There are a few common reasons that a toilet might leak. The most common cause is an ineffective flush valve. A tight seal is required for a toilet to flush effectively; however, deterioration may occur over time, causing a leak. To determine if this is the cause, you’ll want to locate the flush valve ball and determine if the seal is still intact. If everything looks good with the flush valve, your next step would be to check the fill valve. This needs to close to stop the flow of water. If the valve is rusted or damaged, the tank may overflow. If this does occur, start by shutting off the water flow and determine if the valve needs to be repaired or replaced entirely. Notice a crack in your toilet tank or bowl? You will want to fix this immediately. Often, cracks appear very small but can quickly get larger and turn into a serious leak. A seal may work to fix the crack, but often the toilet will need to be replaced completely. If the water appears at the base of your toilet, the problem may result from a broken wax seal. Additionally, you could experience a bad odor coming from the bathroom. Both signs that the wax seal needs to be replaced. This part is covered but will experience some general wear and tear that could cause it to deteriorate or dry out. The replacement process is more complicated than other issues, so we recommend calling a plumber immediately. The best scenario for a leaky toilet is simply condensation. Often, bathrooms are humid places, and condensation can form on surfaces, including the toilet. If you do notice water, monitor it first to ensure it is something other than condensation.
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What Type of Water Heater Do You Need?
Everybody loves hot water. A warm shower is the most basic of luxuries. However, an underpowered water heater can ruin the experience, leaving you jumping out of a suddenly cold shower as the hot water runs out. For many people, the best part of staying at a hotel is the endless hot water supply. With the right water heater installed in your home, you can have that experience every day.
Most homes have conventional water heaters that heat a storage tank full of water. These water heaters may be run on gas or electric power. They are generally the most affordable water heater to buy and install, but they come with one major drawback. Once the storage tank has been emptied, you are out of hot water.
It can take a long time, up to an hour and a half for some models, to heat a new tank of hot water. You can combat this problem by installing a huge tank, but larger tanks require more operating power. If you don’t often run out of hot water in your home, your current conventional water heater may be all you need. If you constantly find yourself frustrated by a lack of hot water, it might be time to consider other options.
Tankless water heaters heat water on demand as it passes through the device’s heating coils. They run best on natural gas, but tankless water heaters can also be installed in all-electric homes. As long as you choose an appropriately sized unit, you can have an endless supply of hot water.
Whether you go conventional or tankless, we can make sure you get to enjoy your long, hot showers. Give us a call, and we’ll help you figure out the best options for your needs and budget.
What Causes Clogged Drains
Fat, oil, grease, and food particles are the primary causes of clogged drains in a kitchen. Using quality dish soap, hot water, and a properly installed garbage disposal can help keep these substances from building up inside your pipes. It is better to collect used oil in a container and throw it out than to try to pour it down your drains. Even if you wash it down with a lot of hot water, you will experience some build-up.
Hair and soap scum are the usual culprits when bathroom drains have become clogged. When we shower, we all shed hair, and the soap scum locks those wet clumps of hair into a drain clogging ball. The easiest way to avoid this problem is to use a drain strainer in your shower and insist that every member of your family cleans it out after they wash their hair.
If you use these simple tips to avoid clogged drains, you may be able to prevent backed-up sinks and tubs. For preventative maintenance, pour about two cups of vinegar down your drains once a week. You can also run a pot of boiling water down the drain after the vinegar.
If you wind up with a clog, you may be able to clear the drain yourself. The two tools that work best are plungers and snakes. A plunger will work in a sink as well as a toilet. Make sure that there is some hot soapy water in the sink so that the plunger can form a solid seal. A bent hanger or simple snake you get from the store can clear hair clogs that are within reach.
If you’re having ongoing problems with slow drains, or if you’ve got a clog that you can’t clear, we’re just a phone call away. Sometimes you need professional tools and techniques to open up stubborn drains.
Happy Labor Day
Our labor force has made this country great! Remember Putman & Son’s Plumbing is here for you 24/7. If you are in need of plumbing services anytime, contact our emergency hotline.
How to Clear Slow Shower Drains in Your Home
Many homeowners prefer to try to fix slow shower drains themselves before calling a plumber. There are several inexpensive methods you can try without the help of a professional.
- The Boiling Water Method
Boiling water can help break down material that gets stuck in your drains. To begin, boil a pot of water on your stove. Keep in mind that you will have to carry it to the drain, so you should keep the area clear of obstacles, pets, and children before you move the boiling water to the bathroom.
Next, pour the boiling water down the drain. Take care not to splash hot water on bathtub accessories because the heat could cause damage.
- The Plunger Method
A plunger can sometimes clear drains just like it does toilet clogs. You may want to apply petroleum jelly to the edges of the plunger to achieve a stronger seal. Add water to submerge the plunger then plunge. This method doesn’t always work but can help in some instances.
- Remove Clogs by Hand
Remove the drain cover and look inside the drain. If you can see the clog, then you may be able to reach in and remove it. A flashlight can help you get a better view. You can reach in with your fingers to pull it out. You can wear gloves or use a tool instead if you don’t want to touch what’s down there. This method only works if the clog is close enough to reach.
What If I Can’t Clear a Shower Drain?
If you can’t find the clog or are unable to clear it, then you should call a plumber. Putman & Son’s Plumbing are available for all of your plumbing need. We can clear your shower drain and also identify the cause and make recommendations to prevent future blockages. Contact us today to schedule a visit.
Smoking Out Sewer Leaks
Sewer leaks are often not on the main line and you need to investigate to find the source. The best way to do this is with a smoke test that will pinpoint the source of the leak and odor. If you cannot get to the bottom of a foul smell or leak, contact Putman and Son’s certified plumbers. We are available 24/7 to help you.