Plumbing News and Tips for Homeowners in the Raleigh NC Area, New Product Reviews, Water Heaters and Tankless water heater advice from local certified plumbers.

Plumbing Checklist

Don’t forget plumbing checklist!

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Home plumbing checklist! When you are in the market to buy a new or old home, there are countless things to check and clean. One essential thing is the plumbing system. While part of this is covered by the seller and done before you take occupancy, there may still be things that need your attention when you start using it.

 

Check for Leaks

Checking for leaks or water damage is one of the most crucial things the seller usually looks at. Leakage in sinks and showers, but something that often slips through the cracks is slow-draining sinks and fixtures. If these haven’t been replaced, make sure to deal with them as soon as possible because leaks may cause serious damage to your home if left unattended for too long.

Check Water Quality

There’s not much point in getting a new home if the water quality is terrible. It’s usually listed somewhere on the deed, but it never hurts to ask about it. A water softener can be installed on every tap in your home for around $100, and you may find them at most hardware or plumbing store.

Check Water Pressure

If it isn’t already, make sure the place you’re buying has decent water pressure. Water pressure usually isn’t an issue for most people, but if you like to take long showers, it might be more of a problem than you expect, and while some things can be done about it (like installing a water tower), they aren’t cheap or easy solutions.

Check Local Water Regulations

This won’t matter much unless you’re planning on doing some major renovations to your home, but it’s good to know before you buy. Most municipalities will require any plumber working in their jurisdiction to be licensed. So, this means that if you hire an independent contractor (recommended for all plumbing work), they’ll need to go through the local licensing process, which can take up to three months.

Keep Utilities Separate

If the house doesn’t already have separate utilities (gas and water bills), make sure they are installed as soon as possible. Not only does this help keep track of your expenses, but it also makes repairs much more accessible since everything isn’t connected.

Check Quality of Pipes

While not necessarily dangerous, old galvanized steel piping should be replaced whenever possible. Galvanized steel is a good and inexpensive material, but it erodes very quickly in water at high temperatures and can lead to leaks and breakages.

According to many sources, PVC piping is the most accessible replacement if you need upgrades because it has over 100 years. Ensure that local codes have approved everything before making any changes and that a permit has been acquired if necessary.

Check the Sewer Line

The sewer line should be inspected every couple of years to make sure it isn’t cracked, collapsed, or damaged in any way by tree roots. Tree roots can be one of the most severe causes of damage to piping, which is why many areas have decided to prevent them from entering their systems by banning trees (or at least big ones) from being planted near where pipes lie. Suppose you’re buying a house with an existing tree. In that case, you might want to consider removing it even if it doesn’t seem like there’s much risk involved since having to replace your system later on, is not only inconvenient but very expensive as well.

Check for Signs of Damage

A big part of a plumbing checklist is looking for past damager. So, even if everything appears to be in perfect working order and there are no signs of damage at home, you still want to ensure that everything looks as it should. Look for discoloration and peeling paint which can indicate aging pipes and rusting joints. If there is any, they will need to be replaced before long, or they’ll soon become a problem.

Plumbing checklist

Check out the article on Realtor.com What does a home inspector Look for?

Check the Floor Drains

The floor usually drains last forever, but if something has gone wrong with them, then it’s best if you know about it right away, so you don’t have to deal with flooding later on. Floor drains are most commonly used for washing machines, sinks, and dishwashers, but sometimes the lines connecting them back up main lines enter your home, then call a professional right away. You don’t want anything catastrophic happening before you know about it.

Inspect Floors

It never hurts for new homeowners to look under their homes from time to time and cause them to flood after use or when water pressure increases (like during a storm). Installing an overflow kit on your drains ($20 or less at any hardware store) is very easy and quick, and it could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Check for Signs of Leaks

Leaks can be a huge annoyance, especially if they go unnoticed for too long. They can lead to severe water damage, which will make your home less desirable to others and can even lead to rot in flooring and other materials if gone unchecked. If you see any signs of dampness or discoloration near where pipes are entering, don’t hesitate to call a plumber.

It’s also wise to turn off your house’s main shutoff valve (usually near the water meter) whenever there is a chance of it being frozen during the winter months. If this happens, turning off your home’s supply can be as simple as flicking a switch from inside.

Floating Manifold Problems

Many homes have a “floating” water heater manifold. That means that the individual supply lines from each fixture are connected to it, so they all share one shutoff. If only two of those connections were made instead of three, there might be a problem.

For example, if both washers and showers tap into this shared manifold but only one is hooked up via supply line, the water heater won’t get any hot unless someone is using both appliances at once or unless someone turns on every faucet in the house (since cold connections cause them to draw heat instead).

You’ll need to call your plumber, who will run an additional line between fixtures to solve this issue. It’s not something most homeowners can do themselves.

Inspecting “floating” or wall-hung manifolds has been compared to feeling around in the dark because there isn’t any visible sign of damage. However, if enough metal fatigue accumulates, it could cause a leak, quickly leading to rot and rust. So, be sure to keep a check on any signs of corrosion and have them replaced as soon as possible.

Washing Machine Hoses

One of the most common household repairs seen everywhere is replacing washing machine hoses. Washing machine hoses are typically designed to only last around five years. When new, these hoses should be nice and rigid, but after time they begin to get soft and “squishy.” Furthermore, if ignored for too long, their inner lining can become brittle, which will lead to splitting when water pressure suddenly increases or when somebody moves an appliance that it’s connected to. Such a hose could leak quickly, so older homeowners may want to inspect them more often than newer homeowners.

To accomplish this, you’ll need a plumber whose couple of other warning signs are bulging in the middle of the hose or small leaks around the ends where it attaches to appliances or fixtures. If any of this happens, replace the hose as soon as possible. Washing machines and water heaters typically work harder when somebody is washing their clothes or taking a shower, so if your home’s pressure suddenly drops, it might indicate that the old hose has started to fail.

Flush Out Your Water Heater

Water heaters are built with small tubes inside them that help distribute hot water to appliances all over your home. These tubes are prone to mineral buildup over time, even though newer models have much better insulation, which slows this process down. The only way to clean these hot water heating elements is by draining the tank completely, flushing out all of the sediments, then refilling with fresh water.

To accomplish this, you’ll need a plumber who can safely shut off your home’s main shutoff, drain the water heater and hook up a hose to the bottom of it. Afterward, flushing will begin and should take anywhere from one to two hours.

One warning sign that it’s time for an element flush is when the water coming out of your hot faucets starts to look brown or grey. Clothes washed in such water will come out dingy because they’ll get covered in sediment as well. You may also be able to hear sediment flowing through the pipes, which could indicate that it’s entering your washing machine (this causes gray residue on fabrics).

If any of this sounds too familiar, it might be time to call a trusted plumber. This job shouldn’t cost more than a few hundred dollars since you can do most of the work yourself, so it’s worthwhile, especially if you have low water pressure or your water heater is older than ten years.

New help with your plumbing checklist? Call Poole’s Pluming to learn all of your options, or learn more at: www.poolesplumbing.com

 

 

 

Plumbing Inspections

Plumbing inspections why they are important

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Are you tired of living in rentals and ready to buy a home of your own? Do you feel like you have finally found your forever home for your family?

Don’t buy Real Estate without plumbing inspections.

Get a thorough plumbing inspection before you sign on the dotted line and hand over thousands of dollars; remember that no matter how well it appears to be kept up, there could still be serious flaws lurking beneath the façade. As everyone knows, plumbing is one of the most important aspects of any home. When inspecting a new property or buying an existing house, it needs to be considered.

An excellent way to begin looking into plumbing is by asking a plumber for a professional inspection, so not only will this give you a good idea of what kinds of problems to look out for, but it can also help you determine how much remodeling is needed before you move in. This way, the plumber can advise you on whether or not any plumbing repairs need to be made before purchasing or renting the property, and they may have some tips on how to cut costs.

However, even if there are currently no problems with the plumbing, this doesn’t mean that it’s in good shape overall. A plumbing issue could be something as simple as a worn-out toilet flapper, or it could be more severe and require an expensive replacement because of corroded pipes.

Either way, it is crucial to know what kinds of appliances are in the house and how old they are. While you may initially think that buying a fixer-upper could save you some money, if you find yourself needing to replace all the appliances in just a few years, then your new home just became an even more significant investment than it already was.

And regardless of whether or not there appear to be any apparent problems with the plumbing right now, you don’t want to wait until it is too late and something has already gone wrong. On top of that, what if your real estate agent failed to mention some problem with the home’s plumbing?

What recourse would you have then?

So, usually, the best way to find out is by hiring a professional inspector who will thoroughly examine both the property and the plumbing system. Hence, you know exactly what you are getting yourself into. When buying a home, many people forget to inspect the plumbing. If you are one of these people, it could turn out very expensive for you in the long run.

Plumbing Inspections

Poole’s Plumbing utilizes In-House training to ensure your plumbing is done right the first time!

Here are some reasons why:

  1. Leaks– look for any signs of water damage on the ceilings, floors, or walls. Make sure there aren’t any leaks that you can see or hear.
  2. How’s the Water Pressure? – if the water pressure is low, it will be hard for your appliances to work. You can check out a home’s water pressure without being intrusive by placing the hose on the front lawn and running it for a few minutes.
  3. Take your Toilet Test – put some food dye into the toilet tank and wait about an hour. If there is any watercolor in the bowl, you’ve got a problem.
  4. Sediment in the Sink – check your tap water by filling up a glass of water. If there is sediment at the bottom, you have a water filtration issue.
  5. Water Supply – check your home’s water supply, check out the main shut-off valve for any leaks, corrosion, or rust.

Plumbing InspectionsWe will make no mistakes about it; even if you aren’t interested in buying or renting the home, this is a critical issue to consider either way. You don’t want your real estate agent, the home’s owner, or any future potential buyers to think that you are trying to hide anything by keeping quiet about a severe plumbing problem. If you find out about something like this after buying or renting, then it could typically make your investment cost you more money in the long run. The right way to handle the situation would be to contact the relevant parties and let them know to fix it. However, if you find out about a problem beforehand, you will avoid wasting time and money.

Whether the plumbing in your potential new home is an issue or not, if there are other problems present such as faulty electrical wiring, outdated appliances, or old heating or air conditioning systems, this will likely harm the property’s resale value. It could also affect your quality of life as a tenant or owner, depending on how bad the problem is and whether you can afford to fix it yourself right away.

So don’t be afraid to ask the plumber for advice on what kinds of problems to look out for, and find out what kind of costs you could be dealing with. This way, you can avoid any nasty surprises later on, whether that means spending a lot of money repairing or replacing your appliances or just not buying the home because it would be too much of an investment in the first place.

Need a North Carolina licensed and insured plumber to do a plumbing inspection? Contact the most trusted name in Raleigh plumbers, visit poolesplumbing.com/contact-us.

10 Fun Facts About Plumbing

10 Fun Facts About Plumbing

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Leaking Faucets and Pipes Pay Off

Leaking faucets may add up to a lot of wasted water in many areas, where the price per gallon is higher than in other places.

It’s a Dirty Job, But Someone Has to do it.

There are an estimated 240,000 residential plumbing repair or renovation companies in the United States. One of the most common calls to plumbers is clogged drains and toilets. However, no one area causes more problems than anywhere else in the house, with issues being roughly evenly distributed throughout.

10 Fun Facts about Plumbing

The first known use of drainage pipes was from the Minoan civilization over 3,000 years ago. They created a closed system of water channels under their palaces to carry wastewater and snowmelt far away from the buildings. They were designed and built by hand from ceramic (clay) pipes and consisted of a central “street” and smaller intersecting private drains that fed into it. The first plumber known by name was likely to design this system: Exekias, an Athenian potter by trade.

When You Gotta Go, You Gotta Go

In a single day, a typical toilet is flushed about 30 times. The average American uses approximately 80 to 100 gallons of water every day. If you’re average, those 100 gallons are used by taking a shower (~20 gallons per minute), doing the dishes (up to 2.5 gallons per load), flushing the toilet (1.6-gallon flush), and running the faucet (~2.5 gallons per minute). That means that a leaky toilet, which can waste up to 200 gallons per day, or a dripping faucet, which wastes about 2.5 gallons per day, would be responsible for 3% of your daily water usage. If you replaced just those appliances with high-efficiency models, you might save more than 450,000 gallons of water in one year alone or image enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

It’s the Water Silly

The water used for each flush in a modern low-volume toilet is 1.5 gallons or less. This means that you could flush about 50 times in one day and use only 7 gallons of water to accomplish it. A traditional toilet can use anywhere from 3 to 5 gallons per flush. If you were to replace just the low-volume toilets in your house with older models, you could save more than 20,000 gallons of water in a year.

Two’s Company, Three’s a Crowd

On average, Americans use nearly 70 gallons of water per day at home for all purposes. Outdoors, we use about 50% more. However, most people are unaware that they’re using over twice as much water outside the home than inside! The two biggest culprits are lawn and garden watering, accounting for roughly one-third of all outdoor water use. If you replaced just one-quarter of your grass with native vegetation, you might reduce your outdoor water usage by up to 30%.

It’s Not Just the Big Guys

For all you DIYers, your toilet is probably not one of the biggest water wasters in your home. The showerhead typically accounts for about 2/3 of a household’s entire hot water usage! If everyone installed low-flow showerheads, we could save more than 1.2 trillion gallons of water each year.

Water: It Does a Body Good

Of all the water used in the home, the most significant percentage (about 40%) goes towards outdoor irrigation.

So, outdoor irrigation can account for as much as half of all residential water use, which is particularly alarming given that nearly 70% of outdoor water use comes from evaporation. Not only does watering lawns with potable drinking water waste a valuable resource, but the amount of electricity required to pump and treat that water releases about 1.5 million tons of greenhouse gases into our atmosphere every year.

It’s Not Your Imagination: The Water Pressure is Low

Low water pressure isn’t just annoying, and it’s also incredibly wasteful. The average faucet flows at about 2 gallons per minute, which means that if your shower head has low water pressure and you take a 10-minute shower, you’ve wasted almost 20 gallons of water!

“It’s a Dry Heat” is a Lie

While many people assume that its hot weather leads to increased water consumption, studies have shown that it is the opposite. Hot climates lead to increased air conditioning usage, accounting for 50% of all households’ indoor water consumption! The good news is that you could save about 2,000 gallons of water per year by installing a programmable thermostat. The even better information is that by simply turning down your air conditioning a few degrees, you could reduce your usage by 10-20%!

 

 

Common winter plumbing issues in north Carolina

Common Winter Plumbing Issues in North Carolina

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Do pipes clog more in winter?

We’ll cover some of the more common winter plumbing issues in North Carolina. When it comes time to do some winterizing around the house, many people focus on their yard and outdoor activities. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that the winter months can cause severe damage to the inside of your home as well.

In particular, those who live in areas that experience freezing temperatures will need to be careful about how they approach their plumbing.

So, one of the most common issues in the winter months is damage to sewer lines, mainly due to the ice build-up around them. As it turns out, when water is exposed to freezing temperatures for an extended period, it forms crystals that expand over time. However, this usually doesn’t cause too much trouble when they’re too small to see.

But if they’re large enough and form near a sewage line, these crystals can grow big enough to cause serious damage. They eventually puncture the sides of sewer lines, creating cracks that allow water – and all the icky stuff it carries with it – to flow back into your home, causing significant problems in the process.

So, we find that one of the best ways to prevent this is by heating your plumbing. If you’ve got a crawlspace, make sure the temperature of the ground in it stays above freezing during the winter months. If you’ve got any exposed pipes or outdoor faucets, make sure they are appropriately insulated against the cold weather as well.

Cracks

If low temperatures have caused issues in the past, you might also consider using insulation designed to reduce this kind of damage.

Of course, if your plumbing is already damaged, you’re not out of luck. So, if the crack is smaller than an eighth of an inch, it can be fixed with epoxy resin. This fix has been around for more than a decade and is typically very successful.

However, if the crack is too large, the only real fix is to replace the entire sewer line – which can cost thousands of dollars – or have it repaired with a sleeve. This process involves removing the damaged portion of the pipe and inserting a new one in its place.

Frozen Pipes

Another common plumbing issue in the winter months is frozen pipes. This means the water is turned off throughout your home, but it can also lead to severe problems that your insurance probably won’t cover.

Burst Pipes

The most severe of these is burst pipes. If water freezes and expands inside a line beyond its capacity, it will crack and break. The problem is that water can continue to drip out of this crack for several hours before you notice the damage.

By then, the pipe has already split in half, and much of your home’s interior has likely been flooded with ice-cold water. You should call a trusted plumber right away to assess this situation’s situation.

In most situations, the plumber will be able to fix the pipe and restore your home’s plumbing to normal functionality in a short amount of time. But if it’s genuinely damaged beyond repair, you’ll need to call a restoration company and get ready for some significant work.

 

Depending on the extent of the damage, it can take 24 hours or more to dry out most flooded areas completely. And in some cases, you may need to replace floorboards, counters, and cabinets throughout your home before getting everything back in working order.

All told, this type of issue can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars in repairs, which is why it’s so important to look for signs of trouble before it gets out of hand.

Most often, this may come in the form of condensation on windows and walls near where your home’s plumbing system is located, so if you notice any of these signs, make sure to turn off water valves throughout your home (or known areas with exposed pipes) right away.

With everything turned off, go around and take a look at the ceilings and walls in your home for any signs of water damage. If you see any noticeable moisture on these surfaces, there’s likely something wrong with your plumbing system that needs to be fixed right away.

Of course, frozen pipes are only one of several problems winter brings. If you’ve got drain clogs in your kitchen or bathroom, for instance, chances are they’ll only get worse during colder months of the year.

The reason is simple: Drain cleaners lose their effectiveness when temperatures drop below freezing. Thus, if you want to keep them functional throughout winter, make sure you only use them on drains that are completely thawed and free of ice or snow.

Clogs, and clogged pipes

However, if you’ve got clogs in your sump pump, don’t wait until they get worse – fix them right away. Left unrepaired, these clogs can cause the water around the outside of your home to freeze and expand. If enough pressure builds up behind this “frost heave,” it can eventually cause the foundation to crack and leave your house needing significant repairs.

Many homeowners take this winter threat for granted, but it’s a genuine possibility that can easily be avoided by simply clearing any debris from your sump pump’s drainage system.

Another option for keeping clogs at bay is to connect a sump pump to a sewer line, which will give it a secondary way of getting rid of excess water. Of course, this is only necessary if you have an abnormally high level of moisture in your basement or crawlspace throughout the winter months.

Prevention

For most homeowners, the best thing is to keep drains and sewers relatively straightforward. This will ensure the water has a clear path down and out of your home, which may help protect both you and your home from the financial consequences that excess moisture brings.

In most cases, this means having a reliable schedule for getting rid of standing water in places where basements or crawlspaces tend to collect it. In some cases, this may involve bringing in a professional to give things a thorough cleaning.

For instance, most home restoration companies recommend cleaning basements and crawlspaces once every three months over the winter months. By ensuring your foundation stays relatively free of excess moisture, you can significantly reduce the risk of any problems that come with excessive water damage in these areas. If you’re not sure where to begin when cleaning your crawlspace or basement, however, don’t hesitate to check with a professional restoration company in your area. They’ll be more than happy to inspect your space and give you advice on how best to keep things in good condition throughout the winter.

And remember: If you notice any signs of water damage, immediately shut off your plumbing system at the beginning of winter. This will prevent any problems from growing worse as you switch to using things like fireplaces and alternative heating systems during colder months of the year.

For far too many homeowners, winter means a lot more work – but that doesn’t have to be the case. If you take the proper precautions now, you can save yourself a lot of trouble down the road. For more information, call Poole’s Plumbing Services, the best plumbing service in Raleigh and the Triangle!

To contact the most trusted name in Raleigh plumbers, visit poolesplumbing.com.

frozen pipes

Protect your home from frozen pipes in winter

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Winter is Coming Are Your Pipes Ready?

We know that the gorgeous months of October and November turn into the frosty cold months of winter, and even here in the moderate temperate of North Carolina, there is still a chance of a plumbing hazard.

Avoid Frozen Pipes Burst Guidelines:

Thawing and avoiding frozen pipes is easy when you remember these simple guidelines:

  1. If it is not windy outside, the best time to thaw frozen pipes (especially at outdoor faucets) is during the day while temperatures are warmer.
  2. Thaw any frozen pipes that may not be completely exposed to the elements (e.g., basement), and if you own a sump pump, turn it off before thawing or draining outdoor lines in case they burst or explode!
  3. Do not use a propane torch to thaw pipes! Use a hairdryer instead.
  4. Drain and open any outdoor faucets to allow water pressure to build up when the pipe is thawed to avoid refreezing. This will prevent further damage until you can contact an experienced Raleigh plumber.
  5. If there is any remaining water, do not use it for drinking or cooking purposes.
  6. Contact Poole’s Plumbing Services for 24-hour plumbing service in Raleigh to stop any leak quickly and adequately.

Why Frozen Pipes Burst Behind Walls

  • The easiest and safest method with these pipes is to turn your thermostat up and wait for them to thaw.
  • If immediate attention is required, carefully cut a hole in the wall near the pipe. Then utilize any of the above methods listed for thawing an exposed pipe.

*Call your plumber if you observe any of the following:

  1. Any puddling, pooling, or bubbling of water around the faucet.
  2. A drop in water pressure. This can indicate a frozen pipe is thawing and refreezing again, which could cause damage to your home’s piping system.
  3. The sound of running or dripping water from an outdoor faucet – this may indicate a frozen pipe thawed too quickly, which could lead to other plumbing problems.
  4. Ice in the bathtub or shower that is not from the faucet. This may be caused by a frozen pipe behind a wall or under a floor that will require professional attention to fix before refreezing occurs and causes even more damage to your plumbing system.

We recommend that Raleigh residents consider installing an anti-freeze backflow device in their homes to avoid future frozen pipes.

When you need more information on how to avoid frozen pipes in your Raleigh home or business, call Poole’s Plumbing Services, the best plumbing service in Raleigh and the Triangle!

frozen pipes

Frozen Pipe Prevention, Stop Frozen Pipe Damage Before It Happens

Winter is approaching, and temperatures begin to drop; homeowners in the cold\moderate climate of Raleigh, North Carolina, need to be vigilant about keeping their home’s plumbing system from freezing up. While this may sound simple enough, sometimes an unforeseen cold spell can cause even the warmest homes’ pipes. To avoid iced-over outdoor faucets and broken water mains due to frozen pipes, homeowners can take proactive steps towards preventing frozen pipes in Raleigh.

Suppose the interior temperature of your home drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In that case, you need to be aware that exterior faucets (especially at outdoor hose bibs) are especially vulnerable to freezing due to lower temperatures and moisture in the air. This can cause pressure build-up inside the pipe, leading to a complete pipe freeze, burst pipe, or other potentially serious plumbing problems.

If you have an anti-freeze backflow device in Raleigh, this is the best solution for frozen waterlines.

The anti-freeze backflow device will protect your home’s exterior faucets from freezing up during cold weather by diverting water from interior cold-water lines to exterior faucets through a small tube system. This will keep the outdoor faucet line from freezing and prevent any harm to your home’s pipes.

Another proactive measure that homeowners in Raleigh and surrounding areas can take is icing down their home’s exterior faucets each night before going to bed, especially if it has been raining or snowing, as this will allow water to drain from the exterior faucet’s cold-water lines, preventing temperature variations that could lead to a frozen pipe.

Running cold water out of your home’s interior hard water lines before bed every night is another effective method for avoiding freezing pipes in Raleigh homes.

Conclusion:

If your home does experience a frozen pipe, it is vital to act quickly to minimize water damage. First, shut off the primary incoming water source into your home (typically an exterior faucet or valve at the base of a water meter). Then call your plumber for help!

For more information on how to avoid frozen pipes in your Raleigh home or business, call Poole’s Plumbing Services, the best plumbing service in Raleigh and the Triangle!

To contact the most trusted name in Raleigh plumbers, visit poolesplumbing.com.

Holiday Plumbing Tips, After the holidays, do this and avoid disaster

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It’s that time of year, time for plumbing tips. Gifts are wrapped, everyone is traveling everywhere, and it’s time for holiday parties! But with all the travel and entertaining comes added stress on your home’s plumbing system. So, to help you get through the season without any issues or emergency calls to a plumber, we will go over some tips on how to refresh your plumbing after the holidays. Travel and entertaining come with added stress to your plumbing system. Here are some useful holiday plumbing tips you may not have thought of.

Holiday Plumbing Tips

Holiday Travel

The weeks leading up to Christmas include:

  • Lots of people wash their hands at restaurants.
  • Shaking off sneezes in crowded places.
  • Preparing meals in kitchens frequented by others who may be sick (and spreading germs via pots/pans/knives, etc.).
  • Touching germ-ridden surfaces in homes that have been exposed to who knows what.

All of this adds up to a higher risk of catching something from the places you go into every day using your plumbing system.

Solutions:

Germs are big this time of year, so if you or someone else in your family does get sick during the holidays, remember that germs are everywhere – not just on holiday parties’ bathroom sinks. Be sure to wash hands thoroughly before preparing meals (and after handling raw meat) and before eating. Also, be sure to wash countertops with hot soapy water if they’ve come in contact with any unwashed dishes or other surface contaminants, including pets who may carry around their share of bacteria. Keep an eye out for toilet germs as well, particularly after using public restrooms or others’ homes. Sanitize surfaces with a solution of 10% bleach and 90% water to stop any transfer of cold/flu viruses onto surfaces that may be unsafe to touch (i.e., kitchen counters).

 

FYI Holiday Plumbing Tips:

On average, an individual touches their face about 300 times per day. Making it easy for cold/flu viruses to become transmitted from hands to nose, mouth, etc. Make sure you are washing your hands often throughout the holiday season!

 

Toilet Seat Covers

Who wants to worry about shared toilet seats? Well, toilet seat covers are here! They are inexpensive and disposable, so they are ideal for covering up those germs we mentioned previously. You can find these at most drugstores or grocery stores as well as online.

 

Flushable Moist Wipes

Flushable moist wipes are great to have on hand during the holiday season because they take up little room, are easy to travel with, and clean those toilet germs from your bottom easily! The best part? You flush them away after use, no mess!

 

Be Careful With Trees

Although having a fully decorated tree in the house is a staple of festive holidays, it should be noted that trees can form cracks where bugs can hide out. These holes should be tightly sealed before bringing the tree inside. And make sure you dispose of any life or cut holiday greenery in a separate garbage bag to avoid bugs from spreading.

Holiday Parties and Your Plumbing!

Large holiday parties can put extra stress on your plumbing system, so it’s best to prepare for the worst before they happen. This means not letting the water temperature in your home fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (use a lower setting if you have trouble remembering). Also, be sure only to run the dishwasher and washing machine when fully loaded and laundry is finished to refresh your plumbing system. Lastly, don’t use any appliances that may clog up drains, such as the garbage disposal or anything with grease (like turkey fat).

 

Before You Go Out for New Year’s Eve

One of the best plumbing tips is, don’t forget about flushing out all those pipes! Draining the water from your pipes helps prevent damage if they freeze and burst during the cold winter months.

 

To drain your home’s pipes:

Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow them to air dry. (this also prevents mold)

Turn on all faucets and let them drip until they no longer produce a noticeable flow of water.

Run an empty pot or pan (preferably metal with no cracks/handles) until it makes a loud banging noise, as this means the pipes are free of leftover tap water.

 

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Plumbing System.

Now that you’re refreshed after this year’s holidays, why not take some time to restore your plumbing system itself? The most efficient and most effortless thing you can accomplish and help you avoid costly issues in the future is to call and schedule inspections with a plumber once per year. During these inspections, the plumber will flush out any excess debris in the drains and also check for any leaks or damage that you can’t see. Depending on what they find, you may be advised to replace some of your older fixtures (for example, if your water heater is older than six years, etc.)

*With the most beautiful time of year behind you, remember to make that New Year’s resolution to schedule an inspection of your home’s plumbing system.

To contact the most trusted name in Raleigh plumbers, visit poolesplumbing.com.

How to Hide Plumbing for the Holidays

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Holiday Festive Plumbing

Holiday Plumbing Tips don’t always have to be an issue. Plumbing decorations can add to your holiday decor in many ways – with easy-to-do crafts, disguising unsightly fixtures, or sprucing up hard to decorate areas of your home. Decorations like the ones shown above will make great additions for outdoor plumbing this holiday season. You can also do indoor bathroom decorations at home, and it’s an inexpensive way to make your guests feel welcome.

Here is still more inspiration for those seemingly never-ending places that could use a little holiday cheer! So, no matter what room in the house needs a little something extra, you’ll find some ideas here that will work perfectly for you!

Nothing will spoil your bathroom.

The first trick is to look for a place where it would be easy to add a hook or a shelf. The area around the toilet is prime real estate for adding little shelves or even a paper towel holder. Some places might surprise you; for example, the back of your showerhead can often support a little decoration or even a toothbrush holder. Of course, you should aim to make these decorations clear and elegant; nothing ruins the mood like a bathroom that looks like an overzealous junior high student decorating it.

Once you find a space where it’s easy to hang something, the next question is, “what?”

There are many different ideas for toilet paper holders that are shaped like trees or reindeer. Alternatively, you can use a tree or reindeer-shaped soap dish. Fortunately, there are many options just waiting for you to discover them — even in your recycling bin.

If you want to make your decorations out of something non-traditional, it can be as simple as using a permanent marker and paper. The best places to make decorations like this are:

  1. Around the edges of your mirror (be careful not to damage the mirror)
  2. On the back of your toilet tank
  3. Inside your medicine cabinet
  4. On the tiles surrounding your tub or shower

These are good spots for this type of decoration because they’re not easily seen by anyone who’s not in the bathroom — and they’re also unlikely to be destroyed by mishandling.

How cool is that?

There are probably a few fixtures or overflow plates you could do without. However, they will be easily solved with these ideas below from (Pinterest).

Stick a fake plant in them and make it look like the greenery is spilling out of the plumbing fixture! Clean, organic, and a super simple way to give your room’s hard surfaces some life. You can even use pretty rocks as filler instead of dirt if that suits your fancy better.

Joy to The World!

Enjoying running water during the holidays is part tradition and part practicality: emotions run high this time of year, and it’s nice to have something soothing going while everyone is getting ready. But what if your faucet is ugly and you don’t want to replace it? You can always put a decorative cover like this one on top to make it look prettier!

16 Outdoor decorative water faucet covers ideas – Pinteresthttps://www.pinterest.com › kilamassey › outdoor-deco

Here’s another idea for making those outdoor faucets festive without having to spend too much money. Hang some lights around the edges, add some beads along with the spout, and decorate with whatever holiday figures tickle your fancy, and there you have it! A quick DIY project that looks chic with minimal effort.

How about adding something stylish but straightforward to kitchen faucets instead? This way, they won’t be draining away money which can now go towards buying Holiday food.

Toilet plunger holders are already pretty cheap, but they don’t have to be with these step-by-step instructions for this project.

Toilet plunger and roll snowman. Super cute handmade gift!https://www.pinterest.com › … › Gifts › Gag Gifts

What about making your Bathroom more pleasant during the long winter months? You can decorate with holiday-themed TP rolls like these:

70 Cardboard/toilet paper tube Christmas Ornaments ideashttps://www.pinterest.com › WhyILoveXMAS › cardboard

Or stick a few pinecones and twigs in an empty tissue box and display them on a shelf or table corner:

These ideas are great if you’re using your bathrooms, but what about those hard-to-clean areas that everyone seems to forget about?

How about old curtain rods decorated with fun Christmas ornaments and tinsel.

Or how about hanging some craft toilets from the ceiling with ropes and filling their bowls with fake snow? Yes, I said, turning toilets! It’s classic for a reason.

Conclusion:

Finally, the essential part of decorating a bathroom is making sure that the decoration itself doesn’t ruin the mood you’re trying to create.

So, it may be very tempting to use your old Christmas-themed towels, but this can quickly become tragic if you leave them in the Bathroom when guests are over. It’s better to go with a non-Christmas theme or find a way to incorporate the holiday without ruining the mood. Our bathroom should be a relaxing place for you and your guests, so have fun and be festive! And just because it’s plumbing doesn’t mean it cannot be enjoyed.

To contact the most trusted name in Raleigh plumbers, visit poolesplumbing.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Is Your Plumbing Failing You

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It’s hard to tell when your plumbing is failing you sometimes. The signs aren’t always clear, but some pretty obvious ones like water damage, moldy smells, and leaks under your sink. However, if you don’t want to wait for these problems to get worse, you should know a few of the first warning signs that your plumber and a professional are needed.

What is happening?

So, when it comes to your plumbing system, there are many moving parts. If any of the components wear down or start to fail, you will notice that some things become problems. Getting them addressed before they get out of hand prevents more significant issues further down the road. Take a look at some signs that it may be time for a plumber or at least an inspection:

Your toilets need constant plunging – While this can mean you have a clog somewhere and probably need your drain unclogged, if this happens often and doesn’t go away, it doesn’t matter the time or effort you spend, or what you may do, there could be something wrong with either the pipes or your drains.

  • Your drains back up every time you use them. Yes, this sometimes happens even with adequately working plumbing, but it might be a sign of trouble if it’s happening regularly.
  • There’s visible grime going down your bathroom or kitchen sink by way of the overflow holes in those drain stoppers. If they’re not draining as quickly as they used to, then something’s wrong.
  • There is dampness around your sink, especially if it’s tile. Again, this can happen with plumbing that isn’t working correctly.
  • You start to notice a bad smell in your home coming from the drains or the appliances.
  • Your water bill has increased by a significant amount in a short period. This could indicate that your plumbing system is not working correctly, leading to massive amounts of leaking, and wasted money.
  • Water isn’t getting down your drain as quickly as it used to or at all. You can try plunging it yourself, but if that doesn’t work, you’ll have to call a plumber to inspect your pipes for blockage.
  • Your dishwasher isn’t draining anymore. Since this usually happens because of a clog in the line coming from the sink, flush out any leftover before calling a plumber since you could end up with a broken dishwasher if the water has nowhere to go.
  • Your plumber has arrived more than once for simple repairs. If you’re finding holes in hoses and unexpected drips, it may be time for new plumbing fixtures
  • Many things could be causing deterioration of your plumbing system. After all these years, knowing what signs to look out for will help you get ready when replacement time comes.

 

Water Heaters

You know your water heater is showing signs of failing when:

  • There is rust around the water tank
  • You hear water trickling or gurgling noises coming from the water heater. If you can hear the water moving in it, it’s most likely time to call a plumber and schedule a water heater replacement
  • Your water doesn’t seem as hot as it used to be. This could be an indicator that your heating element has worn down
  • You find black flakes or black material collecting on the bottom of your tank and water heater. This is likely due to typical water corrosion
  • The water coming out of the water heater is cloudy or discolored
  • There are water temperature fluctuations throughout your water tank

So, if you see these signs, call a plumber immediately so you can be prepared for when the water heater replacement comes. Your water heaters could save you if they have one colder season in them, so it’s important not to let them go until you have no choice but to replace them. If the water heater has leaked or exploded, there isn’t much anyone can do except install a new one. However, that often only happens with water heaters that are very old and worn down by many years’ worth of use. Knowing appears to be dissolving into the water supply. This is usually due to mineral deposits and needs immediate attention before they dissolve too much, no matter what type of plumbing you have.

All of these could indicate the need for equipment replacement and inspection by a plumber. Knowing what signs, you need to keep an eye out for will make it easier to get ready when replacement time comes.

If you’re noticing any of these signs, it may be time for professional help. Plumbers can fix most plumbing issues, and their inspections will spot problems before they become bigger ones. If you’ve had plumbing work done in the past and know what kinds of things were replaced, this will help identify if anything isn’t working like it used to or if there is some problem that needs immediate attention. So, in the long run, it makes no difference what kind of plumbing system you have; knowing when to call a professional plumber may save you significant time in the long run, which will then allow you more time to enjoy the season.

To contact the most trusted name in Raleigh plumbers, visit poolesplumbing.com.

 

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Treating Your Plumbing System Right

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Some things never change. For one, after over twenty years of service and building strong customer relationships, you can always count on the number one Raleigh emergency plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing. Similarly, there are a few things you can do in Treating Your Plumbing System that will always help prevent costly catastrophes before they ever happen.

Before we dive into a few ways for Treating Your Plumbing System that will help you steer clear of disasters, we want to be 100 percent clear on something. You should always call a professional for major plumbing issues you have. Likewise, if you are unsure how to fix a particular plumbing issue, it’s simple, don’t even try! Instead, pick up the phone and call the Raleigh emergency plumbers at Poole’s. That being said, by just simply monitoring a few areas and taking just a few seconds to think before acting in some situations, these methods for Treating Your Plumbing System are ones anyone adult can handle.

Treating Your Plumbing System Right: On the Look Out for Leaks, Clogs, and a Cause

Below, we will walk through three different areas that, though mostly just checking them, can identify if there is an issue and address it if there is. One thing you don’t want to do is leave a plumbing issue alone or ignore it. It’s not going to go away on its own. In contrast, it will only get worse. So, no need to waste any time here; the sooner you are aware of these simple steps to Treating Your Plumbing System, the quicker you can have peace of mind that there are no significant issues.

1- Take Care of Any Leaky Showerheads or Faucets as Soon as You Notice the Leak

Now, this would seem an obvious move when you read the heading, wouldn’t it? But, honestly, you’d be surprised. We realize plumbing issues can be intimidating to many. But they shouldn’t choose to ignore a problem rather than deal with it. Sure, a tiny drip or leak may not seem like a significant or pressing issue. However, the small drip will continue to grow into a larger one, and they could be causing more and more water damage the longer they stay unattended.

How do you address a leaky showerhead or faucet? Simple, just periodically remind yourself to check underneath your sink to ensure there are no drips when the water is running. Take a quick look over the area underneath that sink to ensure there are no water stains or signs that there may be a leak.

2- If You Notice a Drain is Slow to Clear, address it Before it Becomes Completely Clogged

In each of these cases, you will find that the common thread is not to panic and if you do notice a problem, address it as soon as possible after identifying it. For example, the process and protocol are no different in Treating Your Plumbing System regarding a slow running drain. Everybody has experienced at some point a “slow” drain. It might just see water retain in the sink a little, but it’s easy to know when a drain is running slower than usual.

This issue is one you can try yourself. Let’s say you notice the sink or tub in your shower retaining water. You see it growing to an abnormally high level. It would be best if you assumed the drain was running slow. By simply running some very hot water down the drain and adding everyday, ordinary dish detergent as you run the water through, you may solve the issue. Even if you don’t solve the issue, you know it’s something other than grease, hair, and buildup, and don’t hesitate to have someone come out and clear this through. Ignoring the slow drainage will lead to a completely clogged sink when unattended. Nobody wants to deal with the mess, the smell, or the unnecessary costs when you could avoid them by simply paying better attention.

3- Be Aware and Careful of What You Flush or Pour Down the Toilet

In Treating Your Plumbing System, this may be the most crucial preventative tip we can offer. We know this is another on this shortlist that to read in the heading would seem so obvious. Now, of course, we realize those of you with toddlers or young children cannot always know if the little one has thrown or dropped something in the toilet. You can, however, pay attention to your flushing actions.

Let’s be 100 percent clear and avoid any questions on this. Never flush paper towels or baby wipes down the toilet. In reality, the only thing safe to flush down a toilet is toilet paper. In addition to your toilet, make sure that your sinks or shower drains are clear too. Examples of items that could clog a drain and should never go down one are as follow.

  • Hair
  • Papers
  • Plastic
  • Fibrous Foods
  • Expanding Foods
  • Coffee Grounds
  • Flour

If You Follow the Steps and Still Need Assistance Treating Your Plumbing System… Make the Move, Trust Us

We have built a great bond with our customers across the area as the top Emergency Raleigh Plumbers around. So if any of these areas we discussed becomes a problem, don’t hesitate. Head over to poolesplumbing.com.  Or give us a call and let us step in and help you avoid any plumbing disasters.

 

unclog-a-toilet-without-a-plunger-pooles-plumbing

How Can I Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger?

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It is the type of situation that nightmares are made of; it’s our worst fears that come to life. Well, maybe it’s not that bad, but we have all had at least some type of “bathroom emergency” situation involving a backed-up toilet. Possibly you did not realize there was a clog, and you came across a rapidly filling toilet bowl? Or perhaps you realized it was overflowing but had to hurry and could not get the water shut off as it approached an overflow. Or even worse, it is filling up, and you cannot find the plunger to pop the blockage through. Well, no need to fret. Your friends at Poole’s Plumbing are not the number one Raleigh emergency plumbers for nothing! We have got you covered in any plumbing emergencies. Yes, even when you are trying to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger.

All joking and hypothetical scenarios aside, this is a problem that can lead to a colossal mess and, depending, could lead to some severe damage. If you can’t find or don’t have the right tools for some reason, any plumbing emergency can quickly turn into a disaster. In this case, not having a plunger is means for panic, no question. Thus, we will list out below several alternative options for you to know if you ever need to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger.

Is It Safe to Use Another Tool to Try and Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger? 

We do not recommend using just any item to clear through a clog in the toilet, for starters. There are many things, especially in a panicked state, that could go wrong with shoving something into the toilet frantically to try and loosen a blockage. However, in a last-ditch effort, if you see no alternatives, you can Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger using a toilet brush.

If, and only if you see no other option, we urge you to be careful when using a brush to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger. You do not want anything to break off into the already clogged toilet. Don’t forget, the use of these brushes are to clean the bowl. Thus, they are not necessarily real flexible or strong. Thus, over-exuberance could result in a bigger clog than you start with. So, basically, you want to hold the brush by its handle and push it into the drain hole. Then, push and pull back and forth, again remembering to not get too forceful in doing this. Don’t get us wrong, you have to put some “elbow grease” into it but be careful to not bend and break while attempting to unclog.

We would also suggest wearing gloves when taking this approach to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger. It could get a little messy. Likewise, there may be splashing depending on how high the water level has risen to.

What Can You Use to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger Without Shoving Anything in the Bowl to Clear?

Ok, so we understand the initial reaction to realizing first the toilet clog. Likewise, if you see it’s about to overflow and that there is no plunger. However, just keep a cool head about it, and don’t fret. There are some basic household items or fixes that you should be able to use to Unclog a Toilet Without Using a Plunger.

Since each of these methods to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger involves pouring or putting a substance into the toilet bowl to dissolve the blockage, we recommend if at all possible shutting off the toilet’s water before trying any or each of these. Once you have the water off, below are three ways that can usually get that toilet flushing like normal once again.

Use Very Hot Water. We Repeat…Not Boiling Water, But Very Hot Water

The first method we suggest is trying to pour very hot water into the toilet bowl. It is very important that the water is extremely hot. However, it is more important than the water you use to Unclog a Toilet. Without a Plunger, it is not so hot that it is boiling.

We need to be clear on the water temperature here. If you fill a bucket with extremely hot water and dump it into the bowl, the heat and movement of the water can solve the problem. This should help remove and flush the clogged unit. However, boiling water can crack ceramic. In case you’re unaware, ceramic is what your toilet is made out of. Thus, if the water you use is too hot, you can see how it could cause an emergency situation to get even worse.

When Time Is On Your Side, Let it Take Care of More than Just “Grease and Grime.”

Our final two remedies to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger involve fairly common household products to fix this problem. Well, one is more common than the other, but neither is difficult to find if needed. So first, let’s turn to a product you use every day. Known to “cut grease and grime,” the product is dish soap. 

Again, we remind you to shut that water off going to the toilet. But you probably did that unless you are just watching it pour over the sides and all on the floor. Anyhow, you want to squeeze about a cup of dish soap into the toilet bowl. Now, we wait. About 30-40 minutes should do. Just as it loosens the debris on your “greasy and grimy” dishes and pans, the dish soap will begin eating away at your clog. You can actually tell if this way to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger is Working by monitoring while you wait. If you see the water line starting to get lower in the toilet, you are well on your way to flushing freely once again.

No Need to Get “Salty” Over this Clog… Oh, Wait, Yes, There Is!

Ok, so we know having to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger is no laughing matter. Sorry for the “plays on words” and “puns,” but, remember, we got your back! So that’s just us trying to help you stay at ease and get back to flushing. The last method we suggest is to use Epsom salt to clear the blockage in your bowl.

Sure, Epsom salt we know is less common a household item than dish soap. But if the water is shut off to the toilet, you have time. Even if you need to get some, it can solve your toilet issue. To start with, pour a healthy amount into the toilet bowl. This will create a fizzy, chemical-type reaction in the bowl. Give it about 15 minutes or so, and you should see that you were able to Unclog Your Toilet Without a Plunger, after all, thanks to a little Epsom salt.

What Happens if None of These Methods Clear My Clogged Toilet?

Well, it would seem you may ask this question thinking the obvious answer would be to go get a plunger. Honestly, you should get a plunger and keep one handy near the toilet. This would most times avoid this situation from even happening. But, given the fact that none of these methods worked, it is a distinct possibility it would not plunge either. So, one way or another, yes, get a plunger. Yes, keep it in your bathroom. But, if that isn’t helping either, it’s time to call the pros in.

To contact us at Poole’s Plumbing to take a look at how to Unclog Your Toilet Without Using a Plunger or for any other plumbing issue, visit poolesplumbing.com.

diy-plumbing-fixes-pooles-plumbing

Three DIY Plumbing Fixes and Three Times to Call the Plumber

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When we get hit with a surprise plumbing issue, it can make for a stressful situation. However, if we can analyze and identify a problem in some cases, it may not be all that bad. That being said, in these cases, there is a chance that by doing a little homework,  you may be able to rectify some issues yourself. But, there are also times you could analyze a plumbing problem, and it is something best left for the experts at Poole’s Plumbing. Thus, below, we will walk through three different DIY Plumbing Fixes that you can take on yourself at home. Likewise, we will walk through three situations where you will want to give a call to the pros at Poole’s.

When first noticing a plumbing issue, whether big or small, you want to address it immediately. Once you have figured out your problem, you could save yourself some time and money if there is an easy solution. But, not everyone is exactly a “handyman,” so you want to be sure if you’re going to do an at-home fix that you are not making things worse. Basically, if you can fix it, great! However, if you are not sure, you are better off calling us here at Poole’s Plumbing. There is never a need to try and make DIY  Plumbing Fixes out of an issue you are unsure of. That could turn a minor issue into a plumbing disaster.

Can You Tackle DIY Plumbing Fixes? How Handy are You?

 As we were just explaining, even if the issue you discover appears to fall under the DIY Plumbing fixes category, it may not be as easy as you think. Now, for those of you who are at least somewhat handy, it could be no problem at all to you. But, by trying to save a buck, one could easily wind up doing just the opposite. So, remember the most crucial factor in deciding whether to call the plumber or not can all depend on your comfort and skill level with plumbing issues. For example, if you built your own home and installed all pipes yourself, chances are you can take on minor plumbing issues. Likewise, if a wrench is an unfamiliar object, it’s probably a good idea to just make that call.

Three DIY Plumbing Fixes You Should Be Able to Do

Now, keep in mind what was just said above. There is never a point in time where if uncomfortable with fixing a plumbing issue, the best bet isn’t to just call a plumber. Always better to be safe than sorry. But, even if you have no experience, you will be able to pull off these types of DIY Plumbing Fixes in some cases. A little common sense and patience can go a long way towards a fix. The three potential plumbing issues that follow are ones that, if you simply take your time with, should be reasonably simple DIY Plumbing Fixes.

Clogged Drain

Identifying that a drain is clogged is one fairly easy thing to troubleshoot. Once you notice a sink or shower is backed up and clogged, it can usually be popped clear quickly. First, you can try just using a plunger. If, for some reason, the plunger does not work, then of our easy DIY Plumbing Fixes is to run a plumbing snake into the drain simply. Now, another reason for trying this easy fix is that it’s pretty hard once a drain is clogged to make things worse. Even if you can’t clear it through, then you just make the call to Poole’s Plumbing.

Leaky Faucet

 The second of our DIY Plumbing Fixes is a slightly trickier job. This does require some plumbing tools usually. But if you should be ok if you simply remember to shut off the water supply before starting this job and follow directions, this can be a doable job for you. But, just as with the clogged drain, if you give it a try and can’t seem to get it, do not make the issue worse; just give us a call.

Maladjusted Sink Stopper

This is the third of our DIY Plumbing Fixes. It is another relatively easy task if approached right. The only tool you should need is a pair of pliers. This, much like noted about the clogged drains, is one that you are limited in any damage you could do even in attempting this fix. This is because the repair is actually in the drain and not the pipes that supply your water. So, if comfortable, this and the first two are DIY Plumbing Fixes you should be safe to try.

 When It’s Time to Make the Call…Just Make the Call

 Sure, there is a certain satisfaction in getting a job done yourself. We get that, and its jobs like the DIY Plumbing Fixes above are ones you can usually get that satisfaction from. But, despite that “good feeling,” you never want to take a chance on plumbing. For one, it can lead to a mess and turn a minor issue into a disaster. Second, although it can cause damage or a mess, you can also turn a quick, inexpensive fix into a costly mistake.

Below are three times when you identify an issue; you are best to pick up the phone and make a call to us at Poole’s Plumbing. We have been the most trusted name in plumbing across the Raleigh and Triangle area for over two decades. Our professionals are happy to come out and get to the bottom of any plumbing issues you may have.

Leaking Pipes

When you discover a leaky pipe or pipes, this is never falling under the category of DIY Plumbing Fixes. In actuality, leaky pipes can cause a whole lot more damage than a leaking faucet can. For one, if you let it go too long, it could burst. However, if it is left alone to that point, you are looking at a huge mess and even severe damage. Also, this becomes a costly problem if allowed to go unattended.

Water Heater Issues

Even if you consider yourself somewhat handy, this is another problem you do not want to add to your possible DIY plumbing fixes. A water heater is a far more complicated piece of machinery than you may think. So regardless of the water heater issue, whether leaks, constant running, standing water, don’t try and address it yourself. Poole’s Plumbing is the number one authority on all things water heaters in the Triangle area and is waiting for just a call away. We can also tell you whether a fix or a new water heater is your most economically sound solution.

Sewer Line Issues

The third of our recommendations to steer clear on making them DIY Plumbing fixes is sewer line issues. Just leave this one to us, the professionals. Just as stated on water heaters, these are almost always complicated and need to be appropriately addressed and immediately the first time. Common signs to look for in detecting a sewer line problem are sulfur smells coming from drains. Also, a slow drain, mold growing around plumbing appliances, pools of water in the yard, or an overflowing toilet are signs to look for. If you smell or see any of these signs, give us a call.

Whether You Can Fix It or Not, Don’t Delay With Plumbing Issues

 Plumbing issues are never something to take your time with after detection. In almost every possible case, the issue will only worsen by not addressing it as soon as possible. If it’s an easy fix or one of the above DIY Plumbing Fixes, or if you need to call us here at Poole’s Plumbing, there is no shame whatsoever. Trust us when we say you’ll be happier you made the call initially than dealing with the consequences when you don’t.

For any of your plumbing issues or for our contact information, visit poolesplumbing.com.

How to Prevent Plumbing Leaks at Home

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Water leaks are pretty common in any household. If they are left untreated, even a tiny leak can turn into wasted water at a minimum. However, if left unattended at length, the problem can grow, cause significant damage, and get pretty expensive. So, in this post, we will look at ways to help Prevent Plumbing Leaks in your home.

An old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” What exactly does that mean, you may ask? Well, for this article, it means that by stopping leaks before they occur, you are saving yourself from a big mess and some severe expenses. How? Well, follow along below as your friends here at Poole’s Plumbing list for you seven ways to Prevent Plumbing Leaks at home.

Seven Ways to Prevent Plumbing Leaks

  • Install a Water Softener- Is your home one with hard water? If so, it can leave calcium deposits and magnesium on your pipes. This can lead to significant issues, including corrosion or leaks. You can contact us at Poole’s, and we can access and analyze to come up with a solution to hard water.
  • Examine and Reduce Water Pressure- Well, if needed, High water pressure, though, while it may feel great, can be rough on pipes. It could even eventually lead to leaks. The best way to Prevent Plumbing Leaks, in this case, is to check the pressure gauge and attach it to a hose outlet or faucet. It is best to keep the pressure at no higher than 80 psi.
  • Make Sure to Keep Drains Clear- Checking regularly and keeping drains clear can avoid any clogs. By avoiding clogs, we Prevent Plumbing Leaks that can cause. So keep certain things out of the disposal and keep an eye out.
  • Maintain Your Lawn- Letting trees and bushes grow out of control in your yard can look terrible. But more so than that, they can lead to clogged pipes that can turn into huge problems. So, to Prevent Plumbing Leaks, keep an eye on those roots and keep your yard under control.
  • Avoid Commercial Grade Cleaners- These heavy on chemical solutions are too harsh for home plumbing systems. No matter what type of pipes you have, this will eat through eventually.
  • Keep an Eye on the Seals on Your Pipes- Where your pipes connect to plumbing fixtures, they have water-tight seals. Unfortunately, these do not last forever. So by keeping an eye out for pooling water, you may be able to Prevent Plumbing Leaks by finding one in need of replacement.
  • Watch Your Hoses- Just like the seals; hoses don’t last forever. However, if you regularly examine hoses on your dishwasher, refrigerator, and washing machine, you can catch small cracks or holes in them. Prevent Plumbing leaks by getting hoses taken care of before they grow into a problem.

 More Signs to Look for to Identify a Leak

 To Prevent Plumbing Leaks is the goal. However, to do this, recognizing signs of a leak is essential. So, other than actually spotting a leak or one developing, how may you do this? Well, here are a few things to look for.

  • Higher than regular water bills
  • The sudden appearance of wet spots or areas where they usually are not
  • Puddles, either under your sinks or near the tub and shower, can be a sure sign.

With our seven ways to prevent plumbing Leaks and the signs to look for, you can help yourself avoid these types of issues, no question. However, if you do experience any type of plumbing leak for some reason, you will want to contact a professional plumber as soon as possible. To reach the most trusted name in Raleigh plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing, visit poolesplumbing.com.

How to prepare your home for the holidays

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It’s that time of year again; gorgeous fall foliage and the days are getting colder, and a chill is in the air. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, so your thoughts have probably turned to family, traditions, and all things pumpkin.

While you’re thinking about how much fun it will be to have everyone over for a big feast and family fun, you might want to consider some Thanksgiving plumbing tips. Even with all the festivities, there is still a chance that something could go wrong in the bathroom, so now that you’re thinking about holiday plumbing, take some time to consider now how to prepare your home for holiday guests.

Here are five tips on how to keep your home safe from Thanksgiving plumbing disasters:

1) Periodically check your drains for any blockages, especially around your garbage disposal. Many homeowners will clean this area out before guests arrive then forget about it until the following year.

2) Clear out ALL water from your lower-level sinks, or at least turn them off if they are not in use. Do the same thing for drains that aren’t connected to a sink but may be connected to other drain traps such as clothes washing machines, and you might also want to think ahead to some preventative measures that will help keep any disasters from happening. Those little ones can be easy to overlook – but if they occur when the house is full of guests, their larger-than-life consequences can be even harder to forget.

3) Make sure your home’s structure can handle the extra guests. You don’t want to have to worry about the people you’re hosting as well as potential structural problems, so make sure things are in good shape. Make sure you also have rules about acceptable toilet paper use, especially if there are children in the home.

4) Turn off water supply valves for toilets, sinks, and other non-essential water usages before the company comes over. These valves will be challenging to access if they are buried behind drywall or some other material. It is best not to risk it – turn them off ahead of time. If you need to use them while guests are there, leave on only what you anticipate needing.

5) Turn your thermostat up a little bit before everyone arrives at your house. A lovely, warm home will make everyone feel more comfortable, but remember to turn the heat down again after they leave!

Just a Few Extra Tips for Holiday Home Safety

1) If you plan to cook, now is a good time to do those little spring-cleaning tasks that will help prevent holiday disasters such as cutting fingers or fires. Your stove and oven should already be clean after last week’s turkey day but take some time to check and make sure all burners and knobs work correctly and fix any potential problems before preparing food. Also, be sure to clean out your refrigerator, so it’s nice and neat when everyone shows up. You don’t want all that holiday cheer to be covered in peels and mold!

2) If you put up holiday decorations, take some time now to clean them separately. This will prevent holiday mishaps where someone pulls a string of holiday lights down on their way into the kitchen or knocks over a delicate holiday figurine and breaks it.

3) The oven should already be cleared out by now, but if it isn’t, make sure you check for orphaned holiday cooking utensils before turning it on again. Of course, everyone wants that delicious Thanksgiving turkey, but no one wants to burn their house down trying to get it! That’s why we’ve got these holiday oven safety tips!

4) Wiring and holiday lights can be a holiday safety hazard. If you aren’t sure, hire a professional to ensure the holiday lighting on your house is up to code. This will prevent holiday disasters such as fires or electrical malfunctions. Don’t wait until guests arrive at your home to go over holiday electrical safety tips – do it now!

In addition, if you have teenagers or younger kids, be sure that they understand any holiday safety rules that may apply in your household. While some homes require things like four feet on the floor when walking downstairs, others don’t allow decorations of any kind on the stairway railing, except for garland, wrapped once around for flair and nothing more. Make sure holiday safety rules are communicated to guests, too, so everyone knows what’s expected.

Finally, holiday guests can be a holiday safety hazard if you allow them to use ladders or climb on top of objects such as refrigerators. If anyone is going to do this sort of thing, it may surprise some people, but holiday decorating does sometimes involve climbing ladders! – make sure they know how to do it safely, and make sure any holiday decorations are firmly affixed before putting the ladder in place.

We hope these holiday home safety tips were helpful and that your holiday will be happy, safe, and filled with holiday cheer!

To contact the most trusted name in Raleigh plumbers, visit poolesplumbing.com.

 

Fall 2021 plumbing maintenance checklist what you need to know

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It is the beautiful season of fall, which means that leaves will soon begin to change to the vibrant colors of red, gold, and yellow and fall with a crunch onto the sidewalks. Pumpkin Spice and Carmel corn feel the air, and it also likely means that it’s starting to get cold outside. So, if you’re in one of those non-tropical climates like most Americans, and if your pipes aren’t wrapped up for winter, then they’re going to have a hard time warming up when the temperatures drop.

Here is a plumbing maintenance checklist of things to prepare for this fall so you can ensure your home is working correctly. Also, make sure to shut down the outdoor faucets and use lubricant on your water meter.

  • Commence with a plumbing inspection of outdoor faucets. Ensure to check for leakages from pipe joints that may have been affected by freezing temperatures during previous winters.
  • Check for damage to outdoor hoses alongside the exterior faucet and replace as needed if any leaks are noticed, or you can’t turn off the water supply completely.
  • Clean dirt and debris from around your home’s water meter using a garden hose before applying the anti-freezing solution, so it doesn’t seep into the meter itself. If after doing this there is still some moisture present, remove the lid to expose inside of meter box and let drain out
  • Check Hoses for Cracks or Leaks If your hose is old, has cracks, leaks, or abrasions, it’s crucial to replace it. If you wait until winter, you’ll be stuck with no water until the leak is fixed.
  • Drain Water from Outdoor Faucet Drain outdoor faucets of any water that might freeze and cause pipes to break inside the house. Make sure the screens on the outside faucets are clean.
  • Insulate Pipes in Crawl Spaces and Attics

Most crawl spaces have exposed pipes that can freeze and burst if not appropriately insulated. Attic insulation can slow down heat loss as well as keep frozen pipes from causing damage next season

  • Turn off the outdoor water faucet.
  • Make sure sump pumps are draining away from your home.
  • Inspect for any leaks coming through the basement walls.
  • Weak spots often show themselves this time of year due to moisture freezing and thawing in insulation or cracks that can be patched up very quickly with a fresh concrete sealant.
  • Ensure that all outdoor hoses are disconnected, especially if they’re on a sprinkler system. Those things will keep dripping even after you’ve turned them off, which means water is just sitting there waiting to freeze up your valves and pipes come wintertime. The best thing to do is store those hoses inside or disconnect them so water won’t sit there inside the hose.
  • Be sure to drain outside hose bibs and make sure window well covers are securely in place.
  • Turn off the main shutoff valve

Winterizing your home’s plumbing system can save you time, money, and headache when it comes to thawing the pipes come springtime. According to national averages, the average cost for a pipe repair or faucet fixture ranges between $300 and $700. Taking these small steps will help ensure your home is prepped for the colder months; if you are unsure of all the steps, then that’s what the professionals are for.

Water Heater Maintenance.

  • Check the water meter.
  • Inspect the water heater for leaks, corrosion, and loose connections.
  • Drain water heater if water will not be used over the winter months.
  • Keep gas water heaters at least three feet away from operating pilot lights or other potential ignition sources. Do not use flammable liquids to thaw frozen water lines.
  • If water lines freeze, remove the faucet aerator and drain water from hose bibs. When water thaws, open all faucets to flush the system.
  • Keep the water pump covered with insulation if possible.

Ensure the water meter is properly lagged as water meters are often located on exterior walls of homes.

Eliminating frozen or burst pipes can help homeowners save time and money by preventing water damage to floors, ceilings, and walls during the winter months. However, it’s essential not to take these precautions too far because there could be severe legal and personal safety implications associated with doing so:

  • Do not disconnect your home’s water supply or any other gas piping unless you know what you’re doing; call a professional.
  • Do not use water to thaw frozen pipes
  • Do not drain water from the water supply or gas supply piping. If you do, the water pressure will be affected, and this can cause a leak to go undetected until one of these incidents occurs:
  • A pipe leaks and floods your home with water.
  • A pipe breaks and releases gas into your home with possible explosion hazards.
  • A-line that may have been disconnected from the water supply is connected back incorrectly, leading to water damage to floors, ceilings, and walls as well as potential mold problems down the road.
  • Frozen water lines burst, causing damage inside and outside your walls, so remember to watch for any changes in temperature near water lines.
  • The water supply line coming out of the water meter is disconnected, which can lead to reduced water pressure or no water, especially when the water system is under stress (i.e., first thing in the morning before everyone gets up to use water).
  • A gas supply line that has frozen/burst will release un-combusted fuel into your home, where it settles on the floor and then collects in low areas meaning you could be walking around with an explosive hazard under your feet!

So, there you have it – plumbers take on winterizing your house’s plumbing system. Good luck and stay safe and cozy this winter.

To contact the most trusted name in Raleigh plumbers, visit poolesplumbing.com.

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Why is My Garbage Disposal Leaking?

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The garbage disposal can at times truly be a nice luxury to have. Making for easier cleanup and simpler removal for select food waste, the convenience in some respects is undeniable. As is the case with any plumbing appliance, however, there can be issues if the performance of the disposal is in some way hindered. This can lead to your Garbage Disposal Leaking.

In the case that you find your Garbage Disposal Leaking, it could be due to multiple causes. While there could obviously be another factor in your Garbage Disposal Leaking, below, we will walk you through several things to look for. These items include where you see the Garbage Disposal Leaking, a probable cause for this, and if possible a remedy.

When You See the Garbage Disposal Leaking From its Top

The garbage disposal usually connects to your sink by the flange and plumber’s putty. This leakage occurs here somewhat commonly if the connection between the sink drains and sink flange is not tight enough. The problem can also persist if the connection between the drain and flange has become corroded over time.

Remedies When Probable Cause is Loose Sink Flange

  • Check the mounting bolts connecting the drain and flange to be sure they are tight enough
  • Be sure that the plumber’s putty that is helping seal the disposal in place is not in any way compromised. If it is just loosen the bolts, add new putty, and retighten the bolts back in place

You Notice the Garbage Disposal Leaking from its Side

In many kitchens, the drain pipe coming from a dishwasher connects to your garbage disposal. When functioning normally and properly that drain line connection removes excess food debris and water from the dishwasher into the garbage disposal. If for some reason this pipe has an obstruction or is loosely connected, this can explain your Garbage Disposal Leaking.

Remedies When Probable Cause is the Drain Line Connection 

  • Your main drain line connects on the inside by a rubber gasket and screws. If the metal clamp connecting the dishwasher to the disposal is loose, tighten with a screwdriver and say goodbye to your Garbage Disposal Leaking
  • The hose connecting the dishwasher and disposal may also be an issue. Look for cracks or dried-out areas in this connection. If there is any damage to the hose, you can end the Garbage Disposal Leaking by getting a replacement hose.

If the Garbage Disposal Leaking is Coming from Its Bottom

One thing that can happen with almost any product or appliance is it can simply get old. Thus, the Garbage Disposal Leaking that you’re seeing may be the result of age. In actuality, if you see leakage just at the bottom and no drips from above, it is usually the disposal being worn out. Causing this is that internal seals simply deteriorate over time.

Remedies When Probable Cause is a Busted Internal Seal

  • Inspect the actual body of your disposal. If you’re seeing Garbage Disposal Leakage, find cracks or wet spots to know exactly where. Again, those internal seals if worn out can eventually lead to these type of leaks. In this case, replace worn seals.
  • Keep an eye out for the positioning of your garbage disposal under your sink. It is possible that it may have been bumped or shifted out of place. If it has, check the seals and putty and realign as needed to stop the Garbage Disposal Leaking.

As you may now realize, there are a variety of reasons you may see your Garbage Disposal Leaking. Hopefully, from our information provided, you can now recognize that there is a leak and identify where it is on the disposal. Likewise, with the suggested remedies, you should be able to in many cases fix the problem.

If for any reason you are not comfortable fixing or feel something else is causing the leaks, give us a call. Just visit poolesplumbing.com to contact the most trusted name in Raleigh area plumbers and we’re happy to help solve all your plumbing problems.

 

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Knowing Where to Look for Common Dishwasher Clogs

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There are many appliances in today’s technologically advanced world, especially when it comes to the plumbing system. One appliance that has been around for quite a while but once upon a time helped lessen our cleaning load in the kitchen drastically is the dishwasher. It continues to make our everyday life a bit easier, but, getting used to its convenience, we sometimes panic if the machine has some type of issue. Normally, this is not something that we can’t identify, so no need to worry. Below, we will discuss the three more than likely spots to check for Common Dishwasher Clogs.

There are many ways that you can run into Common Dishwasher Clogs, actually. Sometimes this can be as simple as a label from some container coming loose and clogging the machine. Regardless of what or how you experience these Common Dishwasher Clogs, they usually can be rectified fairly easily and with some basic tools. Thus, when you notice a dishwasher problem, below are the three common areas it most likely will be found.

Where are the Three Most Common Dishwasher Clogs Located?

The three main areas in which you will find Common Dishwasher Clogs are the air gap, the drain hose, and the filtration system. Below, we will detail each of these areas as well as how and where to look for each. Likewise, we will explain how to fix the problem in each area.

1- Air Gap

If your dishwasher uses an air gap, it could be the location of your Common Dishwasher Clogs. It is located on top of your sink near the faucet. The purpose of an air gap is to allow the dishwasher to drain without waste or dirty water from the sink backing up into the machine. Obviously, from that description, you can tell that a clogged air gap could lead to problems.

To clean out Common Dishwasher Clogs in the air gap:

  • Take off the cover and plastic cap on the sink to access the drain hose from the dishwasher
  • Use either an air gap brush or bottle brush to clean around your drain hose
  • Push the brush through the line that runs to the sink until you can see it when looking into the drain.

2- Dishwasher Drain Hose

The drain hose attaches either to the air gap or directly to your sink and garbage disposal. If the Common Dishwasher Clogs are through the drain hose, below are steps to take to stop the problem.

  • First, go to your breaker box and make sure the power to the dishwasher is shut off. If you have a garbage disposal, be sure that it too is off
  • Shut off the water supply that runs to the dishwasher
  • Place a towel with a shallow pan on top of it under your sink to catch and spilling or splashing water
  • Using the owner’s manual for your dishwasher, locate and then detach both ends of the drain hose
  • Use a flexible brush to clean out any debris in the hose and all hose fittings, too
  • Flush the drain hose with water using either a garden hose or the bathroom sink
  • Reattach both ends of your drain hose
  • Turn your power to these plumbing appliances back on and turn water back on. Finally, run the dishwasher through its drain cycle

3- Filtration System

Our third and final location to look for Common Dishwasher Clogs is the filtration system. If you are not familiar with the filtration system, it is located under the spray arm on the bottom part of your dishwasher. With a filtration system, they can be slightly different depending on the brand or model of your dishwasher. So be sure to consult that owner’s manual (or look it up online) before cleaning it out.

If your filtration system is the issue, there is a more than likely chance that the problem was the cause of a “non-food” item. The reasoning behind assuming this is because the filtration system is good at taking care of chunks of food and the like. Regardless of what is causing the clog, you’ll be happy to know the most advanced piece of equipment you’ll need to get rid of this clog is a screwdriver.

If These Common Dishwasher Clogs Aren’t the Problem

In the case that you walked through all f these areas and still have Common Dishwasher Clogs, they may not be quite so common as initially thought. The problem could be one with your garbage disposal or even the sewer line. If this turns out to be, no need to worry. Just give us a call here at Poole’s Plumbing and we are happy to assist with all your plumbing needs.

To contact the most trusted name in Raleigh plumbers, visit poolesplumbing.com.

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When Your Toilet Keeps Running, Don’t Wait Around to “Catch It”

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In our many helpful blog posts both past and present, we try to offer up views or methods to help you identify and even fix many plumbing issues. One constant throughout our suggestions and pointers is that in the case of any plumbing issue, time is not something you want to waste. In almost any plumbing appliance and with almost any situation, the longer you wait, the worse things are going to be. This brings us to the situation where your Toilet Keeps Running, seemingly non-stop. Even though it may just seem a noisy inconvenience, this too is something to not wait around on. Unless, of course, it’s a mess you are looking to create.

Moving on to our topic at hand. We have all at some point as homeowners noticed that “water running” sound. What exactly to do about it? Well, that’s what we are here to help you with. But as we allude to above, there’s one thing you for sure don’t want to do when you see your Toilet Keeps Running. That one thing is nothing.

“I think my Toilet Keeps Running or is that just the noise it makes?”

When a toilet is flushed, yes, we all know that the water and contents first flow out, and then the tank and bowl refill with fresh water. Sure, we all know this sound, and while it’s not too loud, it’s certainly one that can be heard. There is a difference though when your Toilet Keeps Running, and in that case, it most likely means you have some type of leak. 

Regardless of what type of leak is behind why your Toilet Keeps Running, you want to address it immediately. It could simply mean the flapper is not properly sealed. Possibly, you have a faulty fill valve. Or maybe the issue is a larger one and you need to replace the entire toilet. Any way you approach it, the longer you take in a fix, the more your problem will grow.

What’s the Worst That Can Happen if Your Toilet Keeps Running? 

A question that should never come out of anyone’s mouth for any plumbing problem is as follows. What’s the worst that can happen? But, if you must ask, we will address some possible issues. Below are three things that can unquestionably cause you bigger than necessary issues if your Toilet Keeps Running.

1- You Will Waste Gallons of Water

While your Toilet Keeps Running and thus, leaking, you are wasting serious amounts of water. With no leak what so ever, a properly running toilet accounts for almost 30 percent of your total home water usage on average. Thus, it doesn’t take much to figure out how quickly the amount being wasted increases when the Toilet Keeps Running non-stop.

2- You Are Wasting Money

Wasting water equals you wasting money. Plain and simple. It’s also not too hard to figure out that if your water bill is based upon the water usage in your home, then when a Toilet Keep Running, your bill keeps going up. Did you know a large toilet leak can actually cost you an extra $10 a day ? Thats about $300 a month if left untouched. So, why not just address the issue?

3- The Issue May Be Bigger than Expected

The noise you hear when your Toilet Keeps Running is annoying, no doubt. But that noisy toilet tank is also silently accumulating a pool of water around the toilet’s base. At best, this leads to a wet floor and possible mold or mildew. But having a toilet leak could also mean something major. It could signal your having either high-water pressure or even sewage buildup. These things can not only lead to this leak, but can begin causing irreparable damage to pipes, fittings, valves, and other equipment.

If you have noticed that familiar sound of when the Toilet Keeps Leaking, don’t wait. There is not one good thing that can come from not checking and being sure of what is causing the constant running. If you need a professional opinion or help with a toilet leak or any plumbing issues, call on the most trusted name in Raleigh plumbers for the past two decades, Poole’s Plumbing. To contact us, visit poolesplumbing.com.

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It’s a Lot More Serious than “Something You Ate.” Why Your Toilet Smells Like Rotten Eggs.

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It’s a smell that we all can identify, though we’d rather not. A particularly pungent smell and it’s coming from the toilet. Not a usual unpleasant odor though from someone using that toilet, but more of a sewage type scent. We all know that horrible aroma but never have known it to come from that area. So, what could be the reasoning? Why does is it the Toilet Smells Like Rotten Eggs?

Before we dive in, (no we aren’t actually “diving into a toilet.”) let’s make sure we know what this awful smell is. When you say the Toilet Smells Like Rotten Eggs, it is actually a gas from the sewer, hydrogen sulfide that makes the outdated egg scent we all know. It basically comes from raw sewage. If your pipes and plumbing system is working properly, you should not ever have to get a whiff of this terrible scent.

So What Could Be the Cause if My Toilet Smells Like Rotten Eggs?

Even though as we noted above, usually this is not an odor that should be coming from your toilet, it can occur. Why? Well, luckily, being the most trusted Raleigh plumbers for over two decades, we kind of know our stuff. Thus, below are three reasons your Toilet Smells Like Rotten Eggs courtesy of your friends at Poole’s Plumbing.

1- A Dry Trap- The first possibility is a dry trap. To explain, this can occur if a toilet is not used for an extended period of time. What happens is, the water that is in the pipes dries up and allows the gas from your sewer to back up into the toilet. Then, the gas emanates up through the water in the toilet bowl. One possible sign as a precursor to this can be if you notice rust stains in your toilet. But if the Toilet Smells Like Rotten Eggs, a dry trap is a definite possibility.

2- Clogs- A clogged toilet or drain can certainly be a cause of this sulfuric odor coming from the toilet

3- Broken Drain Line or Vent Pipe- This is definitely another possibility, but easily the most serious and in need of immediate attention. If you have a broken drain line or vent pipe you probably will be smelling that “rotten egg” scent all over the house and not just from the toilet though.

Is This a Dangerous Situation? What is it Recommended I Do if I Smell This?

Valid questions, and in both cases there are definitive answers. First, if the Toilet Smells Like Rotten Eggs, yes, this is a potentially dangerous situation. As for what to do, if you do smell this? The first thing is to not try to manage this yourself. Bacteria that can build up from contaminated water, when combined with this potentially dangerous gas is toxic and not anything to mess around with.

Especially in the case where this type of issue is left untreated, this can become increasingly dangerous. But it is not an uncommon problem that you need to lose sleep over. Simply call the pros here at Poole’s Plumbing. We have experts that will identify the source of the smell, safely clear a clog, or address whatever needs to be done and correct the issue quickly and without danger.

To reach us here at the number one name for Raleigh emergency plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing, visit poolesplumbing.com.

 

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When is it the Right Time to Get Your Septic Tank Pumped?

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Many people have lived their entire lives as a homeowner with their plumbing system hooked up to a central sewer system. Thus, the concept and maintenance that goes into a home whose system is hooked to a septic tank may be foreign to them. However, if you do live in a home in which the plumbing is hooked to a septic tank, whether you always have or just moved into this type of situation, you need to be aware of when is the right time to get your Septic Tank Pumped.

The importance of being up to date and staying on top of when you need the Septic Tank pumped is crucial to avoiding some major plumbing issues. If not pumped, problems that could occur include blockages, backups, or drain field floods just to name a few. Having your Septic Tank Pumped on a routine schedule is. one of the most critical maintenance tasks of a homeowner. Below, we will discuss in greater detail why this is so important and when you should have your Septic Tank Pumped.

What Exactly is a Septic Tank and How Does it Work?

To start let’s explain exactly what the process of having the Septic Tank Pumped entails. Now, most conventional septic tanks feature two containers buried underground. The containers will be either fiberglass, concrete, or polyethylene. In the first compartment is where solid waste accumulates, settling to the bottom of the container, and forming a sludge,. Some solids also settle in the second container, too, but while bacteria break down much of this waste, it cannot break down and get rid of all organic material from the tank.

If the sludge is not removed from the septic tank it will just continue to accumulate and can overflow into the drain field. As you can imagine this can be a messy and not so pleasant smelling problem. Prolonged ignoring of this can see matters get even worse as drain field plugging and failure will eventually follow. This turns into a really costly problem too, especially when it could be avoided by having the Septic Tank Pumped.

What is the Process of Getting Your Septic Tank Pumped?

Getting your Septic Tank Pumped involves removing both liquids and solids with a vacuum truck. The truck safely transports and disposes of the sludge removed from having your Septic Tank Pumped. If you stay on top of and have the Septic Tank Pumped regularly, the process should remain fairly simple and easy.

However, if neglected, the sludge in those containers can get thicker and heavier and become more of a task in removing. This can lead to a much lengthier and costlier process than needed.

How Often Should You Get Your Septic Tank Pumped?

On average, it is recommended to pump your septic tank every three to five years. However, in some cases, you may want, just to be sure, to have it pumped more often. Below we bullet-pointed a list of factors that could contribute to you needing to have the Septic Tank Pumped more frequently.

  • You have several occupants in your house and produce a higher than normal amount of waste
  • The actual septic tank you have is small and has a low storage capacity
  • You frequently use garbage disposal that sends solids into the tank
  • You do laundry more frequently than most
  • A water softener is used at your residence that empties regeneration cycle water into the tank

You can actually reduce how often you need to have the Septic Tank Pumped by using some different methods and plumbing products. Bullet-pointed below are several ways that you can reduce the frequency.

  • Install low-flow showerheads, toilets, and faucets
  • Use a high-efficiency, water-conserving washing machine
  • Only do dishes or laundry when the respective machines have a completely full load to wash.
  • Use mild cleaners and stay away from antibacterial products which kill microorganisms in the septic tank
  • Repair any plumbing leaks you have as quickly as possible

How Would I Know if I Need Emergency Tank Pumping?

One of the most easily noticeable signs that you need to immediately have the Septic Tank Pumped is if you notice a flooded drain field. However, if you see standing water in the drain field, you want to avoid pumping until you address the flooding.

In this case, emptying the tank could cause it to float around in the standing water. This in turn could lead to broken pipes. Thus, in the case of standing water, keep people away from the flooded area and call the pros here at Poole’s Plumbing to evaluate the next step.

You can help prevent such drain field flooding though. Just keep watch of your septic tank on a regular basis. If you see any of the below symptoms when watching, call us. We will have the Poole’s Plumbing team come out as these would signify that your tank is full.

  • Gurgling sounds coming from beneath the ground
  • Water in your basement backs up
  • Slow drains
  • Foul odors after heavy rains in the drain field

A septic tank and when its time for pumping is nothing to mess around with. If you think it’s time to schedule a pumping, don’t hesitate, give us a call. To contact the number one name in Raleigh Plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing, visit poolesplumbing.com.

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Keep Your Shower Drain Unclogged with These Four Simple Gadgets

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Of course, it is always a helpful skill to understand and know how to unclog a shower drain. We have all been to that point, where the buildup has got so bad that the water level is just rising and rising as we try to take a rinse. As noted, being able to pop that drain clean, even though at times gross, can certainly be a big help in these spots. But, what if there was some way, or in this case ways, to keep your Shower Drain Unclogged and not have the worry of popping it clear? What if with very minimal investment and by just remembering a few things before you stepped into the shower you could stop this issue from occurring altogether? Well, in this post, we will show you how this is possible with the usage of four simple gadgets that can change the way you shower.

Now, we cannot guarantee that you will never again have any type of clog or backup in your shower drain, obviously. Also, we realize that at times due to time constraints and other circumstances, we can all hurry and forget. It’s going to happen, we realize this. However, we think once you’ve read through these items below, that you’ll wholeheartedly agree it will not take much for you to keep that Shower Drain Unclogged.

Four Gadgets to Keep That Shower Drain Unclogged

In addition to you being excited about keeping that Shower Drain Unclogged, we also think you will be pleasantly surprised with how simple these items are that can help with the fix. Below are the four “magic” items to get you on the way to a faster flowing drain!

1) A Drain Screen

Well, this one should come as no big surprise. It’s even got the name of what we are fixing right in its title. But no matter how obvious a choice this would be to keep your Shower Drain Unclogged…you just have to use it. A drain screen can be picked up for purchase for next to nothing and especially for those households with members sporting long hair, they can go a long way towards helping.

This simple, screen like item just gets set over the shower drain when you go in and turn on the water. That’s all. Sure, it’s a little gross to pick up and empty into the trash after each usage. But it is certainly far less appalling than the buildup of months and months of the same residue being left behind to the point that it clogs…right?

2) Hair Brush

Another real innovative and new product we have here…am I right? Hey, if it helps and it works, it doesn’t necessarily always need to be some pricey, new innovative gadget. We are looking here to keep that Shower Drain Unclogged, and most households do have a hair brush, so let’s go with it!

Even if you don’t have a hair brush, like the drain screen above, you can get one for a minimal investment. But, getting to how the brush can help keep the Shower Drain Unclogged, it’s even simpler than using the screen if you can believe that. You see, and many may not think of this, but when you get in the shower and shampoo, then rinse, the condition then rinse, the hair that we find causing these type clogs basically is from what you lose in doing that.

Thus, before you get in the shower, take your brush and give a thorough brushing back of your hair. Yes, you will lose some in the brush and need to put that in the trash. However, instead of the hair that normally would go into the drain starting to accumulate, it is in the trash instead.

3) Shower Caddy

A lot of people already have one of these, but if you don’t, once again, a shower caddy can be easily located for purchase and is very inexpensive. Now, we don’t know for sure what you place on this “in-shower shelf-like item.” But, contrary to what our first two gadget descriptions have you. thinking, hair is not the only thing making you not keep that Shower Drain Unclogged.

In actuality, equally as much of an issue with clogged shower drains as hair, is soap. Solid pieces, or when the bar has dropped and gets soaked and some slides into the drain both can cause a problem. So, in addition to your shampoo, razors, shaving items, and whatever else goes on your caddy, be sure to have a spot for the soap. This way, you can help to be certain this is not going to cause anymore clogs.

4) Outdoor Pet Shower/Rinse Off

Ok, now we are not saying you need to get into major construction here. This is not a call to build  some type of luxurious “pet spa.” What we are saying is that you give your dog or other pets a bath. This is essential and we would never say to not clean your animal. So, if you do have extra money to somewhere outdoors install a small “pet shower,” that is great, and can help immensely in keeping your Shower Drain Unclogged.

For those without the extra funds for a small shower install, we understand. So, when warmer months are upon us, using a kiddie swimming pool that is near, a hose can work in the same way. This way, there is no chance that the fur and hair from the animal can get inside the shower drain. Whether you have a small shower installed or use the kiddie pool method, it’s tougher to bathe the animals in an outdoor setting in the cold of winter, regardless.

So, when the temperatures drop, and bathing your pet indoors is a must, just lay a washcloth over your drain before pulling the plug. Yes, the water will take longer to drain, but this traps all the hair and fur off the animal. It also allows it to wind up in the trash instead of the drain.

Keeping Your Shower Drain Unclogged is All Up to You

With usage of these very simple items and tips, and just a little thought prior to jumping in the shower, ou can significantly raise the chances of keeping the Shower Drain Unclogged. Once you get into the swing of things and used to checking on each of these four items, they will become equally as much a part of your shower as the shampoo and hot water.

For any information or to contact, Raleigh’s most trusted plumber for over two decades, visit poolesplumbing.com.