Showing posts with label tubs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tubs. Show all posts
Monday, October 4, 2010
Common Drain, Sewer and Water Line Problems
We Separate the Minor Inconveniences from the Major Headaches!Got a backed up or slow moving drain? A toilet that won't flush? Waste water that comes back up your sink, shower or tub drains? A foul smell in your yard or basement? JOIN THE CLUB! As the weather gets cooler, we at Horizon Services usually begin to see an increase in drain, sewer and water line service calls. For many homeowners, the recent intense rainfall and flood conditions in the Mid-Atlantic states -- particularly our service area of Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland -- have brought latent drain, sewer and water line problems that have been lurking invisibly in the shadows out into the open in a very dramatic fashion.
Face it...there are many things that can go wrong with your home's drain, sewer and water line system. For example, years of accumulated waste can cause major obstructions in pipes and lines. Old pipes and seals can crack, corrode or collapse. Tree roots can even infiltrate sewer and water lines These are the kinds of drain, sewer and water line problems that can require significant repair and expense.
The good news is that the majority of drain, sewer and water line issues are not that severe. Most are easily and inexpensively repaired. And most are preventable.
The vast majority of drain, sewer and water line problems are usually caused by minor incidents such as something falling down the pipe, clogging due to inappropriate matter being sent down the sink or toilet, and frozen pipes in colder weather.
Identifying the problem is the first step. Visually inspecting your sinks, tubs, showers, toilets and pipes will usually reveal the source of the problem. If the problem isn't deep down in your drains or lines, there's a good chance that you can resolve it yourself...or at least save time and money by pointing your drain or sewer/water line repairman in the right direction when they arrive at your home.
In the case of clogged sinks or toilets that won't flush, if the problem isn’t solved by using a plunger to unblock it, then the cause is probably due to an obstruction further down the line. You can use a plumber's snake or coiled wire (available at most hardware stores) to probe into the drain and get to where a basic plunger cannot to remove the obstruction. If this doesn’t work, your next step may be to remove the toilet bowl or sink to get access to the main pipe. This can be a delicate job, so it is best to call in a professional plumber or drain professional at this point.
In cold weather, frozen pipes is one of the most common causes of backed-up or slow moving drains. This is especially common when homeowners have been away for some time and turned the thermostat right down. Water moving slowly and at a low temperature causes ice to form and expand, causing blockages that exert increasing pressure on the pipes. Wrap the pipes in special wrap heat tape and leave it in place for at least 24 hours or until the blockage is cleared. Also consider leaving the thermostat at a higher setting to keep warm water circulating whilst you’re away for a while.
If you find that your boiler starts making a noise, this is probably because of hot spots forming due to a build up of steam, caused in turn by air building up in the system. The hot spots sometimes make banging noises when they get too hot, which is where the noise in the boiler comes from. The root cause of the build up of air is a lack of water in the system, but it can also be caused by a build up of scale on the inner surface of the boiler, in which case feed a boiler cleanser into the expansion.
Drainage pipes helpfully tend to run in straight lines, which facilitate the sorting out of problems. Inspection chambers covered by manhole covers are placed at each joint, and these covers can be lifted with a crowbar to check for blockages and to clean the manhole of accumulated debris where necessary. If you find the inspection chamber empty, the blockage must be closer to the house, so move on to the next one in that direction, and if it is full move in the opposite direction to look for the blockage. Once the blockage area has been isolated, you can insert the plumber' snake down the pipe in the direction of the blockage to clear it.
The drain cleaning and sewer/water line repair professionals at Horizon Services encourage all homeowners especially cognizant, vigilant and proactive in the maintenance of their home's drains, pipes and lines. Be aware of what you are putting down sinks, garbage disposals and toilets -- particularly large solid objects, grease and hair. Keep your eyes and ears open for the signs of drain, sewer and water line damage or obstruction. Insulate your pipes in cold weather. If you suspect a problem, don't delay -- call a drain cleaning or sewer & water line contractor immediately to fix the problem before it becomes large and expensive.
Related Information from Horizon Services...
Monday, February 1, 2010
A Few Bathroom Remodeling Don'ts
In this economy, many homeowners are turning to home remodeling and improvement as a safe investment and to increase their home's resale value. Bathroom remodeling is usually the area where most homeowners fix their initial attention.While do-it-yourself bathroom renovation can be extremely invigorating and empowering when it’s successful, it can be totally devastating and overwhelming when it fails. If you think you want to take on a major bathroom project, here are a few things you should try to avoid.
- Don’t pick a design that’s too trendy. Most new or updated bathrooms should last ten years or more, so don’t choose design elements or plumbing fixtures that are overly modern. These “in” looks can become dated quickly and you’ll be left with a dysfunctional room that you’ll have to live with for years. Instead, go with classic designs that mesh well with the rest of your home’s style.
- Don’t forget about storage. It’s nice when a bathroom looks great, but if it doesn’t work as a functional space then you’ve wasted your time and money. Mix open display shelving with closed cabinets for a balance of style and privacy, organization and aesthetic.
- Don’t do carpets. Sure, carpeting will feel great on your bare feet when you step out of the shower or tub, but it will also trap moisture, odors, bacteria and stains. Not pretty. Choose bathroom flooring that’s easy to clean and can withstand the dampness and humidity.
- Don’t go crazy with color. Just because toilets, tubs and sinks come in different colors doesn’t mean you have to buy them. Opt for simple, tasteful colors—think white—and an understated presentation. Use flooring, decorative tiles and accessories to give pops of color.
- Don’t go it alone. Bathroom remodeling might seem simple, but it can often require complicated pipe work and plumbing repair that only comes to light after you start. If you don’t know what you’re doing, engage the services of a reputable contractor or plumber before you begin the project. Otherwise you may find yourself knee deep in disaster.
- Don’t expect it to go smoothly. There’s no such thing as just doing a bathroom renovation. Make careful plans, choose good quality materials, and make sure you can afford 10-15% more than your projected budget before you begin—unforeseen costs can add up quickly. It also makes total sense to hope for the best but plan for the worst.
- Don’t fall in love with impracticality. Yes, those decorative Spanish tiles are fantastic, but will you be cursing yourself in a month when you’re on your hands and knees trying to scrub them clean? Does that state of the art sink require total overhaul of your pipe work? Are your materials going to be durable enough to withstand every day wear and tear?
- Don’t cut corners. Bathrooms and kitchens return the most on investment when it comes time to sell your home, so this is not the time to be cheap. A good general rule: Anything that’s going inside your walls should be top quality—pipes, insulation, heating units, electrical elements, etc. You can shop the bargain bin for things like paint, some fixtures and accessories. Compare prices and keep notes to help you weigh cost versus value.
More About Plumbing and Bathroom Remodeling...
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Simple Clog Removal to Keep Your Pipes Flowing Freely
Clogged and slow running drains are most definitely a nuisance and can cause serious damage to pipes, fixtures or appliances if left too long. Grease, hair, food, soap waste and other materials can easily accumulate in pipes and drains. If detected and addressed early, removing these common clogs can be an easy fix for even the most inexperienced do-it-yourselfer. And regular cleaning and maintainance of your drain systems is a simple, effective way to prevent costly problems amd repair work down the road.The most popular tool for removing blockages is a common plunger, which you can purchase at just about any home improvement, hardware or discount store for less than $10. Put the plunger over the drain and press down firmly. Pull straight up with gentle force. Repeat the pushing and pulling a couple of times. Adding a little water to the sink, toilet or tub can help to create suction around the drain, making the plunger work more effectively.
Chemical drain solutions are widely available at hardware and grocery stores. These affordable cleaners are easy to use—just pour, wait and flush—and are great for removing small clogs or stubborn build-up. Always read the product label carefully, though, as some of these chemicals can be corrosive to plastic plumbing or are not recommended for use in kitchen sinks.
If you’ve tried a plunger and a chemical drain opener with little success, it may be time to use a pipe cleaner or snake. These specialty devices are easy to find or rent from home improvement or plumbing supply retailers and are perfect for getting rid of clogs close to the drain. The tool is inserted into the drain and maneuvered until the clog is pushed away and out.
Here are a few simple recipes for dissolving clogs caused by grease or debris buildup:
- Combine a pound of powder detergent with three gallons of boiling water. Hold the container close to the drain and pour slowly to prevent scalding. Flush the drain by running water from the tap a few minutes afterward.
- Baking soda and vinegar is also an effective drain opener. Pour ½ cup of regular household baking soda into the drain, then add ½ cup white vinegar; cover the drain if you can. Let the mixture stand in the drain for several minutes before adding boiling water, at least five or six cups. Never try this method immediately after using a commercial drain opener, as the baking soda and vinegar can cause a harmful reaction when they come in contact with the chemicals.
- You can also use salt and baking soda to dissolve a grease clog. Pour ½ cup coarse salt and ½ cup baking soda into the drain, followed by about six cups of boiling hot water. Let the mixture sit for at least eight hours and then flush with water from the tap.
More Information on Clogs and Drains...
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