Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Plumbing’

These 4 Plumbing Services Can Save You Big

Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023

Maintaining a well functioning plumbing system is important for the comfort and functionality of your home. While plumbing issues can be inconvenient and costly, investing in certain plumbing services in Appleton, WI, can save you a large amount of money in the long run.

Let’s look into four plumbing services that can help you avoid major expenses and keep your plumbing system running smoothly for years to come.

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Plumbing Tip: Mesh Screens Make a Big Difference

Monday, May 15th, 2023

Are you tired of dealing with clogged drains and plumbing issues in your home? Mesh screens help more than you might know, so if you already have plumbing maintenance in Appleton, WI scheduled, these are worth installing in your home.

Let’s discuss a simple yet effective plumbing tip that can make a big difference in preventing clogs and maintaining a healthy plumbing system: the use of mesh screens.

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Good Plumbers Vs. Mediocre Plumbers

Monday, March 6th, 2023

We’re not here to knock anyone down a peg. In fact, most mediocre plumbers are just plumbers who could use a bit more training and expertise on the systems that they work with. But to customers, they might not understand that.

A bad plumbing experience can easily lead a potential customer to start trying to fix things on their own, which is always going to end up badly.

So, we want to tell you about some of the expectations we put on our employees and the company as a whole. There’s a big difference between a good plumber and an average one, and we want customers to keep this in mind when they’re researching for professional plumbing in Appleton, WI.

We guarantee that you’ll notice the difference in several different ways. This blog post will help keep the bar high and get you the most out of your plumbing experience.

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Watch Where You Dig! Our End-of-Winter Tips

Monday, February 6th, 2023

Hopefully, by the time you’re reading this, winter is almost over. March is only a few weeks away and the temperatures are only going to get warmer and more comfortable, which means all of those outdoor projects can begin!

If you’re an avid gardener, then you’re probably looking at the calendar with bated breath for the last freeze.

If you’re really into home improvement, then this might finally be the year that you finish building that fence or doing the repairs on the garage.

However, we need to talk about a few guidelines that homeowners should be aware of when temperatures inevitably start to warm up.

Even if things get warmer earlier, which is always a possibility, you don’t want to start digging in your lawn or working on your home plumbing until you’ve done your research and you’re ready to go.

Take it from your local plumber in Appleton, WI, and make sure you’ve learned everything you need to before getting to work!

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Water Heater Problems That Should Be Immediately Addressed

Thursday, November 18th, 2021

water-heater-problems-that-need-to-be-addressedWater Heater Problems That You Should Be Concerned About 2021

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

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

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

Old age

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

Leaking hot water

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

Water discoloration

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

Noise

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

Change in the taste of water

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

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

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

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Choosing the Right Kitchen Remodel Contractor

Wednesday, October 20th, 2021

Kitchen Remodel Contractor

Choosing the Right Kitchen Remodel Contractor 2021

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

Who Gets To Do The Work?

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

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

Get Reliable Recommendations

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

Ask the Right Questions

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

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

See the Work for Yourself

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

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

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

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Creative Bathroom Designs for Small Spaces

Wednesday, May 12th, 2021

Creative bathroom design for small spacesCreative Bathroom Designs for Small Spaces 2021

We all love a good mirror selfie, whether it’s a small powder room or a master bath! But there’s nothing like an outdated bathroom to ruin your photo. In this article, we explore some creative bathroom designs for small spaces. Our bathroom remodeling experts will help you make your bathroom both functional and beautiful. We hope this blog inspires you to turn your space into something you’ve always wanted. 

Planning Bathroom Layout

Create the illusion of a much bigger space by placing a mural on one wall. Poster style-murals can easily achieve the look of a bigger and longer room. Try an unconventional layout. This will allow you to maximize space and enhance style while maintaining the functionality of the bathroom. Consider sinking the tub, or placing the vanity against a shower glass.

Splurge On Bathroom Tiles

If you can put a lot of special features into your bathroom, make those elements that you can easily put in really count, such as the tiles. Mosaic tiles can easily amp up the style of the bathroom, and if you use a really lovely pattern for the tiles, everybody will likely overlook how small the space is. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a plumbing company that offers the best plumbing services in Twin Cities., have seen so many creative ways to use tile! They agree that the right bathroom tile can elevate the space.  

Walls and Lighting

If your small bathroom needs a touch of class, applying high-quality and beautiful wallpaper on the walls that don’t get wet will do the trick. And what’s grander than using a small crystal chandelier as the main source of illumination in the room? If you can’t do anything about the size of the room, you certainly can do something about the items you place in the bathroom.

Mirrors and Strategic Lighting

These are time-tested design tricks for small spaces. Mirrors create the illusion of a much bigger space, and if you add lighting fixtures in areas that will really allow light to “explode,” the bathroom will look more expensive. You can also use dimmable lights or lamps to create a different ambiance for the space.

Built-ins or Shelving

Recessed shelves for books and magazines are great for maximizing space and adding character to bathrooms. The easy access to reading material can also make the room a more relaxing “retreat” for family members.

Paint

Horizontal stripes on the wall. You can paint these or use wallpaper strips to make the bathroom seem wider. Paint the ceiling using an interesting hue. Applegate remodelers suggest painting the ceiling because this is a great trick in pulling the eyes away from the small size of the bathroom.

Have you been researching creative bathroom designs for your home? If you are thinking about a home remodel in Appleton, contact the plumbing professionals at Turek’s Plumbing today! We also provide residents with quality plumbing services and trenchless sewer repair!

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

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Spring Cleaning for Drains and Sewers

Wednesday, March 11th, 2020

Spring Cleaning for Drains and Sewers - Tureks Plumbing ServicesAs spring approaches, homeowners can’t help but think about spring cleaning from purging the garage to decluttering drawers. One aspect of spring cleaning that people tend to forget is the drains. Like everything else, your home’s drains also need to be cleaned.

Plumbing professionals highly recommend having your drain cleaned around this time of the year. You need to go through your home and mark every drain from the sink to bathtubs. Cleaning the drains will help decrease the chances of clogs. The following tips will help you take the right step to prevent your drains from getting clogged:

Start with the Kitchen

Your kitchen sink is put through a lot. All those plate scrapings going down the drain can accumulate and result in a clog. You want to make sure that when washing dishes, you throw any leftover food into the trash, no matter how small it may be. This will help prevent your kitchen drain from clogging. 

The Bathroom

The shower drain can clog up easily if you don’t take care of it. All the hair that gets caught up in it, as well as residues from shampoo and soap you use, can easily get caught up in the drain. To prevent this from happening, Sacramento HVAC company and plumbing experts recommend that you set a hair catcher on the drain, so it catches all the gunk. You won’t have to worry about having to get it cleaned out of the drain due to it clogging up.

Outdoor Drains

Outdoor drains are a bit trickier as they need to be inspected properly. You need to check the roots and everything around them so you can see if the pipes are damaged or not due to them as well as check for leaks. You may want to consult the professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services to inspect the drains in your home. Not only will they inspect the drains, but they can ensure that preventative measures are taken to stop clogs. 

Should you Consider Commercial Cleaners to Clean Drains?

Commercial cleaners can help you unclog drains, but they result in more problems in the long run. First off, the cleaners don’t actually tackle the main problem causing the clog, instead act as a temporary solution. The chemicals in the cleaner are also harmful to the environment. Instead of relying on commercial cleaners, contact the best plumbing company in Appleton, Wisconsin, for professional plumbing services.

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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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Bathroom Plumbing Basics

Wednesday, September 5th, 2018

Basic plumbing problems

5 Bathroom Plumbing Basics Homeowners Should Know By Heart

Plumbing issues in the bathroom can be one of the most stressful problems you can have in your home.

Knowing the basic bathroom plumbing hacks can ensure you can still use your toilet until a professional plumber can get to the bottom of your issue and provide a long-lasting solution.

Here are five bathroom plumbing basics you should know about to deal with some common plumbing issues:

Low water pressure

Taking a bath with low water pressure can really be a drag. But before you call a plumber, check if the pressure remains low when you switch from cold water to hot water. If it does, this means that there is some kind of mineral deposit in your shower head aerator.

If your aerator is removable, take it out and soak it in vinegar overnight. In case the aerator is not detachable or your shower doesn’t have one, soak the shower head in a bag of vinegar overnight.

In case this quick-fix does not work, an Appleton plumber says that the shower head cartridge may be blocking the water flow, thus causing the low water pressure. For this instance, you need to call a plumber since the cartridge needs to be removed and fixed or replaced.

The plumber will also need to the check the water pressure at the water meter and inspect your pipes to determine other possible causes.

Leaking faucet

One of the most common causes of a dripping faucet is a worn-out washer. This is the rubber part that forms a seal to prevent water from coming out. All rubber washers wear out over time due to exposure to water.

To know if this is the cause of dripping faucet in your bathroom, you will have to unscrew the faucet to remove the cartridge and check the washer. If you don’t have the tools to unscrew the faucet and to remove the cartridge, you will have to call a plumber.  

Slow or clogged drains

Slow or clogged sinks and shower drains are often caused by a buildup of accumulated hair, soap and shampoo scum, and other debris in the drains.

To fix this issue, remove the pop-off drain cover in the sink or shower floor. Put on some rubber gloves and remove any debris. You can also use an auger or an old, partially straightened wire hanger to pull up hair strands and other debris.

If this does not fix the problem, use a plunger to loosen the debris. Next, flush the drains with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to further unclog and clean the drains.

Clogged Toilet

A clogged toilet can make your bathroom and even your home unsanitary.

If you’re not afraid to get dirty to try and fix this problem, use a plunger to remove the clog. In case the plunger does not work, use an auger to dislodge clogs that the plunger can’t reach.

If you don’t want to unclog your toilet on your own or it still doesn’t work, call a professional.

Running Toilet

Lastly, a running toilet problem can often be fixed by replacing a warped or broken flapper, installing a new chain, or readjusting the float.

If you have this issue, you should start by checking the flapper valve first since this part often breaks easily. You can then replace the flapper easily. There are also different toilet repair kits you can buy to stop water from running continuously in your toilet.

In case any these quick fixes do not work, hire a plumber to check your toilet since there will be a deep-seated cause behind this problem.

When you have a bathroom plumbing issue, it is important that you know the difference between minor and major plumbing issues. This will help you save a lot of time and effort in attempting a DIY job. It will prevent you from spending more money than needed as well.

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