Causes of Foul-Smelling Septic Tank and Slow Drain

September 12th, 2018

Causes of foul-smelling septic tank and slow drain

Foul-Smelling Septic Tank and Slow Drain: 4 Possible Causes

A foul-smelling septic tank and slow drain are among some of the serious plumbing problems that must be addressed immediately. Otherwise, these can lead to costly home repairs.

To better understand how these problems happen, Turek’s Plumbing shares four potential causes and some ways to prevent them.

Overuse

Just like any home appliance or furnishings, overusing your draining system can lead to problems. If, for instance, you and your family are using more water and giving out more waste than what your septic tank can accommodate, slow draining will happen in an instant.

Water usage is usually the main culprit because, with too much water, the septic tank will drain too long. Also, the sediments that have settled at the bottom of the tank will be disturbed. As a result, it will flow into the leach field, which will then clog up the system. When this happens, there will be sewage backup, and wastewater can leak into your home and in your yard.

Thus, if it has been 2-3 years since your septic tank has been pumped-out, contact an Appleton plumber now. A professional septic tank pumping and cleaning service will prevent the occurrence of serious septic tank problems. Investing in this service periodically will prevent blockages in the sewer drain, eliminate foul smells, and prevent the leakage of sewage.

Mechanical Issues

Slow drains can also be a result of mechanical issues. Your toilet or sink may have become ill-fitted over time. This must be checked by a Fox Valley plumbing company to make sure that your fixtures and drainage will once again function efficiently and properly.

Tree Roots

The roots of your trees are too resilient. They can easily drill right through anything that is on their way. So make sure that your drainage system and septic tank are installed in an area where tree roots can’t reach.

Long Plumbing Maintenance Intervals

Plumbing maintenance must be done on a regular basis. But if you have a busy daily schedule, there is a higher possibility that you’ll forget to call professionals to inspect and clean your septic system. You may only be reminded when it’s already too late.

So to prevent this from happening, you need to create a schedule or perhaps assign a family member to remind you of the cleaning and pumping schedule. If not, you can use today’s technology – for instance, create a reminder on your smartphone.

Adhering to a regular maintenance schedule for your septic system must be taken seriously. After all, this is the only way for you to enjoy a quick-draining home.

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Bathroom Plumbing Basics

September 5th, 2018

Basic plumbing problems

5 Bathroom Plumbing Basics Homeowners Should Know By Heart

Plumbing issues in the bathroom can be one of the most stressful problems you can have in your home.

Knowing the basic bathroom plumbing hacks can ensure you can still use your toilet until a professional plumber can get to the bottom of your issue and provide a long-lasting solution.

Here are five bathroom plumbing basics you should know about to deal with some common plumbing issues:

Low water pressure

Taking a bath with low water pressure can really be a drag. But before you call a plumber, check if the pressure remains low when you switch from cold water to hot water. If it does, this means that there is some kind of mineral deposit in your shower head aerator.

If your aerator is removable, take it out and soak it in vinegar overnight. In case the aerator is not detachable or your shower doesn’t have one, soak the shower head in a bag of vinegar overnight.

In case this quick-fix does not work, an Appleton plumber says that the shower head cartridge may be blocking the water flow, thus causing the low water pressure. For this instance, you need to call a plumber since the cartridge needs to be removed and fixed or replaced.

The plumber will also need to the check the water pressure at the water meter and inspect your pipes to determine other possible causes.

Leaking faucet

One of the most common causes of a dripping faucet is a worn-out washer. This is the rubber part that forms a seal to prevent water from coming out. All rubber washers wear out over time due to exposure to water.

To know if this is the cause of dripping faucet in your bathroom, you will have to unscrew the faucet to remove the cartridge and check the washer. If you don’t have the tools to unscrew the faucet and to remove the cartridge, you will have to call a plumber.  

Slow or clogged drains

Slow or clogged sinks and shower drains are often caused by a buildup of accumulated hair, soap and shampoo scum, and other debris in the drains.

To fix this issue, remove the pop-off drain cover in the sink or shower floor. Put on some rubber gloves and remove any debris. You can also use an auger or an old, partially straightened wire hanger to pull up hair strands and other debris.

If this does not fix the problem, use a plunger to loosen the debris. Next, flush the drains with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to further unclog and clean the drains.

Clogged Toilet

A clogged toilet can make your bathroom and even your home unsanitary.

If you’re not afraid to get dirty to try and fix this problem, use a plunger to remove the clog. In case the plunger does not work, use an auger to dislodge clogs that the plunger can’t reach.

If you don’t want to unclog your toilet on your own or it still doesn’t work, call a professional.

Running Toilet

Lastly, a running toilet problem can often be fixed by replacing a warped or broken flapper, installing a new chain, or readjusting the float.

If you have this issue, you should start by checking the flapper valve first since this part often breaks easily. You can then replace the flapper easily. There are also different toilet repair kits you can buy to stop water from running continuously in your toilet.

In case any these quick fixes do not work, hire a plumber to check your toilet since there will be a deep-seated cause behind this problem.

When you have a bathroom plumbing issue, it is important that you know the difference between minor and major plumbing issues. This will help you save a lot of time and effort in attempting a DIY job. It will prevent you from spending more money than needed as well.

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Warning Signs of a Damaged Sewer Pipe

August 27th, 2018

Warning Signs of a Damaged Sewer Pipe

A damaged pipe can be a big hassle and a huge drain on your monthly budget.

And unknown to many homeowners, this issue often takes years to arise. More often than not, the warning signs of a damaged sewer pipe are there, hiding in plain sight, ignored, or attributed to another problem.

Homes that are 25 years old or older are particularly vulnerable to damaged sewer pipes. This is because these often use cast iron pipes.

What are the warning signs of damaged sewer pipe homeowners should be on the lookout for?

Slow drainage

Slow drainage is a fairly common plumbing problem which can be resolved fairly quickly. However, if the problem is not resolved after several attempts, it may be a sign of an impending sewer pipe damage.

Here, slow drainage is an indicator of the formation of the blockage.

Foul odor

A sewer pipe that is in good working condition should be able to contain the scent of sewer gas.

If you notice that distinct odor in your home, it may be a sign that the sewer pipe has been cracked.

Backups and blockages

When the backup or blockage occurs in more than one drain, it is highly likely that your sewer pipes are deteriorating.

Therefore, these types of backups and blockages do not respond positively to pipe cleanings.

Molds

Molds build up when the humidity level inside a home increases. And one of the possible causes for the increase of humidity inside a home is a cracked sewer pipe. Our friends at Gilmore Heating & Air, a residential ac company in Placerville, recommend consulting with an HVAC company to learn about bacteria-fighting heating and cooling systems.

Pest problems

You have tried practically every solution available for you to get rid of rodents and insects that have infested your home and nothing still works.

It’s not that the solutions that you have implemented are simply not working. It is highly possible that you are attacking parts of the problem.

These unwanted invaders take advantage of the smallest available space to invite themselves in your home.

Patches of unusually green grass

You’re proud of your lawn and all of the efforts you have put toward it. But during one of your mowing sessions, you notice one particular area where the grass seems to be thriving.

The culprit may be the sewage leaking below that area, blessing the grass with nutrients.

Structural damage

When sewer pipes are nearing the end of their usable lifespan and potential damage is imminent, you will notice structural damage in and around your home.

So, this can take various forms, including cracks or settlements in the foundation, sinkholes, and indentations in the lawn or beneath pavers.

Be vigilant

Taken individually, these signs may be considered as indicators of smaller problems.

But if you notice these in conjunction with one another, you might be facing a serious plumbing problem. Contact a plumbing expert immediately. 

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5 Common Sewer Line Problems And Signs You Have Them

August 20th, 2018

5 Common Sewer Line Problems And Signs You Have Them

Your residential sewer line plays a crucial role in allowing you to have a hygienic and healthy home. When your sewer line is blocked, broken, or has certain issues, this will affect the entire main line of your home plumbing system.

Here are the five common sewer line problems you may encounter and signs that you have these issues:

Blockage

Sewer lines can become blocked if you keep throwing grease and oil down the sink and flushing objects that shouldn’t be flushed, such as diapers and tampons. The blockage will then restrict water flow in your sewer line.

Common signs that indicate you have a blocked sewer line are:

  • Loud gurgling noises in the pipes
  • The drains are working slower
  • Water is backing up into the lowest drains of your home

Broken, collapsed and skewed pipes

Old residential sewer lines especially those produced before the ‘90s were made of clay or poor-quality plastic pipes. These fixtures become weaker and brittle as the years go by.

If these pipes are not replaced, they will be broken by the shifting of frozen ground or soil surrounding the sewer lines. They can be broken by tree roots as well.

Deteriorated pipes can cause sewer backup. As such, you will also observe water backing up and your drains working slower if your sewer line pipes are damaged.

Tree root infestation

Tree roots naturally gravitate towards areas where water sits to find nutrients. If the sewer line is close enough, roots may grow directly into the pipes. The roots will enter through cracks, crevices, and holes.

Tree root infestations can cause water to back up and overflow. This is one of the biggest plumbing problems you may encounter and often requires major repairs.

Pipe corrosion

Iron pipes last for about 15 to 20 years. After that, they can rust and break open.

Pipe corrosion can also be hastened by the mineral content of the water flowing through the pipe. Its location (behind walls or underground) will speed up its deterioration as well.

If you are experiencing frequent drain backup, your sewer line may already be corroded.

Blocked house trap

A house or plumbing trap is a specially designed fitting shaped like a U which prevents odors from coming out of a city line. It contains water which acts as a natural barrier that blocks odors from escaping and preventing any of them from entering the home.

In case objects such as diapers and tampons are caught in the belly of the trap, the entire system may start to malfunction.

A bad smell coming from your drains can indicate that you have this sewer line issue.

So, knowing the common sewer line problems and their signs is one thing; dealing with them is another. Fixing these issues can be time consuming, complicated, and dirty job. As such, it is best to call plumbing experts immediately when you notice these plumbing problem signs.  

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Where to Find Your Sewer Cleanout

August 13th, 2018

Where to Find Your Sewer Cleanout

Clogs and sewage – certainly not the stuff everyday conversations are made of.

Still, it pays to know what you need to do in case your household ever, quite, unfortunately, gets plagued by a stoppage in the main drain line.

This is not just about a drain clog in the toilet, tub or sink. The main drain line delivers all the wastewater coming from your house to the city or municipal sewer system, or to a septic tank and leach field system.

Hence, a blockage in your main drain line means raw sewage backing up into your house resulting in an unimaginable stench, and waste-laden water spilling over to your floors – the stuff of nightmares, and a certain health hazard unless addressed ASAP.

This is why it is so important for you to know exactly where to find your sewer cleanout. If it’s your first time getting to know about this feature of your plumbing system, read on.

For every house, there’s usually only one sewer cleanout

Ideally, all houses should have a main sewer cleanout. But a few don’t, while some larger houses can have as many as three.

Whenever there is a blockage in your main drain line, this is the plumbing fitting to look for.

But how do you find it?

To locate your main sewer cleanout, you need to do a bit of sleuthing to determine where it is highly likely to be found.

Its location is usually dependent on geography and the house design. However, there are three spots you can try checking first where you might just find it:

Outdoor Clean-Outs

Residences located in regions with a warm climate tend to have their main cleanout located outside. Try looking behind thickets or bushes, or see if you can find a plastic or metal box in a recess in the soil.

Basement

If you have a basement, the main cleanout would most probably be located there.

Bathroom

If you live in a house with a slab foundation, you may want to go looking for the main cleanout in the bathroom. If it’s not there,  your garage where it’s likely to be found near a floor drain.

Get professional plumbing help

A main sewer line blockage is something you most likely can’t fix on your own. A stoppage in the main line is something which definitely requires the expertise and skills of experienced plumbers. You’ll need tools such as a drain snake or a motorized drain auger to fix the problem. You also need to protect yourself from the unsanitary conditions of dealing with sewage. Therefore, give your trusted plumber a call, and get your plumbing issue fixed right away.

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What Do I Do With an Old Bathtub?

August 7th, 2018

What Do I Do With an Old Bathtub?

So you’ve just recently noticed that your tub’s old and worn, and you also suspect that it has already begun to leak. With no bathroom renovation budgeted for in, say, the next five years, getting your tub replaced doesn’t seem like a great idea.

After all, the mess replacing your tub will lead to, and the huge expense and the time it would take for the newly installed tub to be reusable, aren’t things you can deal with right now. All you want is an efficient and reasonable option to get your tub working again within the shortest time possible.

So if you ask yourself, What do I do with an old bathtub, when buying an entirely new one is out of the question? The answer is to either get it refinished or relined.

Tub Refinishing

Otherwise known as “reglazing,” tub refinishing is a labor-intensive process (about four to six hours of site work by a single technician) which involves the use of hazardous chemicals and the following basic steps:

  • Masking the tub surface to protect it from the overspray
  • Venting the bathroom area to get rid of the toxic fumes
  • Caulk removal
  • Swathing the tub in hydrofluoric acid to ensure surface adherence
  • Washing away the hydrofluoric acid
  • New caulk installation
  • Air drying the tub with a fan
  • Spray on coating fast-drying epoxy (two coats)
  • Cleaning with a tack cloth to get rid of dust particles and other foreign objects
  • Spray applications of a polyurethane finish coat (x4) with sanding done in between applications
  • Polishing
  • Curing time of 24 hours (minimum) before the tub can be used with water

Tub Relining

Unlike reglazing work which involves most of the action taking place right in your own home, tub reliners are made offsite after a local installer like Tureks Plumbing has taken exact measurements of your tub and sends them, along with some clear photos, to the tub liner manufacturer he works for.

So, what happens next?

  • Identification of the make/model by the tub liner manufacturer.
  • Using an in-house model of the same, a vacuum-formed mold of the tub is made using a sheet of 1/4 inch ABS acrylic (it’s used for football helmets and airplane windshields, too!). The resulting mold is a 35-pound liner that fits seamlessly on your old tub. Take note that this process takes about four to eight weeks!
  • Prior to installation, the installer uses denatured alcohol to thoroughly clean the old tub and removes both the drain and overflow. The liner is then trimmed to ensure it fits snugly, especially if your tub is in a corner or is set against the wall.
  • The tub liner is then securely attached to the old tub using a two-sided butyl tape and silicone adhesive combo.
  • A matching new drain and overflow are also installed.
  • To finish off, the installer applies caulking at the seams.

The entire installation process can take six to eight hours for one technician to finish. Then you can use your “new” tub right away.

Weighing Your Options

Both refinishing and relining are cost-effective options if you do not have the budget yet to get a new tub, nor do you have the inclination to have your bathroom use interrupted by a mini home renovation project. They can also add years of use to your tired, old tub – depending on what is stated on the warranty.

However, if you have a fiberglass tub, a jetted one or a claw-foot tub, you may need to look elsewhere. Both reglazing and relining companies tend to not take on jobs for such tub types.

So, have you decided yet? Be sure to call Tureks Plumbing Services for more professional advice regarding your tub fixing options.

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What Is That Loud Noise After I Flush?

July 16th, 2018

What Is That Loud Noise After I Flush?

As you flush your toilet, you are caught unawares by the unusually loud sound you hear.

Do you have a small animal trapped somewhere in the bathroom? Is there some structural damage within the walls of the bathroom? Surprised, you flush the toilet again, confirming that the loud sound did indeed come from inside the bathroom. 

“What is that loud noise after I flush?” you ask yourself. The simple answer: A water hammer.

A Water Hammer

A water hammer occurs when water traveling at a fast speed suddenly stops. In this case, the closing of the toilet valve causes the water to stop its movement and crash against the valve. In turn, this causes the pipes to vibrate against your bathroom walls.

Imagine the water inside your toilet pipes as a long line of cars traveling a highway. And then one of the cars makes an abrupt stop without giving the other trailing cars an opportunity to swerve or put on the brakes at a comfortable distance. The result of that is a massive pile-up.

That, in essence, is what happens when a water hammer occurs.

But why do water hammers occur in the first place?

Water hammers are more likely to happen in homes that were built in the sixties. The pipes used in the toilets of these homes are equipped with a T-shaped fitting designed to create an air chamber. The purpose of this air chamber is to act as a shock absorber, preventing water hammers from occurring.

However, this air chamber can be filled with water, rendering it useless in performing the task it was designed for. Fixing this problem is as simple as turning off the main water valve and then draining off the water from all the pipes in your home.

But, if your home was built after the sixties, you shouldn’t hear water hammers in your homes. This is because of the different developments made during these subsequent years to prevent this problem. If your home was built after the sixties and you hear water hammers every time you flush your toilet, it is best to call in a professional plumber to determine the underlying cause. Left unchecked, water hammers can lead to bigger problems which may be more difficult and more costly to fix. Such problems include water leaks in the walls of your home. 

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Pros and Cons for Alternative Waste Line Piping

July 9th, 2018

Pros and Cons for Alternative Waste Line Piping

There was once a time when ceramic, metal and concrete were the only materials used for plumbing.

Today, most pipe metals like galvanized steel and copper. But while metal plumbing is long-lasting, it requires strenuous installation work. Moreover, metal pipes must be welded or threaded, and tubing will require the installation of fittings.

Tureks Plumbing shares some pros and cons for alternative waste line piping materials used by professional plumbing contractors today.

1. Plastic

The use of plastic plumbing pipes was introduced in the 1930s. It gives professional plumbers an option that is easier to install and that prevents the common plumbing problems with metal pipes.

Pros

Corrosion-resistant – Plastic pipes are not easily corroded by common household chemicals or water. It can be adjusted to meet residential plumbing needs, including drainage and water supply.

Easier installation – Since plastic pipes are light, plumbing jobs using these pipes are easier to install and even cost less than those involving metal pipes.

Low heat conductivity – Plastic does not conduct heat, so it can maintain the temperature of the water it carries.

Cons

Sensitivity to sunlight – Plastic pipes will become brittle if they are exposed to the UV rays of the sun.

Low melting point – Since plastic burns or melts at lower temperatures, it presents an added danger in case of a house fire.

2. Pipe

Galvanized pipe is a steel or iron pipe that has been plated using a corrosion-resistant zinc surface. Pipes are connected using threaded fittings. Also, they are sealed with pipe dope or thread tape.

Pros

Rust-resistant and durable

It can last for up to 50 years

Cons

Heavy – Since these pipes are made of steel or iron, these are heavy to handle.

Highly susceptible to blockages – As pipes begin to deteriorate, they become prone to blockages.

3. Cast Iron

Gone are the days when cast iron piping was connected using melted lead. Today, the material is connected with plastic or rubber fittings.

Pros

Long-lasting – In some applications, the use of cast iron piping can exceed 50 years.

Quiet – These pipes can reduce, if not eliminate, the usual sounds of running water as it passes through.

Cons

Heavy – Since it is made of iron, it is too heavy, so transporting and working with it can be difficult.

Hard – These pipes are challenging to cut. It usually requires special tools like a metal cutting saw or snap-wrench.

Repairing or installing your plumbing system will depend on the specifications and design of your original plumbing. But it is always best to consult a trustworthy plumbing contractor like Tureks Plumbing before commencing with any plumbing project or to hire them to get the whole job done.

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Do I Need a Whole House Filter?

July 2nd, 2018

Do I Need a Whole House Filter?

It is essential for everyone to drink pure water. However, you should not forget about how significant a whole house filter is and how it can protect your long-term health. This filters out contaminants, chemical waste, heavy metals, cancer-causing agents and pesticides that can soak into your skin while you shower.

Believe it or not, much of the well water and tap water in the United States are not clean. They contain toxic materials from chemical disinfectants, industrial waste, man-made plants and minerals that naturally occur in nature. Moreover, existing regulations for monitoring how potable the water is only cover some of these contaminants.

And though most of the contaminant levels in groundwater and surface water are not high enough to cause immediate sickness, health experts emphasized that even small levels can cause serious damage to your health when ingested or exposed to your body for long periods of time.

So if you’re asking, “Do I need a whole house filter?”, Tureks Plumbing shares a brief overview and some of the most compelling reasons to get one.

A whole house filter – what is it?

Placed at the point where water enters your home, a whole house filter will screen out different types of harmful disinfectants, additives, and contaminants found in your water supply.

Here are some benefits of having a whole house filter in your home:

  • Healthier baths and showers
  • Brighter, softer and long-lasting clothing
  • Clean water coming out from each water source in your home
  • Healthier hair and skin
  • Extended life of water-using household pipes and appliances

2 Main Types

Heavy Duty Filtration System – This makes use of large amounts of filter media placed in a tank, making it the highest contaminant removal system. It offers specific contaminant protection for five to 10 years.

Standard Capacity Water Cartridge – This is placed inside filter housings to treat water throughout your home. The filters are usually replaced every year. Though they are more affordable, they usually require more maintenance.

Even if the water from the municipal source is treated, you may still be exposed to plenty of contaminants. So installing a whole house filter on your property is imperative. It gives you extra protection in each water outlet of your home.

Bear in mind that contaminants can be inhaled or absorbed through your skin. If you do not have special water contaminant problems, then a carbon filtration system is highly recommended. But for water issues, it’s best to get a whole house water filter that will treat such problems. Please contact Tureks Plumbing if you have any questions or concerns. 

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What Are the Top Kitchen Remodel Trends in 2018?

June 28th, 2018

What Are the Top Kitchen Remodel Trends for 2018?

You can recoup 81.1 percent of your cost from a minor kitchen remodel, according to a 2018 report from business intelligence source Hanley Wood. The typical cost of a kitchen renovation for a midrange property is $21,198, and the added resale value of that project is $17,193. It’s not a bad investment when you want to put your home back in the market.

But what kind of remodel would you do? What should you change? If you’re at a loss for ideas, look to these top kitchen remodel trends for 2018.

Quartz-surfaced Countertops

Kitchens this year shimmer with this engineered stone. It’s a combination of roughly 94 percent quartz with polyester resins (for binding) and pigments (for color). The trendy countertop is not just alluring in a kitchen; it’s also low maintenance in comparison to granite. Quartz is scratch-resistant and stands up against stains.

Even better, this engineered stone now comes in a variety of patterns, colors, and styles. If you’re not in love with the polished look, try getting your quartz countertops sandblasted or embossed for a matte finish.

Counter-height Islands

Since kitchens have turned into the hub of any home for gathering with the family and entertaining friends, the island has become essential. This year, the multi-functional and aesthetic feature is even more of a star.

The ideal island not only allows for seamless movement in the kitchen. It also serves as an extension for prepping food. Counter-height islands further provide storage solutions, keeping kitchens free of clutter.

Masculine and Moody

White kitchens are still in, but the dominant palettes this year are warm grays, light khaki tones, and dark finishes. The mixture of these colors creates a masculine and somewhat moody style.

Modern Farmhouse

As the shift toward natural food and healthier lifestyles move steadily, kitchens are adopting the trend with a take on farm life. The style works around the concept of less is more. You’ll find open shelving, reclaimed wood (reclaimed-like wood), and other similar elements all feature in the modern farmhouse. With the right cabinetry you can create a shabby chic look that will last decades! 

The Smart Kitchen

Finally, what contemporary kitchen would not be without some type of smart gadget? As the Internet of Things (IoT) improves devices further, you’ll find today’s kitchens featuring more than just the typical fridge that tells you you’re out of milk and eggs or an oven with a camera that cooks your food without your intervention.

Some of the devices you might want in your kitchen are: the HAPIfork that tracks your eating habits; Bluetooth-enabled precision cookers that allow you to cook through your smartphone, and the fridgecam, which is cheaper than a smartfridge but lets you know if you need to pick up milk or eggs.

No matter which style works best for your home, our design consultants at Turek’s Plumbing can help you design and install your dream kitchen.

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