Sewage backing up into toilets and drains can be one of the most excruciating experiences for any homeowner. To prevent this disgusting and inconvenient nightmare from reoccurring, make sure that your septic system is properly maintained.

Inspect and pump regularly

You should call a professional plumber to inspect your septic system once every three years and schedule pumping as recommended by your plumber. Systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components need to be inspected more often.

Your plumbing service provider will look at the scum and sludge buildup in your septic tank. If the bottom of the scum layer is within 6 inches of the bottom of the outlet tee or the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the outlet tee, your tank needs to be pumped. Remember to note the sludge and scum levels determined by your plumber so you know when to call for a pump again.

Use water efficiently

Average indoor water use in a typical single-family home is almost 70 gallons per person per day. Leaky plumbing can waste as much as 200 gallons each day. If you suspect a leak, call a licensed plumber immediately to fix it so that no unnecessary water enters your septic tank.

Use high-efficiency toilets

Old toilets use up 3.5 to 5 gallons of water per flush, while newer high-efficiency models only flush down 1.6 gallons. If your septic tank tends to fill up fast, consider switching to a high-efficiency toilet, or put a bottle inside the toilet tank as a cheaper alternative, in order to reduce the volume of water used per flush.

Use faucet aerators and high-efficiency showerheads

Faucet aerators and high-efficiency showerheads also help restrict water use and reduce the volume of water entering your septic system.

Watch what you put down the drain

What goes down the drain can have a major impact on how well your septic system works.

Do not flush dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, and paper towels down your drains. These items can clog and potentially damage septic system components.
Flushing household chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint can also destroy the biological treatment in your septic system or even contaminate surface water and groundwater.

If scum layers are quick to build up in your septic system, reduce the flow of fats, oils, and grease into your tank.

Do not do all the laundry in one day

By doing load after load in one day, your septic tank does not have enough time to adequately treat wastes. You could also be flooding your drainfield without allowing sufficient recovery time. Try to spread water usage throughout the week.

Keep your drainfield in good condition

Your drainfield is an important part of your septic system. Here are a few tips on how to properly maintain your drainfield:

• Do not plant trees or shrubs near your septic system
• Do not drive or park vehicles over your septic system
• Keep roof drains, sump pumps, and other outdoor drainage systems away from the drainfield

Don’t you just hate it when you turn on the faucet and all you get from the showerhead are trickles of water?

The problem most likely is low water pressure, which is usually caused by broken pressure regulators, poor elevation, main valves set to a minimum, water leaks, or mineral deposit build-up.

Replace broken pressure regulators

Shaped like a bell, the pressure regulator is usually found below the hose connection in the front of your home. If the pressure regulator stops working, it may cause low water pressure in the water fixtures in your home. This is one plumbing problem that is better left to the professionals. Homeowners who try to fix or replace their pressure regulators often end up creating a bigger problem and spending more for repairs in the long run. A licensed plumber can easily replace or fix a regulator at a reasonable price.

Modify your elevation

Gravity plays an important role in the flow of water into your home. If your house is located higher than your water source, you might experience some problems with water pressure. It can be difficult for water to reach your second floor bathroom if your water tank is located in your basement. Make sure your water storage tank is located higher than your home plumbing. This helps the water flow faster and easier, giving you greater water pressure.

Max out your main valve

Sometimes main water valves get accidentally moved or turned off without the homeowner realizing it. If you are experiencing low water pressure, check if the main water valve is completely turned on.

Repair water leaks

Water leaks can cause low water pressure because not all of the water is making its way to your faucet. Check your pipes for cracks and leaks. If you suspect that your plumbing has a leak but have no visible signs, a good way to detect it is by shutting off your main water valve before you go to sleep and mark down the meter reading shown on your water meter. When you wake up, read the water meter again. If the reading changed, then you have a leak somewhere in your home.

Remove mineral deposits

Over time, mineral deposits can build up in your pipes. These deposits clog faucets and showerheads, preventing full water pressure. Try cleaning your faucets and showerheads and see if that improves the water flow.

If these five steps do not resolve the problem, call a professional plumber to check your low water pressure. Call Plumber Medford Oregon to solve your plumbing problems.

Even the best home plumbing systems can become clogged and stinky. The only way to avoid the aggravating experience of clogged toilets and drains is to properly maintain your kitchen, bathroom and laundry room.

If your drains tend to get clogged, there are simple steps you can take to fix these plumbing problems yourself before calling a professional plumber. Here are a few tips on how to unclog drains and keep them in good working condition.

If you have a clogged drain or toilet, the first thing you should do is try unclogging it with a plunger. Plungers are relatively inexpensive and readily available most hardware and home improvement stores. Place the plunger over the drain in your sink and use the handle to push and pull several times to unclog your drain. Most drain clogs can be cleared out with some instant plunger action.

After washing out food particles in your sink, run your garbage disposal immediately. If you wait a few hours before using your garbage disposal, your sink could begin to smell.

Place a few lemon slices or pour a brine solution down any sink to eliminate foul odors and help keep your sink smelling fresh and clean. Brine and salt water are also great for preventing grease from building up in the drains after cleaning dishes.

Purchase a drain cleaning solution for any clogs in your drains that you cannot get out with a plunger. Be sure to use drain cleaners according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Some chemical drain cleaners can damage plastic pipes or garbage disposals. Keep in mind that repeated use of chemical drain cleaner solutions can damage your plumbing over time.

A better alternative to chemical drain cleaners is vinegar and baking soda. Pour 1 cup of baking soda and 3 cups of hot water down your drain. This works if your drain is sluggish but has not overflowed. Repeat several times until your drain is completely clear.

Use vinegar in your drain if baking soda alone isn’t strong enough. Pour 1 cup of baking soda, 1 cup of vinegar and 3 cups of boiling hot water down your drain to loosen any debris that may be clogged.

Vinegar and baking soda not only keep your drains clear of any clog but also help in getting rid of pungent odor resulting from clogs. The two ingredients react with one another to remove any blockage without doing permanent damage to your pipes.

If the plunger or drain cleaner won’t do the job, get a mechanical snake to clear drains of unwanted clogs. Thread the mechanical snake down any clogged drain to manually push the clog out and clean your drain. You can use a mechanical snake with a garden hose to clean out any clogs from your main drain to the sewer. Thread the mechanical snake into the pipe, take it out once the clog is removed, and insert the garden hose with the water on full blast.

If none of these tips work, call a licensed, professional plumber to clear your drains of stubborn clogs. For more info call Plumber Medford Oregon today.

If your house is older than 10 years, you might want to consider purchasing a home warranty. Plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems may start to show wear and tear at this point and could break down any moment. A home warranty protects you against the financial strain of massive repairs in case you have to call in a professional to overhaul and upgrade your structural items.

Newly built homes with brand new appliances may be safe enough without the additional coverage. But if a home inspection shows that some parts of your dwelling are iffy or reaching their end of life, it may be wise to get a home warranty now.

What is home warranty coverage?

Unlike homeowner’s insurance policies that are limited to covering losses from a catastrophic event, home warranties cover major systems and appliances in your home that malfunction due to normal wear and tear. A home warranty policy may cover plumbing, heating and electrical failure as well as household appliances such as hot water heaters, refrigerators, stoves, dryers, garage door openers and dishwashers. If any of these things break down, your warranty will fix them.

Contractors who build homes will also usually offer free coverage for a certain amount of time. Some real estate agents offer warranties to home sellers in order to make their home more appealing to buyers.

The home warranty will give new homeowners peace of mind, since they know that all the major home systems and household appliances will be covered.

What to look for in a home warranty

Before you sign a contract, make sure that these 5 essential things are covered in the home warranty you are buying.

Plumbing — Plumbing problems are very expensive and difficult to fix yourself. It is best to leave your pipes, sinks, toilets and tubs to the experts.

Electrical — Electrical problems are complicated and very dangerous. It is safer and much easier to hire a professional to fix your wiring than to try to do it yourself.

Heating — Heating systems usually start to fail after about 10 years and repairing or replacing them can be quite costly.

Cooling — Air conditioning systems are difficult to troubleshoot and should be left to the pros.

Swimming Pools and Spas — Your spa and swimming pool help add to the value of your home so make sure that any problems are fixed quickly.

Purchasing a home warranty policy

Make sure you purchase home warranty policies only from reputable guarantee providers. Ask friends, neighbors and family members about their experiences with various companies. Realtors are probably the best source since agents want their customers to be satisfied and will likely only recommend the most ethical of the insurers. Read online reviews and find out what people are saying about the company and type of insurance you are considering.

Take into account the age of your home and your appliances before buying coverage. You never know when disaster could strike; it’s best to be prepared in case your home has some unexpected problems. It doesn’t matter if your home is brand new or 100 years old – warranty coverage will save you tons of money in the long run. Call Plumber Medford Oregon to help you with your home plumbing problems.

Every homeowner or tenant will eventually have to deal with a clogged kitchen sink, running toilet, dripping faucet, and water leaks. While you can always call a professional plumber to fix these things, in most cases, you can troubleshoot the problem yourself if you have the right plumbing tools on hand.

Most of the tools you need to maintain your home plumbing system are available at your local hardware store. Here are a few basic tools that every DIYer should have.

Plunger: The plunger is the plumber’s best friend, and every home should have one handy. If you need to unclog sinks, tubs, toilets, showers and floor drains, the plunger is the first tool you should grab. When using a plunger, press down to create a firm seal around the drain, and pull upward. Your objective is to vacuum the clog out, not push it deeper.

Adjustable Wrench: This versatile tool is required to turn hex-shaped nuts on compression fittings, supply lines and other plumbing fixtures. It is best to get two sizes: 6 inches and 10 inches. When buying an adjustable wrench, check that the moving jaw doesn’t slip loose under torque.

Closet Auger: A closet auger is a manual clog-clearing tool specifically designed for toilets. Its long steel cable is tough enough to grind through the most stubborn clogs.

Pipe Wrench: This large, heavy wrench is used to turn threaded pipes, fittings and nuts. You’ll need two pipe wrenches – one for turning and one for holding. Be careful not to damage the outer layer of a plumbing fixture with the serrated teeth of the wrench. When working on chrome or powder-coated parts, wrap the wrench’s jaws in a cloth to protect the finish. Get two pipe wrench sizes: 10 inches and 14 inches.

Basin Wrench: A basin wrench is used to tighten and loosen nuts that hold sink faucets in place. Its long shaft and swiveling jaw can reach up and into the deep, narrow space behind a sink and lock onto the nuts.

Tongue-and-Groove Pliers: These pliers are the first tool plumbers reach for when they need to grab, pull, twist, hold, tighten or loosen something. Be sure to get two sizes: 10 inches and 12 inches.

Plumber’s Snake: When a plunger fails to clear the clog, snake your way down the drain with this hand-cranked tool. Its 25-foot flexible steel cable is effective at clearing obstructions from tubs, showers, sinks, toilets and drain lines.

Hacksaw: You’ll need a hacksaw to cut through metal pipes, screws, nuts and bolts, and PVC pipes. Make sure that the blade is tense in the frame for tough cutting jobs, and always keep extra blades on hand. When cutting in tight spots, wrap one end of a loose blade in a cloth to create a handle before you slip the blade in.

Tubing Cutter: Use a tubing cutter to cut through copper pipes. Get both a standard-size tubing cutter and a close-quarter mini cutter for tight spaces.

Metal File: After cutting a metal pipe, remove burrs and smoothen out the edges using a metal file. It’s best to have two file sizes: half-round, which has a rounded and flat surface, and a rat-tail file, which is round and tapered.

Propane Torch: If you need to sweat copper pipe and fittings, use a propane torch with a self-igniting head that lights at the squeeze of a trigger. You’ll find it much more convenient than using a striker or matches.

Fire-Resistant Cloth: When soldering with an open-flame propane torch, use a thick, specially treated cloth to protect combustible surfaces. It’s always smart to keep a fire extinguisher nearby, too.

Of course, you’ll also need basic home-repair tools such as screwdrivers, hammer, utility knife, safety goggles, work gloves, tape measure, drill driver, and a toolbox to store them neatly.

Get these basic tools first and then add more as you need them. Get more ideas and info from Plumber Medford Oregon today.

A running toilet is not only an annoying noise at night but, more importantly, it consumes gallons and gallons of water even when the toilet is not in use.

Fortunately, fixing a running toilet is easy despite what seems to be a complicated in-tank mechanism. Most likely the problem is the ball cock’s diaphragm or the tank flap. Here are a few easy steps to fix your running toilet.

Roll up your sleeves and remove the toilet tank lid. Flush the toilet once to see what is causing the water to continuously run.

The chain

Make sure that the chain connecting the flush handle to the flapper is not too short or too long. A long chain could get entangled under the flap, causing it to not close completely. Trim a few chain links or thread the extra length to keep it from getting caught underneath the flapper.

The ball cock

The ball cock is a valve attached to the float (which is usually a plastic ball on the end of a long rod). If you can see or hear water coming from this valve, it may need to be cleaned or replaced.

Make sure that the ball is able to float above the water when the tank refills. If the ball doesn’t float because it is filled with water, it needs to be replaced. If it is sitting too low, bend the arm slightly to allow the float to sit higher above the water.

If you need to replace the floater, take the old one with you when you go to the hardware store to ensure you get the correct replacement.

The flapper

The flapper is usually a black or red rubber cone that fits into the hole at the bottom of the tank.

Check to make sure that the flapper closes automatically after the tank drains. If it doesn’t, press down on the edges and see if it is sealing well. If the sound of water running into the bowl stops, you know that the flap may be deformed or worn out and needs to be replaced. An old flapper can become stiff, making it impossible to close automatically.

If you need to replace the tank flap, take the old one with you when you go to the hardware store to ensure you buy the correct replacement.

Replacing the ball cock

To replace a defective ball cock, snap off the cover of the ball cock and remove the screws holding down the top plate. The float-control arm is attached to this and may be spring-loaded.

Remove the diaphragm carefully, noting which side is up, and check its condition. Sometimes rust or a hard-water deposit can get lodged under the diaphragm and cause a leak, or the diaphragm can become deformed or worn with age.

Replace the diaphragm or clean it with water. Flush the valve by turning on the water supply for the toilet just enough to get a flow of water for a couple of seconds.

Replace the top plate and put the screws back.

Turn the water supply back to its normal level, allowing the tank to fill, and replace the lid.

Replacing the flapper

It’s easy to replace the tank flap. Some have a clamp-type assembly, while others hook to short posts that stick out from the overflow pipe.

Remove the attachments from the old flap, take it out, and install the new tank flap.

Turn on the water supply and replace the lid.

As a general rule, turn off the toilet water supply before doing any plumbing work. The water supply valve is usually located on the floor or a wall near the toilet. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water then flush the toilet to drain any excess water to make the work easier.

If you notice your toilet running in the middle of the night and you are not sure what to do, turn off your toilet water supply so you don’t waste gallons of water while you sleep then call a professional plumber in the morning. Call Plumber Medford Oregon and get your plumbing estimate today!

When plumbers are called in to fix bathtub leaks, the problem is usually either a dripping faucet or water damage on the ceiling below the tub.

Bathtub plumbing wears out over time, resulting in costly problems if the repairs are not done immediately and correctly. If you have a leaky faucet or a clogged tub drain, you can try fixing it yourself by following these steps.

Fixing a bathtub faucet drip

Faucets can be one of the easier items in the house to fix. If your bathtub faucet is dripping, you probably need to simply replace the washer or the seat.

Turn off the water supply to the bathtub faucet. Most water supply valves are located behind the bathtub faucet wall. If there are no shut-off valves to the bathtub, turn off the main water supply to the house.

Pull out the faucet handle screw caps with a screwdriver and slide the handles off of the faucet stems. Use a faucet handle removal tool if you cannot remove the handles with a screwdriver.

Take the escutcheon plates off the faucet stems. Escutcheon plates are round cover plates, usually made of chrome, that are used to conceal the bathtub holes for handles, spouts and shower heads.

Remove the screw that holds the washer to the stem and replace the old washer.

Screw the stem back into the faucet, put the escutcheon plates onto the stems, and screw the stem collars onto the stems.

Slide the handles onto the stems and drive the handle screws into the stems with a screwdriver. Snap the handle screw covers back into the handles.

If replacing the washer doesn’t fix the leak, then the problem is probably in the brass seat located behind the washer. You can fix it yourself if you have the proper seating wrench, but it would probably be best to call a professional plumber who has the right expertise and tools to fix it for good.

Fixing a clogged bathtub drain

Remove the drain plug with slip-groove pliers.

Wear rubber gloves and begin pulling any visible hair and debris from the drain with your hand.

Run a 1/4-inch bathtub drain snake down the drain hole, turning it clockwise.

Pull the drain snake cable back and repeat the process several times until the clog is cleared.

Remove the bathtub overflow cover – usually a round plate located just a few inches under the tub spout.

Run the drain snake cable down through the overflow several times to remove any blockages. This also aids in air flow to the bathtub drain.

Repairing leaky faucets and clogged tub drains can be done by homeowners with some basic plumbing knowledge, but if your bathtub problem involves the plumbing pipes, it is best left to professional plumbers.

Fixing bathtub leaks

If you have a bathtub leak that is caused by a damaged shower pan or a leaky pipe, you’ll certainly need the help of a professional plumber.

The most common sign that you have a bathtub leak is water stain on the ceiling beneath the tub, although some leaks do not immediately reach the ceiling because they run along the pipes before dripping.

If you catch the problem in time and have it fixed by a licensed plumber immediately, you could simply paint over the stain on the ceiling. Otherwise, you could be looking at spending hundreds of dollars for drywall repair and mold inspection and removal. Need a plumber, call Plumber Medford Oregon and get your plumbing estimate today!

There is nothing more disgusting and distressing for a homeowner than a toilet backing up all over the place.

There are two types of toilet clogs: a blockage that prevents the waste and water from going down the drain, and a drain clog that causes sewage to back up when the toilet is flushed. If your home has a septic system, backflow may mean that the septic tank is full.

Toilet not draining

When water overflows the bowl, there is a blockage somewhere in the toilet or drain line. If the sink or shower drain is backing up, then the clog is farther along in the drain line. If drains elsewhere in the house are backing up, then the problem is likely to be somewhere in the sewer line. The best thing to do in that case is to call a professional plumber.

If your toilet is clogged but not backing up into the sink or floor drain, don’t try to flush it or it may overflow. Instead, you should quickly remove the tank lid and push the tank ball down to close the flush valve.

Most toilet clogs are caused by sanitary napkins, tampons, paper products, and small toys. If the obstruction may be the result of an object dropped into the toilet, try to retrieve it rather than forcing it down. If the stuck object is visible, use a stiff wire to pull it out. If not, use a plunger or closet auger to dislodge anything that may be trapped in the toilet bowl.

Wearing rubber gloves, place the plunger’s head over the center of the toilet drain hole. Rapidly push the plunger’s handle up and down to force air and water into the pipe, creating suction to free the clog.

If this doesn’t work, snake out the toilet with a closet auger, which will reach down about 3 feet. Turn the handle clockwise until the cable won’t go any further then push it repeatedly to dislodge the clog.

Work the auger back and forth until it catches the obstruction. When it does, try pulling the object out. If you are able to break through the clog, plunge the toilet again.

If the plunger or auger doesn’t do the job, call a professional plumber immediately.

Sewage backflow

If your toilet is backing up into other bathroom fixtures when it is flushed, you can try to snake out the main drainpipes with a long drain auger or a high-powered rooter but I’m not recommending that you do this yourself.

Sewage backflow is best left to the experts. If gunk is backing up all over your bathroom, call a professional plumber or drain-cleaning service right away. Need help? Call Plumber Medford Oregon and get your plumbing estimate today!

Plumbers are a homeowner’s best friend. No matter how good you are at fixing stuff around the house, you will need a licensed plumber at some point to do repair work in your home.

Even if you do not need a plumber right now, it is best to have a trusted expert on your phonebook in case an emergency situation arises. What if your pipes suddenly burst in the winter, or sewage starts backing up in your tub or drain just as you are preparing to go to work? What do you do? Who do you call? You won’t have to panic in times like these if you have a friendly plumber on speed dial.

Here are a few tips on how to find a good plumber who will do the job right and at a fair price.

Ask family and friends for a referral

The best way to find a good plumber is to have referrals from people you trust. Ask a friend, relative or colleague for a recommendation on plumbers that they have used in the past. Ask also what work they did and how long ago.

If no immediate friends or family can recommend someone, ask them if they know anyone else who has had some plumbing work done recently and if they were happy with the service.

Investigate your potential candidates

The first thing you need to ask a plumber is if he has a state license and insurance. A license indicates some degree of competence while liability insurance protects you and your property from incidental damages.

Check if the plumber is a member of reputable trade organizations, such as the Better Business Bureau, which usually denotes solid experience and proper training.

Ask for three to five contactable references and read online reviews. Read their Facebook page and Twitter feed to see how they are interacting with their customers. You can also ask to see some of the work they have done.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

Ask the plumber what he thinks is wrong with your plumbing and if he has the experience in solving your particular problem. Ask him to explain in detail, and in a language that you will understand, what exactly he will be doing to fix your plumbing problem.

Don’t be afraid to ask about anything that you don’t understand. A good tradesman will happily answer and explain everything to you because he understands that you are not a plumber.

If they evade your questions or give vague answers, walk away.

Get a written estimate

Always get a written estimate before any plumbing work begins. Ask if the estimate is free or if they charge customers for simply showing up.

Compare several quotes before deciding on hiring a plumber. If the prices are in a similar range, go with your recommended plumber and not just the cheapest.

Make sure that you read the contract carefully. You don’t want to end up getting charged for hidden fees once the work is complete. Before signing anything, make sure that everything is laid out in the contract – the project timeframe, material and labor costs, overtime fees, warranties, etc.

Although your search for a good plumber usually starts by calling prospects on the phone, try to stay away from plumbers who give pricing over the telephone. A good plumber will provide a quote only after visiting your home and actually seeing what your plumbing problem is.

Ask for flat, fixed quotes so you know exactly what the plumber will do and exactly what you will pay.

If you follow these tips, you’ll be more confident in conducting interviews with prospective plumbers. You’ll know what to ask, what to look for, and what to expect. Once you find a good plumber, stick with him! When your family and friends ask you for a recommendation, vouch for him and tell them how satisfied you are with his work. Call Plumber Medford Oregon and get your plumbing estimate today!

Thick drain cleaners are way more effective than fluid solutions because they stick to your pipes and drains longer, allowing it to dissolve and soften the clog more extensively.

Liquid drain cleaners are usually made of regular household chlorine bleach. Although chlorine bleach is effective in loosening up clogs, it should not be used in its concentrated form as a septic system cleaner because chlorine kills the beneficial bacteria within the septic tank.

Liquid vs. foam cleaners

Biofilm is gunk that holds clogs together and builds up inside pipes. Liquid drain cleaners do a great job of dissolving bioflim, and once the solid particles trapped within this glue-type substance are softened, they can be easily flushed through the pipes.

Biofilm, however, can also build up on the entire area of the drain pipe. When you pour liquid cleaners down the drain, they will only attack the bioflim that the liquid can touch. A foaming drain cleaner is much more effective because it fills up the entire pipe and attacks all of the biofilm buildup.

Enzyme cleaners

Enzyme drain cleaners eat the biofilm so they are perfect for septic systems and for drain cleaning maintenance work. If your drain is completely clogged, enzyme cleaners are not the thing to use. You will need a powerful drain cleaner or a mechanical snake to penetrate right to the clog through the standing water.

Use enzyme cleaners on a regular basis in all plumbing systems to prevent a buildup of solid drain stopping clog. Enzymes work best in lukewarm water – perfect growth environment for bacteria – and when they are left untouched for long periods. If you plan to brush your teeth, do the dishes or laundry, or use the toilet, schedule your enzyme drain cleaning task at a later time or until everyone is asleep or out of the house.

What doesn’t work?

Forget about using liquid cleaners to unclog laundry drains. Most laundry drain clogs are caused by lint buildup from clothing fibers, and liquid drain cleaners are not capable of dissolving fiber. If your washing machine does not have a lint trap, attach an old panty hose to your washer to capture lint fibers and prevent them from clogging your laundry drain.

For plumbing issues, call Plumber Medford Oregon and get your problem estimate today!