense. 

Note that all water eaters do not have the same lifespan. A storage water heater, for example, is likely to last for 15 years while a solar water heater is likely to last for 20 years. A tankless water heater lifespan will last longer.

Therefore, if the lifespan indicated has not lapsed, and the unit can be repaired, then let your plumber in Appleton Wisconsin carry out the repairs. 

Efficiency of Your Water Heater

How efficient is your water heater? 

You can tell how efficient your water heater is by looking at the sticker on the side, which estimates the annual costs of operation. Check to the R-Value (the ability for the water heater to resist heat based on its insulation). A higher R-value means better insulation. Replace the water heater is the R-value reads anything below 24 or if it feels hot to the touch. 

Additionally, check the water heater’s energy factor. The higher the energy factor, the more efficient your water heater is. Therefore, if your water heater is efficient in its operations, then repairing it will work well.  Reviewing tankless water heater facts can also help. 

Your Level of Satisfaction 

How satisfied are you with your water heater based on the amount of hot water you need in your home? 

If you have or are planning to have a family, then you will need to watch for water heater replacement signs at some point. Your hot water requirements will increase based on the number of people using it. You will also have more laundry and dishes to clean as well as more people using the shower. 

A water heater that served you well when you were, perhaps, two, will not be sufficient when the number hikes to 5. This calls for a replacement. 

The same case applies to when your family starts to decrease. There is no point in having a high capacity water heater if people are moving out of the house. You will be wasting money on heating water unnecessarily.  

Cost of a Water Heater

Cost is a major factor in deciding whether to repair or replace your water heater. However, there are a number of questions you need to answer if caught between repairing and replacing a water heater. They include: 

  • What is the cost of both repairing and replacing a water heater 
  • If repairing is cheaper, how long will the water heater last before it has to be repaired again?
  • Are there any warranties offered o the replaced pats by the installer? 

Answering these questions will help you determine which one is a more worthy option. 

Level of Damage

Your plumber will be better able to advise on the level of damage and whether you need to replace or repair it. Some issues like leaks might call for a replacement. 

If you are caught between repairing and replacing a water heater in Appleton, perhaps its best to consult a plumber, Tureks Plumbing Services offers you professional services for all your domestic needs to keep you enjoying your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What water heater problems are usually worth repairing?
Answer: Problems involving thermostats, heating elements, igniters, valves, or other replaceable components can often be repaired when the tank is still in good condition. Repair is generally more practical when the unit is relatively young and has not experienced repeated failures.

Question: Can a leaking water heater tank be repaired?
Answer: Leaks from fittings or valves may sometimes be repairable, but water leaking directly from the tank often indicates internal corrosion or structural failure. In that situation, replacing the water heater is usually necessary because the tank itself cannot be reliably repaired.

Question: Does sediment buildup mean I need a new water heater?
Answer: Sediment buildup does not automatically require replacement and may sometimes be addressed through professional flushing or maintenance. However, heavy buildup in an older unit can reduce performance and contribute to damage, making replacement worth considering.

Question: Should I replace my water heater before it completely fails?
Answer: Proactive replacement can make sense when an aging water heater has become unreliable or is approaching the end of its expected service life. Replacing it before failure can help avoid an unexpected loss of hot water or water damage from a leaking tank.

Question: Can I switch to a tankless water heater when replacing my old tank?
Answer: Many homeowners can switch from a storage tank to a tankless system, but the change may require updates to gas lines, venting, electrical service, or plumbing. A professional evaluation can determine whether the home can support the new system and what modifications are needed.

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Tips to Save Money on Your Bathroom Renovation

December 11th, 2019

Tips to Save Money on Your Bathroom Renovation - Tureks PlumbingMany homeowners put off remodeling their bathrooms and kitchens because the price tag of the renovation can be quite overwhelming. However, upgrading your bathroom doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg if you implement the following money-saving tips recommended by the bathroom remodel experts at Tureks Plumbing Services.

Put Together a Plan

There is nothing (cost-wise) as bad as starting your bathroom renovation when you don’t have a clear idea of what exactly you are trying to achieve and how you will achieve it. You are likely to make expensive mistakes. So, try to put a plan together and stick to it so that you can save money on your bathroom renovation.

To avoid making rookie mistakes, have a designer or remodel expert help you. These experts will come up with the most cost-effective ways to attain what you want. The cost you incur by hiring these professionals will pale in comparison to the savings that you make once the project gets underway. 

Don’t Shift the Plumbing

Tureks Plumbing Services strongly recommends that you keep the plumbing fixtures where they are if you want to keep the cost of the bathroom remodel affordably. As much as we make money by charging homeowners installation fees during remodels, we want to build relationships with our clients. So, we typically will advise against moving the plumbing if you’re on a tight budget (unless it is absolutely necessary). The money you save in this way can go towards other aspects of your renovation project, such as buying materials. Talk to an Appleton bathroom remodel professional first if you aren’t sure what you should do. 

Give the Mirror a New Frame

Think about this for a minute; when you say that you want to replace the mirror in the bathroom, are you tired of the mirror itself or the appearance of the frame no longer appeals to you? Oftentimes, the mirror itself may not be the problem. Rather, the frame may have started looking old, or the edges of the mirror could have started showing signs of wear.

Either way, giving the mirror a new stylish frame will cost less than replacing the mirror and its frame, and you will also transform the look of the bathroom mirror. How is that for hitting two birds with one stone! Our Appleton bathroom remodel experts can help you to select a frame that will match your stylistic needs during the renovation project.

Replace Just Parts of the Toilet

Did you know that changing the toilet seat and cover is enough to make your toilet look new? It is certainly more affordable to buy just a toilet seat and the cover instead of dumping the entire toilet in favor of a new one. You will save money on buying the new toilet, and you will save money on installation fees to fix the new toilet if you aren’t up to the task yourself. Tureks Plumbing Services has seen this done in lots of homes, so there is no reason why you can’t reduce how much you spend during your bathroom remodel by implementing the same money-saving tip.

Make Salvage Yards Your Favorite

You can also save money during your bathroom remodel by buying the materials you need at salvage yards, antique sales, and other home stores. One big benefit of shopping this way is that you can get one-of-a-kind pieces that will make your bathroom truly unique. You can get everything from cast iron tubs, a shower curtain valance, sinks, light fixtures, and everything else. The savings that you make when you shop in this way can quickly add up.

Go for Open Shelving

While the bathroom is a private place, not everything there needs to be hidden away. For example, why should you tuck your floral towels inside a dark cabinet? Do your pretty soaps deserve to be hidden inside a cabinet? Open shelving allows you to leave in plain sight those items that add color and beauty to your bathroom. Open shelving is also easier on the pocket. Appleton bathroom remodel experts say your bathroom will look larger than it is when you choose open shelving. This is definitely a good thing, especially if your bathroom is on the smaller side. 

Lighting is Your Friend

Nothing can transform a bathroom as dramatically as upgrading the lighting system. Change out the fixtures from those that were installed by the builder and replace them with the stylish ones you love. If possible, install a skylight so that natural light can flood into the bathroom during the day and make this space more inviting. These changes can be made without breaking the bank, and your bathroom will never be the same again with this new lighting. You can also look into installing a new or larger window in your bathroom for enhanced natural light. 

Buy Leftovers Online

Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., general contractors in Sacramento, says most people buy a lot more materials for the remodel projects than they actually need. When the project is completed, they are stuck with those materials, and they will do anything to get rid of them in order to free the space that they are occupying.

For this reason, the bathroom remodel professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services recommend that you hop online on sites like eBay and Craigslist in search of someone who is giving away what you need. Many people sell leftover tile and vanities. These leftovers are deeply discounted and will save you quite some money. You can then buy the extra amount you need from a hardware store to supplement what you have bought affordably online.

Tips to Save Money on Your Bathroom Renovation

As you can see, you don’t need to have a huge budget in order to remodel your bathroom. Use the tips above to keep your costs as low as possible, and get in touch with us at Tureks Plumbing Services for an affordable home remodel.

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4 Problems an Emergency Plumber Can Fix

December 4th, 2019

4 problems an emergency plumber can fixOf all the emergencies that you can prepare for in your home, plumbing emergencies rank at the top. There’s no reason to panic, just contact your local emergency plumber in Appleton, WI. Tureks Plumbing Services is open 24/7, and we’d gladly come out to your home at any time of day to help. In this article, we discuss the top 4 problems an emergency plumber can fix. 

Flooding and Water Damage

Flooding and water damage is something that plumbing professionals should deal with. These problems normally arise when a pipe bursts, a drain (toilet or sink, for example) is clogged or any other such situation that can cause water to flood into your home.

Emergency plumbing repairs are necessary to fix the damage that allowed water or sewage to flood your home. Once this repair is completed, you can then embark on the difficult task of dealing with the water damage itself. Mold and mildew can quickly grow and render the home unfit for occupation. If you’re experiencing flooding or water damage in any area of your home, contact Tureks Plumbing Services today.

Water Heater Problems

Hot water is a staple that is often taken for granted until it’s no longer accessible. The prospect of taking a cold shower in the middle of winter isn’t an exactly inviting one, so you can understand why a water heater problem qualifies as a plumbing emergency. 

If your water heater is not working, you may need a water heater replacement. Our techs will make a thorough diagnosis and determine whether or not your water heater should be replaced or needs a tune-up. Don’t go all winter with cold water. Call Tureks Plumbing Services immediately, and we will make sure your hot water is working correctly.

Frozen Pipes

The cold months of the year heighten the risk of water pipes freezing and bursting, especially the pipes that are in unconditioned spaces of your home, such as the crawlspace, the basement, and the attic.

When the water in your water pipes freezes, it expands and eventually causes the pipes to burst since the pipe cannot expand at the same rate or to the same degree as the water.

We asked our friends at Gilmore Heating & Air, a plumbing and heating & cooling company in Placerville, about how homeowners know if their pipe is frozen. They said that one way to detect that you have a frozen pipe is when no water comes out when you open the faucet. If you are sure that the water supply to that fixture hasn’t been disconnected, then there is a strong likelihood that water has frozen somewhere in that pipe.

This is the time for you to act quickly by calling a plumbing company in Appleton Wisconsin so that the pipe can be thawed safely by an emergency plumber before it bursts. The longer you wait, the more your risk water damage once the pipe expands to its limits and bursts.

It is best to work with Tureks Plumbing Services early enough so that your entire plumbing system can be winterized. This proactive step will avert the need to scramble and fix problems of frozen pipes and the associated consequences, such as water damage.

Blocked Drains and Toilets

Typically, if you’re experiencing clogged drains and toilets after you’ve cleared them, there’s a bigger issue at hand. If you’ve done everything you can and you’re drains are still blocked, you likely have a backed-up sewer line. This often happens in older homes. Tree roots are one of the common causes of blocked sewer lines. You can tell that your sewer line is blocked if the following occurs: 

  • Your drains all run slow.
  • You have several plumbing fixtures clogged at the same time.
  • Water backs up when you flush the toilet.
  • You hear a gurgling or bubbling sound when you run water in the bathroom.
  • When your washing machine drains, your drains back up with water.

Now that you’ve learned the top 4 problems an emergency plumber can fix, you can determine if you need emergency services. If you’re experiencing any or all of these plumbing problems, contact your Fox Valley plumber immediately. A blocked sewer line can get messy and costly fast. It’s best to let the experts at Tureks Plumbing Services do what they do best, so just give us a call, and we’ll be out to your home in no time. 

For questions about our 24/7 plumbing services in Appleton, WI, contact Tureks Plumbing Services. Our team is always happy to help.

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Signs your Kitchen Needs a Remodel

November 27th, 2019

Signs your Kitchen Needs a RemodelSigns your Kitchen Needs a Remodel

Your kitchen can be more functional today than when it was originally designed. The kitchen is often said to be the heart of your home. Most families use the kitchen for more than just preparing food and cleaning utensils. It is a gathering place where some of the most important moments in your family take place. This makes the kitchen one of the most important rooms in your house.

Over time, however, kitchens can become less functional than originally designed, especially if your family gets bigger. To ensure that your kitchen space can accommodate all these uses without you having to expand the space is a science we have perfected. When it comes time to remodel of your kitchen you will know, but just in case here are a few hints.

How can you tell that your kitchen needs remodeling?

There are a number of factors you need to consider before having an Appleton Kitchen remodel. They include:

Traffic Overflow in the Kitchen

You might have an easier time running your kitchen at the beginning if you have fewer people in it or if you are alone. But if you keep bumping into one another in the kitchen as your family grows, it is probably time to call in a Fox Cities Kitchen Remodeling Company.

Faded Counters and Cabinets

Kitchens are supposed to be inviting for everyone. They should have inviting colors and good lighting to create a cheerful ambiance. These tend to fade with time, so if you find your kitchen feels depressing, it might be time to remodel. Replacing faded countertops and outdated kitchen cabinetry might be the kitchen makeover boost you need to love the space again.

Wear and Tear on an Outdated Kitchen

Broken kitchen cabinet doors, failing taps, peeling paint, failing built-in kitchen appliances. All these can deprive your kitchen of the level of efficiency you used to enjoy at the beginning. They could also cause accidents. Such damages are a good reason to remodel your kitchen.

Have Your Kitchen Floors Become A Cleaning Menace

Cleanliness is one of the most important things you need to maintain in your kitchen. It is also important to ensure that your kitchen can be cleaned easily. However, if you find it increasingly hard to clean it, especially because of the wear and tear, or because there is too much clutter, it could be the best time to think of remodeling. Kitchen floors that are worn down and not easy to clean tend to be an issue for many.

Kitchen Functionality Issues

Kitchens tend to lose their functionality with time. Equipment and appliances that used to work a few years ago might be outdated and less effective. You might also find yourself with a kitchen that cannot accommodate your newest additions due to its interior design. Your remodeling company will offer you great services.

Pantry Storage Problems

Does it take you ages to locate things once they get into the kitchen? This is usually caused by a crumpled up kitchen. It affects efficiency and makes it harder to clean. Remodel your kitchen so that there is more storage space.

Before embarking on a remodeling exercise, have a kitchen remodeling checklist to go through to help you make a decision. This helps you decide the minor and major changes to effect in order to make your kitchen more comely. Feel free to consult with Tureks Plumbing services as well for professional plumbing services.

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Problems an Emergency Plumber can solve

November 20th, 2019

Problems an Emergency Plumber can solveProblems an Emergency Plumber Can Solve

Part of running a successful home is understanding how to properly maintain it. This means doing some things by yourself. Light maintenance such as replacing a bulb or a socket, mowing your lawn, are things you can do for yourself.

However, there comes a time when things break down and have to be fixed, immediately. These are things that require specialized skills and equipment to fix.

An emergency plumber is one of the most important people to have during these moments because they can offer you the best services in the shortest time possible. Here are some of the problems a plumbing company in Appleton Wisconsin will be able to help solve.

Frozen water pipes

This is common during the colder seasons. Water tends to freeze in areas where the plumbing is not adequately protected against the cold. It is likely to happen in the basement or in crawl spaces where pipes usually get exposed to the cold temperatures. The frozen pipes can burst and cause significant damage to your property if not taken care of. Your plumber is more conversant with winterizing plumbing and will be able to help.

Water Heater Issues

You are likely to use a lot of hot water for your daily chores. It, therefore, makes sense that you will want to call an emergency plumber in Appleton Wisconsin as soon as your water heater breaks down.

Clogged Toilet – When a Plunger Isn’t Working

Toilets tend to block from overuse or wrong use, especially in homes with many occupants. Waste material can accumulate in the narrower drainpipes making it impossible to flush and causing a lot of problems in your home. An emergency plumber will be able to unclog your toilet and restore it to its working order.

Water Heater Problems

Tanks used for hot water storage can start leaking and cause significant damage to your personal belongings and your home. Call an emergency plumber as soon as you find any form of leakage from your tank.

Clogged sewer line and drainage

Your sewer lines are responsible for draining away any waste material from your sinks, shower or bathtub. The sewer lines tend to carry, with it, debris which can accumulate over time and cause blockages. An emergency plumber will know exactly what to do in these situations and save you from experiencing significant damage to your home.

Overflowing Septic Tank

Your septic tank is most likely going to be located in your yard. These tend to overflow, especially in cases where they aren’t been properly taken care of. The overflow can find itself in your backyard making it easier for the waste to be carried back into the house. If you notice an overflowing septic tank, stop using water and call an emergency plumber immediately.

Sump Pump Malfunctioning

A sump pump is one of the most important equipment to have in a basement if rainy seasons are prone to introduce flood water into your basement. This is because your basement is below the water table making it easy for water flow inside and accumulate.

The sump pump drains the water and pumps it away where it is less likely to cause any form of damage. A break down can cause flooding which may, in turn, damage to your basement and belongings. Your plumber will be able to quickly fix a malfunctioning sump pump and save you from suffering these damages.

One of the main reasons to trust a plumber in Appleton Wisconsin is because they are able to work efficiently to solve your problems. That is why you should not hesitate to call Tureks Plumbing Services for 24/7 emergency plumbing services.

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Tankless Water Heater vs. Tank Water Heater

November 13th, 2019

Tankless Water Heater vs. Tank Water HeaterTankless vs. Tank Water Heaters: Which One Is Right for You?

Water heaters are an important addition to any home. For years, homeowners have relied on hot water to carry out different cleaning activities in their houses. Additionally, technology has allowed the invention of different types of water heaters.

They are mainly divided into two, tankless water heaters and storage tank water heaters. These two vary in many ways and as a homeowner, it is important to understand the differences. To be sure you make the right decisions when picking a water heater in Appleton read on.

What Is a Tankless Water Heater?

A tankless water heater provides hot water on demand by heating it directly as it flows through the unit, without using a storage tank. This makes it more energy efficient, space-saving, and longer-lasting than traditional tank models. It delivers continuous hot water but has a higher upfront cost and installation requirements.

About Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are unlike the traditional forms of water heaters. Heating is provided by gas or electricity which is able to rapidly heat water on demand.

Tankless water heaters are considered more energy efficient. Additionally, they have a longer lifespan of about 20-30 years and require little plumbing maintenance. This form of water heating system comes with a higher initial cost but will save you money in the long run.

A tankless water heater is ideal for you if there are many users in your home. It also consumes less space compared to a storage-tank water heater. The tankless water heaters we recommend are made by Rinnai.

Storage Tank Water Heater

This is one of the oldest and most common forms of water heating systems. It employs the use of a tank for storage purposes where the required temperature of the water is maintained.

A storage tank water heater has a lower initial cost in terms of purchase and installation. It also costs less in repairs and maintenance allowing you to save money. However, they do not last long compared to tankless water heaters.

Our friends at Gilmore Heating and Air, a heating company in Placerville, add that you are also likely to have higher utility bills because the talk keeps reheating the water to maintain the required temperatures. Additionally, your water heater is likely to use more energy if you live in colder regions.

They require plenty of space for the tank. Their lower longevity also poses a risk to your property as well. Problems such as leakages can cause damage to other equipment or furniture in your house.

Choosing between Tankless water heaters and Storage Tank water heater

Most of the traditional equipment in your home is being replaced by newer and more efficient equipment. The same goes for water heaters. You are better off picking a tankless water heater if your finances allow  you. The money you spend will be recovered from the money you save throughout its lifetime. You are also going to spend a lot more if you are replacing your tank storage water heater with a tankless one.
Tankless water heaters can function well if placed outside the house. These work well if you live in a place where space is an issue.

Storage tank water heaters are also ideal for anyone who cannot handle the initial cost of installation. However, you will be required to spend a little more on repairs and maintenance. It also not a very convenient way to heat water if you are many in the house since it requires some time to heat the water.
If you need a plumbing company in Appleton Wisconsin to help you pick the best water heating mechanism then look no further than Tureks plumbing services.

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The Steps in Trenchless Sewer Repair

November 5th, 2019

Steps In Trenchless Sewer RepairThe Steps in Trenchless Sewer Repair

Sewer lines are prone to problems caused by daily use. This is especially the case in most homes with more than one occupant. Other environmental factors can also cause damage to sewer lines. If you have ever wondered how trenchless sewer repair works we have created an outline of the process.

It is important to make sure that your sewer lines work at all times. As you can imagine they tend to be a modern luxury we take for granted. Sewer failure causes significant issues in your home. Damaged sewer lines are not something you want to try and repair on your own.

When the sewage in your home backs up, call a plumber in Appleton Wisconsin who will have a number of options to fix your problem. They might suggest a trenchless sewer repair. Generally, sewer repair means digging tunnels in your yard and sometimes on the road which would cause disruption. It would probably take days to fix and leave your yard needing some landscaping repair.

However, with a trenchless repair, you can expect no serious damage to your yard or its surrounding. Your plumber will take a relatively shorter time fixing your damaged sewer lines. Additionally, you will save a lot of money in the end.

Given the benefits associated with a trenchless sewer repair, it is important to learn the steps your plumber in Wisconsin will take to rectify your sewer lines.

Steps Taken in Trenchless Sewer Repair

The first step your plumber will take is to locate the problem. They will then assess the damage and decide the best way forward. Your plumber will do this by using a camera that is specially designed to snake its way along the sewer line to determine where the problem is.

Next, the plumber will access the sewer line through its shallowest point or the point closest to the surface. This will, of course, be outside closer to the basement where the line is likely to be easily exposed.
They will then use hydro jetting to flush the line and clean it before removing any accumulated debris using a manual or powered plumbing snake. Once the line is clean and free of any debris, your plumber will be ready to start repairs.

Repairs are usually carried out using a cured in place liner or CIPP. The liner is measured and cut before being placed in a calibrated roller assembly. Resin is used to saturate the liner using a vacuum assist before being pushed into the inversion tank. The tank is sealed.

The plumber will then fold the lead end of the liner before clamping it in place. Inversion takes place using air pressure which pushes the liner into the pipe

This resin makes it easy for the liner to harden inside the sewer pipe. The liner can take any shape and form of the host pipe, including navigating 90 degree bends thus allowing it to seal off any damages.
Depending on the diameter of your sewer line, curing is supposed to take anywhere between 1-30 hours. Your plumber will use a camera to make sure that the CIPP is properly placed before the sewer line can be used again.

Repairing a damaged sewer line using the trenchless method is a painless and cheap option for your home. If you are looking for a plumbing company in Appleton Wisconsin, look no further than Tureks for fast and quality service.

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7 Ways to Prevent Frozen Water Pipes

October 23rd, 2019

ways to prevent frozen pipes - Tureks Plumbing ServicesWhen water freezes, it expands. However, your water pipes will not expand, and this exposes them to the risk of bursting and causing costly water damage in and around your home. The plumbing professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin, reveal that matters don’t have to get that bad since there are measures that you can take to prevent the pipes from freezing. The following discussion points out the many ways to prevent frozen water pipes this winter.

Wrap the Pipes in Heater Tape

You can prevent water pipes from freezing by buying heater tape from a reliable supplier and wrapping that tape around the pipes. Talk to a plumber in Appleton, Wisconsin, about the best UL-approved tape that will protect your pipes. Make sure that you follow the specific usage instructions provided by the tape manufacturer. For example, avoid wrapping insulation on the heater tape if the manufacturer warns against doing so.

Insulate the Pipes from the Cold Ambient Air

Another way to keep the water pipes in your home warm is by keeping the cold air from getting to those pipes. This method entails wrapping the pipes in foam tape designed for insulating pipes. While wrapping the pipes, check and confirm that no gaps exist in the insulation. Fox Valley plumbers recommend that you miter all the foam tape ends that meet at pipe corners and keep them in place using duct tape. This method will simply prolong the time it takes for the ambient cold to reach the pipes, but it isn’t a permanent fix to the possibility of frozen pipes.

Open the Taps

If you happen to experience a power disruption on a particularly cold night, don’t resign to the possibility that the water pipes will freeze. Instead, Tureks Plumbing Services recommends that you open the faucets so that a tiny amount of water keeps dripping out of the pipes, thereby preventing them from freezing. The amount of water that you lose when you do this will be nothing if compared to the costs you could incur when the pipes freeze and burst, triggering massive water damage after thawing.

Seal Any Gaps Near Pipes

The approach of winter may also be the time for you to check around all water pipes and identify any gaps in the walls. Fix those gaps using caulk or any other appropriate material so that cold air from outside doesn’t get in and cause the pipes to freeze. Invite an Appleton, Wisconsin plumber to inspect your home for any hidden gaps just so you are sure that these leaks won’t expose your water pipes to the risk of freezing and bursting.

Adjust the Thermostat

Changing the settings of the thermostat in your home can also protect your water pipes from freezing and bursting. Appleton Wisconsin plumbers recommend that you set the thermostat to at least 13°C (55°F). This temperature setting will be high enough to prevent the water in the pipes from freezing. Warm air will also get to the attic and other unconditioned spaces, thereby protecting the pipes there as well.

Drain the Water Lines

The water pipes in and outside your home will not freeze if there is no water in them. It, therefore, follows that another winterization measure that you can take is to drain all the water lines, starting with the main water line and all the lines supplying the different points of use in your homes, such as the kitchen faucet and the dishwasher.

A good place to start is by locating the main shutoff valve found outside your home near the street. Turn this valve off and then locate the other shutoff valve located either in your basement or in a box outdoors close to the exterior wall. Turn this off, too, and then open the faucets to drain all the water left in the pipes.

If the flow doesn’t stop, Tureks Plumbing Services advises that you check again to confirm that you turned off the shutoff valves in the two locations mentioned above.

Check for Leaks 

Inspect all the water supply lines and see if you can find any detectable water leaks. Fix the leaks that you find before the cold weather sets in. If you aren’t up to this task, call an Appleton Wisconsin plumber for help.

The measures above can be of great help in reassuring you that you have done what you can to prevent the water pipes on your property from freezing. However, there is a possibility that your winterization efforts are not enough, especially if you live in an area that is particularly prone to very cold winters. The best way to be certain that your plumbing pipes are safe is by inviting a plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services to conduct a thorough winterization inspection. We’ll make sure that your pipes are ready for the winter. Contact us today to set up an appointment. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services in the Appleton, Wisconsin areas. 

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Why Your Home Water May Be Slow

October 16th, 2019

One of the worst problems that any homeowner can ever have to deal with is a sewer backup. We’ve received many plumbing emergency calls from Appleton, Wisconsin homeowners asking Tureks Plumbing Services for help. Almost every time it’s a sewer backup. So, we’ve compiled the following common causes of why your home water may be slow so that you can know how to avert the avoidable factors behind this serious problem.

Tree Roots in Your Sewer Line 

Tree roots tend to grow towards the places where nutrients and moisture are available. If a tree root penetrates the sewer pipe, that root will eventually grow large and cause a blockage within the sewer pipe. Before long, you will notice that sewage is flowing slowly or even backing up within your home.

Don’t be deceived into thinking that this problem will not occur to you since you don’t have any trees in your yard. Roots can spread from a neighboring property and into your yard, so Appleton plumbers say roots from a neighboring property have the potential to cause sewer line problems in your home.

If you have trees on your property and you suspect that they could trigger sewer backup problems, talk to an Appleton, Wisconsin plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services and he or she will conduct a thorough inspection of the sewer line to ascertain whether tree root intrusion has occurred or is likely to occur. The necessary preventive steps can then be taken to either remove the roots in the pipes or apply root killers to prevent nearby roots from perforating the sewer line.

Sewer Line Clogs

Sewer line clogs are one of the most common reasons why wastewater will flow slowly or back up into your home. Appleton, Wisconsin drain repair professionals, say that most clogs arise because drains aren’t being used properly.

For example, when some members of your household use the toilet as their wastebasket, the things that they dump into the toilet will cause a clog to develop sooner rather than later. A clear example is when feminine hygiene products are routinely flushed down the toilet. These don’t degrade quickly enough, so a clog ends up developing and causing a sewer backup.

Secondly, the improper use of the garbage disposal in the kitchen can also contribute to the slow flow of sewage on your property. For instance, when large quantities of kitchen wastes are dumped into the disposal, those materials will block a section of the sewer pipe over time, and a clog will form. The experts at Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin, therefore, advise homeowners to dump small quantities of kitchen wastes at a time and then run tap water through the garbage disposal to ensure that the wastes have gone through the system neatly.

Grease and fats are another reason why sewer backups can occur in homes. When these materials are poured down the kitchen drain, they cool and solidify within the sewer pipes. Over time, different forms of debris bunch together at the points where this grease and fat has accumulated on the walls of the pipe, and a clog becomes inevitable. The resulting sewer backup can be difficult to fix conclusively until the grease and fats sticking to the sewer pipe walls are removed using hydro-jetting or any other appropriate method. An Appleton plumber can assess the situation and select the most appropriate way to get a long-term solution.

A Collapsed or Broken Sewer Line

Most sewer pipes over 20 years old are made from clay or cast iron. As those materials age, they weaken and collapse in sections. These collapsed or broken sewer pipes often cause the flow of wastes to slow down. Backups can also result when the sewer pipe breaks or collapses.

Newer homes aren’t immune to broken or collapsed sewer pipes because this problem can be triggered by several factors. For example, Appleton plumbers have often been called to repair sewer lines that collapse after a heavy vehicle is driven over them during a home improvement project.

Earth movements can also cause a sewer line to collapse. Talk to a professional at Tureks Plumbing Services if you notice that the flow of sewage is slow after a particularly heavy bout of rain. This can also be caused by excavation work has been done on your property or that of a neighbor. The soil around the sewer pipe may have shifted because of those activities. Resulting in the sewer backups you are noticing. This  may be the effects of that soil movement.

Downspouts, Sump Pumps, and Gutters Connected to the Sewer System

Connecting the downspouts, gutters and sump pump to the sewer system can be a ticking time bomb. When the snow melts, or there is heavy rain, the sewer system can be overwhelmed. Large quantities of water flowing into it can cause unnecessary sewer damage. When this happens, you are likely to observe that sewage will flow slowly. It may even back up if a deluge of water gets into the sewer system all at once.

Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin doesn’t always recommend that the downspouts be connected to the sewer system. These should be channeled into the stormwater drainage system since it is designed to carry away such water runoff.

Municipal Sewer Problems

Sometimes, the slow-flowing sewage on your property is as a result of problems with the municipal sewer system. For example, if the municipal sewer system has a clog, sewage may back up within your property.

In most cases, issues on the municipal sewer system aren’t your responsibility as a homeowner, but you need to consult your local Appleton plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services so that if it is found that the defect causing the backup isn’t on your property, then the utility company can be notified to rectify the problem.

As you can see, many of the reasons why sewage may flow slowly are within your control as a homeowner. If lack the knowledge on how to manage those sewer issues, Tureks Plumbing Services can help. Give us a call today and we’ll help you with your plumbing service needs.

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Repipe FAQ

October 9th, 2019

Repipe FAQA home plumbing repipe exercise is a project in which all the plumbing pipes in the home are replaced in order to resolve the plumbing problems you’ve been having. Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin, offers copper and PEX repipes that are cost-effective, fast and durable. The following frequently asked questions will help you to get more clarity about the necessity of repiping.

Is the Water Pressure in Your Home Low?

Low water pressure is one of the warning signs that can alert you that you may need a repipe to be done by an Appleton, Wisconsin plumber. As pipes age, they tend to corrode. This interior corrosion can inhibit the flow of water. As the flow remains impeded for long, leaks develop due to the constant pressure to which the constricted pipes are subjected.

You know what happens when water pipes develop leaks, don’t you? Water damage, mold, and other problems will become evident. The solution to this plumbing problem is a home repipe.

Have You Ever Been Scalded by Hot Water When Someone Flushed the Toilet While You Showered?

Under normal circumstances, the plumbing system in your home is designed to provide water to all points of use, such as the kitchen faucet and toilet, at the same time. However, the plumbing experts at Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin, explain that when internal corrosion occurs within the pipes, water is no longer able to flow freely to all the places where it is needed. 

Consequently, you could end up being scalded while taking a shower if another person flushes the toilet. This is because when the person flushes the toilet, the limited cold water available rushes to refill the toilet tank and you will be left with only hot water flowing to the shower.

The best way to solve this problem is by asking your local Appleton plumber for professional repiping services.

Are You Keen on Proactive Plumbing System Maintenance?

If you are the type of person who would rather take the necessary steps to avert plumbing problems before they occur, rather than one who waits for problems to develop and them fixes them, then repiping the plumbing system may be the right plumbing project for you.

A home repipe will ensure that the plumbing system is always performing at its best without developing any defects, such as springing frequent leaks.

Is the Plumbing System 5 Years or Older?

Every plumbing material has an expected service life, and those materials will deteriorate with the passage of time. For this reason, it may be advisable for you to talk to a plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services about the possibility of professional repipe services. Your Appleton, Wisconsin plumber will conduct a thorough assessment of the plumbing system and give you sound advice regarding the necessity to repipe the home.

If he or she finds that the condition of the plumbing system warrants a home repipe, then you will be given an estimate of the most cost-effective way to have this system repipe done so that your home can have a plumbing system in peak condition.

Have You Noticed Yellow or Rust-Colored Water in Your Home?

If you notice that the water in your bathtub looks rusty, the pipes supplying that water could have corroded. The extent of the internal corrosion can be assessed by finding out how many faucets discharge rusty-looking water. If the problem is evident throughout the home, then the best long-term solution to the problem is to have your plumbing system repiped by Tureks Plumbing Services.

As you can see, a home repipe project is a sure way to fix most of the plumbing problems that you have been having in your home. These problems include recurrent water leaks, low water pressure, inferior pipe materials that develop defects easily and poor delivery of hot water throughout the home. Our Plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services have extensive experience performing repipe projects, so give us a call today. We will discuss how this plumbing service can be of benefit to you.

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