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

Tips to Save Money on Your Bathroom Renovation

Wednesday, December 11th, 2019

Tips to Save Money on Your Bathroom Renovation - Tureks PlumbingMany homeowners put off remodeling their bathrooms and kitchens because the price tag of the renovation can be quite overwhelming. However, upgrading your bathroom doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg if you implement the following money-saving tips recommended by the bathroom remodel experts at Tureks Plumbing Services.

Put Together a Plan

There is nothing (cost-wise) as bad as starting your bathroom renovation when you don’t have a clear idea of what exactly you are trying to achieve and how you will achieve it. You are likely to make expensive mistakes. So, try to put a plan together and stick to it so that you can save money on your bathroom renovation.

To avoid making rookie mistakes, have a designer or remodel expert help you. These experts will come up with the most cost-effective ways to attain what you want. The cost you incur by hiring these professionals will pale in comparison to the savings that you make once the project gets underway. 

Don’t Shift the Plumbing

Tureks Plumbing Services strongly recommends that you keep the plumbing fixtures where they are if you want to keep the cost of the bathroom remodel affordably. As much as we make money by charging homeowners installation fees during remodels, we want to build relationships with our clients. So, we typically will advise against moving the plumbing if you’re on a tight budget (unless it is absolutely necessary). The money you save in this way can go towards other aspects of your renovation project, such as buying materials. Talk to an Appleton bathroom remodel professional first if you aren’t sure what you should do. 

Give the Mirror a New Frame

Think about this for a minute; when you say that you want to replace the mirror in the bathroom, are you tired of the mirror itself or the appearance of the frame no longer appeals to you? Oftentimes, the mirror itself may not be the problem. Rather, the frame may have started looking old, or the edges of the mirror could have started showing signs of wear.

Either way, giving the mirror a new stylish frame will cost less than replacing the mirror and its frame, and you will also transform the look of the bathroom mirror. How is that for hitting two birds with one stone! Our Appleton bathroom remodel experts can help you to select a frame that will match your stylistic needs during the renovation project.

Replace Just Parts of the Toilet

Did you know that changing the toilet seat and cover is enough to make your toilet look new? It is certainly more affordable to buy just a toilet seat and the cover instead of dumping the entire toilet in favor of a new one. You will save money on buying the new toilet, and you will save money on installation fees to fix the new toilet if you aren’t up to the task yourself. Tureks Plumbing Services has seen this done in lots of homes, so there is no reason why you can’t reduce how much you spend during your bathroom remodel by implementing the same money-saving tip.

Make Salvage Yards Your Favorite

You can also save money during your bathroom remodel by buying the materials you need at salvage yards, antique sales, and other home stores. One big benefit of shopping this way is that you can get one-of-a-kind pieces that will make your bathroom truly unique. You can get everything from cast iron tubs, a shower curtain valance, sinks, light fixtures, and everything else. The savings that you make when you shop in this way can quickly add up.

Go for Open Shelving

While the bathroom is a private place, not everything there needs to be hidden away. For example, why should you tuck your floral towels inside a dark cabinet? Do your pretty soaps deserve to be hidden inside a cabinet? Open shelving allows you to leave in plain sight those items that add color and beauty to your bathroom. Open shelving is also easier on the pocket. Appleton bathroom remodel experts say your bathroom will look larger than it is when you choose open shelving. This is definitely a good thing, especially if your bathroom is on the smaller side. 

Lighting is Your Friend

Nothing can transform a bathroom as dramatically as upgrading the lighting system. Change out the fixtures from those that were installed by the builder and replace them with the stylish ones you love. If possible, install a skylight so that natural light can flood into the bathroom during the day and make this space more inviting. These changes can be made without breaking the bank, and your bathroom will never be the same again with this new lighting. You can also look into installing a new or larger window in your bathroom for enhanced natural light. 

Buy Leftovers Online

Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., general contractors in Sacramento, says most people buy a lot more materials for the remodel projects than they actually need. When the project is completed, they are stuck with those materials, and they will do anything to get rid of them in order to free the space that they are occupying.

For this reason, the bathroom remodel professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services recommend that you hop online on sites like eBay and Craigslist in search of someone who is giving away what you need. Many people sell leftover tile and vanities. These leftovers are deeply discounted and will save you quite some money. You can then buy the extra amount you need from a hardware store to supplement what you have bought affordably online.

Tips to Save Money on Your Bathroom Renovation

As you can see, you don’t need to have a huge budget in order to remodel your bathroom. Use the tips above to keep your costs as low as possible, and get in touch with us at Tureks Plumbing Services for an affordable home remodel.

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4 Problems an Emergency Plumber Can Fix

Wednesday, December 4th, 2019

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

Flooding and Water Damage

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

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

Water Heater Problems

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

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

Frozen Pipes

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

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

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

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

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

Blocked Drains and Toilets

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

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

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

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

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Why Your Home Water May Be Slow

Wednesday, October 16th, 2019

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

Tree Roots in Your Sewer Line 

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

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

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

Sewer Line Clogs

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

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

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

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

A Collapsed or Broken Sewer Line

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

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

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

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

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

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

Municipal Sewer Problems

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

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

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

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Repipe FAQ

Wednesday, October 9th, 2019

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

Is the Water Pressure in Your Home Low?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are You Keen on Proactive Plumbing System Maintenance?

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

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

Is the Plumbing System 5 Years or Older?

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

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

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

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

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

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Bathroom Problems You Can Fix Yourself

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019

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

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

A Quick Understanding of How Your Toilet Works

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

Plumbing Problems You May Be Able to Fix Yourself

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

 

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

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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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Do Home Warranties Cover Sewer Line Replacement?

Wednesday, August 28th, 2019

home warranties cover sewer line replacement - Tureks Plumbing ServicesHome insurance policies usually have some significant gaps when you consider your sewer line. If that sewer line ever develops a problem, you may find yourself responsible for meeting the entire cost of the repair or replacement if you hadn’t secured insurance for this system. In this article, you will discover what you need to know as you shop for coverage for this expensive component of your home.

When It’s Worthwhile to Get Sewer Line Coverage

Tureks Plumbing Services recommends that you consider the age of your home as you decide whether to get sewer line insurance cover or not. The older the house is, the higher the risk that the sewer line will develop costly problems.

For example, homes built in the 1950s have sewer lines made from either cast iron, Orangeburg, or clay. Appleton plumbers explain that Orangeburg is the most likely to develop problems because this fibrous material is porous.

It is therefore wise to get sewer line insurance if your home is old and the sewer pipe materials are nearing the end of their service life. However, Fox Valley plumbers caution that any home, regardless of its age, is susceptible to sewer line damage. For example, the sewer line could be damaged after a bout of heavy rain that causes the soil to shift beneath the pipe. All homeowners should, therefore, consider acquiring sewer line insurance, which is customized to their specific needs.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Sewer Line Insurance Provider

The Monthly Cost

An experienced plumber in Appleton, WI advises that homeowners should avoid acquiring sewer line insurance whose monthly cost is in excess of $20. This is because those costlier policies are harder to rationalize economically in the long-term.

For example, estimates put the average cost of sewer line repairs at $2,500 if the work involves digging up the yard. If the monthly payment is $20, then your annual fee will be $240. This translates into $2,400 in a decade. The chances are high that you may not have more than two issues in a decade that require sewer line repairs in excess of $2,500. You can see from these figures how it makes financial sense to get coverage costing less than $20 a month and how hard it gets to justify that expenditure if the monthly cost is higher.

The Deductible

A deductible refers to the out of the pocket amount of money that you are required to pay before insurance steps in when sewer line repair or replacement is done on your property. Policies with high deductibles are not advisable because the savings that you make on your monthly payments get eroded when repairs are needed.

If you can, find an insurer with a low or zero deductible so that you limit what you spend in the event that your sewer line needs to be replaced or repaired during the coverage period.

The Coverage Amount

Read the policy carefully and find out the value of the coverage offered with that policy. The larger the coverage amount, the safer you are from having to dip into your pocket when sewer line repairs come up.

Avoid the temptation of opting for bargain coverage which only covers repair costs that don’t exceed a few thousand dollars because you will have no choice but to meet the extra cost if a major repair is required.

The Limit Per Call

Read the fine print of the policy carefully regarding the amount of money mentioned in the annual coverage. For example, one policy may mention that it provides $5,000 coverage each year, but that policy limits each service call to a maximum of $2,500.

Such a policy is as good as saying that you are covered up to $2,500 each year because it is very rare that your sewer lines will suffer two major defects within one year so that you file two claims with your insurer.

To be safe, talk to a plumber in Appleton, WI about the average cost of having to conduct major repairs on your sewer line. This estimate will give you a ballpark number that you can have in mind when picking an insurer with a suitable cost limit for each service call.

Sewer Line Insurance Options

Now that you have established what you should look for when buying sewer line insurance cover, let us now turn to where or what form such insurance can take. The following are some of the options you can explore.

A Rider on Your Home Insurance

As already mentioned, your home warranty will rarely cover sewer line repairs or replacement. This is because the sewer system is looked at as separate from the main home, so it is excluded in the coverage for the home. However, you can acquire a rider to that policy so that the sewer line is also covered.

A Standalone Sewer Line Policy

If you assess the rider being offered by your home insurance cover and it falls short on the desirable attributes discussed earlier, you may have to consider shopping for a separate provider for this needed warranty. Some insurers specialize in this kind of cover, while others have it as part of a range of insurance services that they offer. Explore all the options available and select the one which will address your specific needs.

Sewer Line Cover Through the Utility Company

Another option that you could look into is the possibility of getting sewer line coverage through the utility company in your area. Fox Valley plumbers report that it is becoming increasingly common for municipal authorities to partner with insurance providers to enable homeowners to get insurance for their sewer and water lines. The biggest benefit of getting such a policy is that you will pay the monthly premium with your water bill, so you will have less paperwork to deal with.

All insurance policies are unique, so it is imperative that you do your homework sufficiently before you put pen to paper. If you still have questions, talk to your insurance broker for professional advice. Needless to say, contact Tureks Plumbing Services if the sewer line or any component of the plumbing system develops a problem and you want the problem fixed professionally and affordably.

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How to Locate Your Sewer Cleanout

Wednesday, August 21st, 2019

sewer cleanout - Tureks Plumbing ServicesThe sewer lines on your property are important pieces of infrastructure because they move wastes and water away from your home. It is therefore essential for you to maintain this system so that it gives you years of trouble-free service. One of the crucial things you should know is the location of the sewer cleanout valve from where you can remove any debris and waste which could clog the system. The experts at Tureks Plumbing Services recommend that you use the following measures to locate this crucial component of the sewer system.

Refer to the Engineering Plans of Your Lot

The cleanout port is an above-ground vertical pipe that drops to the main sewer line on your property. Fox Valley plumbers explain that this vertical pipe usually has a plug at its top to prevent debris from falling into the main sewer line. When an Appleton plumber wants to unclog the sewer line, he or she will most likely start by opening the cleanout and pushing a plumbing snake into the sewer pipe. If you cannot tell the plumber where to find this pipe, then you could pay more as the plumber spends time to search for this fitting.

The first step that Appleton plumbers recommend that you take in your quest for the location of the cleanout access port is by examining the engineering drawings of your home. These documents will point out the different components of the plumbing system, including the location of the cleanout port. Follow the directions given in the plans, and you will find the cleanout port long before the need to use this fixture arises.

Check the Likely Places

Not every homeowner has access to the engineering drawings of the property, especially if it is an older home. In that case, don’t give up on finding the location of the cleanout port. Instead, start your search from the most likely places where this component could be located.

For example, plumbers in Appleton, WI, suggest that you go outside your home to the side where the bathroom is located. Once there, start your search as you move away from the foundation towards the street. You are likely to see this pipe projecting out of the ground.

Plumbers from Tureks Plumbing Services have also seen several homes where the cleanout port is either located in the basement of the house, or it is hidden behind drywall. This is especially likely in homes that are found in cold areas since putting the cleanout indoors prevents it from freezing up during cold weather. Check these places as well and be careful while cutting bits of drywall to avoid damaging electrical wires installed within the walls.

Get Professional Help

If you cannot locate the cleanout after reading the engineering drawings of the home or by searching the places where cleanouts are usually located, it is time to ask Tureks Plumbing Services for help. Our trained professionals have the knowledge and experience to find the cleanout in a short time without tearing up large sections of the drywall or other components of the home during the search.

Once we locate the cleanout, we will use the most appropriate tools to open it and clean it so that the sewer system can function optimally again. So, why bother with this unpleasant task when you can leave it in the capable hands of our professionals? Give us a call today!

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