As the vibrant colors of autumn take over, it’s time for commercial property owners and managers to prepare their plumbing systems for the upcoming season. Fall presents unique challenges for plumbing due to temperature fluctuations, increased rainfall, and potential weather-related issues. To ensure your commercial property’s plumbing stays in top shape, we’ve compiled 3 of the most helpful tips. And remember, Putman and Sons Plumbing is here to provide professional plumbing services whenever you need us.

• Check for Leaks:

Before the temperature drops significantly, conduct a thorough inspection of your plumbing system for any leaks or drips. Addressing small leaks now can prevent more significant issues in the colder months.

• Test Sump Pumps:

With increased rainfall in the fall, sump pumps are vital for preventing flooding in basements and lower levels. Test your sump pump to ensure it’s in working order, and consider installing a battery backup system for added security.

• Check the Water Pressure:

Fluctuations in water pressure can be a sign of underlying plumbing problems. Have a professional assess your water pressure and investigate any irregularities.

Why Choose Us:

Putman and Sons Plumbing is your trusted partner for commercial plumbing services. Whether you need routine maintenance, emergency repairs, or plumbing system upgrades, our team of experienced professionals is here to ensure your commercial property’s plumbing stays in excellent condition.

Book Today:

Fall is a beautiful season, but it also comes with specific challenges for commercial plumbing systems. By following these helpful tips and relying on the expertise of our team, you can ensure a smooth transition into the colder months while maintaining the integrity and efficiency of your plumbing system. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for all your commercial plumbing needs. Get our plumbing services by calling (248) 652-0990 or visiting our Contact Page.

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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.

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The holidays are the perfect time to remind everyone to treat your garbage disposal with care. Your garbage disposal is a workhorse. It is a great invention that is convenient and saves on waste that would normally end up in landfills. It still is a machine that needs to be treated with care. There are certain items that are best to be thrown away or composted rather than put down the disposal. These include:  corn husks, pits, fibrous vegetables, egg shells, onion skins, nuts, bones, oatmeal, pasta, coffee grounds, and over the counter harsh drain cleaners. If you are in need of a new garbage disposal or a repair, contact Putman & Son’s Plumbing 24/7 emergency hotline. We are here to help!

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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.

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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.

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Sump pumps can be a great investment. This device is installed in the lowest part of your crawlspace or basement. It’s usually placed in a pit. Water can flow into the pit naturally or through drains. When a certain level is reached, the unit will turn on and pump the water out and away from the structure, so it doesn’t cause damage.

Types of Sump Pumps

Sump pumps fall into one of two categories: submersible and pedestal. Submersible models have a motor that’s mounted inside the unit and sealed. It’s more visually attractive, usually lasts longer, and tends to be safer for homes with children. The downside is that submersible pumps tend to cost more and are harder to reach.

Pedestal models are designed with the motor mounted above the sump. It is easier to see, which makes it easier to repair if needed. This type tends to cost less than submersible sump pumps but doesn’t usually last as long.

5 Signs That You Need a Sump Pump

Chances are you need a sump pump installed if:

• Your basement has flooded in the past
• You live on a low-lying property or one with soil that traps water
• Your region sees high amounts of snow or rain annually
• You have a sump pump that’s over six years’ old
• You have invested in a finished basement that you want to protect

If any of the above apply to you, now is the time to look for sump pumps. Paying for one now could save you thousands of dollars in water damage repairs in the future. Contact Putman & Son’s Plumbing today to make an appointment with a certified plumber about installing a sump pump in your home.

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A garbage disposal adds convenience to your kitchen – as long as it works. Problems can occur for several reasons. A foreign object may fall in and cause a blockage. The disposal may not work correctly if garbage is fed into it too fast or without enough water to flush the drainpipes. What can you do if you have a clogged garbage disposal?

• Switch Off Power to the Garbage Disposal – Switch off all power to the garbage disposal before working on it. If you don’t have a switch, you can turn off the breaker on the power panel.
• Inspect the Garbage Disposal – Visually inspect the inside of the garbage disposal. Never put your hands inside the unit at any time, even if the power is off. Switches can be defective, so this is a necessary safety measure. A flashlight can help you see the interior.
• Remove Foreign Object from Disposal – If you see something that doesn’t belong in the disposal, remove it. This should be done carefully with a pair of pliers, so your hands stay away from the blades.
• Reset the Garbage Disposal and Test – Give the disposal 15 minutes to cool down before turning the power back on and resetting it.

If you are still having trouble, contact Putman & Son’s Plumbing to schedule a repair or replacement. Not all garbage disposals are alike. We can install one that meets your needs.

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Manually Rotate Blades to Break Up Clog

If the clog is under the sink, you can try manually rotating the blades to break up the blockage. You will need an Allen wrench to do this. The manual operator is usually accessible along the base of the unit, on the outside. Look under your sink, find the manual operator, and turn with the Allen wrench. Your owner’s manual will have more information on how to safely turn the blades.

Unclog Garbage Disposal with Pliers

You should not pour chemicals down a garbage disposal, but you can use tools to clear a clog. To do this, shut off the power to the unit as a safety precaution. Next, reach into the drain with pliers and remove loose materials so you can inspect the blockage. Continue removing objects until clear. Never insert hands into the garbage disposal.

Clear Sludge and Debris from P-Trap

Excessive buildup in the P-trap can cause blockages in your garbage disposal. If this is the problem, find a bucket to catch debris in. Place it under the P-trap then unscrew the pipe. You may need to wiggle it to remove it from the trap arm and waste tee. Pull out debris and rinse the trap then replace.

If you prefer to hire a professional or none of these methods work, call Putman & Son’s Plumbing certified plumbers now to schedule an appointment for a garbage disposal repair or installation in Southeast Michigan.

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