One of the many conveniences of modern plumbing is the ability to get rid of waste in an easy fashion. Whether this is human waster or food waste, we can just flip a switch and wash it away. But it is important to remember that everything is not flushable or made to easily go down your drain. In this article we look at items which are better thrown away and not flushed or disposed of down your sink. Coffee Grounds People have been running these down the sink for decades. You will most likely not have any trouble getting the ...
Read MoreWhether you rent or own a home, you will likely be faced with a plumbing problem at least once. However, many of the problems seen that involve plumbing will not be detectable right away. When these problems are not addressed, this can result in major repairs. Normally, an issue with the plumbing will be caused by age and normal wear. While it may seem simple to fix the problems, it is better to leave them to the pros. With that, below we have listed some common problems seen within plumbing. Faucets that Leak A leaky faucet is a big deal ...
Read MoreAn example of a very badly damaged seal. This is mold eating away at the seal which allows sewage gas to enter the room. There are many possibilities as to what could be causing your home to smell like sewage. But the bottom line is that sewage or sewage bi-products are exposed to the air in your home in one fashion or another. In this article we will go over some of the ways in which this is possibly happening. Dried Out P-Trap Of all the possibilities this is the most common. The P-Trap uses a bend in the pipe ...
Read MoreIt may sound innocuous enough, but a leaky faucet could spell bad news for the homeowner. For one, it could be a sign that there is a much bigger underlying plumbing problem. But even if that isn't the case, a single leaky faucet could increase your water bill by 10%. The constant flow of water could cause damage to sealants and cause long term buildup in the pipe. Not to mention, a leaky faucet is enough to drive a person trying to sleep mad. But what causes leaky faucets? What happens to a faucet to make it go from its ...
Read MoreCaulking is used in every home. It is usually used where water is used. The caulk creates a water-tight seal which prevents water from getting behind or between things. Without caulk there would be all types of mold and pest activity between your cabinets and and behind your walls. Caulk is also used on windows, cabinets and just about anywhere there is a seam which needs to be sealed. Caulk not only prevents water exposure but it keeps out bugs. Caulk, like all things, wears down over time. The passage of time sees the substance degrade on a molecular ...
Read MoreThis is Florida. We are very close to sea-level and would be wading around in marsh land most of the time if it weren't for elaborate canal systems and drainage ditches. Everything has to run smoothly as far as the canal system goes to keep flooding from occurring, especially after rainstorms. This holds true for your home plumbing system as well. Some people may experience their drains backing up after a heavy rainstorm. This is not normal. This means something is not working properly in your home plumbing system. Your sewer drain is allowing a backflow of water which it ...
Read MoreWe all know the disappointed feeling when the water is not draining as fast as usual. Its a clog and you have been down this road before. After you get the clog resolved you think to yourself "I will try harder to prevent that from happening." But what steps can you really take to prevent a clog from occurring in your shower drain? 90% of shower drain material is hair. This protective part of our skin keeps the sun from damaging us, it keeps us warm, and helps regulate body temperature. So, if it does all these things then it ...
Read MoreNobody likes funky smells which emanate from the rest room. This is why we have ventilation with fans pumping air out of them. But sometimes the smell is not from toilet use. Your bathtub drain may be producing a smell. This smell can be caused by one or multiple of several potential issues: Mold or Mildew Beneath Your Drain Cover. Malfunctioning p-trap which is allowing sewer gas to makes its way back into the bathroom. Grime, hair and other decomposing organic materials stuck in the drain. Smelly Drain Fixes If your strainer is clogged with organic material, simply remove ...
Read MoreSometimes unclogging a bathtub can be as simple as using a toilet plunger on the drain in order to get the water flowing again. The best way to do this is as follows: Wear some rubber boot if you have them in order to prevent slippage. It wouldn't hurt to wear eye-goggles either to prevent dirty water from getting into your eyes. Remove any standing water using a bucket or cup. Remove the strainer or stopper that may be in the drain. This can usually be done using a screwdriver. Add a few inches of water to the tub. You ...
Read MoreCleaning out your drains and keeping them running smoothly has obvious benefits. But, we were curious if we could come up with a list of what exactly these benefits are. In this article, we will discuss four reasons that cleaning your drains and keeping them clear is beneficial. Water Will Drain Faster - Perhaps the most obvious effect of having clean drains is you don't have to put up with standing water. Water backing up from the drain into your sink or shower is not very sanitary. Drain Life and Leaks - Clearing your drain and keeping it clean helps ...
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