DIY plumbing Tips and Tricks

Plumbing Emergency, when to call the plumber!

June 5, 2022/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Tips and Tricks/by raleigh plumbers

Emergency!

A real plumbing emergency can strike and be a real pain. Whether it’s a clogged sink, a burst pipe, or a leaky faucet, plumbing emergencies can cause a lot of inconveniences and may be costly to fix.

Here are some tips on how to handle a plumbing emergency:

1. Shut off the water: This is the first thing you should do in a plumbing emergency. Shutting off the water will help prevent further damage and make it easier to fix the problem.

2. Call a plumber: If you’re not sure how to fix the problem yourself, it’s best to call a professional. Plumbers have the tools and expertise to fix plumbing problems quickly.

3. Please don’t use harsh chemicals: Many people think pouring chemicals down their drain will help clear a clog, which can worsen the problem. Harsh chemicals can damage your pipes and make the situation worse.

4. Be prepared: It’s always a good idea to have a few supplies on hand in case of a plumbing emergency. Things like a plunger, a wrench, and some plumbers’ tape can help fix various plumbing problems.

The first thing would be to try to identify the source of the leak. This may not be easy, but it is essential to know where the water is coming from to turn it off at the main valve. Second, if you can’t find the source of the leak, or if the leak is coming from a pipe that is not easily accessible, you can try turning off the water at your home’s main water shutoff valve. This will stop the water flow into your home and give you time to call a plumber.

Lastly, if you find that none of these solutions work, you may need to call an emergency plumber. Emergency plumbers are trained to handle plumbing emergencies and can usually get your problem fixed quickly.

However, if you have a significant leak or flooding, you should always call a professional plumber so that they can assess the damage and make sure that your home is safe. Remember, a plumbing emergency can happen, so it is always best to be prepared.

Burst pipes are considered one of the most severe plumbing emergencies as they can cause extensive damage to your home. If a pipe bursts, it is essential to turn off the water supply and call a plumber immediately. Burst pipes can be caused by several factors, including cold weather, faulty piping, or excessive water pressure.

Blocked drains are another typical plumbing emergency. If and when a drain becomes blocked, it can cause sewage to back up into your home. This can be a very unpleasant and dangerous situation. If you suspect that a drain is blocked, you should call a plumber as soon as possible.

Overflowing toilets are another typical plumbing emergency. If a toilet overflows, it can cause water to flood your bathroom and potentially damage your floors and walls. Turning off the water supply and calling a plumber is crucial if you have an overflowing toilet. Overflowing toilets can be caused by several factors, including a clogged sewer line or a faulty flushing mechanism.

If you experience any plumbing emergency, it is essential to call a plumber as soon as possible. Plumbing emergencies may cause extensive damage to your home and be dangerous if not dealt with quickly.

Hopefully, these tips will help you handle a plumbing emergency should one occur. Remember, the best way to avoid a plumbing emergency is to have your pipes checked regularly by a professional.

So, if and when you have a plumbing emergency, you can do a few things to solve the problem yourself.

Plumbing Trends

May 15, 2022/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Tips and Tricks, Water Heaters/by raleigh plumbers

Plumbing trends in the plumbing industry is constantly evolving, and new trends are always emerging. Here are a few of the latest trends in plumbing:

There are many trends shaping the plumbing industry today. One of the most significant is the increasing focus on water conservation. This is driven both by regulatory changes and by consumer demand. More and more people are looking for ways to save water, and plumbing manufacturers respond with new gadgets and products that use less water without sacrificing performance.

Sustainability Plumbing Trends

Another major trend is the move towards sustainable plumbing solutions. This includes using environmentally friendly materials, such as recycled copper or PVC. It also includes using energy-efficient technologies, such as tankless water heaters.

There is a growing trend toward intelligent plumbing solutions. This means using technology to make plumbing systems more efficient and more accessible. For example, some manufacturers are now offering “smart” toilets that can automatically flush when they sense movement. This innovation will likely continue as consumers demand more convenience and manufacturers strive to meet those demands.

1. Smart Home Technology: More and more homeowners are using innovative home technology to control their plumbing systems. This includes everything from managing the water heater and thermostat to monitoring water usage and detecting leaks.

2. Green Plumbing: Homeowners are becoming more conscious of their impact on the environment and looking for ways to reduce their energy consumption. Green plumbing fixtures and appliances, such as low-flow toilets and shower heads can help save water and energy.

3. Water Conservation: With the drought conditions in many parts of the country, water conservation is becoming a top priority for homeowners. Low-flow toilets, shower heads, and faucets can help reduce water usage, and grey water systems can recycle water in the landscape. Learn about tankless water heaters here.

4. Universal Design: As the population ages, the demand for universal design features in the home increases. This includes features such as grab bars in the shower and wheelchair-accessible fixtures.

5. Luxury Plumbing: Homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to add luxury features to their homes, such as spa-like showers with multiple showerheads and body sprays. High-end materials, such as stainless steel and copper are also becoming more popular.

Read Bob Vila’s 21 Ways to Create a Spa Bath at Home here.

It’s no secret that plumbing trends come and go. What’s popular one year may be out of style the next.

So, what can we expect to see in plumbing fixtures and design in 2022?

We think that some of the biggest trends will be:

1. continued move towards minimalism and clean lines in both fixtures and design

2. a focus on energy efficiency and water conservation

3. more innovative uses of technology, including voice-activated fixtures and intelligent home integration

4. an increase in the use of natural materials like stone, wood, and bamboo

5. a trend towards outdoor living spaces and away from traditional indoor bathrooms

These are just a few significant trends shaping the plumbing industry today. As the world changes, so too do the plumbing industry. These trends will substantially impact how we live and work in the years to come.

If you’re looking to update your home’s plumbing, keep these trends in mind, and contact a licensed plumber to discuss your options and find the best solution for your needs. They may even suggest great ideas, you haven’t thought of to fix your exact space and needs. If you’re in the Raleigh NC area, call Poole’s Plumbing for more information or to schedule a in home visit.

Plumbing Hacks

May 11, 2022/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Tips and Tricks/by raleigh plumbers

Plumbing hacks are a dime a dozen. But which ones are actually useful? And which ones are just plain old wives’ tales?

Let’s look at some of the most popular plumbing hacks and see if they stand up to scrutiny.

1. Use WD-40 to loosen a stuck faucet handle

If you’ve ever had a stuck faucet handle, you know how frustrating it can be. But before you call a plumber, try using WD-40.

Spray the WD-40 onto the handle and wait a few minutes. Then, try to turn the handle. It should come loose with ease.

2. Use a rubber band to fix a leaky faucet

If your faucet is dripping, you can often fix it with a simple rubber band. Just put the rubber band around the base of the handle and tighten it until the leak stops.

3. Use boiling water to dissolve hair clogs

If you have a clog made up of hair, boiling water can be a quick and easy way.

4. Use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain

This is a classic plumbing hack that works.

Use 1/2 cup of baking soda and pour down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar.

Wait a few minutes, then continue by flushing with hot water.

The clog should be gone in no time.

5. Use a wire hanger to fish out a clog

If the above method doesn’t work, you can try using a wire hanger for fishing out the clog. Straighten out the hanger and create a small hook at the end. Then, insert the hook into the drain and see if you can snag the clog. If you can, pull it out and dispose of it.

6. Use a plunger to unclog a toilet

If your toilet is clogged, a plunger is usually all you need to get it flowing again. Always allow for and be sure you have a good seal around the rim of the toilet before you start plunging. Otherwise, there will not be able to generate enough force to break through the clog.

7. Use a wire brush to clean out a shower head

If your shower head is clogged with mineral deposits, a wire brush can be used to clean it. Remove the shower head and start by soaking it in a bowl of vinegar for an hour or so. Then, use the wire brush to scrub away any remaining deposits.

8. Use lemon juice to clean a dishwasher

If your dishwasher is starting to smell, lemon juice can help freshen it up. Just pour a cup of lemon juice into the empty dishwasher and run it through a cycle. The lemon juice will help break down any build-up and leave your dishwasher smelling fresh and clean.

9. Use a toothbrush to clean a drain

If your drain is starting to get gunky, a toothbrush can be used to clean it. Remove the drain cover and use the toothbrush to scrub away any build-up. If the build-up is nasty, you may need to use a plumber’s snake to get rid of it.

10. Use a coat hanger to snake a drain

A coat hanger can be used if you don’t have a plumber’s snake. Just straighten out the hanger and insert it into the drain. Then, twist it around until you feel resistance. This will help to break up any clogs.

If you have rust stains on your plumbing fixtures, there are a few ways to remove them. You can use a commercial rust remover, white vinegar, or lemon juice.

To use a commercial rust remover, follow the instructions on the product label. Be sure to always wear protective wear like gloves and eyewear when using these products.

White vinegar is a natural rust remover. Soak a cloth in vinegar and scrub the rust stain to use it. Rinse with water afterward.

Lemon juice is another natural rust remover. To use it:

Mix equal parts lemon juice and water.
Soak a cloth in the mixture and scrub the rust stain.
Rinse with water afterward.

There you have it! With just a few of the most popular plumbing hacks. So the next time you have a plumbing problem, give one of these hacks a try, and you may undoubtedly be surprised at how they work.

How to properly flush your plumbing system

April 22, 2022/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Tips and Tricks/by raleigh plumbers

If you have a clogged drain, the first thing you should do is try flushing it with hot water. You may also use a plunger to try and dislodge the clog. If neither of these methods works, you may need to call a plumber.

When it comes to flushing your home’s plumbing, you can do a few things to keep things running smoothly. Before you begin, you should always know where your main water shut-off valve is. This will come in handy if you ever experience a leak or clog. Then you should get familiar with the different types of plumbing fixtures in your home and how to maintain them properly. Third, always have a plunger handy for clogs. And fourth, know when to call a professional plumber. By following these simple tips, you can avoid many common plumbing problems.

However, many individuals don’t think much about their plumbing system until something goes wrong. But keeping your pipes and drains clean and free of debris is essential for the longevity and efficiency of your system. One of the best ways is to flush your plumbing system periodically.

Here’s a quick guide on how to flush your dishwasher and shower plumbing from a plumber’s perspective:

1. Start by disconnecting the dishwasher from the power source. Then, remove the hose from the dishwasher to the kitchen sink faucet.

2. Place a bucket under the kitchen sink faucet to catch any water that may come out when you remove the hose.

3. You should use a pair of pliers to remove the aerator from the end of the kitchen sink faucet. This is the small screen that helps to control water flow.

4. Once the aerator is removed, place it in the bucket.

5. Turn on the cold water at the kitchen sink faucet and let it run for two minutes. This will help to flush any debris that may be in the line.

6. Next, disconnect the hose from the back of the dishwasher and place it in the bucket as well.

7. Now, turn on the dishwasher and let it run through a complete cycle. This will help to flush any remaining debris from the lines.

8. Once the dishwasher cycle is complete, reattach the hose to the back of the dishwasher and reconnect it to the power source.

9. Run a final rinse cycle to ensure that the lines are clear.

10. Repeat this process periodically to help keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

Flushing your shower plumbing is slightly different from flushing your dishwasher but just as important. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start by disconnecting the showerhead from the water supply line. Most showerheads have a small knob or lever that needs to be turned to loosen it.

2. Place a bucket under the showerhead to catch any water when you remove it.

3. Use a pair of pliers to remove the aerator from the end of the showerhead. This is the small screen that helps to control water flow.

4. Once the aerator is removed, place it in the bucket.

5. Turn on the cold water in the shower and let it run for two minutes. This will help to flush any debris that may be in the line.

6. Next, disconnect the hose from the back of the showerhead and place it in the bucket.

7. Now, turn on the shower and let it run for a few minutes. This will help to flush any remaining debris from the lines.

8. Once the shower cycle is complete, reattach the hose to the back of the showerhead and turn on the water supply.

9. Run a final rinse cycle to ensure that the lines are clear.

10. Repeat this process periodically to help keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

Following these simple tips, you can help keep your plumbing system clean and free of debris, extending the life of your pipes and fixtures and keeping your home running smoothly.

So don’t wait until something goes wrong – flush your plumbing today!

Avoid costly plumbing problems when buying a new home

April 11, 2022/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Tips and Tricks, Water Heaters/by raleigh plumbers

Purchasing a new Home?

Add to your peace of mind, and avoid costly plumbing problems when buying a new home. Spring is in the air and the perfect time of year to be in the market for a new home. So congratulations! Buying a home is a considerable accomplishment for first-time buyers or individuals who have been around the block a few times, or maybe it is retirement or investment property. So, before you sign on the dotted line, you should check a few things to ensure that the property is in good condition.

Here are some of the top five things to look at when it comes to plumbing:

1. Check the water pressure.

Low water pressure can signify more significant problems, like leaks in the pipes. So, to check the water pressure, turn on all the faucets in the house and see how quickly the water flows.

2. Inspect all visible pipes and plumbing for signs of leaks or damage.

This includes looking under sinks, in crawl spaces, and the basement or garage (if there is one).

3. Main sewer:

Flushing all the toilets in the house will allow you to check for proper operation. Sinks are operating correctly, and there is no backup.

4. Water Heaters:

Run the dishwasher and washing machine to see if they operate correctly. Showers and bathtubs because no one likes a cold shower! Talk with the homeowner and ask when the water heater was last replaced. Ask the homeowner for any plumbing maintenance records.

5. Professional Plumber inspects the property before you close on the deal. This way, you’ll know that everything is in working order.

Do’s and Don’ts

When it comes to plumbing, there are certain do’s and don’ts that you should keep in mind. So, first and foremost, it is recommended that you hire a licensed professional to do the work for you. This will ensure that the job is done correctly and up to code.

First, know where your main water shutoff valve is located. In case of a leak or flood, you’ll need to be able to turn off the water to your home quickly.

Every household should have a central water shutoff valve, so if you don’t know where yours is, ask your trusted local plumber or utility company. Also, know where your main water shutoff valve is located in an emergency.

Don’t forget the outdoors.

Next, take a look at your outdoor faucets and hose Bibs. These are potential sources of leaks, so it’s good to check them regularly. If you see any water dripping or pooled around the base of the faucet, tighten the packing nut until the leak stops.

If the home you purchase has an irrigation system, now is an excellent time to have it checked by a professional. Leaks in irrigation systems can waste a lot of water, so it’s essential to make sure everything is in good working order.

When it comes to do-it-yourself plumbing projects, always take proper safety precautions. Wear gloves and eye protection when working with any chemicals or power tools. Also, be sure to read all instructions carefully before beginning the project.

Finally, when it comes to plumbing maintenance, keep an eye on your pipes and fixtures for any signs of leaks or damage. Call a licensed professional right away if you notice anything out of the ordinary.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid major plumbing disasters.

Investing and purchasing a new home is always a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. You will feel more confident and assured that you’re making a wise investment by checking the plumbing. We hope these tips help you avoid costly plumbing problems when buying a new home.

www.poolesplumbing.com

Plumbing Service and Maintenance Contracts

March 25, 2022/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Tips and Tricks, Water Heaters/by raleigh plumbers

Even if you’re taking care of your home, some things can slip through the cracks, as most homeowners do. Whether it’s a plugged toilet or a broken dishwasher, plumbing emergencies happen when they aren’t supposed to and always at the worst possible time. Plumbing Service and Maintenance Contracts can help protect you.

As the plumbing company for your home, we understand how stressful an emergency can be and know how inconvenient any type of breakdown is to your routine. That’s why we recommend setting up a regular maintenance agreement with one of our experienced technicians who will come by twice per year to inspect all of your plumbing and fixtures throughout your house—and find potential problems before they turn into costly repairs.

Preventative Maintenance & Service Agreement from Your Trusted Plumbing Company

Preventative maintenance is the best way to keep your plumbing as efficient as possible and avoid those emergencies as much as possible. Preventive measures can save you money in the long run because they keep minor repairs from turning into costly ones. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy a well-running heating and cooling system by taking advantage of our preventative service agreement and schedule:

Twice per year (every six months), we come out and inspect every appliance and fixture. We do this twice because, throughout a year, there are two “seasons,” which require twice as many inspections due to weather changes, etc.
Our trained technicians will check for any leaks or clogs anywhere in your home.
They’ll check for proper drainage in all appliances and then drain any water that may be left behind.
Our technicians will also inspect each of your appliances to ensure that they are working correctly and performing at their best. For example, we check for airflow, temperature, humidity, etc.
If you’re interested in adding this service agreement to your home maintenance plan, or if you have any questions about anything mentioned above, contact us today.

Don’t forget the plumbing!

If you’re interested in plumbing service and maintenance contracts we’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have so that you can rest assured everything is taken care of at home! All plumbing-related services rely on plumbing maintenance and plumbing service contracts. It ensures that your plumbing will be well taken care of and that your customers will return to you again and again. As a business owner who wants to provide a positive reputation in a competitive market, a plumbing maintenance and service contract with your plumber ensures that your plumbing system is maintained correctly to avoid problems from appearing at inconvenient times. In this way, if any issue arises after or during installation, it can be dealt with quickly by someone you trust rather than being left for days on end until finally something else breaks because no one was there to fix it.

Plumbing maintenance contracts are an excellent way to take the expenses allocated for plumbing maintenance off of your P&L. While plumbing can be viewed as a necessary evil, it is anything but evil. If you’re not careful, plumbing problems can wreak havoc on your business and even put you out of business. With a plumbing contractor in place that covers plumbing maintenance, all plumbing-related repairs should be covered under this agreement. Thus, your plumbing will operate more efficiently, resulting in lower costs to use, which ideally means higher profits for you.

The skills required for plumbing maintenance are often the same needed to maintain other appliances or systems within your establishment. A plumbing service contract can benefit from hiring multiple people with different plumbing expertise. A single plumbing service contract provides the plumbing technician with the knowledge of how your plumbing system operates, what routine maintenance is required, and where all of your plumbing is located throughout your establishment – no matter how expansive it may be! As you can imagine, this type of information requires a lot of time to acquire someone with no prior plumbing experience.

Because plumbing problems are infamously known for occurring at inconvenient times, it’s best to have a plumbing service contract in place that prevents you from ever having to worry about the issue again. If there should be any plumbing-related emergency at all, then you can rest assured that a qualified plumber will arrive on the scene within 1-2 hours or less upon your call. In this way, plumbing service contracts ensure that problems are fixed as quickly as possible, relieving your stress and minimizing any negative impact on your business revenue.

In summary, plumbing maintenance and service contracts allow you to focus on what’s important – running your business! A plumbing service contract ensures that all plumbing-related emergencies will be dealt with promptly by a qualified plumber who you can trust. As a plumbing technician working under a plumbing contract, you know where all the plumbing throughout the establishment is located and how it operates, which saves hours upon hours otherwise spent searching for parts and diagnosing issues.

How to prevent build-ups that clog drains

March 15, 2022/in Drain Cleaning, Plumbing Tips and Tricks, Seasonal/by raleigh plumbers

Buildup, buildup, buildup. Do you see your clogged drain as the bane of your shower-taking existence? You can do certain things to make sure that doesn’t happen again. So, here may be some common reasons, and we’ll give you some tips on how to prevent build-ups that clog drains, without breaking a sweat.

A Clogged Drain Can Be a Pain to Fix

With busy lives, we may not be paying attention to the hair that drops into your shower drain every day, but it tends to pile up rather quickly-especially if you have long hair or live with a variety of people who also tend to shed their hair. This excess hair can clog up your drain, and clogs are relatively tricky to cleanout. Sometimes you have to call a plumber to pry it free, but here are some ideas for clogged drains that might save you the trouble of getting someone else involved if you can do it yourself.

Important Tips

Make sure you squeeze the excess water from your hair before you go clogging up your shower drain.
If you have a clog, try using a plunger on the clogged drain first – this will probably do the trick most of the time!
Make sure you’re not overloading your washing machine with too much soap or fabric softener. This can cause residue to clog up your drains. If you’re using a lot of soap, try switching to a liquid version instead.
Try boiling water down the clogged drain – pouring a pot or two of boiling water into a clogged shower sink might help melt any clogs sitting on top of the drain without getting too far inside.
Make sure you’re not clogging your drains with food scraps, especially grease or oil, which can solidify and clog up pipes like cement!

If all else fails, make sure to call a professional to take care of your clogged shower drain for you! It might be frustrating to pay someone else to clear the clog when you know how to do it yourself, but they’ve got the equipment necessary to get clogs out that you don’t have.

How to prevent build-ups that clog drains

When the weather starts to get cooler, drains can become clogged. A few steps can be taken to prevent this and save money in the long run. Follow these steps to avoid clogged drains this season.

Keep Drains Clear

Drains are more likely to become clogged in the fall, so it’s essential to keep them clear this season. To keep drains clear of grease and other buildups, run hot water with a cup of baking soda and vinegar, and if there is still standing water in the drain, use boiling water. Like this, you can prevent your drains from becoming clogged with grease or dirt debris.

Get Rid of Excess Hair

Before it gets cold, be sure to get rid of excess hair in the shower. This means cleaning out drains and disposing of hair that won’t come free promptly.

Run the Heat and Air

The heater and air conditioner can be used to prevent clogged drains. Running these appliances will help dry out the drain and remove excess moisture that could cause a clog.

If these steps are taken, you can prevent your drain from becoming clogged and save money in the long run.

A clogged drain is a bummer, but there are plenty of different things that can cause clogs in your shower. You have to find the right solution for your clog and keep your drains unclogged so you can keep taking relaxing showers without all of the clogs.

Best time to upgrade plumbing fixtures

March 10, 2022/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Tips and Tricks, Water Heaters/by raleigh plumbers

Plumbing can cause problems in your house if it isn’t updated to today’s standards. If the fixtures are old, they will rust and break easily, and they also probably won’t provide the best performance. If your plumbing is in good condition, it will work correctly, but it is usually easy if you have some parts that need to be replaced. Maybe it’s time to upgrade plumbing fixtures. You only have a few options when looking for parts for your bathroom. The simplest option is to go to your local hardware store and buy what you need. If the details are available locally, it could be your best option to save money.

However, if the parts are not available locally, it can be a frustrating task to track them down.

If you need parts that aren’t available locally, you should go online and find a retailer. Not only will the retailer have the exact details that you need, but they will usually be much cheaper than at your local hardware stores. You can also buy parts that you can’t find anywhere in your area, so you can buy parts from the retailer if you have a unique bathroom.

Make sure to read the reviews on retailers before you make a purchase. This can be helpful because you will have a better idea of what to expect from the retailer if they have a lot of reviews. If there are few reviews, you might want to take a chance, but you should probably find another retailer if the reviews are not good. You don’t want to buy parts you can’t return, so it is essential to be patient and take your time. Do all your research before making a purchase.

Plumbing can be tricky if you don’t know what you are doing. So, if you aren’t sure how to replace the parts in your bathroom, you should hire a plumber who can do the work for you. If you have a friend who is familiar with plumbing, they might be able to help as well.

Replacing bathroom fixtures can be a great way to update your bathroom and get it looking new again. If you need parts, the most important thing is that you find the best deal and buy from a retailer with good reviews. After replacing the elements, you will use your bathroom without any problems.

If you’re looking to upgrade your house, one of the first things people tend to upgrade is the bathroom. If you are even remotely into home decor or design, then the chances are that you have already decided what type of toilet you want. But still, it’s worth taking a look at why upgrading your old bathroom can make a big difference in your life.

It would help if you first upgraded your toilet seat, followed by the rest of the toilet later on (such as replacing the entire unit). Why? A new seat will make everything feel fresh and new again, without having to go through all of the trouble of getting a brand new toilet.

Upgrading your entire system to coincide with your new seat is also very easy and efficient. By knowing what type of water usage you have and the power you use, you will upgrade your entire house for less. This is because you will be able to find the most efficient and high-quality toilet that fits your budget.

Just like how upgrading your house can provide you with a more comfortable living style, upgrading your toilet should also be done for this reason and many others. For example, if your old system is old and rusty (such as leaking), then you might want to consider replacing it.

Additionally, if your new bathroom design has a different height of the flooring, then you should change your toilet so that everything matches and feels cohesive.

Many people live with old and outdated toilets for many years without realizing how uncomfortable they can be daily. So, the best advice is to bring in a professional plumber who will give you a consultation so that they can see if it’s time for a new toilet.

A good question for anyone to ask themselves is whether or not the water in your house is filtered, and how often do you use the restroom?

If you find yourself using the bathroom several times a day, then you might want to consider a new system because toilets can become clogged and stop working after a while. Today, there are many different toilets to choose from, so it is best to figure out what’s relevant before changing into that type of seat for your bathroom. For example, if you find that a simple white center is ubiquitous in Europe, you might want to consider purchasing an expensive ornamental toilet. But if you think that is too overstated for the rest of your bathroom, you should probably stick to a more standard and timeless design.

This guide has been written to teach people how they can upgrade their house and their bathroom. After all, a comfortable and high-quality toilet can provide you with many years of happiness and comfort. If you want to upgrade your old system properly, consider asking for help from a professional plumber who can provide you with some guidance and new ideas on making your life better in the long term.

In conclusion, it is time to upgrade your bathroom if you feel uncomfortable using the toilet because it doesn’t fit in with the rest of the space (such as an old rusted system). You can also upgrade your entire house for a much better price by looking into all the different available options and choosing things relevant to your daily habits.

After all, a new toilet can provide you with many years of comfort and convenience.

Don’t forget plumbing checklist!

February 25, 2022/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Tips and Tricks, Seasonal, Water Heaters/by raleigh plumbers

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.

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 why they are important

February 14, 2022/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Tips and Tricks/by raleigh plumbers

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.

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

Here are some reasons why:

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.
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.
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.
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.
Water Supply – check your home’s water supply, check out the main shut-off valve for any leaks, corrosion, or rust.

We 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

January 27, 2022/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Tips and Tricks, Seasonal/by raleigh plumbers

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

January 25, 2022/in Drain Cleaning, Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Tips and Tricks, Seasonal/by raleigh plumbers

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.

Protect your home from frozen pipes in winter

January 13, 2022/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Tips and Tricks, Seasonal/by raleigh plumbers

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:

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.
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!
Do not use a propane torch to thaw pipes! Use a hairdryer instead.
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.
If there is any remaining water, do not use it for drinking or cooking purposes.
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:

Any puddling, pooling, or bubbling of water around the faucet.
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.
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.
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 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

December 15, 2021/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Tips and Tricks, Seasonal, Water Heaters/by raleigh plumbers

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

December 7, 2021/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Tips and Tricks, Seasonal/by raleigh plumbers

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:

Around the edges of your mirror (be careful not to damage the mirror)
On the back of your toilet tank
Inside your medicine cabinet
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

December 4, 2021/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Tips and Tricks, Water Heaters/by raleigh plumbers

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.

–

Treating Your Plumbing System Right

December 2, 2021/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Tips and Tricks/by raleigh plumbers

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?

November 23, 2021/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Tips and Tricks/by raleigh plumbers

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.

Three DIY Plumbing Fixes and Three Times to Call the Plumber

November 10, 2021/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Tips and Tricks, Seasonal, Water Heaters/by raleigh plumbers

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

November 4, 2021/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Tips and Tricks/by raleigh plumbers

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.

Emergency!

Here are some tips on how to handle a plumbing emergency:

Plumbing trends in the plumbing industry is constantly evolving, and new trends are always emerging. Here are a few of the latest trends in plumbing:

Sustainability Plumbing Trends

Plumbing hacks are a dime a dozen. But which ones are actually useful? And which ones are just plain old wives’ tales?

If you have a clogged drain, the first thing you should do is try flushing it with hot water. You may also use a plunger to try and dislodge the clog. If neither of these methods works, you may need to call a plumber.

Here’s a quick guide on how to flush your dishwasher and shower plumbing from a plumber’s perspective:

Flushing your shower plumbing is slightly different from flushing your dishwasher but just as important. Here’s how to do it:

Purchasing a new Home?

Here are some of the top five things to look at when it comes to plumbing:

Do’s and Don’ts

Don’t forget the outdoors.

Preventative Maintenance & Service Agreement from Your Trusted Plumbing Company

A Clogged Drain Can Be a Pain to Fix

How to prevent build-ups that clog drains

Keep Drains Clear

Get Rid of Excess Hair

Run the Heat and Air

Check for Leaks

Check Water Quality

Check Water Pressure

Check Local Water Regulations

Keep Utilities Separate

Check Quality of Pipes

Check the Sewer Line

Check for Signs of Damage

Check the Floor Drains

Inspect Floors

Check for Signs of Leaks

Floating Manifold Problems

Washing Machine Hoses

Flush Out Your Water Heater

Don’t buy Real Estate without plumbing inspections.

What recourse would you have then?

Here are some reasons why:

Leaking Faucets and Pipes Pay Off

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

10 Fun Facts about Plumbing

When You Gotta Go, You Gotta Go

It’s the Water Silly

Two’s Company, Three’s a Crowd

It’s Not Just the Big Guys

Water: It Does a Body Good

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

“It’s a Dry Heat” is a Lie

Do pipes clog more in winter?

Cracks

Frozen Pipes

Burst Pipes

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.

Clogs, and clogged pipes

Prevention

Why Frozen Pipes Burst Behind Walls

What is happening?

Water Heaters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three DIY Plumbing Fixes You Should Be Able to Do

Clogged Drain

Leaky Faucet

Maladjusted Sink Stopper

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

Leaking Pipes

Water Heater Issues

Sewer Line Issues

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

Seven Ways to Prevent Plumbing Leaks

More Signs to Look for to Identify a Leak

Contact & Location

Poole's Plumbing, Inc.