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

The Basics of Plumbing Safety

When attempting do-it-yourself plumbing projects, it is essential to follow the proper safety precautions in order to prevent injury. Before embarking on a plumbing project – even something relatively simple, like unclogging a drain – review the following plumbing safety basics.

Use a spotter

A spotter or helper will allow you to complete a plumbing project faster and more safely. In addition to a spotter providing the benefit of a spare hand as needed, some jobs, such as running a drain machine, are nearly impossible to complete without a second person to help.

Follow the directions

The importance of this safety essential cannot be overstated. Read and follow the directions for all tools, equipment, machines, chemicals, and other plumbing products. Misuse of tools and other plumbing equipment can cause injury or damage to your home. Also, make sure to maintain and check tools as specified in the user manual.

Wear protective equipment

Personal protective equipment is a must when working with plumbing. This includes wearing protective eyewear, gloves, and a facemask to protect your lungs. Eyewear is especially important when snaking a drain, hammering, using a drill, using a sawzall, or working on your back under a sink. Depending on the type of job, latex or leather gloves may be preferred. When sawing or sanding, a facemask is an important precaution.

Only work when alert

Do not work when you are sick, tired, or impaired by drugs or alcohol. These states can impair your reflexes or judgment, resulting in injury or property damage.

Use a tool belt, caddy, or box

Carrying tools in your pocket poses a risk of injury.

Follow the proper codes

These include all applicable building and plumbing safety codes and laws. Make sure you know these rules and have obtained the necessary permits before you start working.

If you’re not sure you can complete a plumbing job safely by yourself, consider calling a licensed plumber to complete the job.

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

Checking the Plumbing Before Buying a Home

When shopping for a home, people often fall in love with a property before the inspection -- and are later disappointed to find out that many costly repairs are needed. One of the main things you should check when deciding whether to buy a new home is the plumbing. For example, a plumbing system with low water pressure can cause frequent toilet clogs and other issues. Fortunately, there are some simple checks that you can do yourself to determine if the house has low water pressure, as well as other problems, like leaks and venting issues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Check all faucets for leaks, including all sinks and the shower. While checking the bathroom faucets, you shouldn’t smell any foul odors; this may indicate improper venting or a drain without a P-trap. Also note the water temperature and pressure, and listen for noisy or banging pipes when the water is turned on.

• Flush the toilet in every bathroom. If the water level drops or takes a long time to refill, this could indicate a partial blockage or low water pressure.

• Look around the house for wet spots that could indicate a leak.

• Check the water pressure at the farthest point from the main valve, and verify that pressure here is just as strong as at the closest point.

• Inspect the hot water heater. Check to see if there are signs of corrosion on the water heater’s elements; if there are, the appliance needs to be replaced. Also make sure the water heater is of an adequate size for your family and find out how old it is.

• Go to the main water shut off valve and make sure it is in working order. When the valve is shut off, no water should come out of any of the taps.

• Ask about the type of sewage system – septic tanks can have problems requiring expensive repairs, and they also need regular maintenance.

• Inquire about the material of the pipes in the home. Copper pipes are the most desirable, followed by brass, and then galvanized steel. As you may know, lead pipes are a safety hazard.

• Ask to see utility bills showing the monthly water usage and costs, or get this information from the utility/billing company if possible. See if the bill fits your budget and if there is any exorbitant usage that could indicate a leak. A good realtor should have this information on-hand.

Don’t be afraid to “nose around” and ask questions; an owner or realtor with nothing to hide will encourage this. Even though you will probably get an official inspection later, it is good to get a picture of what you’re dealing with before then so you can start thinking about negotiating a lower price. If you decide to purchase a home requiring plumbing repairs as-is, be sure to hire a reputable plumber to do the necessary repairs.

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

 

(Photo via Flickr)

Life Without a Garbage Disposal

A garbage disposal is a modern convenience that many of us rely upon and use every day. However, not everyone has a garbage disposal, and it is entirely possible to live without one. In fact, garbage disposals are not used in certain parts of Europe, including France. There are even benefits to not using a garbage disposal, one being that without a garbage disposal, there is one less piece of your plumbing to clog and break!

In living spaces without garbage disposals, food scraps are either thrown away or composted, rather than processed with the garbage disposal and washed down the drain. Of course, composting is the more eco-friendly option.

One benefit of not having/using a garbage disposal is that less water is consumed to wash dishes. You use less water to clean up after a meal, and the water treatment system can also use less water to process your wastewater. In addition to the environmental benefits, another benefit of a garbage disposal-free life is that you have more under-sink space!

For people with septic systems, garbage disposals can cause clogs, resulting in system failure. They also cause the tank to fill with solids much quicker, requiring more frequent pumping. Although it is possible to use a garbage disposal with a septic tank, you must use a top-of-the-line disposal that processes food bits into very small particles that the system can digest.

One problem with not having a garbage disposal is that food particles can sometimes get washed down the drain anyway and cause clogs. To keep this from happening, protect your kitchen drain with a strainer. People who don’t have a garbage disposal should also be sure to wipe off and throw away or compost all visible food particles on dishes before washing them.

To fix tough clogs in your kitchen sink or elsewhere in the home, call a reputable plumbing professional.

 

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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.

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)

Garbage Disposal Cleaners

The garbage disposal is an integral part of your kitchen sink that needs to be maintained and cleaned on a regular basis.

For starters, be sure to rinse food items down the disposal using cool water. Grease and oil will solidify under the cold water and will be taken care of with the disposal blades. After rinsing food down the disposal, pour some dishwashing liquid down it and run the cool water.

A natural way to clean and maintain your disposal is with ice and citrus peels. Turn on the disposal, toss a few ice cubes down it followed by some lemon, lime, orange, or even grapefruit peels. The ice will sharpen the blades while the peels will freshen the disposal and leave a pleasant scent in the kitchen.

Another at-home recipe for cleaning the garbage disposal is with baking soda and water. Fill the sink on the disposal side and mix in one cup of baking soda. Pull the drain stopper and run the disposal until all of the water is down the drain. This will flood the disposal area with the solution, cleaning and rinsing any particles down the drain.

Other ways to clean the garbage disposal include commercial cleaning products. One option is a foaming cleaner that is poured down the disposal and breaks up food particles and grime as it foams. Some of these cleaners are scented or contain bleach to get a deep clean.

A similar option is a commercial product that comes in the form of gel capsules that burst when grounded in the disposal. This cleans the blades and will leave a pleasant scent behind.

By cleaning the garbage disposal on a regular basis, you’ll avoid a build-up of particles as well as unwanted odor.

 

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

 

(Photo via Flickr)

Plumbing Problems: What’s That Smell Coming from the Drain?

It’s a phrase that we may hear around our homes a little more than we would like; “What’s that smell?” An almost endless array of circumstances could lead someone to utter these words, such as a gas leak or something burning on the stove. But drains in bathtubs and showers and sinks in bathrooms and kitchens are often notorious sources for emitting undesirable odors.

What Causes Drains to Emit Odors?

Various factors can be responsible for a foul-smelling drain. In a kitchen sink, food scraps, old dishwater, grease or sludge can accumulate in the area just below the strainer within the garbage disposal — if one exists — or in the trap. A sink’s “trap” is the U-shaped pipe that travels down from the drain opening.

In showers, tubs and bathroom sinks, soap residue, hair and bacteria can build up underneath a drain opening or within gaskets and stoppers. Unpleasant smells will result if these are not thoroughly cleaned on a fairly regular basis.

Another common cause of smelly drains is depleted water levels within a sink’s trap. A trap system is built to maintain a reservoir of water that blocks smells from sewer lines and other plumbing from drifting up through a drain. A leaky trap can affect this water level, which is not hard to repair. But if a sewage smell is present and doesn’t go away no matter what you do, serious plumbing problems may be at hand, such as a cracked pipe underneath the house.

Addressing the Problem

If a clogged trap is suspected, turn the water off in the house and remove the trap for cleaning. Traps are relatively easy to disassemble. But if you feel more comfortable trying a plunger or using a plumbing snake, these can also be very effective.

Baking soda, bleach, vinegar and lemon juice are used by many homeowners to freshen up drains. Ice can be deposited into a garbage disposal to knock stubborn refuse from its blades. But drain cleaning itself requires a little elbow grease. If odors still exist after exhausting all efforts, it may be necessary to call in the professionals for plumbing repairs.

 

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

What to Do About Grease Clogs

You shouldn’t ever pour oil, fat or grease down a sink. Grease – such as the leftover grease in the pan after you cook burgers – will usually only stay in a liquid state when it’s subjected to high heat. Once the grease cools, it will congeal and clog your drain. A clogged sink can create other plumbing problems, such as a flooded basement.

If your kitchen drain becomes plugged with grease, you should first check to see if you have a grease trap. If so, you should be able to fix the problem by simply removing the trap and cleaning it out. If not, try pouring a good amount of boiling water mixed with vinegar and baking soda down the drain. This may help liquefy the grease and usher it through the pipes.

Still clogged? Head to the hardware store for a degreaser. If that doesn’t work, you’ll probably need to have a plumber come out and snake your pipes. Once everything’s cleared out, prevent a future occurrence of the problem by installing a grease trap and limiting the amount of grease you put down the drain.

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

How to Keep the Garbage Disposal Clean and Fresh

While you might already know what you can and can’t rinse down your disposal, it’s still the perfect place for mold to grow, or smells to hide. Keep things clean and smelling fresh with these easy tips.

For starters, pour some dish soap down the garbage disposal, run the disposal, and rinse with plenty of cool water. If that isn’t enough to clean up the mysterious waste below the drain, try a more aggressive approach, such as one of the methods listed below.

Once a week, pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain. Start by pouring ½ a cup of baking soda down the drain/garbage disposal. Next, add one cup of white vinegar and close off the drain using the stopper. In a double sink, close both sides. While the mixture is fizzing, boil some water (enough to fill a teakettle). Once the water reaches a boil, pour it down the drain.

You can also try using water and bleach. In a container, mix one gallon of water with one tablespoon of liquid chlorine bleach. Slowly pour the mixture down the garbage disposal, wait a few minutes, then flush the drain with hot water for several minutes.

Another trick to try is using ice and citrus peels. By tossing a few ice cubes in the disposal and running it, the cutting blades will stay clean and sharp. Toss a few lemon, orange, or lime peels into a running disposal to get a nice scent in the kitchen.

There are also commercial garbage disposal cleaners you can purchase if there seems to be some serious bacterial growth in the drain. However, trying one of the methods listed above once a week should keep the garbage disposal clean and smelling fresh.

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

How to Freshen the Garbage Disposal

A smelly garbage disposal in the kitchen is always sure to ruin a great meal or an enjoyable time with family. The smell can easily drift off and make things worse all around the house.  Fortunately, there are a few tips that can help you neutralize a horrible smell and keep your home fresh.

Lemons

Putting a lemon into the garbage disposal can help keep things fresh and neutralize odors caused by food and other debris in the garbage disposal.  In the same sense, oranges and other citruses can work well.

Ice

While ice won’t necessarily get rid of the smell itself, it can help dispose of the source.  Placing some ice cubes in the disposal can help clean the blades and break up other items stuck in the drainage area.

Other Remedies

There many homemade concoctions that can be mixed to also provide the garbage disposal with a cleaner smell.  You can also go to a local grocery store and pick up some garbage disposal cleaning packets as they also hold a mix of odor neutralizing lemon and a mix of chemicals to clean the surfaces within the device.

 

Through any of these procedures, it is important to place a stream of water flowing down the drain. While some of these remedies can help solve issues with odor, following along with these earlier tips can also help keep the disposal smelling clean and your kitchen fresh.