Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘plumber in Appleton WI’

How To Handle a Washing Machine Backing Up into Your Sink

Monday, February 5th, 2024

Discovering that your washing machine is backing up into your sink can be a frustrating and messy situation. Not only does it disrupt your daily routine but it also raises concerns about potential plumbing issues.

Handling this problem promptly and effectively is important to prevent further damage and restore the functionality of your plumbing system. Let’s take a look at the steps you can take to address a washing machine backup into your sink in Appleton WI, and how professional plumbers can assist in resolving the issue.

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These Count As Plumbing Emergencies 

Monday, January 22nd, 2024

Plumbing issues can be a homeowner’s nightmare, ranging from minor inconveniences to major emergencies that demand an emergency plumber in Appleton, WI.

Understanding what constitutes as a plumbing emergency is important for quick and effective solutions. Let’s take a look at various scenarios that qualify as plumbing emergencies. We will offer insights into the potential risks and the steps you can take to mitigate them.

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How to Know if Your Drain Pipes Are Damaged

Monday, December 11th, 2023

Your drain pipes carry away waste, but beyond watching water spin down the drain, do you ever stop to think about how it’s carried through your plumbing system? What happens to the pipes that whisk it off?

Until your pipes start showing signs of distress, they’re out of sight, out of mind. It isn’t until you need drain and sewer repair in Appleton, WI that they’re a blip on your radar, but now that the problems have presented themselves, it’s time to learn how to spot other types of drain damage

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How to Avoid Real Plumbing Emergencies

Monday, November 13th, 2023

It’s a quiet evening and you’re comfortably curled up with a good book or catching up on your favorite TV show. Suddenly you hear a strange gurgling sound from the bathroom and then a whoosh of water.

Your heart skips a beat as you rush to discover a plumbing disaster unfolding. Now you find yourself needing emergency plumbing services in Appleton, WI.

The good news is that real plumbing emergencies can often be avoided with a little proactive care and attention. Let’s look into some tips to help you steer clear of those plumbing disasters.

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Spring Maintenance With Water Heaters

Tuesday, March 29th, 2022

Spring Maintenance With Water Heaters

Is spring cleaning nearing the top of your to-do list? At Tureks Plumbing, our Appleton WI Plumber encourages you to include water heater maintenance in your to-do list.

Despite being one of the most crucial pieces of equipment in the home, the water heater is frequently overlooked. We tend to forget this simple appliance that works silently in the nooks and crannies of a garage or closet. That is until there is no hot water.

Why Get Spring Maintenance On Your Water Heater

The good news is that it only takes a few minutes of simple, low-cost maintenance. Additionally, regular maintenance can extend the life of the appliance, saving you the trouble and expense of replacing it prematurely.

Below, our water heater repair Appleton WI shares five quick fixes to keep the hot showers flowing.

Organize

Is your water heater in a utility closet, laundry room, or other location that also serves as a storage area? Depending on what you keep near or around the water heater, this could pose a fire or safety concern. To keep everything clean and safe, follow these steps:

First, our Fox Valley WI Plumber recommends that you clear the area around your water heater. This will allow enough ventilation and an unobstructed view of the unit. If any argument is obscured, you may fail to detect that your water heater is leaking until it is too late. Install shelving and hooks to store laundry detergents and other household objects away from the water heater. Flammable things should be kept at least 18 inches away from the water heater. Also, avoid storing goods prone to moisture damage near the water heater, such as books, papers, or periodicals.

Clean the Vents

Many water heaters feature a vent on the bottom that allows oxygen to enter the heater and aid in heating. Over a year, this vent can collect dust and other debris. To clean, suck up the material with a vacuum and empty up the flue. Vacuum the ducts as part of your spring and fall cleaning routines.

Test TPR

A temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve is a safety feature in water heaters. It automatically opens to release pressure by detecting harmful pressure accumulation or an abnormally high temperature inside the water heater tank. A water heater is at risk of exploding if the TPR valve is not operating. The TPR valve on a water heater should be tested once a year.

To conduct the test, place a bucket beneath the pipe attached to the TPR. Next, pull the valve’s lever. You should notice a little surge of air or see some water and vapor depart the TPR. If you don’t, the valve will need to be replaced.

Empty the Tank

Sediment buildup in the tank can lower the energy efficiency of your water heater and block your water lines. We recommend you empty the tank in your water heater once a year.

Change the Temperature

Adjust the temperature dial on the water heater tank to 120 degrees. You will save up to 5% on energy bills for every 10 degrees you reduce the temperature. If you will be away from home for more than three days, turn off the water heater or set the thermostat to the lowest level.

You may relax and enjoy the excellent hot water that will be flowing and heating more efficiently — and safely — after just a few minutes of simple labor.

Make a Service Call


If you’re concerned that your attempts at water heater maintenance may backfire and cause more problems than they solve, don’t just disregard the work. Schedule a service call from a plumber near me instead.

At Tureks Plumbing, our terrific people are proud to offer terrific service to our customers. Contact our team today to schedule your water heater maintenance appointment.

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How to Prepare Plumbing For Spring

Tuesday, March 8th, 2022

how to prepare your plumbing for springHow to Prepare Plumbing For Spring

Because spring is just around the corner, you’re getting ready to start spring cleaning! If that’s the case, don’t forget about your pipes! Because your plumbing system is one of the most vital aspects of your home, you must ensure that it is in good operating order at all times.

Preparing Your Plumbing For Warmer Weather

Whether you had problems during the winter or not, spring can be just as harmful and unpredictable. However, our Plumber in Appleton WI can do a few things to get your plumbing ready for the change of seasons.

Inspect for Leaks

First, our Plumbing Company Appleton WI advises you to look for any leaks. As follows, leaks can occur anywhere, which is why it’s critical to inspect your pipes and water fixtures thoroughly. First, take a look around your house. Then, check for any water dripping from or around the connections, mainly if a fixture is not used. Some leaks may be challenging to locate, but the warning signs are typically evident. If you discover a leaking fixture or pipe, water accumulating in areas it shouldn’t be or hear running water regularly, you should contact a professional.

Examine Your Sump Pump

Your sump pump may have overworked itself this winter to keep your basement flood-free, indicating that it is time for maintenance. Fill the basin to the top with water, and your sump pump should start right away. If it doesn’t, something has to be fixed. When you remove the basin, you’ll notice a grate at the bottom that needs to be cleaned. It may also be wise to have your sump pump and other water appliances inspected by a plumber.

Clear Your Drains

Clogs are inconvenient for both you and your plumbing, and they can occur at any time. Cleaning your gutters on a regular basis will help prevent not only clogs but also more significant plumbing issues. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners when cleaning the drains because the chemicals used can eat away at your pipes and harm pricey coatings on your sinks and counters. Alternatives include hot water, dish soap, baking soda, vinegar, and citrus peels. Contact our Plumber Fox Valley WI for drain clearing services!

Inspect Your Water Heater

Aside from the sump pump, spring is an excellent time to service your water heater. Our friends over at Gilmore Heating Air and Plumbing, Plumber Sacramento, explains that it would help if you serviced your water heater every six months to ensure proper operation. A water heater that needs repair, or worse, a water heater that has been damaged, is at risk of bursting and flooding your basement. Flush the tank to remove any silt deposits and debris that may have accumulated inside. An inspection can also aid in the detection of possible problems before they become serious. Contact Tureks Plumbing for water heater replacement Appleton WI.

Check for Signs of Winter Damage

The winter season may be harsh on your property, so it’s essential to examine for damage as soon as possible. The extreme cold, ice, and snow may have harmed the exterior and plumbing of your home. Examine for any cracks, leaks, or broken connections that could have resulted from a frozen pipe. The longer a broken pipe is left untreated, the worse your plumbing might become; if your plumbing is damaged, call a plumber straight soon.

Contact Our Plumber in Appleton Wi Today

Nobody wants to deal with a plumbing disaster, yet they do occur. That is why good plumbing repair is critical, especially when you transition from one wet season to the next. Spring may be just as tricky on your plumbing as winter without proper preparation. Schedule an inspection with a plumber today to keep your home dry, and your plumbing pleased.

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Steps to Winterize Your Plumbing

Tuesday, December 14th, 2021

Steps to winterize your plumbing - Tureks Plumbing

Steps to Winterize Your Plumbing 2021

 

Winter is one of the most difficult seasons of the year. The hardest aspect about winter is the dip in temperature to dangerously low levels. These very cold conditions are difficult not only for you, but also for some of the equipment in your house, states Plumbing company Appleton WI.

The plumbing in your home, for example, is one of the locations where very freezing temperatures may quickly cause harm. Given the significance of plumbing in your house, it’s critical to make sure it’s not damaged by the next winter.

Tureks Plumbing, Plumber Appleton WI, team recommends the following steps to winterize your plumbing. 

5 Steps to Winterize Your Plumbing 

Making sure your plumbing is ready for the extreme drop in temperatures is not only good for the continued supply of your water, but it also saves you the money you will spend hiring a plumber in Appleton, Wisconsin, for repairs. 

Prepare Your Outside Faucets for the Winter

Plumbing maintenance Appleton WI advises that you drain anything that holds water, such as your swimming pool, sprinklers, outdoor taps, and cooling units. Turn off the water in valves and other items that aren’t going to be of use during winter. Hoses should also be drained and stored away for the winter. 

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Fox Valley plumbers know that the cold will damage your pipes if left exposed for long. Find all your exposed pipes in places such as the garage, attic, and crawl spaces and make sure they are well insulated. You can use an insulation foam on the inside and outside of the pipes to protect them against prolonged freezing conditions. You can also use a towel or pool noodle instead of the insulation foam. 

Another great form of insulation is the use of heat tape, which protects your pipes from freezing. Take great care when using heat tape though, as they have been known to cause fires. Make sure that your insulation is thorough because the cold can affect the gaps. 

Drain Your Cooling Unit

It helps to drain your cooling unit of all water since you are not going to be using it during the cold season. Also, make sure to shut off all water valves in preparation for the winter. 

Keep the Heat on When Traveling

If you are traveling for winter, leave your thermostat at about 55 degrees, advises St. Paul MN heating company, McQuillan Home Services. While it may not look economical since no one will be using the heat, you will be saving a lot of money in repair costs for frozen and damaged pipes. 

Make sure to shut off the main water supply to your home and turn on all the taps to drain all the water from the pipes. You can use an air compressor to blow excess water out of the pipes. Taps should be left on. 

Flush your toilets and remove as much water as possible from your home if you are not going to be spending the winter there. In instances where you can’t remove the water, such as in your toilet bowl, use antifreeze so that the water does not freeze and crack the toilet. 

Fix any Cracks and Leaks

Cold air can see in through the cracks causing the pipes to freeze. Use caulking or spray foam to fix these cracks. 

Making your plumbing winter-ready is an important part of maintaining your home. Make sure to do this before winter sets in. We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services. Contact us today to learn about the additional home services we provide!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in December, 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

 

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How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Wednesday, December 8th, 2021

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Wisconsin is known for having a lot of harsh weather and temperatures that are far below freezing. Unprotected water lines mhow to prevent frozen pipesay freeze in freezing weather, causing a major mess and expensive damage if they burst. Fortunately our plumber Appleton Wisconsin has offered a few simple steps you may take to safeguard your pipes and avoid a disaster.

How to Prevent Freezing Water Lines

What causes burst pipes? It’s not the ice in the pipe that causes it to burst, contrary to common opinion; it’s the pressure that grows. Emergency plumber Appleton Wisconsin explains, the pipe will stay intact if the water lines thaw before the pressure grows too high. However, if they remain frozen for an extended period of time, or if they freeze, thaw, and refreeze many times, the unfrozen water in the pipe will finally build up enough pressure to break the line. Thousands of gallons of water might spill out of the pipe before anybody detects the breach resulting in pipe repair Appleton WI.

Walls and Doors Should Be Insulated

Best heating company Sacramento, Gilmore Heating & Air, states that if you have a problem with frequent pipe freezes, try insulating walls and doors, adding weather stripping to doors, and making sure windows are securely sealed. The best long-term solution is to keep the room heated, even if it is more costly.

Pipes Should Be Insulated

Another alternative is to have lining pipes Appleton WI insulate water pipes in unheated areas of your house (e.g., attic, crawlspace, and garage) using foam insulating sleeves before the cold winter arrives. If you don’t have any foam covers, old towels and blankets may be used instead. Keep an eye out for any fire threats.

Heat Tape or a Pipe Heater

A water pipe heater or heat tape, which delivers heat directly to your water pipes to avoid freezing, may be installed (or hired to have it installed by a professional plumber). Most hardware shops will have these goods.

Close your garage door 

Be sure to close your garage door on cold days to offer an additional layer of protection from the cold air and wind if water lines run through your garage or the outer wall that connects to it.

Allow Warm Air to Flow Into Tight Spaces

Leave the doors open on the cupboards beneath your sinks and let the water trickle from the faucets when the temperatures are forecast to be very cold. This will enable warm air from the rest of your house to flow around the pipes, preventing them from freezing, and the dripping water will keep pressure in the lines from building up.

Set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees if you’ll be traveling or away from home for a prolonged amount of time during the chilly months. Shutting off your main water supply and opening each faucet to let the water drain from the pipes is also a good idea.

Pipes Should Be Rerouted

Your supply lines and water pipes may also be rerouted away from unheated portions of your house, such as the garage and outside walls, by a skilled plumber.

If Your Pipes Freeze, What Should You Do?

To begin, turn off the house or business’s main water supply valve.

Then turn on the faucet into which the pipe pours water (if you can determine the location of the frozen pipe). This will release some of the system’s pressure and enable the water to flow more freely when the temperature changes.

Next, if feasible, warm up the room. Open doors to let extra heat in, open heating vents, or switch on a space heater if possible.

You may next use a hair drier or a space heater to attempt to reheat the pipes around the frozen region. Hot clothes placed around the pipe might also be helpful. Always keep an eye on the warming process and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for optimal usage.

Water spilling from thawing pipes should be avoided near electrical cables and appliances. The combination of water and electricity is very harmful.

What happens if the pipeline bursts?

Shut off your main water supply and contact a plumber if your pipe is leaking or has broken. Water damage may be minimized by turning off the water supply.

We make every effort to offer up-to-date and accurate information, but this material may include mistakes or information that is inappropriate for your circumstance or your equipment. The resources on this website are intended to give general information. Tureks Plumbing Services disclaims any and all responsibility arising from the information given. Always review your equipment’s operating handbook before attempting to repair or alter plumbing, electrical, or other equipment in your home or company, and only do so if you are competent.

Feel free to contact us with any questions, concerns or service requests.

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Kitchen Sink Backing Up When Washing Laundry

Wednesday, September 29th, 2021
Kitchen Sink Backing Up When Washing Laundry - Fox Valley Cities

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. 

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Flood Draining Maintenance Tips

Wednesday, 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.

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