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)

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.

Winter Septic System Maintenance

Many households rely on septic systems to treat their sewage. In cold weather climates, these systems may freeze and fail, typically because of leaks, irregular use, compacted snow, or lack of plant cover. With winter on the horizon, it is crucial for homeowners with septic systems to take certain actions to prevent their system from freezing this cold season.

So what constitutes good septic system winter care? Nick Haig, a University of Minnesota septic systems expert says septic system owners should regularly inspect their system for leaky pipes and broken seals or caps. Additionally, Haig says that letting the lawn grow longer in late fall will help catch snow to provide insulation. Finally, Haig recommends using warm and hot water on a regular basis throughout the winter, keeping vehicles off of the system’s drain field or septic tank (this drives frost into the ground), and watching for any sewage coming out of the ground.

Although it is sometimes said that using antifreeze can help keep a septic system from freezing, this is a misconception and is not recommended. Using antifreeze in can disrupt the system’s anaerobic bacteria balance, causing the system to fail.

Another important winter septic tank maintenance tip is to make sure the cover for your septic tank is in good condition. If the cover is below ground, have a professional inspect it when they come out to service your system – which should happen on a regular basis. If the cover is above ground or flush to the ground, then you can inspect it yourself and see that it is not loose or otherwise compromised.

By taking some time to make sure your septic system is sufficiently winterized before winter comes, and by practicing good septic tank winter care throughout the cold months, there is very little chance that your septic system will freeze. In the event that it does freeze, make sure to call your septic system professional immediately.

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

Flood Preparedness for Home Plumbing Systems

The hurricane season is in full swing. Although these big storms mostly target coastal areas, they can sometimes cause damage as far inland as Ohio and Kentucky. Hurricane Ike in 2008 proved that. The Cincinnati area and communities along the Ohio River are also prone to summer storms and flooding from heavy rainfall.

One important thing to do to prepare your home for a flood is to install backflow valves or plugs in your home plumbing system. Check valves should be installed on drains, toilets and other sewer connections. These valves allow water to flow out but not in, thereby preventing floodwaters from entering the drains of your home.

Additionally, if your home has storm water pipes, you need to keep them free of clogs and debris. These pipes prevent your home from becoming flooded with storm water. If they are obstructed in any way, they will not be able to provide this protection. A high-pressure water machine and high-pressure hose can be used to clear storm water pipes. If you are unsure of how to do this, you should schedule a drain cleaning appointment with a reputable plumber.

Besides making sure your home’s drains work properly in the event of a flood, there are other things you can do to prepare your house if you live in a flood-prone area. These include sealing your basement with waterproof compounds; buying and installing sump pumps with backup power; and elevating your furnace, water heater and electric panel at least one foot above the house’s projected flood elevation. In the event that your family must evacuate, make sure to close the main gas valve and turn off all utilities at the main power switch.

 

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

Signs of a Clogged Septic Tank

A clogged septic tank is never good, and it’s not something you can wait to address. If you catch the signs early, it might not be as bad.

If you’re starting to notice sewage odors, several wet areas on your property, slow fixture drains, gurgling drain noises, or backup and overflow around plumbing fixtures, these are the sad signs of a failing septic tank.

Of course, there are several reasons why a septic tank can clog, but there are two very common ones: solid waste and solid waste levels.

Pouring food, or grease, or oil down the drains in your home can easily result in a clogged septic system.

Another reason for a clogged septic tank is if the solid waste inside the tank reaches a level that is blocking anything going in and out of it. This can happen due to using lots of antibacterial soaps, since the bacteria can’t eat the waste. When this happens, the solution is to pump and clean the tank.

If it’s too late to prevent a clog, you can try a few solutions yourself before going to a professional.

Start by snaking the drain between the house and the septic tank to see if there are any obstructions causing the problem. Next, try opening the tank. See if any of the intake or outlet drains are blocked. If so, it might be time to have the tank cleaned. Finally, check the distribution box. If it is flooding, the absorption system is blocked or not working.

Hopefully there is still time to prevent a clogged septic tank, but if not, keep an eye out for the warning signs and get the problem fixed as soon as possible.

 

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

When Do You Need a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a very effective method of preventing basement floods – they’re even more effective than basement waterproofing systems. Sump pumps collect excessive groundwater through a series of pipes which empty into a sump pit that is strategically located at the lowest point in the basement. Excess water collects in the sump pit and can then be removed from the home. So how do you know if you need a sump pump?

Has your basement ever flooded? If he answer is “yes”, then you probably need a sump pump. Houses built in flat or low-lying areas are especially in need of sump pumps as they are particularly vulnerable to basement flooding. Rain and melting snow saturate the ground water and seek the path of least resistance – which, unfortunately, may be through cracks in the walls and floors of your home.

There are two main types of sump pumps: pedestal pumps and submersible pumps. Pedestal pumps use electric motors attached to a column (or pedestal) and an impeller which is located in the sump pit. Pedestal pumps are often noisy because of their electronic motors.

Submersible pumps, which are designed to work beneath the water, are a better choice of sump pump. Besides being quieter than pedestal pumps, submersible pipes generally last longer than pedestal pumps because they’re watertight.

A sump pump is your best defense against a flooded basement. However, sump pumps may fail under unusual circumstances, including improper installation, neglect, overwhelming amounts of water and power outages.

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

 

(Photo By OsbornB)

Ten Weird Facts about Toilets

If you think about it, the toilet is a pretty great invention. Although humans lived for tens of thousands of years without it, you probably can’t imagine your life without a toilet. Celebrate the fact that you live in the age of toilets with these ten weird toilet facts.

1. Great Britain’s King George II died by falling off of a toilet in 1760.
2. The average person spends three years of his/her life on the toilet.
3. American toilets are flushed more times during the Super Bowl halftime than any other time of the year.
4. British public toilets are typically ranked the worst in the world, ahead of Thailand, France, and Greece.
5. “Psycho” was the first movie to ever show a toilet flushing. Many complaints of indecency occurred as a result.
6. The first toilet stall in a row of public stalls is usually the least-used, and therefore the cleanest.
7. A man named Thomas Crapper invented the siphon flush method used in most toilets today.
8. Humankind’s first attempt at a toilet air-freshener was a clove-studded pomegranate.
9. A public restroom’s toilet handle can have up to 40,000 germs per square inch.
10. Approximately 2.6 billion people in the world do not have access to proper toilet facilities. Be grateful if you do!

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

Weird Toilet Facts

How sharp is your toilet knowledge? The next time you want to impress at a party while waiting to use the bathroom or dazzle a friend with your sharp trivia, break out some of these interesting and strange facts about toilets. You’ll be the life of the party in no time.

1. Pomegranates studded with cloves were humankind’s first attempt at a toilet air-freshener.
2. The average person spends three years of his/her life on a toilet.
3. King George II of Great Britain died falling off a toilet in 1760.
4. The film “Psycho” was the first movie to show a toilet flushing. The result was many complaints of indecency.
5. The first toilet stall in a row is almost always the least used, and therefore the cleanest.
6. British public toilets are generally voted the worst in the world, in front of Thailand, Greece and France.
7. Thomas Crapper perfected the siphon flush method most commonly used today – although he did not invent the toilet itself.
8. The toilet handle in a public restroom can have up to 40,000 germs per square inch, so keep yours clean!
9. Toilets around the nation are flushed more times during the Super Bowl halftime than any other time of year.
10. An estimated 2.6 billion people worldwide do not have access to proper toilet facilities.

 

Will Muriatic Acid Solve A Toilet Clog?

Muriatic acid is a very strong, corrosive, inorganic acid that is manufactured by absorbing hydrogen chloride in water. It is the same chemical as Hydrochloric acid. Muriatic acid is often used for cleaning brick, concrete, metal, or swimming pools. When used correctly, it can also clean out plumbing pipes, including the toilet.

As always when working with chemicals, wear a ventilation mask, protective goggles, long-sleeved clothing, and rubber gloves. Since the toilet bowl already has water in it, it doesn’t need to be diluted. Add a few tablespoons to a cup of muriatic acid directly into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for 10-20 minutes. Flush the toilet three times to ensure the diluted acid gets into the pipes, so you can clean them.

It has been rumored that muriatic acid is strong enough to clear up a clog in a pipe or toilet. This is a myth. The problem isn’t the toilet or the pipes, it what is clogged in the pipe to begin with. If a homeowner’s water supply has high levels of lime built up in drain lines, any contact with muriatic acid could cause an explosive reaction.

If you decide to clean your toilet with muriatic acid, make sure to choose a brush that won’t get eaten away. Be sure you are away of the pipes you’re dealing with before you go this route—you don’t want to cause further problems down the road.

So, mystery solved: muriatic acid is okay (if used correctly) for cleaning a toilet, but much better or cleaning concrete and masonry.

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