Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Fox Valley Plumber’

When Should You Have Your Pipes Relined?

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020

When Should You Have Your Pipes Relined for Your Appleton Home?

when should you get your pipes relined - Tureks Plumbing

Like electrical wiring, plumbing is one of those things that has to work optimally at all times to avoid potential household disasters. Sewer lines play an especially crucial role in the home, and any issues that aren’t addressed can result in major sewer line repair fees and possibly structural damage. However, while plumbers in Appleton, Wisconsin advise their clients to stay on top of their plumbing maintenance. Replacing pipes is just about the worst kind of home repair project you could go through. It is disruptive, expensive, and chances are your Appleton plumber will have to dig up your yard to fix the problem.

So, aside from replacing the damaged pipes, what alternatives do you have for sewer pipe repair in Appleton, WI that aren’t as expensive and disruptive? Well, you could choose to reline the damaged pipes, a restorative measure that’s easier, faster, and costs a lot less. Currently, an evolving technology, pipe lining in Appleton, WI can be used to correct a wide variety of plumbing issues. With this technique, a special resin is used to repair your pipes from the inside. A resin-saturated felt tube, usually polyester or fiberglass, is inserted into the damaged pipe and the resin hardens, creating a new and in some cases stronger pipe within the damaged one.

The following plumbing issues can be addressed with pipe lining technique, so if you notice any of them, contact an Appleton Wisconsin plumber right away.

Common Plumbing Issues

Plumbing is essential to homes everywhere, but everyday use puts immense stress on it, leading to wear and tear over time. Ideally, the resulting issues should be addressed by a plumber in Appleton Wisconsin early enough to prevent them from becoming too severe. They include:

Burst Pipes  

Solid and oily materials will undoubtedly be part of your waste, and they can build up and cause blockages within your piping. Water pressure will start building up within the pipes and if left unchecked, will continue to increase until the pipe bursts. How would you know your piping has a blockage? McQuillan Bros, a plumbing company in Minneapolis, says to watch out for unpleasant smells coming from the drains, gurgling sounds, lush green plants growing around your sewer line, slow or failed draining, raised water levels, and dampness.

If a damaged pipe has gone unnoticed for a long time, the soil or ground around it may subside or sink over time as the sewage weakens its structural integrity. If the pipe lies beneath the building’s structural points, cracks may start to appear on the floors or in the walls. Trying to fix the cracks would be an unwise short term solution.  Instead, contact a plumber in Appleton Wisconsin to address the root of the problem. If it is due to a blockage in the piping, you will benefit from the ease and simplicity of pipe lining in Appleton Wisconsin.

Root Intrusions

This goes to all the Appleton, Wisconsin residents who have plants, especially trees, close to their sewer lines. Sewer lines provide water and nutrients to the plants, so when there is a leak, a root might push its way into the pipes and clog them. Once the roots are in, they will slowly grow and expand until the pipe is completely clogged. To prevent it from getting this far, watch out for:

  • Slowly emptying drains, especially when you flush the toilet
  • Gurgling noises
  • Sinkholes can form if the root intrusion is extensive. At this stage, the structural integrity of your foundation may be in question, so contact a plumber in Appleton Wisconsin immediately to come and inspect your property. 
  • Bad odor coming from the drain.

If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, contact a plumber right away. Your plumbing can be fixed with pipe lining repair in Appleton WI.

Rust and Deterioration

If you used steel pipes, chances are they will eventually start rusting due to their constant exposure to moisture. This weakens their structural integrity, making them susceptible to leaks. Additionally, all kinds of pipes are subject to wear and tear, and over time, they will degrade in quality. Watch out for:

  • Discolored water coming from your taps.
  • Stains underneath the sink or discoloration in the wall. Try looking at the ceiling of a room directly underneath a bathroom.
  • Warped bathroom walls. If there is a leak due to deterioration, the drywall in your bathroom may become moist and begin to bubble, causing it to warp and eventually break. You will have to contact a contractor to repair the drywall once the Appleton plumber is done repairing the leak.

Pipe relining in Appleton, WI is a new and exciting technique for fixing damaged pipes and removing blockages. Not only is it easier and faster than replacing damaged pipes, but it is quite easy on the pocket, and your precious yard won’t be uprooted in the process. Have you noticed any of the above issues on your property? They ought to be fixed right away, and pipe relining in Appleton, WI is the best way to do that. Contact Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin today. 

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How To Properly Clean Your Sink Drains

Wednesday, June 10th, 2020
Properly Clean Sink Drain- Turek's Plumbing

While you may think that your bathroom is spotlessly clean, the odors from the sink may send a contrary message. Those smells may be due to the different items, such as hair and soap residues, which gradually build up inside the drain. If these aren’t cleaned out periodically, they can accumulate to a level that results in clogs within the system. Follow the recommendations provided below by Tureks Plumbing Services, a plumbing company in Appleton, WI, to easily keep the sink drains clean.

Remove Debris on a Weekly Basis

Prevention has always been better than cure, and that’s why we at Turek’s Plumbing Services recommend that you get into a weekly habit of getting rid of debris from sink drains. Do this by removing the adjustable metal stopper and clean as far inside the drain as you can access. Clean the stopper itself as well so that it is free from debris buildups.

Use an Appropriate Drain Cleaner

Ask any Fox Valley plumber and they will caution you against using corrosive cleaning products when cleaning sink drains. This is because those corrosive products are dangerous not just for the plumbing pipes but the septic system as well.

To kill the bacteria responsible for the unwanted smells you notice, pick a biodegradable and non-corrosive pipe cleaner. Use this product as directed on the label, but in any event no more than once a month.

Turek’s Plumbing Services cautions against using antibacterial products or bleach to clean sink drains. These will harm the pipes and sewer system.

Unclog the Sink

You can use one or more of the four steps below to unclog sink drains without calling a Fox Valley plumber for help:

Use Boiling Water

Take about half a gallon of boiling water and pour it down the drain. Many of the clogs in sink drains are due to the accumulation of soap residues and some solids, such as hair, trapped in the caked residues.

For this reason, plumbing companies in Orange County, assure you that the hot water will break up many of those clogs and they will flow down the drain. 

Plunge the Drain

Tureks Plumbing Services strongly suggests that you select a plunger that can form a seal on the opening of the drain. If you aren’t sure that you have the right plunger, ask a plumber to recommend a product.

Plunge the drain five to six times while the hot water is still slowly making its way down the clogged drain. The pressure created will expedite the process of breaking up the clog.

Use Baking Soda and White Vinegar

To use this method, plumbers in Sacramento, CA from Gilmore Heating, Air & Plumbing recommend that you start by pouring approximately half a gallon of water down the drain. Wait for several minutes and plunge the drain several times to break up as much of the clog as possible.

Thereafter, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain and leave it to sit for several minutes. Now take a cup of white vinegar and pour it down the drain as well. Cover the opening of the drain immediately so that as the mixture of vinegar and baking soda foams, it is forced to move through the clog and break it up in order to flow down the drain.

Leave this mixture to sit inside the drain for at least an hour. Thereafter, get another half a gallon of hot water and rinse the drain with it. One additional reason for using vinegar is that it will remove the odors in the drain.

Snake the Sink Drain

Some deposits in the sink drain may be so stubborn that the methods above may be unable to dislodge them. For such clogs, you may need to snake the drain.

Visit a local hardware store or talk to a Fox Valley plumber to secure a drain snake. Keep inserting and retrieving the snake until the drain snake can no longer find any more debris to remove from the drain. When you get to this point, pour some water down the drain and confirm that the sink drain is now working properly.

The measures above will generally be sufficient to keep your sink drains clean and clear. However, some homeowners may notice that the drains keep developing clogs from time to time despite every effort made to prevent such an occurrence. In such a case. Contact Turek’s Plumbing Services for professional advice. Our experienced plumbers will inspect the drains and recommend the best course of action. For example, you may need to replace the old plumbing pipes with plastic ones which are less prone to clog formation. Contact us today and start enjoying trouble-free drains!

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Kid-Friendly Activities for Quarantine 

Wednesday, May 6th, 2020

kid-friendly activities during quarantine - Fox Valley PlumberFun Activities Kids Can Do During Quarantine

We’re living in challenging times, but it’s times like this where we need to come together as a community. At Tureks Plumbing, we’re taking necessary measures to protect our employees and our customers. If you have a plumbing emergency contact us at. If you have a non-plumbing necessity, like picking up your groceries, we’re here for you. Just give us a call and let us know how we can help.

Many of us have a lot more time on our hands due to the mandatory shelter-in-place. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or uneasy at this time, know that it’s perfectly normal. Social distancing does not mean we can’t have fun, so let’s make the best of it! Those who are at home with little ones may be running out of things to do, which is why our team has put together a list of fun, affordable, kid-friendly activities for quarantine.  

Coloring 

Studies have shown that there are many benefits to coloring. Some benefits include reducing stress and anxiety while improving sleep and focus. So, if you’re feeling more anxious than normal, download and print these fun coloring pages! You and your kiddo can color together. Feel free to share a picture of your beautiful artwork on Facebook or Instagram. Don’t forget to tag us!

Puzzle

Puzzles are a great way to kill time with the whole family. Some puzzles range from 20 to 1,000+ pieces! We asked our friends at Gilmore Heating & Air, a Sacramento HVAC company, for puzzle recommendations. The HVAC professionals recommend smaller Disney themed puzzles for the little ones and bigger, more educational puzzles for the older kids. There are so many different puzzles to choose from! There are puzzles of animals, Disney characters, well-known cities, history, art, etc. Order puzzles from Amazon or Target and make it a goal to complete a puzzle every week.

Exercise

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 hours of moderate-intensity physical activity a week to prevent disease and improve quality of life. When we break that down, it comes out to 30 minutes of exercise, five days a week. Luckily, being stuck at home all day means more time for exercise! Our friends over at Headwaters Construction Inc., a NorCal commercial construction company, recommends the following workout! Get the whole family to do 10 jumping jacks, 10 push-ups, 10 high-knees, 10 crunches, and 10 squats. Repeat these exercises 3-4 times. Completing this quick circuit is a great way to get the blood flowing and burn off some of the kid’s energy. You can even get creative and have a push-up or crunch challenge. The winner recieves a special prize of your choice!

Science Project 

If you’re looking for a fun and affordable science project, grab a few liters of your favorite sodas and a pack of Mentos. This science project is a little messy, so we suggest going outside. Once you’re outside, have your kids uncap the different liters of soda and space them about five to ten feet apart. Next, take one or two Mentos and drop it into the soda bottle one at a time. Watch to see how each soda reacts to the Mentos. Enjoy!

We hope that you and your family are staying safe at this time. Although we’re not together, we’re not alone. We hope you enjoy these fun activities! Don’t forget to share pictures or videos of your favorite activities on Facebook or Instagram. Tag us at @tureksplumbingservices and we’ll reshare them to our Tureks community. For emergency plumbing services contact Tureks Plumbing today!

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Do’s and Don’ts for a Shower Remodel

Wednesday, March 18th, 2020

shower remodel Appleton WI

Shower Remodel in Appleton, WI

Figuring out how to make your bathroom remodel dreams come true can be a challenge. Your main concerns would be, what materials to use, what style you want, or what colors would look best. You could also be on the fence about hiring a home remodeling contractor or doing it by yourself. 

Unfortunately, there’s no magic formula for remodeling your shower. But there are a few tips that you can follow which will make your task a whole lot easier. There are some don’ts as well that you should avoid.

Do’s for a Shower Remodel

Keep Maintenance in Mind

Ask yourself how much maintenance am I willing to endure? Many people don’t realize how frustrating cleaning tile grout is. We suggest opting out of this style so you can enjoy a low maintenance shower. 

Take Your Time Deciding the Materials 

If you’re remodeling your shower, you might as well do what you want to it, right? Of course, you should. Professionals recommend weighing out all the options, including the materials you’ll use. You may like something initially, but you may change your mind after it’s too late.

Ask Your General Contractor

Before you hire the contractor to remodel your shower, you’ll need to know the skill level they have. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the project. Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., a commercial building company in CA, recommend asking the following questions: For example, who will be managing the project? Who will be doing the hard labor? What materials will be purchased? How much does the shower remodel cost? The more questions you ask, the better you will feel about letting someone else do the project. 

Don’ts for a Shower Remodel

Don’t be a Pushover

Sometimes taking on projects can be stressful. If you choose the right contractor, they will do everything they can to provide the best experience possible. Your contractor should never push you into a home remodel design that you don’t like. At Tureks Plumbing, we love working closely with our clients to bring their home remodel dreams to life. If you are looking for a bathroom remodeling or kitchen remodeling company in Appleton, WI, contact Tureks Plumbing! We’re happy to help you in any way we can!

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Considering an Outdoor Shower

Wednesday, January 29th, 2020

considering an outdoor shower - Tureks Plumbing ServicesAn outdoor shower is an increasingly welcome idea for many homeowners. It comes with a number of benefits, especially during the summer. For example, it allows you to clean off the dirt that you don’t want in your house. This is a great option for homeowners who have kids. You can clean your pets on an outdoor shower too. It can also help if you have a swimming pool and need a quick shower before jumping into it. An outdoor shower has also been found to increase the value of your property. When considering costs, it’s recommended that you build your outdoor shower in either the fall or winter compared to the summer. It is much cheaper to complete home remodel projects in the off-seasons. You need a plan before calling a plumber in Appleton Wisconsin for an outdoor shower. This will ensure that you not only have a shower you can be proud of but will also not have to spend more than the necessary amount trying to maintain it. There are a number of factors that will influence your decision to get an outdoor shower.

Type of shower

There are a number of ways to set up an outdoor shower. You could decide to mount a hose and simply attach a brass of stainless steel shower head at the end. It is the simplest option and will not require much expertise. This option will work for you if you have no problem using cold water. 

You could also call a plumbing company in Wisconsin to fix you a pedestal or tower shower outside your home. Such a setup could include both hot and cold options. You can also choose between a permanent or semi-permanent pedestal shower. Most people prefer pedestal wall-mounted showers. 

You are required to have an anti-scald valve with your outside shower if you are planning to include a mixed-temperature control. 

Drainage

Depending on your municipal codes, your water should not be left to drain on the ground or through a bed of stones. Some codes require proper drainage like you could find in a building while others require that the shower be tiled with enclosed plumbing. Your Fox Valley plumber will be better able to provide you with the relevant information regarding your outdoor shower in Appleton. 

Amenities

It helps to include a few amenities with your shower such as a dry changing area. This area is important because you can store towels, soaps, and other important items that are required during a shower. Additionally, you could include a bench or a seat to make it easy for people to change. Make sure that the accessories you use are rust-proof. 

Winterizing your Shower

Your outdoor shower is only good for the summer. However, that does not mean you do not have to consider it during the winter. Prepare your plumbing for the winter to prevent damages, especially if your shower is permanent. Drain all pipes and hoses, open the taps where necessary and insulate the plumbing. Better yet, call a plumber to help winterize your shower to avoid spending thousands of dollars in repairs. 

Construction Materials

Pick materials that can withstand exposure to a myriad of elements. Wood, stone, metal, and tiles are available options for an outdoor shower. Remember, the material you pick will determine how much maintenance is required. Wood, for example, is trendy but requires regular maintenance. You can substitute this with faux wood tile which looks like wood but is more durable. Concrete is a great choice because it requires little or no maintenance and can withstand different elements. 

Deciding on whether you’d like to add an outside shower to your property is an important decision. That is why it is important to have a professional plumber from Tureks Plumbing helping you set up a shower you and your family can enjoy. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more about our bathroom remodel services or any other plumbing services. 

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Why You Might Have Low Water Pressure

Wednesday, January 22nd, 2020

low water pressure - tureks plumbing servicesLow water pressure is one of the most frustrating things a homeowner can experience. It slows you down and prevents you from carrying out your chores with the efficiency you are used to. Additionally, low water pressure can affect other aspects of your home, such as water heaters that require the water pressure to work.

Low water pressure can be caused by a number of things. Identifying the problem and fixing it will allow you to enjoy your water and avoid any frustration. Here are some of the reasons contributing to your low water pressure in your home. 

Faulty Fixtures 

Fixtures such as your shower head and faucets could be faulty due to old age. Old fixtures are likely to clog due to rust or dirt. This will affect how much water flows through them. Determine which of your fixtures if faulty by testing them one by one. 

Also, make sure that you check the screen and aerator for each faucet to determine whether they are clean and clear. A clogged screen or aerator could be what is causing the fixture to act up. You can easily solve this by replacing or cleaning the fixtures to attain normal flow. 

Corrosion and Debris 

Your pipes will get old with time. For example, pipes made of galvanized steel are likely to rust. The rust accumulates and starts to collect debris over time. This lowers the water pressure. 

Corrosion and the accumulation of debris take place gradually, so you might not notice it immediately. Your plumber in Appleton will be in a better position to determine the level of rust and debris in your pipes and fix it. 

Faulty Pressure Regulator 

A pressure regulator is a bell-shaped control valve used to reduce pressure in plumbing. This reduces the amount of damage caused by high water pressure on your pipes. The pressure regulator can fail and allow the increase or decrease in water pressure. In this case, your pressure regulator will start to inhibit the pressure of the water. 

You can tell whether your pressure regulator is working properly by trying to adjust it. Any defects will affect all fixtures. Your plumber will test your regulator by connecting a water pressure gauge to the spigot that is closest to the regulator or water main and check the psi readings. A reading of below 52-75 psi means that your regulator could be failing and has to be replaced. 

Faulty Water Valve 

Your plumbing system contains two valves that control the flow of water inside your home. Both valves are found close to the meter, one on each side of the meter. Your city’s water employees can close and open the valve on the street side of the meter. 

You might experience low water pressure if either of the valves is not properly opened. It helps to check both valves, especially if your plumbing system had some work done on it. Remember not to apply too much pressure on the valve when opening it. 

One of the best ways to handle low water pressure is to involve a plumber in Appleton, Wisconsin. If you are looking for trained and qualified plumbers for your plumbing issues, look no further than Tureks Plumbing. We are dedicated to giving you value for your money. Tureks Plumbing provides 24/7 emergency plumbing services. So, just contact us and we’ll be on our way!

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4 Problems an Emergency Plumber Can Fix

Wednesday, December 4th, 2019

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

Flooding and Water Damage

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

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

Water Heater Problems

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

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

Frozen Pipes

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

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

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

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

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

Blocked Drains and Toilets

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

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

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

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

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Why Your Home Water May Be Slow

Wednesday, October 16th, 2019

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

Tree Roots in Your Sewer Line 

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

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

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

Sewer Line Clogs

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

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

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

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

A Collapsed or Broken Sewer Line

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

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

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

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

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

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

Municipal Sewer Problems

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

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

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

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Repipe FAQ

Wednesday, October 9th, 2019

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

Is the Water Pressure in Your Home Low?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are You Keen on Proactive Plumbing System Maintenance?

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

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

Is the Plumbing System 5 Years or Older?

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

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

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

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

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

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Bathroom Problems You Can Fix Yourself

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019

bathroom problems you can fix yourselfLike most other things, the more the bathroom is used, the more likely it is that problems will start to arise, which you will then have to fix. Whenever there is a problem in the bathroom, the first reaction of people is to call your Fox Valley plumber to get them fixed. But all problems are not of the severity that only a professional plumber can fix them. There are many bathroom problems you can fix yourself, and this can save you a lot of time and money. 

The experts at Tureks plumbing in Appleton, WI have identified some problems that do not require professional assistance. But before we get into that, you need to understand how your toilet works since most of the bathroom-related problems are toilet-related.

A Quick Understanding of How Your Toilet Works

The toilet consists of two parts: the bowl that sits on the ground, and the upper tank that holds the water until you release it when you flush the toilet. The tank is the place where most problems arise, as it contains two important valves and the handle which initiates the toilet flush. 

Plumbing Problems You May Be Able to Fix Yourself

  • Toilet not flushing: This is perhaps the most common problem and has multiple ways to fix it. First, you need to check the handle to see if it is too tight or too loose and then tighten or loosen it accordingly. You can also check on the lift chain to see if it is attached to the flapper and the lift arm correctly, then adjust it accordingly. In case the flapper is not sealing the flush valve opening, you need to replace it because it might be damaged. 
  • A leaking toilet base: Although it sounds horrible, it is not a very hard problem to fix. This problem is mostly caused due to a damaged wax ring that seals the base of the toilet to the drain opening in the floor. In order to replace the wax ring, the toilet needs to be removed, but it is not that hard. By removing the toilet, yourself and replacing the wax ring, you can save money. 
  • A clogged toilet: Another one of the more common toilet problems, this one is probably the easiest to resolve. All you need is a specialized toilet plunger with an internal cup, and you are ready to resolve this problem within a few minutes. In case the clogging is more stubborn, you can use another specialized tool called toilet auger. 
  • Water level too high: This can be caused by a damaged or an old fill valve, which might need to be cleaned or replaced. Another cause might be debris in the fill valve resulting in the malfunction of the shut-off mechanism, and the solution is to clean out that debris

 

If you are unable to fix any of these problems on your own and need assistance, contact us at Tureks Plumbing Services. Having bigger plumbing issues? We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services across the Appleton, WI area. 

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