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

Plumbing Problems: Addressing Drain-Clogging Calcium Deposits

Pipes and drains in a home can become clogged as a result of the buildup of hair, soap scum, food and other debris. But water with a high mineral content, also referred to as “hard water,” can also be a major culprit in restricting water flow and causing a variety of other plumbing problems within a home.

Hard water is notorious for leaving a calcified residue around faucets, shower heads and drain covers. This residue usually has a light-colored “rusty” or “flaky” appearance, and is quite noticeable on the outside of these and other plumbing devices around the home. But calcium deposits can also build up within pipes and on the inside of drains, which can not only diminish water flow rates, but can damage pipes and cause hot water to run cold.

What Can the Homeowner Do?

If any of these circumstances should arise, there are ways for the homeowner to address calcium buildup problems before beginning a search for plumbing contractors. To remove calcified residue from “detachable” fixtures such as shower heads, faucet tips and drain covers, place them in a container of white vinegar, or a commercial lime and calcium remover such as CLR, and let them soak for a few hours.

These solutions can also be used for drain cleaning and to flush your water pipes if calcium deposit buildup is suspected within your plumbing. Of course always carefully follow the instructions whenever commercial chemical-based cleaning products are used; these products are often required to be diluted with a certain percentage of water. Also, be sure to keep any cleaning solutions away from reservoirs reserved for drinking water.

To prevent future calcium and mineral deposit buildup problems, long-term solutions are available. These include having a water-softening or water filtration system installed in your home. Although these systems are not cheap, they can save you maintenance headaches and potentially costly repairs down the road. These can be purchased at your local hardware store or through a plumbing supply outlet. If you are not comfortable with even minor do-it-yourself plumbing repairs, maintenance or the installation of plumbing devices, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Will Going Green Prevent Clogs?

Many products we use daily now have an alternative option that promises it will be good for the environment, better for us, and will eventually reduce our carbon footprint. But will some of these items, such as eco-friendly soaps and toilet tissues, be better for the drains in our homes today?

A big reason the pipes and drains in our homes clog comes from soap scum. It forms when soap combines with calcium and magnesium in the water, which forms a hard substances that’s difficult to remove and continues to build up. While there are several eco-friendly options for body soaps, facial cleansers, and even laundry detergents, soap is still soap and soap leads to soap scum.

The solution is utilizing non-soap products, which range from the non-soap body bars to hair cleansers without detergents. These products not only don’t lead to soap scum, they are also said to be better for our skin and hair.

Another eco-friendly product on the market is toilet paper. Several brands offer 100% recycled toilet paper, which saves our forests, but what does it do for our pipes? Believe it or not, these are the best for your plumbing. The fibers dissolve easily and are biodegradable. Thicker, more-absorbent tissue is probably the worst type of bathroom tissue you can flush down the toilet.

As for detergents, go for ones that will be gentle on your septic tank. The tank actually needs bacteria to break down waste, so powerful cleansers can cause a clog, even if it says its safe for your septic system. Look for all-natural drain cleaners, nontoxic liquid laundry detergents (powder soaps don’t break down well), and phosphate free dishwashing detergent. If possible, try to limit the use of antibacterial cleaners or bleach, as these items are your septic tanks worst enemy.

Choose carefully when picking up items for your home. Just because its says it’s eco-friendly, doesn’t meant it’s the best option for the plumbing.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

 

(Photo via Flickr)

What are the Main Costs of Clogged Drains?

Clogged drains are a common occurrence around the holidays. Our homes are bustling with company, you’re cooking more, and things are going down the home drains that probably shouldn’t. Clogged drains probably cost more than you think, especially if a plumber has to make a house call on a holiday.

Depending on the going rate in your area, calling a plumber to fix a clogged drain can range between $50-$250, depending on how bad of a clog you’re facing. A clogged tub is an average of $90, while a backed up sink runs an average of $60.

Since most plumbers charge by the hour, and not necessarily by the type of service, is it worth it to try fixing the problem yourself? Of course, it depends on how bad the clog seems to be and how much you trust yourself as a handyman. You don’t want to make the problem worse and end up calling a plumber for an even bigger problem than what you started with.

A plunger could remove basic toilet and bathtub clogs, while a sink plunger might rid smaller clogs, for about $15, if you don’t have one already. A plumber’s snake, made for bigger clogs, costs between $25-$125, or you could rent one if you think that will solve your problem.

Trying to prevent the clogs is free. If you’re having a house full of guests this holiday season, let them know your plumbing system can’t handle anything outside of the ordinary. Place trashcans near the toilet for trash, cotton swaps, wet wipes, and other items that don’t belong in the sewer system. Place mesh catchers over your shower drains to prevent hair from clogging up the pipes.

In the kitchen, throw food scraps and trash in the garbage can instead of in the sink or garbage disposal. It might be a change of pace, but it will save you money in the future.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Featured in Plumbing & Mechanical

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/11/prweb10177737.htm

Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling President Wesley Holm talks water treatment services to plumbing trade magazine.

National award-winning electric, plumbing, heating and cooling company Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling was recently featured in the September 2012 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical, a leading industry magazine in the plumbing industry.

The Plumbing & Mechanical magazine feature includes an interview with Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling President Wesley Holm. Holm discusses Cleaner Fresher Healthier water with P&M, along with his company’s ProSystems whole-house water treatment systems, and how these services complement the company’s existing services.

Says Holm to Plumbing & Mechanical, “We improve people’s lives through the services we provide. We need to live up to that and educate our clients about what’s in their water.”

Holm goes on to explain, “People are more attuned to clean water than to clean air. They’re more concerned about what they drink than what they breathe.”

In particular, says Holm, young mothers are concerned about contaminants in municipal drinking water, which may include prescription drugs, bacteria, ammonia, and other chemicals.

Another chemical commonly found in drinking water is chlorine – Many utilities add chlorine to disinfect drinking water, though it negatively affects the taste and smell of the water, and also dries the hair and skin when showering.

Beyond eliminating bad tastes and dry skin, whole-house water treatment is about improving the health of every member of your household. It’s also about the health of Mother Earth. Holm tells P&M, “Treating water inside the home offers an added benefit to people who want to lead a green lifestyle.”

“We drink cases and cases of bottled water, and our landfills are full of water bottles,” Holm continues. “Petrochemicals are used to make the water bottles, so there are repercussions for our dependence on foreign oil as well.”

Read the three-page spread on Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, “A natural fit,” in Plumbing & Mechanical online, or visit the publication’s website (pmmag.com) to order a copy of the September 2012 issue and/or subscribe to Plumbing & Mechanical.

About Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

With over 80 years of service, Thompson Electric Plumbing Heating & Cooling is among the most trusted and reputable electric, plumbing heating and cooling companies in the greater Cincinnati area. Thompson has received numerous other national awards and recognitions over the years, including recognition from Airtime 500, an elite HVAC contractor association. Thompson bears the Technician To learn more about the award-winning services of Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, or to schedule a service today, visit 333help.com or call 513-333-HELP. You can also follow Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling on Twitter at @ThompsonPHC.

 

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Top Causes of Clogged Drains

Curious about the main causes of clogged drains? Read on to find out and to learn how to prevent common drain clogs.

Hair – Human hair is one of the top causes of clogged drains, particularly with slow-draining or stopped-up showers and sinks. Use strainers on bathroom drains to prevent hair from going down the drain. Pet hair can also cause clogs, especially in washing machines. Help prevent these clogs by vacuuming particularly “furry” items before putting them in the wash.

Solids – This category includes solid food items, and any other non-degradable objects, like cigarette butts, sanitary napkins or other trash. It also includes oil and grease, which harden into solids after they cool. Keep these items out of your garbage disposal, toilet, and other drains. Even your dishwasher can become clogged from solid foods left on your dishes.

Mineral buildup – If you live in an area with “hard water,” or water that contains an excess amount of minerals, mineral residue can build up, forming thick deposits that can cause blockages in pipes and drains. Water treatment services to remove minerals and other impurities from your home water supply can help prevent this type of household clog from occurring.

Tree roots – Invasive tree roots in the main sewer line are a major cause of clogged drains that is difficult, if not impossible to prevent. This problem is especially common in older neighborhoods with old, clay sewer pipes, including much of the Greater Cincinnati area. Nevertheless, a skilled plumber can use modern plumbing tools to clear and repair your main sewer line – without digging up your yard in the process.

Learn more about preventing drain clogs in our blog post, Plumbing Problems Can Be Avoided by Preventing Drain Clogs, and for tough clogs, call 513-333-HELP to schedule a drain cleaning with a certified plumbing professional.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Using Drain Scopes

If you've got a clogged drain that's withstood home remedies and you've called a professional, chances are, they'll use a drain scope before tackling the problem. But what's a drain scope and why does it need to be used? Get the answers here.

A scope is a camera and a light attached to a long cable that can go down drain pipes, or even sewers. The scopes are used to see why a pipe is clogged or where a leak is coming from. Scopes are often used during home inspections, to check out the condition of pipes or sewers.

Many professionals will use a scope in the case of a clog, so they can see exactly what the clog is and it can be treated properly. In most cases, the scope serves as a diagnostic. You might think you've got one problem, but the scope could reveal something completely different.

Some plumbers utilize the scope during the process of fixing the problem. The camera can show a clear view of what's working, what isn't, and how far along the work is coming. Seeing down a pipe is impossible without the help of tools, such as a scope. The professional can use it to make sure their work is efficient and correct.

A scope can also come in handy once the work is finished. Your plumber might use the camera to show you that the clog is clear, or that a leaking pipe is fixed. It's good for the professional, too, in order to be sure the problem is solved.

So, if the professional you call starts lowering a scope into your problem drain, don't be alarmed. It's merely a tool that's going to help him asses and diagnose the problem, work to solve it correctly, and then show you the final results when it's said and done.

 

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Unclogging Your Washing Machine

Washing a load of laundry is already an unwanted chore. But noticing water around your washing machine can make a bad chore a worse one. This is a sign of a clogged washing machine piping or trap. Before you call a professional, there are a few steps you can take on your own.

Before you attempt to fix anything, make sure the power is off and unplugged. Also go ahead and turn off the water that leads to the washing machine.

The washing machine should be empty with no laundry inside. If the drain is clogged, there will be standing water in the tub that will need to be emptied. Use a bucket to get the water out or a wet vacuum to remove all the water.

Depending on the location of the washing machine, make sure you have access to the back of it, where the drain hose is located. The water pump should also be at the back of the machine. If not, check to see if your machine has a panel in the front near the base.

Two hoses connect to the water pump. Use a container to collect any water that might leak when you disconnect the hoses from the water pump using the attached spring clamps.

Now it’s time to look for the clog. Check the water pump. The clog could be dried detergent, lent or possibly a small clothing item. If you find something in the pump, carefully remove it and reattach the hoses to the pump.

If there’s no clog, check the drain hose. You’ll have to disconnect it from the house drain pipe. Make sure to get a good flow of water going through the pipe. If you have a garden hose, fit the entire hose through the drain hose to push out the clog or remove buildup.

Connect the hose to the washing machine and run a small load with no clothes in it to make sure it is back to normal.

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Unclog Blog is written & published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

 

(Photo via Flickr)

Unclogging Shower Drains

Shower drains commonly become clogged with hair, soap, or other debris. Read on to learn how to unclog a shower drain, step by step.

Things you’ll need:

Baking soda, vinegar, straightened wire hanger, screwdriver, flashlight, plunger, petroleum jelly, plumbing snake, rubber gloves, chemical drain cleaner (optional)

Note: Wear rubber gloves throughout.

1. Check and clean the strainer cover. Often, shower drain “clogs” are simply the result of hair caught in the drain strainer, and once the drain cover is cleaned, the problem is solved.
2. Try to dissolve the clog using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda: pour a half cup of baking soda followed by a half cup of vinegar down the drain; let sit for two hours; flush with hot water and see if the clog is dissolved.
3. If the drain is still clogged or running slow, remove the drain cover with a screwdriver (if you haven’t already) and use a flashlight to peer down the drain and look for the blockage. If you can see the clog, you may be able to use a straightened hanger to pull it out.
4. Get out the plunger. Put a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the edges of the cup to form a tight seal, and place on the drain. If necessary, add water so that the plunger is submerged, and pump 15 or 20 times. There is a good chance that you will be able to force out the clog this way.
5. If you were unsuccessful with the plunger, try clearing the drain using a hand-cranked plumbing snake if you have one.  Feed the cable down the drain until you feel it hit the clog. When it hits the clog, turn the crank clockwise to snag the clog and continue cranking it to pull it out.
6. As a last resort, you may want to try a chemical drain cleaner. Keep in mind that these caustic chemicals can damage your eyes, skin, and internal organs, and they should not be used on pipes with corrosion or if you have a septic tank. Use this product with care and as directed.

If you were unable to unclog your shower drain with the above methods, it is probably time to call a plumber to address your drain cleaning needs. To protect your household and the environment, make sure your plumber is Certified Green Screened and bears the Technician Seal of Safety.

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Unclog Blog is written & published by Thompson Plumbing Heating & Cooling

 

(Photo via Flickr)

How to Unclog a Dishwasher Drain

Standing water in your dishwasher after attempting to wash a load of dishes? Chances are your dishwasher drain is clogged. While it’s not a fun task, it’s easy enough to do by yourself.

Before you start, make sure the power to your dishwasher and garbage disposal is turned off, as water and electricity are not a good mix. Make sure to turn off the water supply as well.

Remove any dishes from the racks. Remove the racks from the dishwasher; you’ll need some room to work.

Next, it might be a good idea to pull out the manual to the dishwasher to properly locate the drain hose. It should be visible if you open the dishwasher door. The drain hose is what goes from the dishwasher to your garbage disposal. Once you find it, remove it and use a straight tool such as a straightened out clothing hanger to see if there’s a clog in the hose. If so, remove it and reconnect the hose.

If the dishwasher hose is free of clogs, the next place to check is the dishwasher drain. Locate the drain and remove any catch or filter. Then use the same tool as before to search for any clogs. If you find a clog, remove it. If you don’t find any clogs, try the home remedy of one tablespoon of baking soda and two tablespoons of vinegar to dissolve the clog.

Finally, put the drain catches or filters back in their places and turn the power to the dishwasher and the garbage disposal back on. Then see if the drain is working again.

In the future, prevent dishwasher clogs by scraping large particles of food into the trash and removing any stickers or labels from dishware before use. Also make sure to clean out the strainer from time to time.

If the above tips failed to solve your dishwasher drain clog problem, then the next step would be to call a local plumbing professional.

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Unclog Blog is written & published by Thompson Plumbing Heating & Cooling

 

(Photo via Flickr)

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