Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Bathroom Plumbing Problems’

6 Common Bathroom Plumbing Problems

Wednesday, August 4th, 2021

Common Bathroom Plumbing Problems In 2021

Fox Valley homeowners or any homeowner for that matter can always encounter plumbing problems. Even the most well-kept households can experience plumbing emergencies from time to time. If the time ever comes where you need emergency plumbing services in Fox Valley, then contact Tureks Plumbing. Our team of professional plumbers will diagnose and repair anything. It helps if you know how to handle some of the most common bathroom plumbing problems. This can help prevent even bigger problems in the future. Read below to learn more about common bathroom plumbing problems we see. 

Clogged Toilet 

If you have got a plunger lying around and have not been able to solve the problem, that can be frustrating and embarrassing. But don’t worry, as a licensed plumbing company in Fox Valley for decades, we have seen it all. There is no shame in having to call a plumber for a clogged toilet. Other concerns we hear often is the flush isn’t working properly or the water level may be insufficient or overflowing. The toilet may become unusable after a short time if this problem is left unaddressed.

Running Toilet

 Do you hear water running even when the toilet is not in use? This isn’t only annoying because of the sound it makes, but it may also cause leaks and flooding, and can lead to a serious waste of water. Often times a running toilet is an easy fix but if your toilet is older and continually having issues, this could be a sign it is time to replace it.  

Leaking Faucet

Water continues to drip no matter how hard or tight you turn the tap or knob. Dripping faucets or showerheads are a source of significant water loss if you let the problem go, and will cause a spike in your water bill. One of the more common issues we have seen come up when it comes to bathroom plumbing problems in Fox Valley. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, who offers faucet repair in Saint Paul, recommend getting this fixed immediately. A leaky faucet can add up fast.

Slow Drain 

The water on the floor, sink, or tub may take a very long while to subside, or puddles often remain no matter how much time has passed. This is never a plumbing emergency but can be a sign of a larger unseen plumbing problem so we encourage you to have your slow drains inspected and even a camera inspection is done by a plumber if needed. 

Water Pressure Problems 

Water pressure may be too low, making it hard to get a sufficient amount of flow from the faucet or shower. This may be caused by various reasons such as water supply issues, built-up sediments inside the faucet, or leaking pipes.

Leaking Pipes 

Puddles under a pipe, flooding, insufficient water supply, and water leaks are some of the glaring signs that there might be a hole or clogging in your pipes. If you find the hole, you may cover it up with plumber’s tape or a suitable adhesive while waiting for the plumber to arrive. Leaking pipes can turn into a huge disaster. Make sure you contact Tureks Plumbing for emergency plumbing services in Appleton, WI

Contact Tureks Plumbing Services

Some of these common bathroom plumbing problems can be addressed with temporary fixes. But if they are ignored they may turn out to become bigger and costlier issues. Be careful DIYing any pipes, valves, and other components in your plumbing system without consulting with a professional plumber. The best approach is to call your trusted plumbing contractor and let their team assess the damage, come up with recommendations and implement the solution that they have suggested and you have agreed upon. After the work is done, make sure to schedule routine maintenance in the next few months to detect and address issues early, if any, and to avoid similar problems in the future.

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

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What Pipes Rattling

Saturday, September 30th, 2017

Pipes Rattling After Shower? Here Are the 2 Possible Reasons

After a tiring day at work, the first thing that you want to do is to take a nice shower before getting into bed.

But after turning off the shower, you hear rattling noises. What’s the reason behind these noises? Rodents? Pests? Ghosts?

There are two possible reasons behind these noises.

Copper pipes

If the sounds you hear come after using the hot water, it is possible that the main reason behind these noises is the copper pipe used in your home’s plumbing system.

Like other types of metals, copper expands and contracts, depending on the temperature. When you hear the pipes rattling after shower with hot water, this simply means that the copper pipes are expanding and rubbing against other components of the plumbing system like the joist, bracket or stud.

Apart from the noises you hear, there is not much you need to worry about. The expansion and contraction of the pipes rarely cause other problems.

Solving this problem can be complicated, especially if the pipes have been installed between the walls. Quite simply, you will need to spend money to have your drywalls removed.  If you have extra money stashed, you can ask your plumber to remove the drywall in the areas where you hear the rattling sounds. Your plumber will then place either foam insulation or foam rubber which will act as a cushion between the pipe and the framing, effectively eliminating the rattling noises you hear.

Alternatively, you can opt for plastic pipes as a replacement for the copper pipes. Plastic pipes do contract and expand, but not enough to cause rattling sounds.

Water hammer

On the other hand, if you hear the noises when you turn the water on and off using either cold or hot water, the main cause of your problem is what is called the water hammer problem.

A water hammer happens when you turn off a faucet or shower quicker than you turned it on. The noise you hear is the result of the sudden movement of water in the pipes. This sudden movement, in turn, causes movements in the pipes, especially if these are not properly secured.

One possible solution to this problem is to install a pressure-reducing valve which lowers the water pressure. Another solution to this problem is to use water hammer arresters. These devices act as a cushion and absorb the energy produced by the movement of the water inside the pipes. Schedule your appointment with us today!

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Where to Start With a Bathroom Remodel

Thursday, August 10th, 2017

After a stressful day at the office or doing household chores, nothing else can make you feel better quicker than taking a long, soothing bath. The look and feel of your bathroom can give you an experience that is similar to visiting a spa or a resort.

Currently, though, the design and layout of your bathroom may not be ideal for the type of experience that you want. You can change it with a remodel.

One important question to ask is where to start with a bathroom remodel. Here are a few tips to help you out:

Determine its purpose

A bathroom is where people take a shower, brush their teeth and take care of other hygiene issues before going out. These are some of the most common activities done inside a bathroom, but it is also a personal space. What you need to consider is what you want your experience to be like when you are inside. Do you use the bathroom for a quick bath or do you also want to use the space to relax and unwind for a while?

How you answer this question will influence the design, materials and colors that will be used in remodeling the space.

Consider the existing layout

The current design and layout of your bathroom can affect what you can do with the space. For instance, the placement of your toilet bowl, urinal, faucet and showerhead is fixed. You can change the fixtures but not where they are installed. Changing the placement of the fixtures involves moving or extending the pipes. This involves a lot of work and will cost you more.

Consult an expert plumber in your area to find out what the limitations are when it comes to remodeling your bathroom. This may affect the final design of your remodeled bathroom but it can help you save money and give you fewer problems to worry about during the remodeling process.

Identify the users

Knowing the people who use the bathroom is also an important factor when having it remodeled. If you live on your own, then your personal taste and preferences will be used as the sole basis for the design. However, if you live with your parents or kids, or there are several other people living in the same space, then it could affect the final design of your bathroom.

For instance, if you live with your elderly parents or somebody with medical issues, you will need to have grab bars installed and use non-slip materials that are easy to clean. If you live with toddlers or young kids and you want a tub, you can consider tubs that include a step. This will make it easier and safer for them to get in and out of the tub. And make sure to schedule your appointment with us today!

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Water Conservation Tips to Save You Money and Do the Environment Well

Thursday, July 27th, 2017

Water is essential to human life and its shortage can result in problems of a major scale. This is why everybody is encouraged to conserve water. With smart practices, water shortage can be prevented and quality of human life protected.

A reputable plumbing company trusted by Applegate and Fox Valley residents has a collection of water conservation tips that can help. So, if you wish to do your bit in doing the environment well and helping sustain its ability to provide water to us all, and at the same time, slash your household’s water bill, you can implement these tips from the pros.

Eco-Friendly Products

Don’t go overboard with detergents, bleach, and other chemicals to get your clothes and house clean. Not only do they contribute to water pollution but they also cause routine cleaning to consume more energy and water.

Switch to eco-friendly soaps and detergents. They are much easier to rinse and don’t contribute to water pollution.

Lawn Care & Water Conservation

Improve your lawn care. Watering frequently is actually counterproductive; water deeply just twice a day (ideally before the sun goes up and when it’s setting) instead. You’ll use less water by watering wisely.

Contact your local water authority to make sure that the water pressure on your street is less than 60 pounds per square inch. Pressure that is any higher than that is too much for plumbing systems and will always result in excessive water usage.

Plumbing Leaks

Make sure that there’s no leaky plumbing in your home. Leaky toilets consist of more than 40 percent of your total water usage. Meanwhile, leaky faucets that drip once per second waste as much as eight gallons of water a day. To make sure that you’re not dealing with a leaky plumbing system, check your water meter when no water is being used. If the meter continues to move even when no one’s using water, that’s a clear indication that you have a water leak somewhere. Call professional plumbers to find where the leak is and repair the problem.

Collect Water

Wisconsin gets a lot of rain and you can fill rain barrels with rainwater that you can use as a resource for the future. It can be used for gardening and cleaning your home.

Plumbing Fixtures

Replacing some plumbing fixtures, such as an old showerhead with a more water-efficient design, can actually save you up to 7.5 gallons of water per minute without compromising spray pressure. You can also look into low-flow toilets and faucets. Call us to schedule your appointment today!

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Causes of Leaking Garbage Disposal

Tuesday, July 25th, 2017

Fixing the 2 Most Common Causes of Leaking Garbage Disposal

A leaking garbage disposal system does not necessarily translate to a massive hole in your pocket. Leaks can occur from time to time and in some instances, you do not have to spend a small fortune to remedy these problems.

Here’s a brief rundown of two of the most common causes of leaks and what you can do about these.

Gasket

Check your garbage disposal system and determine where exactly the leak is coming from. If the leak is coming from the top rim where the rubber seal and the flange meet, it is highly likely that the cause of the leak is the gasket which can be found on top of the system.

Over time, the rubber gasket breaks down. In some cases, if the garbage disposal system is not used for an extended period of time, the gasket can dry up, causing leaks. Sometimes, the gasket causes leaks if it is replaced unevenly. Finally, if you dismantle the system for whatever reason, it is a good idea to replace the gasket.

Fortunately, if the gasket is the cause of the leak, it can be easily replaced. Just make sure that you purchase the right gasket for your garbage disposal system.

After you have bought the correct gasket, the first thing that you need to do to replace the old one is to disconnect the drain. After that, you can unplug the cord. Make sure that you remove the dishwasher drain hose from the system.

Next, hold the sides of the mounting nuts and turn these counter clockwise. This will unlock the garbage disposal system.

The next step that you need to do is to remove the old gasket and put the new one that you bought. Check whether the new gasket fits properly.  After that, you can replace the garbage disposal system and reconnect the drains and plug.

Disposal flange

If the leak comes from the upper area of the garbage disposal system, the possible source of the leak is the disposal flange.

The flange can leak if the seal is not tight enough or has become loose. In either case, you will need to dismantle the system so that you can reseal the flange.

After dropping the garbage disposal unit, you will need to loosen the bolts that hold the flange in place. Next, find the clip that holds the flange in place by using a flat screwdriver to pop it out of place. Then, remove the top flange from the sink. You should then clean the sink before reinstalling the system and applying putty.

In applying plumber’s putty, make sure that you apply an even amount. You should also make sure that the putty wraps around the rim of the flange. After that, you can put the flange into its original position and replace the bottom flange. Replace the screws tightly and then you can clean the area where you worked. And schedule your appointment with us today!

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How to Deal with Tree Root Problems

Monday, July 24th, 2017

How to Deal with Tree Root Problems

Majestic trees never fail to boost curb appeal. They look grand and beautiful, and they also provide shade and protection from the wind. In some cultures, they symbolize longevity and abundance. They are also sources of sustenance for animals and humans.

However, trees can be the source of problems too, especially when their roots grow into underground structures, or they spread wide and compromise the stability of above ground fixtures. There are many tree root problems, but perhaps one of the most inconvenient is the way they damage underground plumbing systems. Households suffer from clogging and backflow due to roots growing into pipes and septic tanks. They can also cause flooding when pipes crack due to the pressure of invasive tree roots.

Getting rid of tree root infestation in sewer lines or underground plumbing structures is imperative. According to a plumbing company that services Applegate and Fox Valley, Wisconsin residents, there are some effective methods that can be tried, but they all need to be executed by experienced professionals.

  1. Using a mechanical auger

A powered sewer auger is sent down the sewer line with a rotating spiral head with teeth that cut the roots easily. This is effective in cutting down some roots and clearing the sewer line some. However, this doesn’t guarantee that the roots won’t grow back in, so this method of root removal would have to be done frequently, which is rather inconvenient.

  1. Poisoning roots with copper sulfate crystals

This is a highly recommended method for making sure roots don’t grow back. Copper sulfate crystals create a poison zone within the soil outside the pipe and this prevents roots from growing into the sewer because they die in the process.

* Other chemicals have a similar effect; foaming root killers work similarly to copper sulfate crystals and not only kill roots but also prevent regrowth.

  1. Blasting roots away with a hydro jetter

A hydro jetter can blast away roots so chemicals can be applied properly to kill off any roots still present in the plumbing system. Using this is effective but expensive.

Repairing damaged plumbing systems is costly, so in the future, take preventive steps against tree root infestation. If you’re thinking of growing trees in your garden or lawn, find out first where your utility lines are and make sure to plant away from those structures. Likewise, choose tree species that don’t have invasive root systems such as Amur maple, American hornbeam, Adam’s crabapple tree, and Cornelian cherry dogwood.

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7 Common Bathroom Plumbing Problems

Wednesday, June 28th, 2017

7 Common Bathroom Plumbing Problems

Most homeowners will have some essential tools on hand to cope with simple plumbing emergencies. Often, a slow drain or a clogged toilet might need a bit of elbow grease or a plunger for it to work properly again. Small repair jobs can easily be taken care of if you are handy around the house; however, bigger bathroom plumbing problems will need professional assistance.

A regular maintenance schedule is a great way of preventing expensive repairs. An in-depth inspection is indeed the key to catching petty problems before they can cause serious structural damages.

Common Bathroom Plumbing Glitches

1. Low Water Pressure

Your plumbing system is suffering from low water pressure if the water that should gush just trickles from the tap. This problem may be related to the municipal water supply. But often, this can be caused by a build-up of sediment or deposits on faucet aerators. Cleaning the shower heads and aerators can solve this issue; if not, you may have a more complex problem. If you cannot identify the cause of the reduction in water pressure, call a reputable plumber right away.

2. Leaky Pipes

Leaks can be a very expensive nuisance. Although replacing a leaky pipe is not a complex job, it can be a very messy one. So you might want to let a professional deal with these tasks to save on cleaning time. But until the expert plumber gets to your home, consider using a leak tape and a compression clamp to temporarily deal with the leaky pipe/s.

3. Running Toilet

Replace the inner workings of your toilet if it does not behave after flushing. Typically, toilets run if the flapper valve will let the water pass from the tank to the bowl. For most models, toilet repair kits work well.

4. Clogged Drains

If the water going into the tub, sink or toilet will not go out, you may have a complete or partial clog. Often, a plunger can fix the problem but it cannot remove a clog completely. So if you frequently deal with clogs, it is best for you to get professional help.

5. Slow Draining Tub

If the tub drain is full of hair, it slows the water down when it drains out of the tub. Clearing out the debris can solve this problem. But even when the tub is not draining slowly, it is very crucial for you to regularly clear out any debris in the tub drain. Because when this is left for too long, it can completely clog the drain.

6. Dripping Faucets

An unresolved dripping faucet can be very annoying if you don’t know how to stop it. This will also drive your water bill higher. Not all sinks are equipped with washers to efficiently hold back the flow of water. Some use durable ceramic plates for a tight seal. Calling pros to deal with this plumbing issue is a smart idea.

7. Sewer Smells

If you can smell sewer gas in your bathroom, this can be caused by a dry shower trap, damaged drain pipes, a clogged drain or an old toilet ring. Although there are some DIY remedies for eliminating the smell, it is still best for you to contact a reputable plumber to identify its cause and properly deal with it.

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Remodeling an Old Bathroom – Your Blueprint for Success

Thursday, June 8th, 2017

Remodeling an Old Bathroom – Your Blueprint for Success

Perhaps your old bathroom is too small and you wish to have a bigger one built. Or maybe you live in an old home and you want to refresh its look by giving it a do-over, starting with the bathroom. Or perhaps, your old bathroom no longer fits your current needs.

Whatever your reason may be, remodeling an old bathroom is a serious undertaking that should be approached carefully.

Fortunately, you can eliminate some of the guesswork and hassles involved by following these tips; they have worked for other homeowners who have successfully upgraded their old bathrooms.

Use the right type of tiles

If you want bathroom tiles that are easy to clean and maintain, avoid those made with porous materials, like stone. Instead, opt for glazed or porcelain tiles.

On the other hand, if you want to boost safety, opt for tiles with matte finishes, textured surfaces, or those that contain sand in their glazes.

Keep mildew at bay with the right type of caulk

Opt for an acrylic or hybrid formula caulk which can provide protection against mildew for up to five years. Additionally, both are easy to remove.

Need a half bath?

If you want a half bath, you will need a space that measures roughly three feet by six feet. Do check your local building codes for further clarification.

Upgrade the electrical system

Take advantage of the work that will be done in your old bathroom and have its electrical system upgraded. This is particularly important if you live in a very old home. The new electrical system should be able to accommodate your gadgets and appliances.

Placement of bathroom accessories

How high should you place towel bars, robe hooks and other accessories? Broadly speaking, the towel bar should be about four feet high, the medicine cabinet about five and half feet high, and the toilet paper holder should be around six inches away from the toilet.

Leave room for accessories

If space is limited, consider adding niches where you can place toiletries. This will allow you to make efficient use of available space while leaving enough room for bathroom essentials.

Splurge on the best toilet that you can afford

If you must splurge on one thing, make it the toilet. At the very least, opt for one that has a Maximum Performance testing score of 500.

Know the pros and cons of each type of sink

If you haven’t set sights on a particular type of sink yet, study the pros and cons of each available option and weigh these against the available space as well as your needs.

When you want a warm bathroom floor

Consider investing in an electric mat which can complement your home’s heating system. You can program its thermostat to warm up the floor a few minutes before you wake up.

 If you are interested in remodeling your bathroom, call us to set up an appointment!

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How to get jewelry out of a drain

Wednesday, May 31st, 2017
You are doing the dishes after a family meal and before you even finish, your prized piece of jewelry (a ring, bracelet, earring) slips off from you. Before you even have the time to catch it, it goes down the kitchen sink.

What should you do?

If you want to know how to get jewelry out of a drain, here are the steps that you need to follow.

Keep the area off limits

Tell the members of the household to avoid using the sink until the item has been retrieved. Otherwise, it will become increasingly difficult to get the jewelry back.

Turn off the garbage disposal and water

If water keeps on flowing down the drain, the jewelry might be pushed down further until it reaches the sewer line. When that happens, the chance of getting the item back becomes slim.

Stopping the flow of water increases the likelihood that the item goes to a more accessible area of the kitchen plumbing system, like the P-trap.

Find a magnet

Find a strong magnet and attach it to a string. After that, lower the magnet down the drain. There’s a good chance that you can get your jewelry back with this nifty trick.

Check the P-trap

If you can’t retrieve your jewelry with a magnet tied to a string, the next best thing to do is to check if the item is sitting inside the P-trap.

Before removing the different components of the P-trap, you should place a bucket underneath it to catch the water, the grime, and hopefully, the jewelry that went down the drain.

Start by removing the slip nuts and the J-shaped part of the P-trap using either a pair of pliers or a wrench. If you are lucky enough, you will be able to retrieve the lost item and you can replace the parts that you remove. But before replacing these parts, it is a good idea to clean the gunk off the pipes.

Call your Appleton Plumber 

If you are unable to successfully retrieve the item or if you do not want to gamble and test your luck with your home’s plumbing system, consider calling in the experts for help.

Preventing this plumbing emergency

If you wish to avoid the loss of a piece of prized jewelry, there are a few things that you can do.

As much as possible, remove any jewelry before doing the dishes, especially if the sink is open and unstopped.

Place the jewelry that you removed from yourself in a safe area and not over the sink. Alternatively, you can put a jewelry tray nearby.

Put drain stoppers in the kitchen and bathroom sinks. These can help prevent jewelry and other valuable items from going down the drain.

If you have a piece of jewelry trapped in your drain, please call us today for help!

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Why Are My Drains Bubbling?

Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017

Bubbling toilets or drains explained

Whenever you use the bathroom to take care of your personal hygiene, the only sounds you would want to hear are the ones you make as you move around — the sudden rush of water as you turn on the tap, the toilet flushing, water going down the drain. If your body pipes up as well — such as your stomach rumbling thanks to the heavy meal you had earlier — that would be expected, and thus totally fine, too.

What you don’t want to hear, however, is a gurgling noise coming from various areas of the bathroom. If you hear this gurgling or bubbling noise after you use the shower, sink, or the toilet, it could mean trouble — and it’s something that you shouldn’t ignore.

Why are my drains bubbling? Here are possible answers to this question:

·         There is a blockage in your vent pipe or drain

·         A pipe may have collapsed or gotten damaged

·         There is a buildup of grease dirt or other debris in your home’s plumbing

Vent pipes are joined to the major pipes that make up your home’s plumbing. These typically end at the roof of your house. If a vent pipe is blocked by things such as accumulated dirt or debris coming from outside your house such as dead leaves, these gurgling noises indicate that air cannot escape through the vent. Instead, the air makes its way to the nearest available opening, which could be the sink in your bathroom.

If the problem is buildup in your plumbing, it means that water cannot drain properly. Typically, both water and air flow through the drain and then escape the pipes through their respective spots. When the pipes are dirty and blocked, however, the air bubbles will end up getting expelled at the nearest vent, which results in the bubbling noise.

Keep in mind, though, that if you hear the gurgling noise in every drain you can find throughout the house, then it is an indication of a much bigger blockage in the main plumbing pipe, and not in the smaller pipes attached to the drains.

How can these blocks — and consequently, the gurgling sounds — be prevented?

There are a number of things that everyone in the household can do to keep your home’s pipes free and clear:

·         Refrain from pouring or throwing anything down the drain that could cause buildup — this could be grease, hair strands, food particles, and other physical waste.

·         If the buildup already exists, you can try using chemical solutions to clean out the pipes. Make sure to use the product as directed so that they can work as intended. Also, remember to follow safety precautions when handling the chemicals.

·         Alternatively, an auger can be used to manually unclog the pipes. With sufficient force, any buildup can be broken up, but take care not to cause damage to the pipes and cause additional leaking problems.

If you’re unsure about how to perform these properly, there’s always the option of getting in touch with the plumbing specialists in your area. These professionals will know exactly how to diagnose and resolve your plumbing problems and get rid of that troublesome gurgling noise once and for all.

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