Your garbage disposal is one of the hardest-working appliances in your kitchen — but it’s also one of the most neglected. Without proper care, it can become clogged, dull, or smelly. Here’s how to keep it clean, efficient, and odor-free all year long.

1. Use It Correctly

Avoid dumping everything down the drain. Stick to soft foods and small scraps. Avoid:

• Grease and oils (they solidify and clog pipes)
• Fibrous foods like celery or corn husks
• Coffee grounds, eggshells, and bones

These items can damage blades, jam the motor, or create blockages.

2. Run Cold Water

Always run cold water before, during, and after using your disposal. Cold water helps solidify grease, allowing the blades to chop it up before it can coat your pipes.

3. Clean It Naturally

To fight odors, grind up small citrus peels like lemon or orange. You can also use a mix of baking soda and vinegar — let it fizz for a few minutes, then rinse with hot water. This removes buildup and deodorizes naturally.

4. Sharpen the Blades

Drop a handful of ice cubes into the disposal and run it for 30 seconds. The ice helps sharpen blades and remove stuck-on residue.

5. Perform Routine Maintenance

Every few weeks, inspect your disposal for unusual noises or slow draining. If it jams, never reach inside — use a hex wrench underneath the unit to manually free the blades.

When to Call a Professional

If your garbage disposal is making grinding noises, leaking, or not turning on, it may need repair or replacement. A professional plumber can diagnose electrical issues, replace worn seals, and ensure safe operation.

Trust Putman & Son’s Plumbing

At Putman & Son’s Plumbing, we’ve been helping Michigan homeowners keep their kitchens running smoothly for over 35 years. From disposal repairs to full kitchen plumbing services, we’re here to help — quickly and professionally.

248-652-0990 | 🌐 pnsplumbing.com

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Most homeowners don’t think about their drains — until they clog. But regular drain cleaning is one of the simplest ways to prevent costly plumbing issues and keep your home running smoothly. Here’s why investing in professional drain maintenance pays off.

The Hidden Buildup in Your Pipes

Even if your drains seem fine, everyday use takes a toll. Soap scum, grease, food particles, hair, and mineral deposits slowly collect inside your pipes. Over time, this buildup reduces water flow and creates the perfect environment for blockages and odors.

You might not notice until it’s too late — when a sink stops draining or water backs up into the tub. Routine drain cleaning removes this buildup before it becomes a major (and expensive) problem.

How Regular Cleaning Saves You Money

1. Prevents Major Clogs and Backups

Emergency plumbing visits for blocked drains can cost hundreds of dollars. Routine maintenance keeps your lines clear and prevents sudden disasters.

2. Protects Your Plumbing System

Built-up debris and pressure fluctuations can cause premature pipe wear and leaks. Regular cleaning extends the lifespan of your plumbing and reduces repair frequency.

3. Stops Sewer Line Damage Early

Tree roots, grease, and sludge can lead to serious sewer blockages. Annual hydro-jetting or camera inspections can catch issues early — avoiding full sewer replacements that can cost thousands.

4. Improves Efficiency

Clean drains mean faster drainage and less strain on your plumbing. That means fewer clogs, fewer repairs, and lower water bills over time.

5. Eliminates Odors

Old food and organic matter inside pipes can cause unpleasant smells. Routine cleaning keeps your kitchen and bathrooms fresh and sanitary.

Professional vs. DIY Drain Cleaning

While store-bought drain cleaners may offer a quick fix, they often contain harsh chemicals that corrode pipes. Professional plumbers use safe, effective methods like hydro jetting and mechanical snaking to fully clear buildup without damaging your system.

Keep Your Drains Flowing with Putman & Son’s Plumbing

With over 35 years of experience, Putman & Son’s Plumbing provides reliable drain cleaning throughout Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties. Whether it’s preventive maintenance or an emergency backup, our team uses modern equipment to get your drains flowing like new.

Don’t wait for a clog to cause chaos — schedule your drain cleaning today!

248-652-0990 | 🌐 pnsplumbing.com

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Clogged drains are one of the most frustrating plumbing issues homeowners face. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink, a backed-up shower, or a stubborn main sewer line, you want it fixed fast, and properly. Two of the most common professional drain-cleaning methods are hydro jetting and snaking. But which one is better for your situation? Let’s break it down.

What Is Drain Snaking?

Drain snaking, also called cabling, has been around for decades. It involves using a long, flexible metal cable with a coiled end (called an auger) that is fed into the drain. As the snake spins, it breaks up blockages and pushes debris through the pipe.

Pros of Snaking:

• Effective for minor or moderate clogs near the surface
• Quick, affordable, and minimally invasive
• Good for older or fragile plumbing systems

Cons of Snaking:

• Doesn’t clean pipe walls, residue and grease may remain
• May not fully clear roots or heavy buildup
• Can be a temporary fix for deep or complex blockages

Snaking is great for everyday clogs like hair, soap scum, or small food particles, but it’s not a cure-all.

What Is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting is a more powerful and modern drain-cleaning solution. It uses a specialized nozzle attached to a high-pressure water hose that blasts water through the pipe, often at pressures up to 4,000 PSI. This stream scours the entire inside of the pipe, removing grease, sludge, mineral buildup, and even tree roots.

Pros of Hydro Jetting:

• Cleans pipes completely, not just unclogs them
• Removes grease, sludge, and roots for long-lasting results
• Environmentally friendly, no harsh chemicals used
• Helps prevent future blockages

Cons of Hydro Jetting:

• Slightly more expensive upfront
• Not suitable for severely damaged or brittle pipes

Which Is Right for You?

If you’re dealing with a simple sink or shower clog, snaking is often enough to get the job done. But if your drains clog repeatedly, or multiple fixtures are backing up at once, it’s time to consider hydro jetting.

Hydro jetting is ideal for:

• Older homes with years of buildup
• Restaurants or households with heavy grease waste
• Tree root intrusions in main sewer lines
• Preventive maintenance to keep drains flowing

At Putman & Son’s Plumbing, we use state-of-the-art hydro jetting equipment to restore your pipes to full flow, safely and effectively. Our experienced technicians can inspect your plumbing with video cameras to determine the best method before starting work.

Don’t let recurring clogs disrupt your home, call the experts who can clear it right the first time.

248-652-0990 | 🌐 www.pnsplumbing.com

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Hot water is something most homeowners don’t think about — until it’s gone. Choosing the right type of water heater can make a huge difference in comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term costs. The two most common types are traditional tank water heaters and tankless (on-demand) systems. Each has its advantages depending on your household size, budget, and usage.

Traditional Tank Water Heaters

Tank water heaters are the most common type found in Michigan homes. They store a specific amount of hot water — typically 30 to 80 gallons — and keep it heated constantly.

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost: Installation is generally cheaper, and replacement is simple.
• Consistent water supply: You can use multiple taps at once until the tank runs out.
• Simple maintenance: Standard parts are widely available and easy to service.

Cons:

• Limited capacity: Once the tank empties, you must wait for it to refill and reheat.
• Energy loss: The tank constantly reheats water even when not in use (standby loss).
• Shorter lifespan: Typically lasts 8–12 years, depending on water quality and maintenance.

Tankless Water Heaters (On-Demand Systems)

Tankless water heaters heat water only when you need it. As cold water flows through the unit, a gas burner or electric element instantly heats it before delivering it to your faucet.

Pros:

• Endless hot water: Perfect for families with back-to-back showers or large tubs.
• Energy efficient: No energy wasted maintaining a tank full of hot water.
• Compact design: Wall-mounted units free up valuable floor space.
• Longer lifespan: Tankless models can last 15–20 years or more with proper maintenance.

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost: Installation can be more expensive due to venting or electrical upgrades.
• Flow limitations: Running multiple fixtures at once may reduce pressure if the unit isn’t sized correctly.

How to Choose the Right System

When deciding between tank and tankless, consider your home size, water usage, and energy priorities:

• For larger families: A high-capacity tank or multiple tankless units may be ideal.
• For smaller households or eco-friendly homes: Tankless systems provide efficiency and space savings.
• For rental or investment properties: Traditional tanks are cost-effective and easier to replace quickly.

Professional Tip

A licensed plumber can assess your home’s plumbing, gas, and electrical systems to determine the best fit.

At Putman & Son’s Plumbing, we install and service both tank and tankless systems across Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties. Whether you’re upgrading for efficiency or replacing an old unit, our experienced team can guide you to the perfect water heater solution for your lifestyle.

Call 248-652-0990 or visit 🌐 www.pnsplumbing.com for expert recommendations and installation.

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A slow drain is one of the most common plumbing issues and one of the most ignored. It may seem harmless at first, but sluggish drains can signal buildup, clogs, or even deeper sewer line problems. Knowing when to tackle the issue yourself and when to call in the professionals can save you time, money, and frustration.

Try These Safe DIY Fixes First

Before reaching for harsh chemicals, try these plumber-approved steps:

Flush with Boiling Water

Sometimes grease or soap buildup is the culprit. Pour boiling water down the drain in two or three stages, letting it work for a few seconds each time.

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar. Cover the drain and let the mixture fizz for 15 minutes, then rinse with hot water. This natural solution can dissolve minor clogs without damaging pipes.

Clean the Stopper or P-Trap

Hair, toothpaste, and grime often collect under the sink. Place a bucket below the P-trap, unscrew it, and clean it out. Replace it carefully and test the flow.

Use a Plunger or Drain Snake

A simple sink plunger can dislodge small blockages near the drain. For deeper clogs, a hand-crank drain snake (available at hardware stores) may help.

Signs It’s Time to Call a Professional

DIY fixes work for surface-level clogs, but some problems require expert tools and knowledge. Call a licensed plumber if you notice:

• Multiple slow drains: This could mean a blockage in your main sewer line.
• Recurring clogs: If the same drain keeps slowing down, buildup deeper in the pipes is likely.
• Unpleasant odors: Sewer gas smells mean trouble below the surface.
• Gurgling or bubbling: Air trapped in the system indicates a potential vent or drain issue.

Why Professional Drain Cleaning Works Better

Professional plumbers use advanced tools such as hydro-jetting to clear pipes completely. High-pressure water removes grease, roots, and sludge without damaging your plumbing. This not only fixes the immediate problem but also helps prevent future backups.

Unlike chemical drain cleaners, which can corrode pipes and harm the environment, professional cleaning is safe and long-lasting.

Trust the Experts at Putman & Son’s Plumbing

With over 35 years serving Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties, Putman & Son’s Plumbing has the experience and technology to keep your drains clear and your plumbing healthy. We offer 24/7 emergency service and same-day appointments for stubborn clogs.

Don’t let a slow drain turn into a big problem — call the local experts today.

(248) 652-0990 | pnsplumbing.com

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