Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Plumbing Problems’

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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When to Replace Your Water Softener at Home

Wednesday, September 18th, 2019

How to Know When to Replace the Water Softener at Home - Tureks PlumbingLike any of the other appliances that you have in your home, the water softener will also need to be replaced at some point. It is important for you to know when the time has come to replace this appliance. Most water softeners last for between 10 and 15 years, so if yours is more than a decade old, then you could consider replacing it. Apart from the age, there are other signs that you can base upon to make the decision to replace your water softener. Tureks Plumbing Services shares some of those warning signs.

Less Lather Than Expected

If you notice that you have to use more soap or shampoo in order to get enough lather while you take a bath or shower, then it may be time to replace the water softener since the current one isn’t doing a good job of softening the hard water.

Spotted or Stained Laundry

When you run your clothes through the laundry machine, and the clothes have visible white spots or stains, you can suspect that the water softener isn’t doing its work as it should and you may, therefore, need to be replaced. The spots you see are minerals that have remained after the water evaporated as your laundry dried.

This problem can also be seen on your dishes and pans since the same minerals making your clothes to look dirty are also present in the water used in the dishwasher. Consequently, if you see streaks on your dishes and other kitchenware, take that as a sign that the water softener may have become ineffective and it may be time to replace it or have a Fox Valley plumber check and repair it.

Deposits Around Faucets and Pipes

You also need to observe the pipes and faucets in your home. If you see crusty deposits on those faucets and pipes, then the water softener may not be doing its job. That chalky substance can gradually clog the pipes or even damage them.

Changes in the Taste of Water

If you have been drinking water directly from a faucet, you may start to notice that its taste changes to something you don’t like. That change may signify that the minerals which the water softener was removing are now remaining in the water because the water softener is no longer doing its work as it should. This suspicion may gain further credence if you notice any of the other signs discussed earlier.

Changes in the Water Pressure

If the water pressure at different points of use drops inexplicably, the problem may lie squarely with the malfunctioning water softener. The drop in pressure may be due to the mineral deposits in hard water accumulating on the walls of the pipes to the extent that water cannot flow through easily. Fox Valley plumbers advise that it is much better, in the long run, to replace the water softener instead of indulging in the futile task of repeatedly clearing the clogged pipes.

Too Much Salt

Older water softeners required the homeowner to keep topping up the salt that is used by the appliance to soften hard water. Appleton plumbers reveal that if you check your water softener and find that the supply of salt isn’t changing despite the water softener running, then that water softener may have reached the end of its usefulness and it may be time to replace it.

Dry and Itchy Skin

If your skin feels itchy and dry after a shower, then some dissolved minerals may be remaining in the water. This is a sign that the water softener isn’t as effective as it once was.

When to Replace Your Water Softener

The signs above are only indicative and may not be definitive proof that it is time to replace your water softener. This is because the problem may be fixed by servicing the appliance, or another cause may be responsible for the signs you see. For example, the metallic water pipes in your home may be rusty, which could explain the altered taste of the water in your home. The best way to confirm that your water softener is due for replacement is by asking an Appleton plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services to check the softener and determine whether servicing or repairing it may restore it to full functionality, or whether replacing it is the best option. Don’t live with the problems resulting from hard water flowing through your pipes, contact Tureks Plumbing Services for help today!

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How to Prepare Your Plumbing for Fall

Wednesday, September 11th, 2019

how to prepare your plumbing for fall - Tureks Plumbing ServicesThe weather changes that occur during autumn bring several risks for the plumbing system of your home. Preparing your plumbing for this season will help to avert many of those potential problems. The following tips provided by the experienced plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, WI, will get you underway with this task.

Insulate Your Water Pipes

When a pipe freezes and bursts, the resultant damage can cost you thousands of dollars to fix. The best way that Fox Valley plumbers recommend for preventing this problem is by insulating the water pipes so that they are protected from the cold.

You can buy self-adhering pipe insulation from a plumbing supplies store near you and install this insulation yourself. All you have to do is measure the pipe you want to insulate is and then cut the appropriate length of insulating material.

To make this activity as easy as possible, experienced Appleton plumbers suggest that instead of trying to insulate all the pipes in one day, spread out this work over several days.

Pay special attention to the outdoor water pipes and those in spaces that aren’t conditioned, such as the basement, since these are most prone to freezing during cold weather.

Disconnect the Hose

Now is also the time to disconnect all the water hoses outside your home. Drain those hoses and keep them in your garage or any other sheltered place in your home. Check the faucets to which the hoses were connected and repair any leaks to those faucets before the cold weather sets in.

This is also the time to turn the shutoff valves off so that the pipes supplying the garden hoses don’t retain any water in them. Any water that remains in these pipes could freeze and make the pipe burst.

Clear the Drainpipes and Gutters

Falling leaves and other debris are a threat to the drainpipes and gutters on your home because they can cause clogs that prevent water from flowing freely from the roof and away from your house. It is therefore important for you to inspect and clean out the gutters and the drainpipes so that they can do their work when the time comes.

If you are unable to clean the gutters and drainpipes on your own due to mobility challenges or safety concerns, ask Tureks Plumbing Services for help.

Inspect the Water Heater

The onset of cold weather means that your water heater will be working extra hard to keep your household supplied with the hot water .

Appleton plumbers recommend that you inspect and service the water heater so that it is at its best before the cold weather sets in. Flush the water heater and get rid of the sediment at the bottom of the tank.

Test the pressure relief valve and confirm that it is functional. Also, look underneath the heater to confirm that there are no puddles that could suggest that the water heater is leaking.

You can also check the anode rod if you hadn’t checked and replaced it recently. This component plays an important role in preventing your water heater tank from corroding since the anode sacrifices itself so that the water heater tank can remain intact. If you have a tankless water heater, then you don’t have to worry about sacrificial anodes.

Now might be a perfect time to ask your local Fox Valley plumber to examine your water heater. Tureks Plumbing can help you with any water heater repairs or replacements that are needed. Remember, it’s best to detect these plumbing problems sooner than later.

Service the Sump Pump

The sump pump plays an important role in preventing your basement from flooding by pumping out all the water that accumulates in the sump pit. This pump and any auxiliary pump in your basement need to be at its best to cope with the potential deluge of water entering the basement when the rainy season starts.

Check the discharge line and confirm that it is clear. If you test the pump and it appears to be having a technical problem, invite a plumber from Fox Valley Plumbers to check and fix any issue it may have.

It takes a lot of skill and care to prepare your plumbing system sufficiently for fall. This task is better handled by professionals, and the experienced plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services are at your service. Give us a call today, and we will take care of your commercial or residential plumbing needs just in time for winter. 

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Do I Need to Fix My Gurgling Drains?

Wednesday, September 4th, 2019

do i need to fix my gurgling drainsYou should be concerned if one or more drains in your home are emitting a gurgling sound each time that drain or another one is used. While the sound can be annoying, it is actually a good thing because it draws your attention to a developing problem. Read on and discover why drains gurgle and what you can do to fix the problem on your own before calling the experts at Tureks Plumbing Services for help.

Where Does the Gurgling Come From?

One of the most important steps, before you can fix the gurgling sound in your plumbing, is finding out where the sound is coming from. You can get answers to this question by listening carefully as you use different drains. From this observation, Fox Valley plumbers recommend that you note down the specific drain or drains exhibiting this symptom.

When Does the Gurgling Occur?

Tureks Plumbing Services also recommends that you take note of when gurgling sounds are emitted. For example, one drain may gurgle each time it is used. It is also possible for a drain to gurgle when another plumbing fixture is used. A clear example of this is when you hear gurgling in the floor drain of your bathroom when you pour water down the kitchen sink drain.

What Gurgling from One Drain Means

When you talk to an Appleton plumber about the gurgling from just one drain, he or she will immediately suspect that there is either a partial clog or blockage in that drain, or there is a malfunction in the vent of that plumbing fixture, such as the kitchen sink.

Solutions to Gurgling in One Drain

First, use a plunger to try and dislodge the clog that is blocking the single drain emitting the gurgling sound. If you try to use the drain and the problem persists, then it may be time to switch to an auger. Be careful when using the auger because any mistake that you make can result in damage to the plumbing pipe.

If you aren’t certain of your ability to accomplish this task on your own, contact a plumber in Appleton, WI for help in using an auger to safely get rid of the clog.

The second alternative solution is suitable for gurgling due to defective venting. Here, what is required is to clean the p-trap of the fixture from which the gurgling sound is originating. Access the vent and clean it so that it can start letting air into the drain as water is flowing through.

If you find that the plumbing fixture doesn’t have a vent, now is the time to call a Fox Valley plumber and ask him or her to install a vent on this particular fixture and others without vents.

What Gurgling from Multiple Drains Means

You can hear gurgling sounds from several vents in your home if the main vent of the plumbing system has a problem, such as a bird’s nest blocking it or when it is constricted by a heavy object. Alternatively, gurgling from multiple vents may also result if the main sewer line has a clog or is damaged.

Solutions to Gurgling in Multiple Drains

You may have noticed that your home has a vertical pipe that runs to the roof of the house. This pipe is the main vent of the entire plumbing system. Tureks Plumbing Services explains that once this vent is clogged, then air will be unable to enter the plumbing pipes and several drains will begin gurgling.

The fix to this problem is to access the vent on the roof and remove any clog inside that vent. You can use a thin piece of tubing to push down any debris which has entered the vent. This may also be the time to put an elevated cover or mesh on the vent opening so that tree leaves and other forms of debris don’t enter the vent in future. You might want to hire a Fox Valley plumber to perform this task if you are afraid of heights or you find climbing onto the roof too risky.

The second solution involves unclogging the main sewer pipe if the main vent has no problem but you continue to hear gurgling from different drains. If you are up to the task and you have the necessary tools, such as a plumbing snake, you can open the nearest cleanout port and push the snake into the pipe until you dislodge the clog.

Calling Professional Fox Valley Plumber

However, you are better off asking a plumber in Appleton, WI to clear the pipe. This professional will inspect the pipe using a camera and identify the kind of blockage hindering the flow of wastewater. For example, tree roots may have penetrated the pipe and partially blocked it. This inspection will enable the plumber to use the most appropriate technique to get rid of the clog so that the gurgling sounds are brought to an end.

It is vital that you resist the temptation to ignore the gurgling sound coming from a drain or several drains in your home. Any delay to address the problem can allow the situation to deteriorate and a plumbing emergency, such as a burst sewer pipe, can arise. Don’t let matters get this far. Call Tureks Plumbing Services as soon as you notice gurgling in any drain and our expert plumbers will assess and resolve the situation.

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6 Common Septic Tank Problems

Wednesday, August 7th, 2019

common septic tank problems- Tureks Plumbing ServicesMost people don’t pay attention to their septic system until they suddenly have a problem. If you have a septic tank problem, you will be unable to use the toilet, take a shower, or even run the dishwasher. The inconveniences that you go through while you wait for professional help to arrive can be enough to motivate you to read up on what could have happened. In this article, you’ll discover common septic tank problems and how you can prevent slow drain septic problems from occurring. Tureks Plumbing Services suggests that you pay special attention to the following common septic tank problems.

Septic Tank Problems: Excess Water in the Septic Tank

One of the septic tank problems that plumbers from Tureks Plumbing Services are called out to fix is excess water in the septic tank. Before you rush to condemn the weather in your area for this problem, examine the water use habits of your household.

For example, do you run several cycles in the washing machine each day? Do you indulge in lengthy showers? How often do you fill and empty the bathtub each week? These things may be causing lots of water to flow down the drains and into the septic tank.

If the tank isn’t sized appropriately for your household or water usage habits, then that tank could overflow and mess up your yard.

Ask a Fox Valley Plumber to inspect the tank and pump it in case solids had accumulated in the space that should be holding water. Otherwise, adjust your water use habits so that less water ends up in the septic tank each day. For example, instead of keeping all your laundry and running several cycles in one day of the week, you could run one cycle each day. This approach will allow the septic tank to deal with the smaller amounts of water that flow in instead of being inundated with huge volumes of water on a single day.

Septic Tank Problems: Tree Root Infiltration

Tree roots can sense the proximity of water and other nutrients, and they will grow towards that location. If the tiniest of leaks develop in your septic system, nearby tree roots will grow towards the leak and eventually penetrate the pipe through the leaky section.

Over time, these roots will grow bigger and cause significant clog or damage to the septic system. This is a tough problem to fix on your own, so you need to enlist the help of an Appleton plumber to cut out those roots and repair the damage to the septic pipe.

You can avoid this problem by planting trees far from the septic system so that you reduce the likelihood that the tree roots will damage your septic pipes years later.

Septic Tank Problems: Non-Biodegradables in the System

The plumbing professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services remind homeowners that everything that goes down a plumbing drain will eventually find its way into the septic tank.

It is therefore vital to avoid disposing of non-biodegradables in the drainage system. Since these items can cause clogs or fill the septic tank with solids that necessitate more frequent septic tank pumping. The items to avoid include sanitary towels and tampons, cat litter, coffee grounds, dental floss, paper towels, and cotton swabs.

Experienced plumbers in Appleton, WI urge you not to flush sanitary wipes even if they are labelled as “flushable” because most take long to break down and will, therefore, cause clogs. If these non-biodegradables have already found their way into the septic system, then the tank may need to be pumped, and the pipes unclogged.

Septic Tank Problems: Use of Harsh Chemicals

Slow drain septic problems can also result from your use of harsh chemicals, such as chemical drain cleaners. These chemicals can gradually damage the drainage and spring leaks in drainage pipes.

If the leak occurs in an underground septic pipe, soil from the vicinity can enter the pipe and cause slow drainage in your plumbing fixtures.

Additionally, many of those chemicals kill the bacteria responsible for breaking down the solids that are flushed down the drains in your home. Without this bacteria, the septic tank will quickly fill up, and the drain field will be overwhelmed by the solids leaking out of the septic tank.

Avoid these potentially severe and costly problems by keeping your use of harsh chemicals minimal. Ask a Fox Valley plumber for advice on which particular cleaners are septic-tank friendly.

Septic Tank Problems: Strong Odors

The entire septic system should not give off strong odors that are noticeable by your family members. If you sense these odors coming from any of the drains in your home or the vicinity of the septic tank, then something is wrong.

For example, the beneficial bacteria in the septic tank may have been killed by the chemicals you use in your household. As a result, wastes may accumulate in the septic tank without being decomposed. This creates noticeable odors coming from the tank.

The drain field (the area where liquids from the septic tank seep into) may no longer be capable of doing its work due to soil compaction and other factors.

Septic Tank Ground Movements

The ground around your septic tank may have moved, and that is why you are experiencing slow drain septic problems. For example, the soil could have moved upwards and forced the tank to be at a higher level than the septic system requires it to be. When that happens, you will notice that the drainage is slow throughout your home due to the changed position of the septic tank.

In some cases, sewage will even start backing up into the toilet, shower drain and other ground or floor-level drains in your home. The only way to fix such a problem is by getting expert help from Tureks Plumbing Services.

As you can see, the causes of slow drain septic problems are many and seem to be unrelated. The best way to protect your septic system from those problems is by asking Tureks Plumbing Services to take charge of the routine maintenance of the entire system. During the scheduled maintenance visits, our plumbers will share any concerns they have. In this way, problems will be caught early and rectified before they worsen and become more costly to fix. Give us a call today!

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Plumbing Mistakes New Homeowners Make

Thursday, March 28th, 2019

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Top 7 Plumbing Mistakes New Homeowners Make

The hassles associated with moving into your first home can drain you to the bone. It is therefore not surprising that you may easily make several rookie mistakes as you undertake some plumbing repairs to fix problems that went undetected when you were checking the home before buying it. Here are the top plumbing mistakes that the plumbing professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services regularly encounter with inexperienced first-time homeowners.

Thinking Any Tool Will Do

Many homeowners don’t have a sufficient collection of plumbing tools to attend to every plumbing defect that may arise. The temptation to improvise when you want a quick fix to a plumbing problem can, therefore, be high.

However, Fox Valley plumbers advise that you avoid using any makeshift tool when tackling plumbing problems because you risk making the problem worse or injuring yourself. For example, not any random tool that you find can cut a metallic plumbing pipe. Only undertake a plumbing project in your new home if you have the right tools for that job.

Taking Long to Fix Minor Defects

Another common mistake that plumbers in Appleton, WI see is that homeowners neglect to fix plumbing problems that they regard as minor. For example, you may not pay sufficient attention to a dripping faucet because you’re busy settling in. 

Those plumbing issues that you regard as minor can worsen and be costly to fix later on. For example, the dripping faucet can cause water damage to the floor and walls. A running toilet can flood. The list goes on and on. It is therefore advisable for you to fix each plumbing problem you notice as soon as possible so that it doesn’t get a chance to get any worse. If you can’t, then call a Fox Valley plumber for help.

Not Shutting the Water Off

It is very easy to get distracted by the task of putting together the different tools and materials that you will need for a plumbing project, and you forget what professionals consider to be Plumbing 101; turning the water off before you start.

Many homeowners confess that they learn this the hard way after getting started and having water gushing into their faces at high pressure. The resultant water damage from this mistake can be enough to make some people vow never to undertake any plumbing DIY project.

Don’t let this happen to you. Learn from the mistakes of others and shut the water off before you begin fixing any plumbing defect. Tureks Plumbing Services recommends that you locate the shutoff valve of the particular plumbing fixture that you want to fix so that the rest of the home can still have running water. For example, your kitchen faucet has a shutoff valve somewhere underneath the sink. The toilet also has a shutoff valve somewhere behind the toilet tank. Use the main shutoff valve located outside the home if the repair you want to undertake affects the main water line, or when you can’t locate the shutoff valve for the defective fixture.

Mismatching Plumbing Materials

One major shortcoming of DIY projects is that many homeowners don’t have enough experience to know that some materials don’t go well together. For example, did you know that you can trigger large scale water pipe corrosion if you join two pipe sections with a metallic connector that is not compatible with the pipes you are joining?

Talk to a plumber in Appleton, WI before you buy plumbing repair materials. That way the professional can guide you about which material is compatible with your home’s plumbing system. This guidance will save you from installing incompatible materials that can end up creating bigger problems.

Doing Unpermitted Work

The plumbing code usually stipulates which plumbing projects can be done without a permit and which ones require a permit. It is vital that you ascertain whether the project you want to take on requires you to get a permit from the authorities or you don’t need one.

Otherwise, unpermitted work can result in serious issues later on. For example, you may find it hard to get a buyer for that home if the pre-purchase inspection uncovers unpermitted work. You could also be prosecuted and fined if the authorities discover that you didn’t obtain the necessary permit required. It doesn’t hurt to talk to a Fox Valley plumber as you plan your plumbing project just to be sure that you won’t run into any problems later.

Careless Mistakes While Soldering

Some plumbing projects, such as repairing pipe leaks, may require you to do some soldering. Be extra careful if your project requires you to bring out your soldering torch. For example, ensure that you have covered or removed anything flammable from the work area before you start. Additionally, you should never set the torch down when its flame is still lit. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings at all times while you work. If you aren’t sure about your ability to implement all the necessary safety precautions, simply call a plumber in Appleton, WI for help.

Not Asking for Professional Help

It is okay for you to fix as many plumbing problems in your home as you can. Our team at Tureks Plumbing Services make it our duty to share useful information that can empower you to resolve plumbing problems without calling an expert each time a problem crops up. However, we always caution homeowners to know their limitations. Always ask for professional help when situations go out of your expertise. This is serious enough to warrant repeating; contact Tureks Plumbing Services each time you are faced with a plumbing problem that you are unable to fix on your own. We are available 24/7, so don’t put your safety and property at risk when we can sort the problem quickly.

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Common Objects That Clog Toilets

Wednesday, February 6th, 2019

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Common Objects That Clog Toilets

It is sad to realize that many homeowners spend a lot of money each year to hire plumbers to unclog their toilet or plumbing system. It’s unfortunate because a significant fraction of those emergency plumbing calls could have been avoided if only the homeowners and their family members knew that they shouldn’t flush certain common objects down the toilet. Here are the most common objects that clog toilets. 

Excessive Amounts of Toilet Paper

Most people instinctively know how much toilet paper to use and flush down the toilet. However, kids may not have such rationality, and they will quickly turn flushing toilet paper into a game. When a large amount of toilet paper is flushed in one go, it can bunch itself into a tight ball as it travels down the drain. That ball of toilet paper will not degrade as rapidly as expected, and a clog may develop at that point where the ball has snagged. Fox Valley plumbers advise parents to teach their kids to refrain from flushing excessive amounts of toilet paper.

Don’t Flush Hair 

Are you in the habit of cleaning your pet dog in your bathtub and then letting the fur flow down the drain? Or do you collect that fur and flush it down the toilet? Whether it is human or animal hair, never flush it down your toilet. Many plumbers in Appleton, WI admit that the number one cause of shower drain clogs is hair. A better option is to place a strainer on the bathtub drain so that all the hair is collected and disposed of properly with the trash. Don’t even think of dumping it in the toilet!

Don’t Flush Feminine Hygiene Products

It is common to find signage in public restrooms reminding users not to flush feminine hygiene products like tampons and sanitary towels down the toilet. However, some people don’t implement the same advice at home. Those products aren’t biodegradable, and they will clog the toilet sooner rather than later. Always have a trash can in the bathroom so that such products can be disposed of with the trash instead of finding their way into the toilet. The number of times you have to call a Fox Valley plumber for help regarding a clogged toilet will reduce significantly once you make this one change.

Don’t Flush Paper Towels

There’s a reason why a trash can is placed close to the sink where you wash your hands after using a public restroom. That can is intended to be a receptacle for the paper towel you use to dry your hands. While paper towels are made from, well, paper, they are thick and will not break down easily when flushed. In case you weren’t aware that paper towels shouldn’t be flushed, now you know. Talk to a plumber in Appleton, WI about the plumbing problems caused by paper towels if you still have doubts about the dangers of flushing paper towels.

Don’t Flush Toys

This one seems obvious, but curious and playful kids will not hesitate to turn flushing toys into a game. All it takes is just one toy to get stuck anywhere in the plumbing drains, and you will have a major clog in the system. As you know, kids will always be kids, so take the precaution of having someone to supervise them at all times if they have toys while in the bathroom.

Don’t Flush Baby Wipes and Diapers

You may think that flushing diapers may be a quick fix to the odors, but that quick fix will cost you once the toilet develops a clog. The same risk will take place when you flush baby wipes or any type of wipe. Don’t believe it when the packaging of the wipes says that they are “flushable.” What the manufacturers mean differs from what your plumber in Appleton, WI will regard as flushable. This is because anything you flush should degrade in a short time so that blockages don’t develop in the plumbing system.

There are many other common objects that you should refrain from flushing down the toilet. A simple way to remember them all is to adopt a simple rule that you and your family members should only flush toilet paper and nothing else. Call Tureks Plumbing Services if you suspect that a clog is preventing your toilet from draining as quickly as it should. We shall send an experienced Fox Valley plumber to assess the situation and perform the needed work before your toilet backs up.

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8 Things You Should Never Pour Down Your Drain

Thursday, January 17th, 2019

things you should never pour down your drain - Tureks Plumbing Services

8 Things You Should Never Pour Down Your Drain

Many of the problems with your plumbing system can be traced to the deceptively simple mistakes that you make each time you pour something inappropriate down the drain. Read through the following list of the things you should never pour down your drain.

Avoid Pouring Grease and Cooking Oil Down the Drain

No amount of grease or cooking is small enough to pour down the drain. Grease and cooking oil solidify inside drains and attract other particles to them. Very soon, the mass will grow into a large enough ball to cause a blockage in the plumbing. You will then start noticing that the drains will function sluggishly. The next step will be a total blockage if nothing is done to fix the situation.

Tureks Plumbing Services advises that you refrain from pouring cooking oil or grease down your kitchen sink. Instead, pour oil or scrape grease into a garbage bin for proper disposal so that you save your plumbing system from the possibility of grease or oil-induced clogs.

Avoid Pouring Pumpkin Fragments Down the Drain

It is also a bad idea to dump any part of a pumpkin into the garbage disposal or kitchen drain. This risk increases exponentially during Halloween when you and your family members carve several pumpkins.

What is so bad about getting rid of pumpkins in the garbage disposal? For starters, pumpkin fragments harden when left on any surface. Haven’t you had trouble cleaning your carving knives after leaving them for a while in the aftermath of cutting pumpkins? Fox Valley plumbers caution that the pumpkin fragments can harden within the drain or garbage disposal and cause problems for the system. Instead, pour those fragments in the trash so that you spare the plumbing system from the eventual problems likely to be triggered when they harden inside the pipes.

Avoid Pouring Fibrous Food Items Down the Drain

While it is recommended that you consume as much fiber in your diet as possible, the same can’t be said for your home’s plumbing system. Fibrous foods, such as celery stalks should not be dumped in the garbage disposal. Those fibers will stick on the disposal blades or form clumps within the drainage pipes. Either possibility isn’t good for the health of the plumbing system and should be avoided by placing those foods in the garbage bin.

Avoid Pouring Rice and Pasta Down the Drain

Another thing you should never pour down your drain is rice and pasta. These items have a lot of starch in them. So they can congeal into a paste-like substance that will stick on the walls of the drainage pipes. Additionally, other solids flowing through the system will attach themselves to this starchy glue and cause a major clog to develop. Talk to a plumber in Appleton, WI, in case you have been disposing of these food items in the garbage disposal. The plumber will inspect the pipes and clean those drains so that any accumulations are removed before they cause a blockage.

Avoid Pouring Bones Down the Drain

The garbage disposal can easily crush different kinds of bones that you dump inside it, right? Wrong. The garbage disposal isn’t a crusher or any such heavy-duty machine. Making it break down hard bones will not only cause massive tear and wear, but also cause major problems to your system.

Err on the side of caution by dumping all bones, except tiny fish bones, into the trash can in your kitchen. This will prolong the service life of the garbage disposal and also safeguard the plumbing system from the harmful effects of any bones that may escape the blades of the garbage disposal.

Avoid Pouring Raw Meat Down the Drain

Raw meat (or trimmings) is also one of the things you should never pour down your drain. Experienced plumbers in Fox Valley say that the meat utilizes all the oxygen within the drainage system as it decomposes. Consequently, there will be no oxygen left for the beneficial bacteria that break down the wastes flushed down the plumbing. Over time, the wastes will accumulate in the septic tank and overflow into the drain field. It is, therefore, better to refrain from triggering this unfortunate chain of events if you want to avoid costly plumbing system repairs.

Avoid Pouring Flour Down the Drain

Flour has a lot of starch, so it should not be poured down the drain. When starch absorbs water, it forms some kind of glue that will bind any particles it comes in contact with into a tight ball. This ball of debris will grow larger until it partially or wholly blocks the drainage pipe. Tureks Plumbing Services recommends that you dispose of unwanted flour in the trash can so that it doesn’t cause plumbing system problems.

Avoid Pouring Coffee Grounds Down the Drain

Can you honestly claim that you have never poured coffee grounds down the drain in your kitchen? Most people have done so because they aren’t aware of the long-term harmful effects of that habit. Now that you know, refrain from pouring those spent grounds in the garbage disposal. They will accumulate in the drains and eventually cause a clog. A far better use of the coffee grounds is to scatter them in your garden or place them in your compost pile so that your plants can benefit from their rich nutrients.

The list of the things you should never pour down your drain is longer than what has been covered in the discussion above. Ask Tureks Plumbing Services professionals for specific questions regarding your plumbing system. Our plumbers will be more than glad to address your concerns, and we are waiting for your call if you ever have any plumbing system problem and need help resolving it.

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How to Keep Mold From Coming Back

Thursday, November 29th, 2018

how to keep mold from coming back

How to Keep Mold From Coming Back

It doesn’t matter where you live, mold will follow you anywhere that accumulates moisture. Your bathroom, for instance, is a perfect environment for mold to grow. After you take a bath or shower, water is left on the walls and tile. You may try cleaning it up, but it keeps on coming back. So what should you do? Well, mold can cause major damage to your walls, ceilings, floors, countertops, etc., which can leave you no other choice but to remodel. Regardless of where it is, it’s neither safe or healthy. It’s important to get rid of mold as soon as you notice it. In this article, plumbing experts at Tureks Plumbing Services explain how to get rid of the mold in your home for good.

What is Mold?

When battling mold in your home, it’s important to have a basic understanding of what it really is. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is a type of fungi that can be found indoors and outdoors. Fungi are known for being able to survive very harsh surroundings, which is why it is a common household problem. Once the species has found an optimal environment, such as water damage from leaky pipes, it will multiply and continue to grow. Many people have mold allergies and will experience asthma symptoms. To keep you and your family safe from developing respiratory illnesses, it is important to eliminate the moisture in that environment so the fungi can no longer survive.

How to Prevent Mold From Growing in Your Home

Since we know exactly what mold is and what it’s capable of doing, there are a few simple tips you can follow to keep it from spreading throughout your home. Since mold can be commonly found in bathrooms, it’s easiest if you start in there. Try the suggestions below to prevent mold in your bathroom and other areas in your home.

Use a Ventilation Fan or Buy a Fan

Where there’s moisture, there’s mold. The best way to eliminate moisture is to make the area dry again. Many bathrooms have ventilation fans that vent to the outside to help get rid of the accessive moisture. If you don’t have a ventilation fan you can always purchase a regular fan to dry the space. Run your fan for at least a half an hour after your shower.

Squeegee Please

We’ve all gone without squeegeeing our shower or bath. We get it, it’s a boring and annoying task but if you take a few minutes to do it, you will reduce the moisture in the bathroom by ¾. It’s definitely worth it!

Fix The Leaks

Leaks cause moisture to accumulate and over time mold will grow. If you want your house to be mold-free, you need to fix the leaks right away. Contact your local plumber in Appleton, WI and they will gladly fix your leaks and any other plumbing problems you may have.

Keep Your Bathroom Clean and Dry

A clean bathroom makes it harder for mold to survive. If you clean your bathroom and wash used towels and rugs weekly, your bathroom will stay nice and clean – fungi hate that. The cleaner the better! While you’re cleaning your bathroom. Remove loofahs, sponges and other products from the shower so they can dry.

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6 Signs You May Have a Problem With Your Main Sewer Line

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2018

6 Signs You May Have a Problem With Your Main Sewer Line

Your property’s plumbing system goes beyond the visible pipes to the main sewer line connecting them. Today, plumbing problems are among the worst issues you would want to deal with as a homeowner because these may involve a hefty amount of your time and money. Often, this involves your main sewer line, resulting in busted pipes and flooded bathrooms.

But determining if the plumbing problem has something to do with your sewer line is not an easy task. Often, problems go unnoticed without professional help. A damaged main sewer line, for instance, is a huge problem that can become too expensive when not addressed immediately.
To help you, Turek’s Plumbing shares six signs you may have a problem with your main sewer line.

1. Nasty odors

A problem-free sewer line is airtight. So if you smell nasty odors coming out from the pipes, this means that there is a leakage in your main sewer line.

2. Sewage backup

Sewage backups are common. However, if this happens each time you flush the toilet, you may have a problem with your sewer line.
Remember that all drains rely on the main sewer line in order to drain properly. So if you notice blockages in your drains, this is a sure-fire sign of a damaged sewer line.

3. Slow Drains

One of the common plumbing issues homeowners encounter is a slow drain. Usually, this can easily be dealt with by drain cleaning or a plunger. But if these efforts don’t work anymore, the issue may already involve your main sewer line.

4. Sewage in your yard

Once your sewer line gets clogged, your home’s wastewater might not make it to the sewer. Instead, it gets out from the sewer clean-out, which then pours sewage into your yard.
A good indication that sewage is leaking out in your yard is when your lawn looks more lush than usual; that’s because sewage is an excellent fertilizer.

5. Mold

Mold is caused by several issues, including a damaged main sewer line. Even a small crack in the line will result in water leaks inside your home, leading to mold growth. Deal with mold immediately because this is detrimental to your health.

6. Foundation issues

Other signs of a damaged main sewer line include foundation issues like foundation settlement, cracks in the foundation slab, and sinkholes. These problems are often caused by leaks that are left unaddressed for a long period of time.
Plumbing problems can disrupt your daily routine. When dealing with these problems, a reputable Fox Valley plumbing company highly recommends calling plumbing experts, regardless of how mild or severe they are. This is the only way to make sure that the problem is fixed properly.

Don’t wait for your main sewer line to be damaged! The moment you notice a plumbing problem inside or outside your home, immediately call a professional Appleton plumber.

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