Water Heater Problems That Should Be Immediately Addressed

November 18th, 2021

Water Heater Problems That You Should Be Concerned About 2021

Most water heaters are constructed to last a long time, with lifespans of up to 12 years or more. However, how long your water heater will stay in excellent working order is determined by a variety of things. Our Appleton Wi plumbers explain that the quality and manufacture of the unit, as well as how the system was built, will all have an impact on the operation of your water heater over time. Incidents such as an earthquake, flooding, fire, or even building improvements may all have an influence on the unit’s stability.

Conducting regular maintenance and check-ups is one crucial practice that can extend the life of your water heater. By checking every now and then and making some improvements as necessary, you can detect issues early. When addressed early you have the opportunity to handle it before the problem becomes more serious.

But some problems can’t be fixed anymore and the last resort is to replace the unit. You’ll need to know (or better yet, ask plumbing experts’ advice about) when to replace a water heater. Watch out for the following water heater problems that should be immediately addressed and will most likely call for a replacement.

Old age

First, our Fox Valley Plumbers explain that ideally, water heaters should be assessed for replacement 10 years after the manufacture date. Our friends over at Gilmore Heating, Air and Plumbing, Sacramento Plumbers, recommend to check the manufacturer’s sticker on the tank to determine the age of your water heater.

Leaking hot water

Water leaks or water build-up around the water heater is a tell-tale sign of trouble. Turn off the unit’s power the moment you notice this and call a professional. It’s important to act immediately to alleviate the leaking, prevent flooding, and avoid further damage not just to the unit but also to the entire property.

Water discoloration

Rust in water indicates corrosion in the tank’s interiors or the water pipes, especially if the piping is galvanized. If the rusty water doesn’t clear up after repeatedly draining the hot water, then the tank may have a serious rust problem. Another cause of discoloration is sediment build-up. Sediment collecting on the bottom of the tank should be prevented through regular flushing. However, even this may not be helpful anymore as the water heater becomes older.

Noise

Sediment that has hardened on the bottom of the tank often causes banging, popping or rumbling sounds while the water heats up – a sign that your water heater is already ready to retire. Hardened sediment can cause leaks, holes and increased energy consumption as the unit needs to work harder and longer when trying to heat the water.

Change in the taste of water

If you drink water straight from the tap, a change in taste or texture can indicate trouble. A metallic taste to your water is an obvious sign that the water heater may already be deteriorating.

If you are dealing with any of these water heater problems in Fox Valley, contact Turek’s Plumbing. Schedule an appointment to have one of their qualified plumbers out as soon as possible!

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

Kitchen Backsplash Trends To Consider For A Kitchen Upgrade

November 9th, 2021

Are You Considering a Kitchen Remodel? Here Are Trends In Kitchen Backsplash 2021

Perhaps you’ve recently moved into an older home and want to make it truly your own by making a few changes. Alternatively, you may have updated some aspects of your home, making others appear obsolete. Making a new backsplash is an easy way to enhance your kitchen. What are the most recent kitchen backsplash trends? Our Kitchen Remodel Appleton WI professionals share below.

Kitchen Trends In Kitchen Backsplash

When it comes to kitchen backsplash, there are plenty of trendy and traditional materials you can choose from. To name a few, slate, granite, travertine and glass have been enjoying a fair amount of popularity among designers and homeowners in 2021. These materials are closely followed by wood and metal typically used as accents.

Our Appleton Kitchen remodel specialists share that tumbled stone backsplashes and anything with pastel hues have considerably lost their popularity in the kitchen design world.

Size and shape

Overall, larger ceramic tiles have become more popular for backsplashes. Many designers use tiles ranging 1″ X 3″ to 4″ X 12″. Some designers combine different tile shapes, colors and sizes for a more dramatic effect. You might also want to vary the depth of the materials used in your kitchen backsplash to add dynamism. Also, more and more designers are opting for vertical patterns over horizontal ones.

Using large tiles for small kitchens (and vice versa)

Can you use large tiles for the backsplash to make your small kitchen appear larger? It is possible to use large tiles to make your small kitchen larger but there are a lot of other things to consider. For one, you have to remove the clutter around your kitchen. Second, you need to use the tiles to create a horizontal line.

On the other hand, if your kitchen looks too big and you want to trim its size visually, you can use small tiles and colors.

Here, there is no single rule of thumb to follow. You can use large or small tiles no matter what the size of your kitchen is.

Matching the backsplash with other kitchen elements

The general consensus among designers is that the backsplash color should complement other elements in the kitchen including the cabinet, floor and countertop. That does not mean that you need to find an exact match. Rather, you should choose a color for the backsplash that complements the color of the other elements.

White subway tiles

Although white subway tiles remain a popular option among designers and their clients, many are veering away from these because of the basic look these offer. If you are leaning toward a more classic and clean look, you can use these tiles.

Similar materials for backsplash and countertop

A lot of designers avoid using the same materials for both as these can make the kitchen look overwhelming. It is possible to avoid this by using exotic stones.

Extending the backsplash up to the ceiling

If the wall where the backsplash is going to be placed has no wall cabinet, you can extend the tiles up to the ceiling, depending on your taste and the overall design of the kitchen.

Inspiration from Europe

One trend that is popular among Europeans is reducing the space allocated to wall cabinets, allowing the backsplash to take center stage. A lot of Europeans are also favoring the installation of tiles up to the ceiling because these are easier to clean and are more hygienic.

One good rule of thumb when choosing a backsplash color and design is to consider the kitchen lighting. The more natural light you have in your kitchen the darker you can go. If your kitchen is lacking in natural light, you will want to try and lighten up the space with lighter colors.

If you are considering a kitchen remodel, contact the remodel professionals at Turek’s Plumbing Services and let them help you start designing your beautiful new kitchen today!

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

Bathroom Remodel Frequently Asked Questions

October 27th, 2021

Bathroom Remodel Frequently Asked Questions 2021

Bathroom remodels are one of the projects that can give you the best bang for your buck. This not only improves your home’s equity, but you also get to enjoy the perks of having a new bathroom! However, you have to make the right choices. To get started on planning your dream bathroom, you’ll need to know exactly what you want and how you’ll achieve it. It is also important to obtain insights that will help you with decision-making throughout the entire process. To further prepare yourself for the project, check out the answers to the following bathroom remodel FAQs:

How Do I Get Started?

First, figure out what you want and need to do to improve your bathroom. You may do your research by auditing the existing features and characteristics of your bathroom, and listing down what you want to add or improve. For ideas, you can browse through home design sites or magazines. Make sure to consider everything, from lighting to storage to countertops to showers and toilets to the floors. Once you have your ideas sorted out and organized, talk to a bathroom remodel professional in the Fox Cities area to know more about your options and start finalizing the plans.

How Long Does a Bathroom Remodel Take?

It depends on the details. Is your design simple or complicated to undertake? Are the materials you need easily available or do you need to place a special order for them and wait for stocks to be available? Needless to say, a simple remodel using easily available materials can be finished as quickly as possible. At the same time, more extensive projects can still be fast and efficient to do if you work with an experienced and highly competent team.

How Much Will a Bathroom Remodel Cost?

Again, the answer depends on your choice of materials and how extensive the project will be. If you want to keep costs low, your bathroom remodeling contractor can present you with a range of choices that fit your vision and will still be within your set budget. If money is no issue, a good contractor will still take the time to make recommendations that will offer you more value for your investment. The important thing is to discuss the costs early on, and in a clear, transparent, and documented manner to avoid any surprise expenses. Our friends at Headwaters Construction, a Sacramento general contractor, say that many bathroom remodeling projects these days start around 7K. Of course, this does depend on what you’re looking for.

How To Increase Bathroom Size Without Changing Square Footage

You can revamp the look and feel of your bathroom through the right design strategies. A small bathroom can feel more spacious without the need for a major renovation through some of the following techniques:

Choose light and bright colors.
Install vertical or hanging storage to minimize clutter on the floor and over-the-countertops.
Switch to a slimmer sink and bathtub, as well as a compact model toilet.
Add light fixtures to visually open up the space.

What does WaterSense mean?

A product designed and quality-tested to be 20 percent more water-efficient than federal standards has a WaterSense label from the Environmental Protection Agency. These products include low-flow showerheads and toilets that reduce water consumption without necessarily reducing your everyday convenience. It pays to invest in WaterSense products as it will provide you with significant savings in the long run. Moreover, reducing water use is a great way to contribute to your community’s water conservation efforts.

Contact Tureks Plumbing, your local plumbing professionals in Fox Valley, to to talk about more bathroom remodel FAQs.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in January 2017 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Choosing the Right Kitchen Remodel Contractor

October 20th, 2021

Choosing the Right Kitchen Remodel Contractor 2021

A kitchen is usually the heart of the home. We often spend a lot of time in our kitchen making meals or helping the kids with homework. Many newer homes have the perfect layout and even luxurious appliances. If you’re living in the Fox Cities area, you may be considering a kitchen remodeling project. There are many factors that go into making your dream kitchen come to life. For instance, where’s the best place for appliances, the best material for countertops, better water efficiency? A new kitchen island? A sturdier, prettier floor? There are plenty of changes you can make. The most important aspect of a successful home remodeling project is choosing the right kitchen remodel contractor. In this article, we share some tips for this process.

Who Gets To Do The Work?

Since home remodeling projects costs money, it makes sense that a homeowner’s goal is to get the job done just right the first time. The best way to do this is by hiring the right kitchen remodel contractor. The success of the remodel, and the conversion of your hard-earned money into the kitchen of your dreams, depends on your choice of contractor. Therefore, it is crucial to put much thought and careful consideration into this decision.

Here are some helpful tips for choosing the right kitchen remodel contractor:

Get Reliable Recommendations

It may be easy to find a contractor online and do research about them. It is still a better idea to consider ones that are recommended by people you actually know and trust. From these sources, you can quickly get a more realistic picture of what the contractor and their kind of work are like. Create a shortlist of candidates from your friends’ or relatives’ suggestions. Our friends at Specialized Audio and Video, the #1 Sacramento AV Company, recommends looking on NextDoor or Yelp to see if the contractor is reliable.

Ask the Right Questions

You need to be thorough about asking your references about the contractors they have recommended. Some of the more important ones are:

Did the contractor demonstrate positive work habits like arriving on time, being prepared for every task, cleaning up after the work, respecting the property, providing progress reports, and informing the client of any potential or existing delays?
Were they able to stick to the scope of the project or were any unauthorized modifications made to the details or materials used?
How did the contractor handle mistakes or mix-ups, if there were any?
Was the budget followed? What compromises were made and how did they affect the result?

See the Work for Yourself

Make time for visiting houses that the contractor previously worked on — at least the three most recent ones. A good contractor will produce high-quality work even if there have been changes to their team of laborers or subcontractors, suppliers of materials, or certain methods. It also helps to see the contractor during work in progress so you can actually observe their commitment to quality and safety.

If you are looking for a plumbing contractor in Fox Cities, contact Turek’s Plumbing today!

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

Preventing Clogged Toilets

October 12th, 2021

Preventing Clogged Toilets and Other Bathroom Mishaps 2021

We all know how inconvenient a clogged toilet can be. Fortunately, you do not have to possess advanced plumbing knowledge to keep your bathroom in good working order. Here are some tips from our Fox Valley plumbers that will help you in preventing clogged toilets and other related problems. For emergency plumbing services in Appleton, WI, please contact Tureks Plumbing.

Use Mild Cleaners For Your Toilet

If your toilet tends to get backed up, there are some mild cleaners you can try using. Apart from mild soaps, try mild items like baking soda and vinegar that can help you keep your toilet squeaky clean. Apart from keeping your toilet hygienic, regular cleaning will also allow you to spot potential problems before they worsen.

Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

Plumbers are divided on the issue of chemical drain cleaners. For some, using these is all right. However, there are plumbers who believe that the disadvantages of these outweigh the advantages. What disadvantages? Chemical drain cleaners can be hazardous to your health, especially if used and handled incorrectly. These can also damage pipes and fixtures and kill beneficial bacteria in the septic tank. Read this article why to learn the reasons not to use chemical drain cleaners.

Conduct Regular Inspection

Make it a habit to check the components of your toilet every six months. Check whether everything is functioning correctly.

Trying To Save Water

Using a brick is one of the old tricks for saving water used for flushing. However, this only works for older toilets. But you still might want to avoid using bricks as these can break off into smaller pieces which can then clog the toilet. Instead, fill a water or soda bottle with either sand or small rocks.

Get Bathroom Leaks Fixed ASAP

Small bathroom leaks can add a few and sometimes several more dollars to your monthly bill. Check your toilet and faucets regularly and when you detect leaks, have these repaired as soon as possible. Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, a Sacramento plumber, also urge you to stop leaks. Plumbers will tell you that it can cost you 20 gallons of water per day if it’s not fixed.

Don’t Use The Toilet As A Trashcan

Every member of the household, including the young ones, should learn how to properly use the toilet. That also means avoiding throwing foreign objects into it. Although this is sometimes unavoidable no matter how closely you watch your children, we hope your little ones bathroom play is limited to the tub and those rubber duckies.

Consider Using a Different Kind of Toilet Paper

Super soft toilet paper can be quite difficult for the septic tank to break down and can lead to further problems down the road. Consider using a different type of toilet paper. Also, check out our recent post on flushable wipes.

Invest In a Flange Plunger

A flange plunger (and a bucket of hot water) will often suffice for common clogs. Alternatively, you can use a snake or auger, but if that is not something you are familiar with, give us a call. We will be able to quickly get a plumber over to your home to inspect and clear out the problem.

Don’t Be Afraid to Get Expert Help

Sometimes, plumbing problems can be complicated and you might find yourself out of your zone of genius. There’s certainly nothing wrong with asking your local plumber for some assistance in these cases. There are some plumbing problems that are DIY worthy and others, where you just need to call in a professional. If you live in the Fox Cities area, give Turek’s Plumbing a call for all of your plumbing emergencies, and kitchen or bathroom remodel estimates.

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

How to Speed up Slow Drains

October 6th, 2021

Solutions to Slow Drains 2021

There are plenty of plumbing problems that don’t seem like they need to be fixed immediately. For example, a faucet that drips or even slow drains in your home. Most Fox Valley homeowners will wait until it gets much worse before taking action. As your local plumber, trust us when we say fix the problem before it becomes an even bigger problem. This is especially true with slow drains — when water in your sinks, tube, or toilets is moving slowly, we encourage you to pay attention to that. If you have a chemical drain cleaner that doesn’t seem to solve the issue or the issue returns within a few weeks, that is a sign there is something in your main sewer line that is causing the problem. In this article, our Tureks Plumbing team shares how to speed up slow drains in your home.

When To Call A Local Plumber

Most emergency plumbers will tell you that slow drains should never be dealt with lightly because they are usually in the early stages of a serious and complex plumbing issue. What may eventually happen is all of your plumbing fixtures will back up and possibly become unusable when slow drains are ignored. Slow drains could mean that there’s a growing buildup in your drain, and when there’s a buildup of anything, there’s always a risk of damage to the plumbing structure.

Slow Drains Aren’t Safe

Also, clogs can cause widespread contamination. Say, your kitchen sink won’t drain quickly; germs and bacteria from the drain and the sink will just settle and breed there. That area of your home will stink, and fungus and other unsavory elements might grow. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, who offers Twin Cities Plumbing services, agree that those experiencing slow drains are creating a bigger problem than just an inconvenience. It’s important to hire a professional if you continue to experience slow drains.

Slow Drains Are Frustrating

That’s not the only inconvenience you’ll have to deal with; naturally, you won’t be able to use your kitchen sink for washing dishes and all the other tasks you normally use it for. Your routine will have to change, and that can affect your quality of life at home.

However, slow drains shouldn’t make your life difficult because they’re very easy to solve. Any emergency plumber can take care of this issue and restore the proper working order of your plumbing system. Whatever the reason behind it may be, the best plumbing professionals have a collection of effective solutions ready.

May Need Drain Cleaning

For clogs in the drain pipes, emergency plumbers in the Fox Valley area use a specialized sewer camera to examine the root of the clog and to pinpoint its exact location. In an attempt to solve the problem of slow drains, they use everything from a high-pressure water jetter, to an auger, to a variety of special plumbers tools to quickly dislodge food debris, soap scum, and other buildups so wastewater can flow away from the house quickly. This is usually done from the main sewer clean-out located on the outside of your home.

That’s not all plumbers do when they take care of slow drains and get rid of blockages in the sewer lines. They also inspect the structural integrity of the plumbing system to see if there are other issues present that may be contributing to the faulty performance of the system or issues that have developed as a result of the initial plumbing problem. For example, pipe corrosion, or something like tree root damage that may impact your sewer system. Ask Tureks Plumbing about our trenchless sewer drain repair services.

Contact Tureks Plumbing in Appleton, WI

If you’re dealing with slow drains, that’s a real problem that you need to address appropriately — right away. Call in the pros and put an end to the inconvenience it creates. If you are in need of an experienced plumber or drain cleaning service in Fox Valley, give Turek’s Plumbing a call, we are here to solve your plumbing problems and earn your business.

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

Kitchen Sink Backing Up When Washing Laundry

September 29th, 2021

What to Do When Kitchen Sink Backing Up When Washing Laundry

Plumbing problems can be the worst, especially when it’s affecting several parts of your home. A kitchen sink backing up when washing laundry is definitely out of the normal. This problem can be caused by either a clogged drain or a venting issue. So, where do you start? Well, if you’re looking for a quick fix, we always recommend contacting your local plumbing company. If you’d like to try to fix this on your own, continue to read the article below!

The Location Of The Clog

All plumbing fixture drains in a residence, including the washing machine drain, must connect to a 3- or 4-inch main drain pipe that connects to a sewer or septic tank outside the home. To drain a washing machine into a kitchen sink, the kitchen sink drain must connect to the washing machine drain pipe. Our Appleton plumber says that the clog lies somewhere after the connection to the kitchen sink drain but before the connection to the other drains. Note that the water would just back up from the washing machine drain if the clog was before the kitchen sink. If the blockage occurred after the connection with other fixture drains, it would back up into the lowest fixture, which was usually a shower or toilet.

Drainage Issues

Washing machines may pump up to 15 gallons of water per minute into the drain. This is significantly quicker than any other fixtures or appliances. A drain pipe of 1 1/2 inches was thought to be adequate for earlier washing machines. However, code now requires a washing machine drain pipe size of at least 2 inches in many regions for appropriate drainage. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, who offers Twin Cities plumbing services, say that due to the grease and food that is frequently poured into them, kitchen-sink drain pipes clog more frequently than other plumbing fixtures. Due to the volume of water pumped from the washing machine, even a partial obstruction in the shared drain pipe from the kitchen sink can cause the washing machine to back up into the sink.

Ventilation Issues

If there is a gurgling sound coming from the sink drain when the washing machine drains, the backup could be caused by a venting problem. Drainage problems will occur if the washing machine or kitchen vent is run incorrectly or is too small. Similarly, if the vent is clogged, consider a straw with liquid in it. The liquid will not drain if one end of the straw is blocked. The same is true for a plumbing system. If you hear gurgling coming from the kitchen sink, it’s because the sink is being used as a vent.

Resolving the Issue

If the sink is gurgling, visually inspect the vent for blockages. A clog in a drain pipe is most likely too far away to be unplugged by plunging. At this point, if your kitchen sink is backing up when washing laundry, you should contact Tureks Plumbing. Our team of experienced plumbers will resolve the problem in no time. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services throughout the Fox Valley cities areas.

Flood Draining Maintenance Tips

September 22nd, 2021

floor drain maintenance tips - Appleton WI

Floor Drain Maintenance Tips From Appleton Plumber

Floor drains are frequently overlooked when it comes to residential plumbing. Floor drains seem similar to drains found in bathtubs and showers because they are flush with the surface, but they are more typically found in basement floors, garages, laundry rooms, older bathroom floors, and even on patios and roads. Floor drains are installed everywhere. There is a need for quick, effective water drainage. Most Appleton homeowners do not consider floor drain maintenance until a problem arises. Follow these recommended floor drain maintenance tips from your Appleton plumber.

Fill Traps On A Regular Basis

Indoor floor drains collect overflow from sinks, toilets, tubs, water heaters, and washing machines, among other things. Floor drains, whether indoors or outdoors, are designed to efficiently and safely transport water. It’s transferred to a sewer or municipal storm drain, keeping the floor dry and rooms from flooding. The overall objective of traps is to keep sewage odors and gasses from entering your home through the drain. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, who offers Twin Cities plumbing services, recommend filing these drain traps on a regular basis to see that they’re working efficiently. Simply pour a gallon of water down each floor drain in your home. Water will fill the trap, creating a barrier between your home and the sewer system.

Immediately Remove Clogs

Many various forms of material build on your floor, from pet hair to dust bunnies. Therefore, it has the potential to end up in and block. The first indicator of a clogged drain is if it drains slowly. If you find a blockage early on, you’ll avoid flooding. You can easily eliminate that tiny clog with a plunger and a few pumps. Another trick is to try pouring a baking soda and vinegar solution in the drain. When all else fails, contact Tureks Plumbing Services. Our team offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services throughout the Appleton, WI areas.

Clean Your Drains On A Regular Basis

Check your plumbing drains for debris. It’s recommended that you clear them at least once a quarter. You can always hire a professional plumber for drain cleaning services. Getting your drains cleared will help you avoid plumbing disasters. It’s also a good idea to arrange professional drain cleanings once a year to avoid obstructions and keep your drains working smoothly.

How to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater

September 15th, 2021

Expanding the Life of Your Water Heater

Most homeowners don’t realize how heavily they rely on their water heater. As you probably know, your water heater is responsible for all of your hot water. Without it, it would be difficult to shower, wash dishes, and do laundry. To keep your water heater working at its best ability, it is recommended that you have it serviced by your Appleton plumber. There are other ways to increase its longevity. In this article, Tureks Plumbing shares how to extend the life of your water heater tank and preserve its efficiency and safety.

Water Heater Maintenance

This will only take a few minutes. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, contact Tureks Plumbing. Here’s what you’ll need:

Bucket
Plumbers Tape
Towels
Slip joint pliers

Note: pressure release valve is required for the following tasks.

How Long Does a Water Heater Last?

You may be wondering how long water heater tanks last. Some water heaters can last a decade without maintenance. Some are not so lucky. Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, a plumber in Sacramento, point out that the unit’s life expectancy depends on the type of water heater you have. However, a few minutes of water heater maintenance once a year is worth the effort. If there are any issues, here are some water heater repair suggestions to assist keep it running.

Checklist for Basic Water Heater Maintenance: Examine the Pressure-Relief Valve

Put the Valve to the Test

Check the pressure-relief valve, which is usually placed on the top or side of the water heater. If the pressure inside the tank becomes too high, this valve will automatically open. Place a bucket beneath the valve for draining.

Change the Valve (if Necessary)

Replace the valve if it does not release water when you lift the lever. The replacement is straightforward: Turn off the water, drain the tank, and then detach the discharge pipe and the old valve. Wrap sealant tape around the threads of the new valve and screw it in. If your valve has been sitting for a while and has never been tested, it may leak after you test it.

Examine Your Work

Close the cold water supply line shutoff valve that feeds the water heater. Then, using any faucet, turn on the hot water to relieve the pressure inside the water heater’s tank. Keep the water running until you’ve finished your work. Turn off the electricity to your electric heater at the main panel. Turn the gas control dial to “off” on a gas heater.

Built-up Sediment From the Water Heater Tank Should Be Drained.

Drain the tank to flush out sediments that have accumulated at the bottom. Sediment buildup reduces the efficiency of your water heater, shortening its life and increasing your energy expenditure. Two or three liters of water should be plenty to wash away sediments, but always let the water flow until no particles are visible in the bucket. Slowly open the drain valve and let the water run until it is clear and sediment-free.

Expect Noises

Don’t be alarmed if you hear gurgling or groaning from the heater. That sound is simply air entering the system as the water drains. Drain the tank entirely, detach the old valve, and screw in a new one if the drain valve won’t close tightly when you’re finished. To restart the water heater, open the shutdown valve and run hot water from any faucet to purge the system of air. Then, relight the pilot or switch on the electricity.

Set the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If the dial lacks digits, use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the water temperature. Higher temperatures promote sediment buildup and increase the danger of scorching injuries.

Now that you know how to extend the life of your water heater, you can easily incorporate this in your annual to-do’s. If you come across any problems, don’t hesitate to contact Tureks Plumbing. Our team is available 24/7 for emergency plumbing services.

Reasons Not to Use Liquid Drain Cleaners

September 8th, 2021

Top Reasons Not To Use Liquid Drain Cleaners at Home

When your drain starts to become slow, your instinct may be to grab the liquid drain cleaner instead of calling a local plumber. Many Appleton plumbers can agree that liquid drain cleaners can cause more harm than good. In this article, our Tureks plumbers share the top reasons not to use liquid drain cleaners.

Say No to Liquid Drain Cleaners

Our experienced plumbers have a problem with chemical drain cleaners. To start, they are not suitable for cleaning drains, although marketing and advertising may have you convinced otherwise. There are plenty of other remedies for drain cleaning. Here’s why you should avoid liquid drain cleaners at all costs:

Drain Cleaners Are Toxic

The chemicals in commercial drain cleaners, particularly off-brand and low-cost variants, are extremely dangerous. The gases are harmful to your health and will irritate your nose and eyes. These fumes linger in the area where the chemical was employed for a long time after it has been disposed of. It’s safe to say these chemicals should not be going down your bathroom sink or shower drain.

Drain Cleaners Damage Your Pipes

Chemicals in drain cleaners can cause harm to pipes while purportedly “cleaning” them. Hydrochloric acid is the primary ingredient in liquid drain cleaners. This solution eats at your pipes and can eventually cause serious plumbing problems. Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, a plumber in Sacramento, agree that you would spend more money replacing your damaged pipes than you would have a professional come out in the first place.

Drain Cleaners Hurt the Environment

As we mentioned before, drain cleaners include harmful chemicals. As a result, they are extremely bad for the environment. Bottle residue ends up in landfills and can contaminate water, harming fish and other species.

Not an Effective Solution

What is the source of your drain clog? Drains can back up due to problems in the sewage system or broken pipes. Dumping chemicals down the drain will not solve these issues, just prolong them. Don’t waste your time or money on liquid drain cleaners. Contact Tureks Plumbing for professional plumbing services. Our team is happy to help, no matter what the problem. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing solutions in the surrounding areas of Appleton, Wisconsin.

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