Tech Tips from Best Value Plumbing & Heating

To shut water off to any specific fixture or appliance, look for its shutoff valve and turn it clockwise to shut off the water to that fixture or appliance only. The valve is generally located underneath a fixture, such as a bathroom or kitchen sink, and behind the fixture for a toilet or a pedestal lavatory.

Do not use the fixture as it may continue to leak and cause unnecessary damage, which is not covered under the manufacturer's or installation warranties.

If you have an odor coming from a sink, tub, shower, floor drain or laundry tub, try running water through that fixture.  Most often the smell comes from not using the fixture for an extended period of time.  This causes the drain to dry up, which can consequently trap odors and allow germs to enter the home.

If you have an odor coming from your garbage disposal, you can eliminate it by placing a few ice cubes and a citrus peel into the disposer and running it for at least 30 seconds.

If your garbage disposal stops working, you can try the following steps before calling Best Value Plumbing & Heating:

1. Push the reset button, which is usually located on the underside of the disposal.
2. With the garbage disposal switch in the OFF position, insert a broom handle into the disposal and move the blades in counterclockwise direction. Try to turn the blades all the way around at least twice.
3. Turn your disposal switch back in the ON position and see if the unit is now operational.

For leaking toilet tanks, put a dozen drops of food coloring (in a strong color like red, blue or green) into your toilet tank to test for silent leaks.  If the dye appears in the bowl, you may need to change the ball or the flapper.  The toilet is free of leaks if no dye appears within 15 minutes.

Do you find that your water isn't as hot as it used to be?  Sediment continuously builds up in the bottom of the water heater.  This acts as an insulator between the heat source and the water.  This wastes energy and will shorten the life of the heater.  The solution to minimize this effect is to maintain a schedule of flushing out the heater, approximately every six months.

Additionally, if there is not enough hot water you can try turning up the thermostat on the water heater.

Safety Tip:  Use chemical drain cleaners sparingly.  They can damage your pipes and can be hard on the environment.  Use only in a well-ventilated room and don't let chemicals come in contact with your skin, even when diluted with water.  Never use the plunger and chemicals in combination as caustic water could splash your skin.  Wear rubber gloves, eye protection, and be sure to read all the labels and follow directions carefully.  Some products are alkalis that cut grease, others are acids that dissolve clogs. 

• Do not use any chemicals such as Scrubbing Bubbles on faucets.  It has a tendency to shatter the acrylic ball handle.
• Do not put bleach discs in toilet tank.  They warp the flush valve gasket and will cause your toilet water to run.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners on fiberglass, especially in tubs or showers.
• Do not put liquid bowl cleaner in toilet.  Leaving it in there for an extended period of time will etch the bowl.
• Use of enzyme-based cleaners such as BioClean or BioSmart are a good idea for keeping septic lines clear of roots or other organic matter.

It's easier to open a drain than to clear a clogged one.  Scalding water can clear drains of grease.  Install a strainer in kitchen and bathroom sinks to prevent hair and soap, small utensils, and other objects from slipping down the drains.

When a drain is clogged--whether it's a sink, toilet, or tub--the first thing to do is try breaking up the clog by plunging it with a "plumber's helper."  Be sure you have one on hand that has an elongated bell shape; the bell folds up so that the plunger becomes flatter and cup-shaped for sinks and tubs.

A plunger always works better if you put enough water into the fixture to cover the plunger.  If the plunging doesn't break up the clog, either blast open the drain with a hose and hydraulic bladder or use a drain auger to snake out the drain.

To plunge a toilet, fill the bowl about half full. Push the bell-shaped end of the plunger down into the drain, and, maintaining a tight seal, rapidly pump 10 to 20 times with short strokes. If the water doesn't flush down, resort to a closet auger.

To plunge a sink or tub, first remove the strainer and pop-up. Stuff a rag or sponge into a plastic bag, and use this to plug the overflow hole. Fill the fixture with enough water to cover the plunger's flat rubber cup (fold the bell shape up inside).

Plunge steadily up and down 15 or 20 times; intersperse a few powerful pushes. Keep the plunger tightly sealed against the fixture.  A plunger doesn't usually work on floor or shower drains, but it's worth a try; be sure the water level covers the plunger.

Before it gets cold, be sure to:

If your pipes do freeze, don’t panic!  You can still thaw them if you act quickly.  First, shut off water to the pipe and open the fixtures that are closest to the froze pipe so it can drain as it thaws.  Use one of these methods if the pipe is exposed: a hair dryer starting closest to the fixtures and slowly thaw the pipe, or wrap a heating pad around the pipe and let it thaw.  If the pipe is unexposed pose a heat lamp to shine on it far enough away to not cause damage but close enough to heat the obstruction and the pipe.

If you are having sump pump issues, first check to make sure that the pump is plugged in.  Next verify that there is power at the pump.  Reset the breaker.  If the lid can be removed make sure that the float is not obstructed.  If the pump is running but water is not being discharged check for obstructions outside the home.

• Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic. These exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember, the more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.
• Pipes can be wrapped in old towels or with thermostatically-controlled heat cables. Be sure to use products approved and only for the use intended, (exterior or interior). Closely follow all manufacturers' installation and operation instructions.
• Stop or repair leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out and the heat in. With severe cold, a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.
• Cover vents at the foundation of your house. Towels or cardboard can be placed in front of the vents to prevent cold air from getting in.
• Make sure there is heat in your crawl space and attic. Boilers and furnaces should be cleaned and inspected once per year. This is a good time to replace your filters as well.
• Disconnect garden hoses. If practical, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from the pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of the pipe just inside the house.
• Make sure you check your backup sump pumps at least once a month.

The transition to spring and summer is exciting, but it's also the time to take action to avoid potential problems with your plumbing, sewer and drain systems.  Here are some tips to get your home in shape for warm weather, save energy and save money too:

• More outdoor fun means more dirty clothes.  Be sure to check your washing machine hoses for bulges, leaks or cracks and be sure to remove drier lint regularly.  Also, move your machine at least four inches from the wall to prevent hose kinking and damage, and never leave your home while the washer is running.  Remember--washing machine hoses should be replaced approximately every three years.
• In humid weather, your ductwork may sweat and create condensate.  This can cause a backup if the drains are not clear.  Leaks in the seams can also cause condensation.  If you have an attic installation, be sure there is no water in the drain pan.  If there is water, call for help as it could save your ceiling.
• Be careful what you put down your kitchen disposal after your cookout.  Most are not equipped to handle cornhusks, celery, banana peels and other fibrous or "stringy" foods.  Some other items to stay away from are fats or cooking oils because they form clots in the pipes.  Run cold water at full pressure for 15 seconds before and after you put anything down the disposal to flush it through.  Never put instant stuffing, potato mixes or similar "just-add-water" foods down the drain—they'll create an instant clog when you add water.
• Save money and energy on your vacation.  Turn down the temperature of your water heater.
• Sewer line backups are common this time of year due to summer rainwater entering sewer pipes via cracks.  New tree root growth from the spring can also cause sewer backup issues as roots are drawn toward the sewer line as a source of nutrition.  Have a plumber inspect your sewer line pipes to let you know if you are susceptible to a sewer line backup problem or if damage has already occurred.  In either situation, your plumber will be able to help you determine the best treatment option for proper drain cleaning.