The Unclog Blog - HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric

The Tools You Need to Battle the Most Stubborn Clogs

Are you a do-it-yourselfer? If you’re the type that’s handy around the house and will do anything to stall calling an expert, these plumbing tools are must-haves if you’re going to fix plumbing issues yourself.

• Basic Plunger – A no-brainer, right? It’d be a shame to have to call a plumber for a lightly clogged toilet!
• Sink Plunger – Much like its toilet counterpart, only smaller to maximize suction around your sink’s drain.
• Snake – When the plunger won’t do it’s time to pull out the heavy artillery. The snake wends its way deep into the piping to work through even the nastiest clogs.
• Closet Auger – The auger is similar to the snake, but it’s made specifically for toilet clogs.
• Pipe Wrench – A plumbing necessity. Pipe wrenches are used in pairs to maximize leverage on pipe fixtures.
• Spud Wrench – Similar to a traditional wrench, only much bigger to work on sinks and toilets.
• Gaskets and O-rings – These simple tools prevent water from leaving the faucet once it’s been turned off. Keep some spares around so when your gaskets go bad you can be Jonny-on-the-spot and fix it yourself, inexpensively.

Stock your home toolkit with the above tools and you’re well on your way to becoming a legitimate plumber!

 

Dealing with a Clogged Septic Tank

How do you know if your septic tank is failing as opposed to a run of the mill in-house plumbing problem?

If there are sewage odors, wet areas on the property, slow fixture drains, gurgling drain noises or plumbing fixtures that back up or overflow, you’re likely dealing with a malfunctioning septic tank – a problem you don’t want to wait on before addressing. If this is the case, try addressing the problem these ways:

• Snake – Snaking the building drain between the house and septic tank is a good way to check for obstructions, roots or collapse in the line between the house and the tank.
• Open the tank – Inspect and see whether or not the intake or outlet drains from the tank are blocked because of floating scum or sludge. If levels of scum or sludge are high, you’ve been pumping solids into the absorption system for some time and as a result, will need to have that checked and possibly replaced.
• Check the distribution box – If the box has been flooding and all of the outlets are distributing equally, the absorption system is blocked or failing. If the box is tipped or misadjusted it should be corrected at once, but probably isn’t responsible for the backup.

Additional inspection – This can never hurt. If you’re unsure how to properly diagnose your septic system, call an expert. The problem may not be as severe or as costly as you think.

 

Do I Need a Sump Pump?

If your basement ever floods the answer is a resounding yes. Homes located in flat or low-lying areas are especially vulnerable to basement flooding. As rain and melting snow saturate the ground the water always seeks the path of least resistance. If you have cracks in your walls and floors, there’s a very strong chance water will find its way in.

Sump pumps are a highly effective way of controlling and eliminating basement floods, even more so than basement waterproofing systems. Sump pumps control excessive groundwater by collecting it through a series of pipes that empty into the sump pit. Sump pits are strategically located at the lowest point in the basement to collect excess water and expel it away from your home.

The two most common types of sump pump systems are:

Pedestal Pumps – Pedestal pumps are often noisy because of the electric motors attached to the column (or pedestal) to keep them dry. The impeller is located below, in the sump pit.

Submersible Pumps – These pumps are watertight and designed to work beneath the water. These are the way to go. They are quieter and generally last longer than pedestal pumps because they’re sealed.

Installing a sump is your best defense against basement flooding. Sump pumps can fail under unusual circumstances though, including:

• Power outages
• Overwhelming amounts of water
• Improper installation
• Neglect

Finding A Green Plumber

The term “green” is now an official part of our daily lexicon that’s come to mean a lot more than the primary color it denotes. “Green” is now a way of life that keeps us conscious of the environmental impact of our actions. Green plumbing is especially important because water is such a vital aspect of our lives and the world at large. Employing green plumbers is a smart and responsible way to do your part to manage water waste.

What can you look for in a green plumber?

Everything. For instance, what type of vehicles do they drive and what kind of pipes do they use? Or more simply, is your plumber a certified Green Plumber? The Green Plumbing licensing program originated in Australia and was brought to the U.S. care of The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association of California and Onni, Inc.

Not sure if you can find a green plumber? Ask your potential plumber these questions:

• Are there alternatives to PVC pipe?
• Do they use low VOC glues and cleaners?
• Do they offer appliances such as on-demand water heaters, low-flow fixtures and rain and gray water harvesting systems?
• Do they make use of recycling and alternative energy in office practices?
• Do they use hybrid vehicles?

Ask these questions and do your part to minimize your impact on our planet.