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New Berlin, West Allis, Wauwatosa, Franklin, Cudahy, Oak Creek, Greenfield, Muskego, St. Francis, Hales Corners, South Milwaukee
A leaking faucet is one of those plumbing concerns that are common in modern properties. As the faucet begins to show signs of aging, this is the first problem property owners encounter.
If this is a situation you are dealing with, it’s time to figure out what to do as soon as possible. Letting things continue in their current state will lead to further plumbing concerns that come with a hefty repair bill.
It is important to understand that the vast majority of chemical drain cleaners use sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide as a main ingredient. These types of chemical are highly corrosive to metals and organic material. These types of chemicals are known as bases, meaning they give electrons to the substance and the hydroxide ions will create a reaction that helps to clear the clog. The alkaline chemicals in turn will release heat and manage to turn hardened grease into a soapy substance which can then slide down the drain. Due to the fact that drain cleaners are heavier than water, they are able to sink through any water that is attached to a clog.
Other cleaners in the market will contain nitrates, bleach and peroxides. These types of chemicals will cause the organic material to lose their electrons and become oxidized.
Every homeowner dreads the prospect of having sewage rising up from the pipes and appearing in tubs, toilets, sink drains, or even the basement floor. Sadly, for all too many, this is not just the stuff of nightmares, it actually happens when there is heavy rain that causes localized flooding. Fortunately, there is an easy method that often works to solve the problem, and it does not even cost a lot of money. The secret is to get a backwater valve.
What It Does
Backwater valves are installed in the drain pipe near the area where the home’s wastewater leaves the structure, flows away from the property, and makes its way into the municipal sewage system. The mechanism itself is very simple and operates based on water flow. These valves are equipped with a hatch that keeps open even when water flows outward, something which facilitates draining.
When rainfall is especially heavy and sewage systems are overrun, sewer water can back up and emerge inside the home. This can even happen if the street outside shows no signs of flooding. If a backwater valve senses that water is coming into the house instead of leaving it, the water flow shuts the hatch and stops sewage from backing up inside the home.
A water heater is a wonderful commodity that supplies all the necessary warm water household needs of a family, from bathing to cooking and washing up. However, there are many issues and problems associated with water heaters that most homeowners have to deal with on a regular basis. Some of these include not having enough hot water to supply the needs of all family members or sometimes the appliance may spring a leak. Listed below are some of the more common causes of water heater problems that occur and how to take proactive measures to prevent expensive repairs or even complete replacement of the entire unit.
• Leaks
Leaks are one of the most common problems that plumbing contractors, in general, have to deal with. A clear indication that there is a leak is when a puddle of water is visible around the bottom of the heater or there is a trail of water leading to the tank. One of the most common causes of a leak is a crack in the internal wall of the tank. When this happens, the only solution is to have the entire unit replaced.
It’s easy to take indoor plumbing for granted but it’s a very integral part of your home in Milwaukee. It controls your cold and hot water, disposes human waste through the toilet, provides safe water for drinking and other uses among many other functions. Well, what can you do if your indoor plumbing is not working as it should? Here are some of the common plumbing issues in your home and how to handle it.
1. The Leaky Fixture
Is there a drip in your kitchen tap, the shower in your bathroom or any other fixtures in the house? Well, a leaky fixture is not really a huge emergency. If the dripping is too much, you can solve the problem by shutting off the water in your house. After this, the leak should be small enough to fix on your own without hiring a professional plumber.
If you have a clogged drain, it is going to create a problem regardless of where it is. However, there are some clogs that are simply harder and more difficult than others. Drains are a necessity in the household and take away all of the waste, there are times though when items are tossed down the drain by accident.
If you fear as though there is a clogged pipe, it is essential to contact a Milwaukee plumber as soon as possible.
Some people will try and take the do it yourself approach with plungers or in some cases plungers. We understand that this may seem to be a cheaper alternative than a plumber, in many cases, it is a short term fix and the problem is rarely resolved.
The vast majority of qualified plumbers will not use chemicals because they tend to have a corrosive effect on pipes. In fact, using chemicals over a prolonged period can seriously damage pipes and septic systems resulting in the need for replacement. Obviously, over the course of time this will become quite expensive. As you can see, it is actually a much more cost-effective solution to contact a plumber as opposed to using household chemicals.
One of the worst things that can happen to your property is the development of a clog in the sewer line. If not treated properly it can spew raw sewerage into your home and property. This can be damaging to your walls, floors, appliances as well as the overall yard. In addition, one must consider the overall cost of repairs, potential health hazards to you and your family as well is the replacement of damaged plumbing.
One way to avoid this potential hazard is to address concerns before they become serious. However, before you are able to do this you will need to know what causes them.
While a toilet is a very important part of a home or commercial property, we only think about it when it has a problem. One of the major toilet problems is a clogged toilet. This problem is very common and it is good to know how to deal with it. You don’t have to call a plumber whenever you face a toilet clog. You can deal with a simple clog all by yourself. Here are some of the things you can do when you face a simple toilet clog:
There are common household plumbing problems that you can easily handle on your own with some basic tools and knowledge. A good example is a clogged toilet where all you need is a solid understanding of how to use a plunger and some elbow grease.
In fact, if you were to call a professional plumber, they would use a household plunger, too!
Of course, not all plumbing issues are an easy DIY fix. There are instances where the cause of the problems is unknown or requires a solid understanding of the plumbing system, in which case, hiring a plumber is in your best interests. Plus, handling serious plumbing problems on your own may put you and your family’s health at risk! Understandably, homeowners often hesitate to call a professional as emergency services don’t come cheap.
A lot of people take a hot shower for granted. After all, a hot shower can be very relaxing after a long and stressful day of work. However, when that hot water fails to deliver, you will surely miss it. Unfortunately, many wait until it is too late to avoid losing hot water. By understanding some of the common signs of trouble with your water heater, you should be able to know whether it’s time to repair or replace it before you are stuck with a cold shower.
Your water heater isn’t entirely used for showers. After all, you need hot water to do the dishes. Likewise, you need hot water to effectively wash your hands. Even brushing your teeth could get uncomfortable without it. Luckily, there are a few things that you can look for when you are trying to figure out if your water is malfunctioning and is need of repair or replacement.
1. Your Water Is Lukewarm
If you are only turning on your hot water, your water shouldn’t come out lukewarm. If your water isn’t fully heating up as it should, it is a clear sign that something is wrong. If the water that is entering your tank isn’t extremely cold because of the weather outside and you haven’t changed the settings on your heater, it is about time you call on a plumber. A professional plumber will be able to figure out what is happening with your unit.
2. The Hot Water Isn’t Sustaining
If you used to get around 15 to 20 minutes of hot water but it isn’t even reaching 5 minutes, it is a very good sign that your heater needs to be checked. Having your hot water quickly run out is one of the common signs of a malfunctioning element. However, calling on a professional will help you get someone experienced and with the expertise to diagnose the problem no matter what the issue is.
3. The Heater Has Become Audibly Loud
While your water heater may have made noises in the past, you should know what your heater sounds like when it’s functioning properly. If you start to hear a bunch of newer and even louder noises coming from your heater, it might be a sign that something isn’t working properly. This can happen after a number of years go by. After all, there can be sediment that can accumulate towards the bottom of your heater. This can end up causing hardening in that area and it can lead to rumbling from your heater. This is a common sign that you need to have your water professionally serviced in order to get rid of this excess sediment.
Call us today if you notice any of the three things listed above occurring and we’ll send a plumber to repair your water heater or replace it, if needed.