5 SIGNS YOU NEED TO CALL A PLUMBER

There are plumbing problems you can handle on your own, but others are too big to tackle. Do you know when you need to call in professional help? The five scenarios below may surprise you.

The tap won’t stop drippingMost people have lived with a dripping tap at some point. After all, a slight leak like that really isn’t causing much trouble – or is it? Left unchecked, that dripping can lead to a lot of wasted water: According to the EPA, a leak of 1 drip per second can waste as much as 3,000 gallons of water a year! Worse yet, the leak could be indicative of a bigger plumbing problem. You can try your own hand at fixing the leak, but if that doesn’t work don’t be afraid to call in the professionals. A residential plumber can get to the source of the trouble.
Your bathtub won’t drainA bathtub clog must be dealt with immediately. It will only worsen with time, and you’ll be left with more standing water in your tub. A plumber can clear the obstruction and check to be certain it isn’t part of a bigger problem. You can save yourself time and aggravation by addressing the problem early whenever possible. Call in a professional as soon as your tub begins draining slowly, before it escalates to a full clog.
Water isn’t flowing correctlyPoor or inconsistent water pressure throughout your home can be a problem. If it’s only in the shower or a faucet or two it may simply be a matter of cleaning mineral buildup out of the fixture. However, widespread problems with water flow could be indicative of a bigger issue with the supply line. A plumber will know how to both diagnose and fix the problem to restore your water pressure to normal.
Your pipes are frozenThis is a wintertime plumbing nightmare. If you’ve ever experienced frozen pipes, you know it’s advisable to call a plumber right away. If you haven’t, count yourself lucky and make the call now. It’s wise to bring in a professional before a frozen pipe cracks or bursts, rather than attempting a do-it-yourself thawing. A burst pipe can leave you with a big mess and extensive water damage to your home and belongings. Don’t take a chance; let the experts handle it.
Your toilet’s clogged and the plunger isn’t helpingOther than burst pipes, there’s nothing quite so urgent as a toilet clog a plunger can’t clear. The problem could be a sewage line issue too big to be for your basic plunger. Rather than scratch the porcelain or do other damage by trying to break the clog up yourself, call in an expert with the tools and expertise to get your toilet working again.

Need some professional guidance?

Your local Rods Away plumber is always here to help. If you’re concerned about a plumbing problem give us a call.

3 EASY FIXES FOR A CLOGGED TOILET

Is your toilet clogged? If so, this is one plumbing repair you may be able to tackle yourself. While some more serious clogs require the intervention of a professional plumber, there are some things you can try before you pick up the phone.

Reach for a plungerEvery home should be equipped with at least one plunger. This necessary household item is your first line of defense against a clogged toilet, and you don’t want to wait to buy one until dirty water is flooding your bathroom.
Before using the plunger, take the lid off your toilet tank and push the flapper down to prevent additional water from entering the bowl. Then start plunging and see if this eliminates the problem. If nothing happens the first few times you pump the plunger, don’t be discouraged — it can take some elbow grease and vigorous pumping to get the job done.
Grab a snakeIf a plunger doesn’t do the trick, your next best option is to snake the drain. A drain snake is relatively inexpensive and can be purchased from most hardware stores. Put the snake into the toilet bowl and feed it carefully into the pipe. Once it reaches the clog, you’ll feel a slight increase in resistance. At this point, turn the snake clockwise to allow the tip to break up the clog.
Call a plumberIf neither of these tactics work, it may be time to leave it to a professional. Sometimes a clog may not merely be built-up debris in your toilet, but an object dropped in by a child or knocked in by a clumsy house guest. You’re better off having a professional plumber clear the pipe and make any necessary repairs rather than attempting it yourself and causing additional damage. Consider calling a plumber at least once a year to ensure not only that your toilet’s working properly, but that all the pipes in your bathroom are free of leaks and clogs.

Need some professional guidance?

Your local Rods Away plumbers are always here to help. Give us a call and we’ll clear the clog and get your toilet back in working order.

6 WAYS TO FIND HIDDEN WATER LEAKS

Early detection of a water leak can save you money and avert potential disaster. Here are some signs that you may have a leak and should consider contacting a plumber.

Check your water meter
One of the best ways to tell if you have a leak in some part of your plumbing is to check the water meter. To do this, you’ll first have to turn off all the water in your home. Shut off all faucets, and make sure the dishwasher and washing machine are not running. Next, watch the meter and see if it begins to change. If it does, you likely have a fast-moving leak. If the meter doesn’t change immediately, wait two hours and check it again. If it has changed despite all the water being off, you may be dealing with a slower leak. The leak could be anywhere after the meter, or even underground. Remember that all piping after the meter is a homeowner’s responsibility.
Look at your usage
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends checking your winter water usage to find out if a leak is occurring somewhere in your home. If a family of four is using more than 12,000 gallons of water per month, there’s probably have a serious leak problem somewhere in your plumbing system.
Monitor your bill
If your bill is rising consistently but your water use habits haven’t changed, a leak may be to blame. Gather some bills from the past few months and compare them to see if there’s a steady increase. Your water bill should remain within the same range month to month. Remember that some of your pipes may be under ground. You may never detect leaks in this part of your system, but you will always pay for them. It’s best to have a professional plumber make a thorough check of all the pipes. A warm spot on the floor ( with under slab piping) or the sound of water running needs prompt, professional attention.
Grab some food coloring
Toilets can account for up to 30 percent of your water use, so you should check to ensure they’re running properly. To test for leaks, add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank and wait 10 minutes. If the color shows up in your bowl, then you have a leak allowing water to flow from the tank to your drain without ever flushing the bowl.
Check exterior usage
Leaks don’t just happen inside the home — they occur outside as well. Check your outside spigots by attaching a garden hose; if water seeps through the connection while the hose is running, replace the rubber hose gasket and check to see all connections are tight. Consider calling a professional once a year to check your irrigation system if you have one. A system with even a small leak could be wasting 6,300 gallons of water per month.
Use common senseMake a practice of regularly checking in the back of cabinets and under basins for any signs of mold or foul smells that might indicate a leak: prompt attention could save you thousands in repairs. Consider having a professional plumber make an annual inspection of your home to check for leaks or potential problems.
Be especially vigilant if your home is over 25 years old; your plumbing system may be on the declining side of its life expectancy. Inspect all accessible connections at the water heater, pumps, washing machine hoses and valves for oxidation or discoloration – clear signs of a slow leak.

If you suspect a leak anywhere in your plumbing system, call in a professional to make a repair as soon as possible. Don’t wait until it gets worse and you end up with a real mess on your hands!

Need some professional guidance?

Your local Rods Away plumbers are always here to help. Give us a call and we’ll track the leak down for you and make any necessary repairs.

Why is My Toilet Running?

After a toilet is flushed, water will refill within the tank and then stop once it reaches a certain level. However, when parts of the toilet are broken or malfunctioning, water will continue to run (annoying, we know). If you find that one of your toilets is running with no plans of stopping, there are things you should be checking that will usually solve this plumbing problem.

Adjust the Water Level

The tank’s water level is decided by the height of the adjustable float piece. When the float is at too low of a height, the flush will be weak and might not flush all of the waste. However, when the float is set too high, water will constantly pour into the overflow tube and the fill valve won’t shut itself off. Adjust the height of the float accordingly to make sure the water level in the overflow tube is at the water level mark. This water level mark is equivalent to an inch below the critical level mark on the fill valve.

Fix the Flapper Chain

Attached to the flapper is a chain that needs to be a specific length in order for it to open and close during a flush. A flapper chain that’s too long will prevent the flapper from fully opening, shortening the flush. On the other hand, a flapper chain that’s too short will prevent the flapper from fully closing, allowing water to continuously leak into the bowl. Inspect your current chain and make sure it’s in good condition and that it has a small amount of slack when closed. If it doesn’t, adjust the chain accordingly or replace it altogether.

Inspect the Flapper

Each piece inside of the toilet tank should be inspected when the water continuously runs, especially the flapper. When the flapper is worn out or cracked, the result will be the same as if the flapper chain was too short. If there’s any damage associated with the flapper, head to the hardware store and pick up a replacement. You should turn off the water leading to the toilet and bring the flapper to the store to get as close of a match as you can. Once you install the new flapper, make sure it creates a complete seal by giving it a test flush.

A toilet that is constantly running and making noise isn’t just a nuisance — it’s costing you money with each and every water bill your receive. If you can’t seem to stop the water from running and you’re in need of toilet repair, contact the professional plumbers at Rods Away. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (01495) 687667.

How To Pick The Perfect Plunger

The secret to using a plunger is very simple: make sure you’re using the right one! While most homeowners typically just have one plunger in their home, they actually vary structurally and each has a unique type of seal it makes. Who knew a plunger could be so complex? Well, we did, but we’re here to educate you on the different types of plungers and where they do their best work!

The Cup Plunger a.k.a “Sink Saver”

The cup plunger is what most homeowners consider a “basic plunger,” but this type actually works best when it comes to a clogged kitchen sink or bathroom sink. Additionally, this type of plunger works well for bathtub clogs as well. The reason why a cup plunger doesn’t work well for unclogging a toilet is the seal it creates around the drain.

The Flange Plunger a.k.a Team Toilet

The flange plunger is on “Team Toilet” because it’s your best bet when it comes to unclogging your toilet. The extra flap of rubber around the cup of the plunger allows a complete seal to be created around the toilet’s opening. While clogged toilets are very common, using a plunger may not result in a long-term fix. If you consistently have a clogged toilet, call us today or schedule an appointment online!

The Accordion Plunger (not to be confused with the musical instrument)

The accordion plunger can also be used for clearing toilet clogs, but is less common and a bit more difficult to use. Additionally, this type of plunger is made out of plastic, so you could run the risk of scratching the toilet bowl.

Clogged drains and clogged toilets can cause homeowners headaches. While it’s always a good idea to keep a plunger in your home, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will provide you with a long-term fix. To ensure your drains will run smoothly, give us a call or schedule an appointment online for any drain cleaning service. We’re here to provide you with Same Day Service, 7 Days a Week!

What Do Those Plumbing Noises Mean?

Have you ever heard strange noises coming from your pipes and plumbing? The most common sounds are banging pipes, a whistling showerhead, knocking/popping sounds coming from your water heater, or a gurgle in the drain. We know these noises are not only irritating, but could be an indication that your system is not running at peak efficiency.

Check out our tips and solutions for the most common plumbing noises to help put your mind at ease:

Banging Pipes

Water supply pipes are made of metal and can easily make noises or vibrations throughout your home. Reasons for excess banging may be due to improperly secured pipes or an obstruction in the piping. If there is an obstruction in your pipes, you will have to get the blockage removed in order to have a smoother water flow through your pipes and decreased banging.

Whistling Showerhead

A whistling noise from your showerhead may be due to a clogged showerhead. Removing the showerhead and cleaning it can help remove buildup and deposits that may be contributing to the noise. If your showerhead is still making noise after you clean it, it may be time for a replacement!

Knocking/Popping Water Heater

A loud, knocking noise from your water heater is an indication of sediment buildup. Without proper water heater maintenance, limescale and other deposits will form along the sides of the tank and burner creating a sediment barrier when the water is heated. Sediment buildup in the bottom of the water heater will reduce the efficiency of your system, which typically results in a longer wait for hot water and increase energy costs.

Gurgling Drains

When you flush the toilet does your shower drain or sink drain gurgle? If so, this could indicate that you could have one of the following:

Clogged Pipe- Food and hair particles build up easily in your drains. Set up a drain cleaning appointment with one of our expert drain cleaning technicians and they’ll fix the problem for you quickly.
Air in your pipes
Drain venting issue
Sewer Line- A more severe problem could point to an issue with your sewer line. The most common cause for a break in your sewer line is due to tree roots. If you suspect that you might have this problem, give us a call as soon as possible!

From drain cleaning to showerhead installations, water heaters, and more, Rods Away are here for you no matter the plumbing issue. Give us a call today for Same Day Service, 7 Days A Week.

Are Flushable Wipes Really Safe to Flush?

Do you remember the first time you used a wet wipe instead of toilet paper? At first, you weren’t sure how to feel about it, but after a few more trips to the bathroom — you were hooked! While they might do a great job with the cleanup, they aren’t exactly the hero we thought they were when we first bought them. The packaging of these wipes do say “flushable,” but are they really safe to flush?

The Breakdown

Wet wipes are marketed as “flushable” and “septic-safe,” so there should be no problem with flushing them down the toilet, right? Wrong! Even though these wipes do eventually break down, they take a longer amount of time to do so compared to toilet paper. Since the breakdown of wet wipes aren’t as rapid, clogged pipes and blockages occur more frequently. Putting your home’s plumbing at risk for serious clogs translates to hefty plumbing bills for you.

Ragging

After these so called “flushable” wipes are flushed, they can get caught up with other items that are currently in your sewer line. Thick toilet paper, paper towels, cotton swabs, dental floss, sanitary pads, and toilet cleaning pads are all commonly flushed items that contribute to clogs and backups. The combination of these items with wet wipes will create a mess of a blockage known as “ragging.” When this happens to you, break out your cell phone and start your search to find a plumber.

What to Do?

Manufacturers provide test results stating that flushable wipes are deemed safe to flush — however, there is evidence that supports the flushing of these wipes can increase the risk of clogged sewer lines and require pumping of septic tanks more often. Even though wipes might feel like the greatest invention since sliced bread, you should opt out of using them. Toilet paper is meant to be the ONLY thing flushed — other than “the obvious.”

Just because someone says something, doesn’t always make it true. That same principle applies to your beloved “flushable” bathroom wipes and their deceptive packaging. When your home is experiencing frequent clogs (whether you use wet wipes or not), there is an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. Jonie @ Rods Away is always ready for your call, whether the clog is big or if it’s small! To learn more or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (01495) 87667.

What to Do When Your Sewer Line is Blocked

What to Do When There’s a Sewer Line is Blocked

Do you fear that your sewer drain has become backed up? Are your drains making gurgling noises, is water backing up out of those drains, or are your toilets constantly running? All of these warning signs point directly toward a sewer line that’s blocked. Here’s what you can and should do about this serious plumbing issue.

What Causes Sewer Lines to block?

Daily habits, behaviors, and environmental reasons can contribute to sewer line blocks, so it’s important to know what not to do when it comes to your home’s plumbing system.

Flushing anything down the toilet (besides waste and toilet paper)
Pouring grease down the drain
Tree root infiltration
Debris (like mud, clay, grass) can get into the line
When the sewer line begins to sag over time

What to Do Next?

If the warning signs are present in your home, you might have some sort of drain or sewer line blockage and it should be removed as soon as possible. For situations when only one drain is affected by this blockage, you can attempt to use a drain snake to try and remove the blockage. However, if all of your drains and plumbing fixtures are affected by this blockage, there is a bigger sewer line issue that needs to be addressed by a professional plumber.

What to Expect

Once your local, reliable plumber arrives (Rods Away), they should be able to quickly diagnose what the problem is a sort out a solution for you.

Sewer lines can clog for multiple reasons, so as a homeowner it’s up to you to make sure yours is cleared and working perfectly at all times. When your home needs a professional drain or sewer line cleaning, contact Jonie @ Rods Away. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (01495) 687667.

KEEP YOUR PLUMBING FLOWING THROUGH THE CHRISTMAS RUSH

This month will be the busiest month of the year in a lot of kitchens. And it’s no coincidence that it will also be one of the busiest months of the year for plumbers. In the emergency plumbing business, Drain blockages and sink clogs are as much a Christmas tradition as turkey and stuffing.

Christmas isn’t the only month notorious for plumbing problems — the entire holiday season can push some household plumbing systems to their limit, both from the surge in kitchen activity and the increased bathroom traffic from gatherings and overnight guests. But if you observe a few best practices and perform some light maintenance, you can keep your kitchen and bathroom in prime plumbing condition for the holidays.

Disposals Aren’t for Everything

Used properly, your garbage disposal can save you from some of the messiest kitchen tasks. It’s ideal for disposing of leftovers that are too liquid or smelly for the trash can, and it can make quick work of a whole spectrum of kitchen scraps. But even top-of-the-line disposals can struggle with some substances, and knowing what to avoid is key.

This kitchen waste belongs in the trash, never the disposal:

Celery and asparagus: vegetables like these are so fibrous that they can actually wrap around the disposal blade and grind it to a halt.

Potato peels: this is a rookie Christmas mistake — if you peel your potatoes into the disposal, you run the risk of creating a starchy paste that can gum up the works.

Fat, grease and oil: These can solidify around the blade and in your drain pipe, restricting movement and water flow.

Pasta and rice: These foods expand in water, even after they’ve been fully cooked. Stuffing your disposal with leftover noodles can overfill the chamber before you know it.

Bones: Fine fish bones are generally okay, but turkey bones and anything larger belongs in the garbage or compost.

Have a Plan

If you’ve never manually cleared a clog in your garbage disposal, now is the time to learn the safe and proper way. The best source for this information is your disposal’s manual, which you can likely find online with a quick search for your disposal’s manufacturer name and model number.

Most models have a manual crank at the bottom that allows you to turn the blade when it’s stuck. It’s never truly safe to reach into a garbage disposal, even when it’s completely disconnected from power, so the manual crank is the preferred method for loosening clogs.

Your disposal may also be able to shut itself down to prevent damage to the motor in the event of a clog. If your disposal has this feature, you’ll need to press a reset button to restore power once you’ve manually cleared the clog.

Full House

Whether you’re just entertaining for the evening or you’re putting up a house full of guests for several days, your bathrooms are going to get busy when you’re playing host. Before your guests arrive, peek inside your toilet’s tank just to make sure your flapper is in good condition and everything is in its place. It’s also a good idea to stick a plunger in the bathroom just so that it’s at the ready in the event of a potential overflow.

As for furnishing hot showers for everyone, you may find that you need to stagger showers at different times to avoid outrunning your water heater. If your water heater’s thermostat is set lower than 120 degrees — the highest safe setting — you’ll get a helpful boost by temporarily increasing the setting to that level.

And if you tend to play host to a big crowd year after year, you might consider making your next water heater a tankless model. They come at a higher upfront cost, but they’re more energy efficient than standard water heaters and you’ll never run out of hot water with their on-demand heating.

Whether you need emergency help with an overstuffed disposal or a tankless water heater installed before Christmas, your local Rods Away is standing by to help.

REMOVING RUST STAINS FROM SINKS, TUBS AND TOILETS

Yesterday, we covered some of the ways that rusty pipes, fixtures and water heaters can lead to rust particles in your water supply. This week, we’ll talk about what you can do about the brown stains this water can leave on your sinks, tubs and toilets over time.

These stubborn stains aren’t necessarily the result of rust problems in your plumbing system or even in the water authority’s pipelines. Any water with a sufficiently high iron content can leave these stains behind over time, even if the water tastes normal and appears to be clear. So if you live in an area with lots of iron deposits underground, that iron is probably leaching into the groundwater and could potentially lead to these troublesome porcelain stains.

It usually takes a good amount of contact between rusty water and porcelain for tough stains to appear, so you’re most likely to see this in areas where there’s always standing water, like your toilet bowl. If there’s a brownish ring around the water line or brown streaks leading down from the outlets where water flows into the bowl, these may be rust stains that won’t come clean with the usual toilet cleaner and scrub brush.

In sinks and tubs, the place where these stains most frequently form is in the little ridge around the drain. If you have a leaky faucet, there may also be brown stains right where the water drips.

You may need a plumber’s help in identifying and correcting the underlying issue. If it’s rusty pipes or a rusty hot water heater, you’ll need to replace those items to stop the flow of rusty water. And if it’s coming from naturally occurring iron-rich water, installing a water softening system can help bring the problem under control.

As for cleaning those stains, you have your work cut out for you — over time, severe rust stains can permanently etch themselves into the porcelain. But if you’re up to the challenge, try these trusted remedies:

Abrasive scouring pads. The rough side of a standard two-color kitchen sponge may be all you need to lift away light stains, but there are also versions of this product that are designed specifically for tough stains on toilets and tubs. This is a good first choice because there are no chemicals involved (which is eco-friendly) and high quality scouring pads can usually be cleaned and reused several times.

Pumice. The airy, crumbly volcanic rock is renowned for its gentle scouring abilities, and there are a few pumice products that are ideal for removing rust stains from porcelain. Try using a pumice stick or scrubber designed for porcelain and tile — much like with a scouring pad, you’ll need to apply some elbow grease, but you’ll save money in the long run with multiple cleanings per product.

Lemon juice and salt. If you don’t have either of the above-mentioned products on hand, you may still be able to clean those stains without taking a trip to the hardware store. A wet paste of lemon juice and salt is a potent combination that can effectively attack rust stains if given time to penetrate. It doesn’t form a sticky paste, so it’s tough to use this technique on a toilet bowl, but it works great on flat surfaces like sink and tub drains. Let the mixture soak for at least 15 minutes or up to several hours, then scrub away with a toothbrush.

Chemical cleaners. If those environmentally safe scouring techniques don’t work for you, you can always try a chemical cleaner — but your everyday cleaners won’t cut it. Even bleach is a poor match for tough rust stains. Look for a cleaner that contains hydrochloric acid and is safe for use as a tub and tile cleaner. Follow the safety instructions carefully, as these products are hazardous if mishandled.

No sink, toilet or tub is made to last forever, and etched-in rust stains may have you thinking about replacement. The experts at your local Rods Away can not only help you install new fixtures, they can help you stop the problem at its source.