Winter Sump Pump Tips
With cold weather fast approaching, prepare your sump pump to deal with winter freezing and thawing. Inspect and clean the pump and pit. Make sure debris is not blocking the end of the drain, as water that cannot flow will quickly freeze. If you suspect water is freezing in your discharge pipes, and you have a “cleanout” cap on the exterior pipe where it exits the house, you might want to temporarily unscrew it to allow water to exit sooner (replace the cap when ice has melted).
Backflow prevention: why it matters
Backflow prevention is not just a nice-to-have: it’s a must-have, both for health and to avoid violating the law. Backflow preventers are mandated in any situation where the reverse flow of polluted water could enter the potable (drinking) water system, such as from outdoor sprinkler systems or boilers. Call My Favorite Plumber if you are not sure how long it’s been since your devices were inspected.
Install an Automatic Shut-Off Value
A sure way to prevent water damage from leaks or burst hoses behind the washing machine is to install an automatic shut-off valve. These vales can detect leaks when the machine is in use and shut off the water supply when it is not, preventing hose fatigue from constant water pressure.
Don't Wait to Replace Rubber Hoses
Washing machine hoses suffer a lot of wear and tear as water flow is continuously started and stopped during the wash cycle. Hoses should be replaced every few years to prevent a catastrophic failure. One suggestion is to replace them every leap year.
Prevent Drain Pump Backwash
Drain pumps are great for transporting water from a utility or bar sink as much as 14 feet up to an existing home drain line. One challenge is that any water pushed up will flow back down if it has not yet reached the drain line, setting off the pump again. To prevent this, install a check valve, which lets water flow in only one direction.
Installing a Wall-Mounted Sink
The most important step in installing a wall-mounted sink is, naturally, attaching it to the wall. These sinks can be hung on a metal bracket or bolted directly to wall studs. Either way, you will probably have to remove some drywall at the point of attachment or install a wood block in the wall as backing for the attachment bolts.
Rerouting a Sewer Pipe
Rerouting the sewer line coming from a toilet is not an easy job, but may be necessary if you are planning a bathroom remodel. The most important thing to consider when relocating a toilet is maintaining the slope necessary to carry waste out of the home. At minimum, 1/8 inch of slope per foot is needed, though 1/4 inch per foot (1 inch of fall for every 4 feet of straight pipe) is recommended.
Fall Hose Tips
Fall is on the horizon and colder weather is just around the corner. With summer gardening season coming to a close, September is a good time to prepare for cooler temperatures. Disconnect and drain outside hoses and store them in a protected area. Shut off valves leading to outside spigots and cover outside faucets with a styrofoam or insulated fabric faucet cover—these are easy to install and protect from frost and wind.
Toilet Buying: What to Consider
Buying a toilet is not something you do every day, which is why you should go into the decision knowing exactly what you want and need. Here are a few factors to consider when buying a toilet.
Type: Models include conventional tank toilets, touchless (wave your hand over a sensor to operate), wall-hung, dual-flush models (uses a lever or button to vary the amount of water used, saving money and water)—even a bidet, if that’s your thing.
Shape: There are two basic bowl shapes, elongated and round front. Research which one you prefer.
Height: What height off the ground do you prefer, or do you anticipate needing over the long term?
Check with your local water utility to see if buying certain types of toilets will qualify you for a credit or rebate.
Try a Rain Barrel
Want to reduce runoff and lower your water bill? Install a rain barrel below one or more of your gutter drains. Rain barrels capture water that otherwise would run into the sewer. The water can be used on landscape plants and gardens. Rain barrels must be drained during the winter months to avoid freeze damage.
Pedestal Sinks and Vanities
It’s pretty straightforward to go from a pedestal sink to a vanity in your bathroom, but the opposite is not always true—removing a vanity for a pedestal sink may require some re-plumbing. Drain and supply lines must be roughed at the proper height and the finished product has to look professional (there’s no hiding shoddy installation behind wooden doors). Call your local plumber to get the job done right.
Dishwasher Troubleshooting
If your dishwasher runs but won’t drain, there are several things that could be going wrong. If it sounds like a motor is running during the drain cycle, it could be a broken impeller, which pushes water into the drain line.
The impeller is fairly easily replaced with the right tools. If you do not hear a motor, the pump might be broken and needs to be replaced. Finally, if you have recently had a garbage disposal installed, it’s possible the technician forgot to remove the plug allowing water to enter the disposal from the water drain line.
Ice Maker Troubleshooting
If your ice maker is suffering from the symptoms of global warming (small or hollow, watery cubes) or a coming ice age (huge slabs of ice, icicles hanging from the unit), don’t blame the weather—blame the water line!
Ice cube makers require a set flow in order to function properly. Your plumber can reset the ice maker to allow proper water levels. Also, remember—your freezer must be set no higher than 10 degrees F (-12C) for an ice maker to function properly.
Faucets: Repair or Replace?
Homeowners often wonder whether it’s better to repair or replace a malfunctioning faucet. The best answer is: it depends.
Washers and seals can be replaced cheaply and many faucet components are repairable. In some cases, however, special ordering a broken part can be more expensive than simply replacing the entire faucet. The price and age of the faucet should also be factored in to any decision. Your plumber can advise you whether it makes more sense to repair what you have or install something new.
When it’s good to be arrested
Notice a loud bang or clang when you shut off a faucet? It’s probably caused by “water hammer,” which occurs when a shock wave is sent down the pipes due to sudden water stoppage. Water hammer can eventually lead to ruptured pipes or pipe fittings.
Cleaning a Stainless Steel Sink
As everyone knows, no sink puts up with more grease and grime than the kitchen sink—but keeping it shiny doesn’t have to be a big chore. Baking soda mixed with dishwashing liquid applied daily, allowed to sit for 10 minutes and rinsed with hot water should keep it clean without adding too much elbow grease!
Do You Need a Whole-House Dehumidifier?
Air conditioners are primarily designed to lower heat, not humidity, and in the summer humidity can be just as big a problem as sweltering temperatures, if not bigger—especially if someone in the home has allergies.
Dehumidifiers cut down on mold, mildew and dust mites, help prevent moisture damage to wood, paper and electronics and keep living spaces far more comfortable. They also allow your air conditioning unit to work less hard. Call a certified HVAC contractor to find our of your home could use some dehumidification help.
Garbage disposals: Before you call the plumber
Garbage disposal not working? Before you buy a new one or call a plumber, see if the unit has a red reset button on the bottom.
These buttons are designed to pop before a clogged or jammed disposal can overheat the motor, so naturally, if your disposal is clogged, you should make sure it is clear first. Of course, NEVER reach your hand into the disposal. If there is debris clogging the disposal, unplug the unit for good measure and remove the obstruction with long needle-nose pliers or tongs. Then plug back in and try to start the disposal after pushing the reset button.
Dealing with a kinky hose
My garden hose hates me!! Ever felt this way when a simple outdoor watering job turns into a chore because of a kinking and caught-up hose? Decorative hose reels and holders can help, but they only do so much when you need to go around corners.
Consider a Garden Hose Reel Cart, which allows you to position the hose in the best spot for unspooling. And remember, never pull on a hose to loosen a kink—you could damage the hose or the spigot it’s attached to.
Fighting mineral deposits
If you have “hard” water, you’re familiar with the build up of mineral deposits on faucets, shower doors and drains, as well as outdoor fixtures like hose nozzles and sprinkler heads. The tried-and-true solution is white vinegar.
Soak removable fixtures in vinegar overnight and easily wipe off any remaining mineral residue the next morning. Wrap faucets and drains in vinegar-soaked paper towels or cloth and let stand for at least 30 minutes. For shower doors, use vinegar in a spray bottle.
If you never want to clean mineral residue again, consider installing a water softening system.
Selecting and Sizing a Sewage Ejector Pump
Sewage ejector pumps take care of transporting sewage out of a building when toilets or sinks are located below the sewer line, as is often the case in basements. Guidelines for selecting the proper tank and pump can read like a college thesis, but the basic rules are not complicated.
The size and horsepower of the pump you need is determined by the number of drains feeding the tank. Most available ejector pumps (note: these are not the same as sump pumps!) come in .4 or .5 horsepower; 1-3 drains require at least .4 hp, and 4 or more, at least .5 hp.
Don’t pay too much for a clog!
Sewer line clogs mean big trouble, but don’t let a stressful situation blind you to overcharging schemes. A legitimate plumber will go for the simplest solution first by using a drain auger or snake to try to clear a clogged line.
Not just blowing smoke
Smoke testing is a safe, cost-effective way to identify sources of water infiltration into outside sewer lines and pinpoint breaks or defective connections allowing sewer gases to escape inside a building. If you notice a persistent, unpleasant odor, call a plumber, as sewer gases can lead to health problems.
Smoke testing is non intrusive, odorless and not a fire hazard. The “smoke” is actually a fine mist, and will not harm people or pets.
Well tanks: keep the pressure on
If your home or business draws water from a private well, a pressure tank is important to maintaining proper water pressure, having consistent, reliable water flow and reducing wear and tear on the well pump. If your well pump is going on every time you run the tap, you need to get your pressure tank serviced or replaced.
Tanks work by using compressed air to push down on water in the bottom half of the tank. One way to check if your tank is working properly is to tap on the top half and listen for a hollow, ringing sound. If you hear a muffled sound instead, the tank’s probably not doing its job.
Install a laundry tub
A laundry tub or utility sink is a very handy addition to any laundry area. Laundry tubs tied into washing machine sewer and drain lines allow for convenient drainage, pre-wash and other utility needs such as cleaning up paint supplies. Your local plumber can install sinks to meet any space or workload requirements.
Don't ignore that wet spot
If you’ve noticed dampness or water pooling around the base of the toilet, don’t look the other way—unless you want to pay for ripping up and replacing rotted floorboards.
Chances are you have a failed seal where the toilet meets the floor, and the problem won’t go away unless the toilet is “pulled and reset”—in other words, lifted up to get to the source of the problem. Luckily, in competent hands, it’s usually a pretty quick fix.
Careful what your put in your garbage disposal
A garbage disposal is a handy and convenient tool for cleaning up dishes after a meal. Don’t get too greedy with what you think it can handle.
Always avoid putting hard-to-grind or fibrous waste down the drain. These include poultry skin, carrots, and banana or potato skins. As we discovered recently, it’s also really not good to let kids’ gummy creatures (bears, frogs, etc.) get washed into the disposal—unless you want to “gum up” the works!
Before Reaching for the Drano
When confronted with a clogged drain, there are alternatives to caustic chemicals. Before doing anything else, check the drain for easily-removed hair or other blockage. Have a plunger handy—this should always be Plan A.
Failing that, a mechanical drain snake will often get the job done. If you’d prefer to avoid physical labor, try pouring baking soda mixed with vinegar down the drain, followed by boiling water. Of course, your local plumber is always on call to help with any and all clogged drain problems.
Preventing an Overflow Emergency
We’ve all been there – facing a clogged toilet or, worse, rising water when trying to flush in the face of blockage. The only thing worse than a clogged toilet is an overflowing one, but if you act fast, you can avoid the mess and potential embarrassment.
To stop rising water, open the tank lid and close the toilet flapper (the flap at the bottom of the tank that allows water to enter the bowl). Hold it down until the water in the bowl has time to drain—then you can take care of the source of the problem. Of course, your local plumber is always available to help with any clog.
Dishwasher Drains: Know the Code
There are specific requirements for hooking up your dishwasher drain to the sink, and codes governing the right procedure can differ from place to place.
In some locales, for instance, it’s not proper to drain dishwasher water directly into a garbage disposal. Another requirement is a high loop, or air gap, to prevent water flowing from the sink back into the dishwasher, potentially causing odors and contamination. Contact your local plumber if you have any questions about your dishwasher drain set-up.
If You Suspect a Leak
Leaks happen, but they aren’t always obvious. If you suspect you may have a leak but haven’t detected the source, a good way to confirm this is to check your water meter.
Make a note of the reading, and eight to ten hours later, check it again and see if there’s a change. Of course it is vital that this is over a course of time when no water is being used in the house, perhaps while you’re at work. If you confirm a leak, we’d be glad to help.
How to Keep a Sump Pump Hose From Freezing
Frozen sump pump lines can be a frustrating problem during the freezes and thaws of winter and early spring. To prevent this, bury as much of the hose as possible below the frost line and insulate any exposed portions with straw.
Proper sloping is critical– if all running water can exit the hose, there will be nothing to freeze. Whenever possible, the exposed portion of the hose should be below the pump itself or at least the point where water leaves the home. Proper grading around the house allows runoff and also prevents freezing in and around the exit point.
If You Suspect a Leak
Leaks happen, but they aren’t always obvious. If you suspect you may have a leak but haven’t detected the source, a good way to confirm this is to check your water meter.
Make a note of the reading, and eight to ten hours later, check it again and see if there’s a change. Of course it is vital that this is over a course of time when no water is being used in the house, perhaps while you’re at work. If you confirm a leak, we’d be glad to help.
How to Keep a Sump Pump Hose From Freezing
Frozen sump pump lines can be a frustrating problem during the freezes and thaws of winter and early spring. To prevent this, bury as much of the hose as possible below the frost line and insulate any exposed portions with straw.
Proper sloping is critical– if all running water can exit the hose, there will be nothing to freeze. Whenever possible, the exposed portion of the hose should be below the pump itself or at least the point where water leaves the home. Proper grading around the house allows runoff and also prevents freezing in and around the exit point.
Use a strainer to keep your drains clear
As anyone with a wife or daughters knows, it doesn’t take much for a shower or tub drain to clog with hair. A simple way to avoid clogging is to fit the drain with a strainer that will catch both hair and soap chips that can also build up in a drain.
How to Recognize a Gas Leak
While more expensive to install than forced-air heating systems, radiant heat is more efficient, using 15 to 30 percent less energy than other heating systems. Radiant heat works by heating mass, not air, transferring heat from the floor to furniture to people. My Favorite Plumber can do a cost-benefit analysis to determine if radiant heat is right for you.
Radiant heat pros and cons
If you suspect a gas leak in or around your home, be aware of these signs: A “rotten egg” odor; A blowing or hissing sound; Dead or discolored vegetation near a gas line; Flames (if ignited); Dirt or dust blowing from a hole in the ground; Bubbling in wet areas. Call My Favorite Plumber immediately if you detect a leak.
Avoid Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are a huge hassle. If you take steps to avoid them, you’ll save yourself a giant headache – and your wallet will thank you later!
When the temperature is near or below freezing, let lukewarm water drip down your pipes overnight. The warm water will prevent your pipes from freezing up, and will prevent costly pipe replacements or repairs.
Simple Clogged Toilet Remedy
If your toilet’s clogged, the water is very low, and a plunger just isn’t cutting it, we’ve got a surprisingly simple solution that will usually get the job done for you.
Fill a bucket with warm water and pour it into the toilet from waist level. Once the water level lowers, repeat. This should clear up any issues you have with a clog.
Holiday Plumbing Tips
Plumbing emergencies are never convenient, but they can be especially problematic around Christmas.
Here are some tips that will help you avoid a holiday-related plumbing problem!
- Don’t pour cooking fats or oils down the drain after you’ve prepared your holiday meal. These fats will solidify in your pipes and cause major problems down the road.
- Don’t put stringy or hard-to-grind waste in the garbage disposal; Things like chicken skin, celery, or banana peels won’t grind all the way and will just clog your garbage disposal and drain.
- Make sure to run cold water down your kitchen drain for fifteen seconds before and after you use the garbage disposal.
