:: Plumbing Tips

From unclogging a toilet to maintaining a healthy water heater, here are a few plumbing tips to give you a hand.

Please call us at (859) 371-2239 if you are having serious plumbing problems and require our superior service.

 

:: Sinks and Drains

Clogged Drains

Before trying any drain-clearing methods on a plugged drain, check that the tub or sink's pop-up stopper is opening fully and is free of hair and debris.  If the stopper isn't the problem, then the drainpipe is probably clogged.

First, try a plunger. Sometimes you can also use a mild chemical drain cleaner, but do so sparingly. Some caustic chemical cleaners -- particularly if you have brass, steel, or cast-iron traps and drainpipes -- can corrode the pipes or injure you or our technician if they have to come fix your clog.

If these fail to do the job, you'll have to clear the trap with a snake. Most tubs or sinks have a P trap in the drain. In some homes, the tub may have a drum trap in the floor near the tub instead (it will have a removable metal cover and a rubber gasket). Using a snake in a tub P trap is much like snaking out a sink trap.

If you have a drum trap, first try snaking it clear through the tub overflow. If that doesn't work, bailout all the standing water from the tub. Then, using an adjustable-end wrench, unscrew the trap cover slowly. Have rags ready for any water that wells up. Remove the cover, bail out and clean the trap. If, after this, water does not well up, snake toward he tub; if water does well up, snake toward he main drain. If you can't reach the clog from the trap, it's probably deeper in the main drain.

:: Garbage Disposals

Turn the water on full force before adding scraps, do not pack the unit. Feed scraps in slowly so the unit won't overheat or jam.

Stringy items like carrot peels or spaghetti may wrap around or bind the unit. Throw them in the trash along with hard items like bones.

Run cold water for 30 seconds after garbage disposal is finished grinding so the waste material is flushed into the waste pipe (and to avoid a case of the "stinky disposal.")

Prevent foreign objects, such as small kitchen utensils or jewelry from falling into the disposal. Disposals have enough power to ruin silverware. Of course, never try to poke a utensil into the disposal when it is running.

To sharpen garbage disposal blades, put 4-5 ice cubes into the disposal. Make sure to put the disposal cover on the drain to prevent injury.

 

 
 


:: Toilets

Noisy Toilet

Check for: Restricted water flow. Defective ball cock assembly.

Remedies: Adjust the shutoff valve first. Oil the trip lever or replace the ball cock washers. Replace the entire ball cock assembly. CAUTION: First turn off the water at the fixture shutoff valve. Then flush the toilet to empty the tank and sponge out any remaining water.

Running Toilet

Check for: Float arm not rising high enough. Water-filled float ball. Tank stopper not seating properly. Corroded flush valve seal. Cracked overflow tube. Ball cock valve doesn't shut off.

Remedies: Bend float arm down or away from tank wall. Replace ball. Adjust stopper guide rod and lift wires or chain. Replace defective stopper. Scour valve seat or replace. Replace tube or install new flush valve assembly. Oil trip lever, replace faulty washers, or install new ball cock assembly.


:: Water Heater

Maintenance For A Safe Water Heater

Open the drain valve at the bottom about every 6 months, letting the water run into a bucket until it looks clear (usually about 5 gallons). This will prevent sediment accumulation.

Annually test the temperature-pressure relief pressure buildup by lifting or depressing its handle and draining water from the overflow pipe. If water doesn't drain out, shut off water to the heater, open a hot water faucet somewhere in the house, and replace the valve.

Water Heater Safety Tip

If steam or boiling water ever comes out of the valve or the hot water faucets, shut the heater off at once. If you ever hear a rumbling sound, assume the heater is overheating and turn it off.

Water Temperature

If temperature is a problem on a gas heater, check that the temperature control is on and is set correctly (normally 120 - or a little lower if there's no dishwasher). If you suspect a faulty control, test it by opening a hot water faucet for 3 minutes. If the heater doesn't turn on, reset the control to a lower temperature and test again. If it still fails, have it replaced.


:: Septic Systems

There are a few basic rules for keeping your septic system healthy.

Have the tank pumped and cleaned every 2 to 5 years.

Don’t pour ANY solvents, chemicals or oils of ANY kind into the drain or toilet.

Only flush toilet paper down
the commode, no other paper or plastic products.

Use bleach and other cleaners sparingly.

NEVER dispose of grease, coffee grounds or popcorn in the sink.

:: Preventing Frozen Pipes

A faucet that won't yield water is the first sign of frozen pipes. If a severe cold snap hits, prevent freezing and subsequent bursting of pipes by following the suggestions below. Even if the pipes do freeze, you can thaw them before they burst if you act quickly. When temperatures fall very low, here's how to keep your pipes from freezing:

Keep a trickle of water running from the faucets.

Beam a heat lamp or small heater at exposed pipes.

Wrap un-insulated pipes with newspapers, heating wires, foam or self-adhesive insulating tape.

Keep doors ajar between heated and unheated rooms.

 

Please call
(859) 371-2239
if you are having serious plumbing problems and need superior service.

 


 



:: Services

Full Service Plumbing
Faucets
Toilets
Drain Pipes
Bath and Kitchen Remodeling
Tile Installation
Camera Inspection
Bathtubs and Showers
Water Heaters and Softeners
Sewer Line Repair & Cleaning
New Fixture Installation
Full Excavation Service
Sump Pumps
Backflow Prevention & Testing
Garbage Disposals
Laundry Centers
Sprinkler Systems