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What to do Today to Avoid Frozen Pipes Later

December 12th, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

It may be the furthest thing from your mind right now because we’re enjoying warmer temperatures but thinking about your pipes and how to prevent them from freezing when the temperatures drop is important any time of the year.

There are three basic reasons that pipes freeze. They are: quick drops in temperature, poor insulation, and thermostats set too low. You can prevent this catastrophe by protecting your home, even during the summer months. Follow these guidelines to assure a winter that is free of frozen pipes.

Insulate pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and attic, even if you live in a climate where freezing is uncommon. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember that the more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be. The fringe benefit of adding insulation to your attic is a savings in your heating bill. By adding insulation you are preventing warm air from escaping and thus, needing to heat it less often.

Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved for intended use, either exterior or interior. Closely follow all manufacturers’ installation and operation instructions.

Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze. Again, this is also a measure that will include savings on your heating bill.

Before winter hits, disconnect garden hoses and, if possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.

These are good ideas for anyone, no matter where you live, but if your area has many days of freezing temperatures in the winter, you should be especially careful to prevent frozen pipes. Taking the proper steps today to insulate, protect and seal leaks will help you experience a worry free winter.

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Our Austin Plumbers Do Video Camera Line Inspections

December 8th, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

If you are in need of a video camera line inspection, the Austin plumbers of Roto-Rooter are more than willing and able to provide you with this service. What does a video camera line inspection involves you ask; video camera inspections have become one of the most valuable tools for diagnosing a number of plumbing problems. We use fiber optic cameras to visually inspect underground sewer lines and other piping to determine the condition of the inside of a pipe.

A flexible rod with a camera at the tip is inserted into the pipe, the video images are then transmitted to the operator and are recorded and can be saved for permanent record. There are also radio transmitters on the camera, which provide the depth and physical location of a defect or obstruction. Once the problem is located, it can then be addressed based upon the gathered information in the most cost-effective manner. Video cameras can also be used to locate lost jewelry and other valuables, even animals that have become lost or trapped inside of pipes.

If you would like to schedule service in the Austin area, we can be reached at (215) 345-5212 or visit our Austin plumbing Website for more information and online scheduling.

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A Plumbing Repair: When to Call the Pros

December 5th, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

No one likes to get in over their head with any project they take on, but in particular, a plumbing repair can be especially inconvenient. It’s likely that the main water valve has been shut off and you and your family are coping without running water while you take on the issue. If you are stuck, before you go any further, consider what you are trying to fix and whether it’s a good time to call a professional.

If you are in the middle of an emergency situation, for instance if the pipes are burst and you have water flowing freely, you should call a plumber immediately. Of course shutting off your water, if you haven’t already, should be done first.

For less obvious situations, where you thought it was a simple fix, but found yourself in the middle of a hectic mess, a plumber can also help. He may not be able to come out immediately, so you’ll have to live with your half-finished mess until he can make it. On the other hand, if you are able to reassemble the fixture you took apart, you can simply explain the obstacles you ran into and let the professional take it from there.

Often a clog is obvious but despite your efforts you have not been able to dislodge it. In this case a plumber will be able to use his industrial strength tools and cleaners to reach the clogs that are far away from the drain. If you are savvy enough, you could rent an electric auger, but most likely a plumbing service will do the job better and faster than you could.

If you feel that you have exhausted all your resources and current skills, and still can’t resolve your plumbing problem, it’s probably in your best interest to call a professional. He will assess the problem, prevent further damage and have your plumbing back on its proverbial feet in no time.

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Kitchen Maintenance Tips from Our Austin Plumbers

December 2nd, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Roto-Rooter’s Austin plumbers recommend these simple tips to keep the plumbing running efficiently in your kitchen.

Run cold water down the drain for 15 seconds before and after using the garbage disposal to thoroughly clear out the waste from the line.
Never put dense, stringy or fibrous waste down the drain, which would include things like poultry skins or vegetable and fruit peels.
Dispose of liquid grease in the trash. If consistently poured down the drain it will eventually cause a plumbing problem.

These precautionary measures should prolong the longevity of your kitchen’s functionality and can ultimately protect you from potential problems which may arise. If you have any further questions about kitchen plumbing or any other plumbing or drain cleaning service, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us. Visit our Austin plumbers Website or call us at (512) 258-3008 and we would be happy to assist you.

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Has your Garbage Disposal Stopped Working?

December 2nd, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

We use garbage disposals on a regular basis and typically don’t encounter many issues along the way, but if you do, here are a few preliminary steps recommended by our Denver plumbers to try.

What to do when the disposal stops working:

All disposals have an overload protection sensor, which determines if the motor is overheating. This sensor has the ability to shut off the disposal and occasionally your disposal will shut off during this process if there is a broken electrical connection. To assess the situation follow the steps provided below.

Do not put your hands or any object down the drain or you could end up creating more of a problem than you started with.
Turn the disposal off and make sure the appliance is plugged in properly.
Press the reset button, which should be located on the front or bottom of the disposal.
Restart the disposal and it should begin to function as it normally would.

If you are still experiencing an issue with your garbage disposal and would like to schedule service, call us at (303) 666-0045 or visit our Denver Plumbing Website for online scheduling.

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Which Drain Cleaner is Best for You?

November 29th, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Like most dilemmas in life, there is not an easy answer for finding out what drain cleaner is best. It depends on many variables. Before this question can be adequately addressed, we must first be able to say where the clog is and whether or not the source of the clog is known. Once these things are established, reference the following list for the best drain cleaners for your stickiest jobs.

Bathroom Drains

For the bathroom, the main problem is usually hair. You can also get a buildup from soap, gels and bath products, but hair is still the most common problem for bath drains.

The nice thing about this type of clog is that it can be cleared with a drain cleaner tool, so no chemicals are involved. There are a few different drain cleaner tools, but the best one is possibly the drain claw. It is a small wire looking drain cleaner with a tip that has a hundred interlocking plastic hooks. You can work the tip into the opening of the drain and with a twisting motion and grab the hair that is slowing the drain. It is much more flexible than the other drain cleaner tools and it doesn’t get stuck in small areas.

Kitchen drains

For kitchen drains, the most common problem is grease, a buildup of food particles and soap. For these types of problems, the best antidote is a chemical drain cleaner available at most big box stores. Products such as Liquid-Plumber or Drano are a base that attacks the junk that has accumulated in the kitchen drain and will slowly eat it away to allow for faster flowing water. Sometimes multiple applications may be required to dislodge the stubborn clogs. In any case, you need to avoid pouring the chemical cleaner in the side of your sink that has the disposal. The aluminum parts of the disposal will react with the base of the cleaner and cause serious problems. Instead, slowly pour it into the side of the sink without the disposal and wait for several minutes before flushing it with hot water.

Toilets

A toilet is most commonly clogged by what is most commonly put in it: human waste. A toilet can be cleared with a commercial product or tools, but it’s important to first establish what system your toilet is connected to. If your toilet is connected to a septic system, you can use toilet drain cleaners but if you’re hooked to a city sewer system, your choices may be more limited. In either case, your best bet may be to add specific enzymes and bacteria that are used for clearing toilets. These products are safe for the environment and are used to eat at the organic matter and keeping clogs at bay.

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Thanksgiving creates more drain clogs than any other day

November 23rd, 2011 by pabrams

The day after Thanksgiving is the single busiest of the year for Roto-Rooter, nationwide and for our plumbers here in Atlanta. Why? Big holiday meal preparation and cleanup can lead to clogged kitchen sinks and garbage disposals. Extra guests mean more toilet flushes, extra laundry loads,

Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain

more showers, etc. But oddly enough, Thanksgiving itself is not such a busy day for Roto-Rooter. It’s the next day, Black Friday, that gets absolutely crazy! The day after Thanksgiving is the single busiest day of the year for Roto-Rooter plumbers. Incoming calls will jump 50% above an average Friday. We’ll be slammed but thanks to good planning, we’ve staffed up here at Roto-Rooter Plumbers of Atlanta (and nationwide). We know what’s coming and we’ll be fully staffed to deal with all the extra calls so we can still get to your problem FAST!

If you want to avoid having the Roto-Rooter man over for Thanksgiving Dinner (or turkey sandwiches the next day), pay attention to these important tips:

Never pour fats or cooking oils down drains. They solidify in pipes. Instead, wipe grease from pots with paper towels and throw them into the trash.
Avoid putting stringy, fibrous or starch waste in the garbage disposal.
Make sure disposal is running when you put food into it. Don’t wait until it’s full to turn it on.
For homes hosting weekend guests, wait 15 minutes between showers so slow drains have time to do their job.
Never flush cotton balls, swabs, hair or facial scrub pads down a toilet. They don’t dissolve and will cause clogs.

Finally, Roto-Rooter of Atlanta does not charge extra for nights, weekends or holidays. It’s true! So if you’re dealing with a big clog and are fearful of a plumber’s holiday bill, don’t worry! Call Roto-Rooter’s experienced Atlanta plumbers and you’ll pay the same rate on Thanksgiving that you would pay on any other day. And we are a 24-hour plumbing company. Give us a call at 404-209-0001 in Atlanta. Nationally, you can call Roto-Rooter at 1-800-ROTO-911.

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Water Temperature Advice

November 23rd, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Our Denver Plumbers have recently handled several inquiries related to water temperature and thought they would share their advice. Usually, people are comfortable with the hot water temperature set at 120°F in their homes, which is the new manufacturers’ pre-set standard. On an older thermostat this temperature would be equivalent to a medium setting. On gas models there should be a dial on the front of the gas valve and on electric models the thermostat is most likely concealed behind two panels on the side of the tank. (CAUTION: Turn off the electricity before removing panels due to high voltage)

If you are having problems running out of hot water in your home, it typically will be due to one of two things. One possibility is that your dip tube has broken off. A dip tube is the tube that directs incoming water to the bottom of your tank so hot water will be initially drawn from the top. When the dip tube breaks, it can allow cold water to mix with the hot water, thus decreasing the overall water temperature.

The other, will be due to the type of water heater you have. If your water heater is electric, the lower unit that heats the water may not be functioning properly. This usually linked to a faulty thermostat, which should be evaluated by one of our skilled Denver Plumbers.

To schedule service with Denver plumbing service with Roto-Rooter please call (303) 666-0045 or visit our Website for online scheduling.

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Tackling Foul Odor Issues

November 23rd, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

The Austin plumbers of Roto-Rooter would like to provide some tips to address foul odor issues. Foul odors can occur due to a number of reasons. A common place for foul odor to arise is your kitchen sink, which is typically linked to your garbage disposal. To eliminate odor coming from your sink, try putting ice cubes and lemon or orange peels down your drain while running the disposal for about 30 seconds. Then, follow up this process by squirting liquid dishwashing detergent while the disposal is running as well. Lastly, run cold water down the drain to clear leftover debris and your sink should be left odor free.

Basements can also house foul odor smells. If you are getting a foul odor coming from a basement bathroom, it is most likely caused by trapped water in various fixtures of your plumbing system. Plumbing systems are designed to prevent foul odors from entering your home, but occasionally, the water seal of a trap can evaporate and allow odor to enter your home. This plumbing problem has an easy solution, which can be done by dumping a bucket of water down the shower, sink or floor drain within your basement.

If you would like assistance with this or any other plumbing or drain service in the Austin area, feel free to call us at (512) 258-3008 or visit our Austin plumber Website for online scheduling and additional information.

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When should I get my water heater replaced?

November 21st, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Although a water heater can last 15 years or so, and you will even get a few more years out of if it’s an electric one rather than a gas powered one, you should know how to fulfill proper maintenance techniques to make it last as long as possible. Don’t be like some who buy the water heater, install the water heater and then forget about the water heater. Neglect will bring on a replacement faster than anything else.

Draining

Sediment is created when hard water is heated. If the buildup of sediment is not properly drained from time to time it will eventually insulate the bottom of the tank. This will cause it to overheat and melt away the protective glass lining. At this point, a replacement will be your only option. Think ahead and drain to avoid this cost.

Slow Leaks

If you maintain a schedule and pay attention to your water heater a small leak can be easily treated and fixed. But for those who neglect their water heater, a large leak will cause major problems and you’ll probably need to replace your water heater.

Anode

A anode is screwed into the tank and serves to prevent rust buildup in the tank. It does this by physically connecting two metals in the water and one corrodes away in order to protect the other. This is the reason that they are often referred to as ‘sacrificial anodes’. An anode’s life depends on the quality of the water, the amount of use the tank gets, the water temperature, and the quality of the tank — meaning how well it was constructed. When salt is added to the water (as in softened water), anodes corrode more quickly.Even with being diligent about routine maintenance, sometimes things go awry with appliances. When this happens, ask a professional plumber to give you an estimate about the repair and its cost. It may be more cost effective to replace it then try to fix it. By knowing the difference between the big repairs and what can easily be fixed yourself, you will be better equipped to judge when it’s wise to move forward with a water heater replacement and when it’s best to make the small fixes.

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Denver Offers Plumbing & Drain Services Around the Clock at No Extra Charge

November 18th, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Roto-Rooter’s Denver plumbers are licensed plumbing specialists and take pride in the services they provide. With dedication through the holidays, our around-the-clock service is just another day for our Denver plumbers.

Customers, take advantage of their long hours, 24/7 is what we’re known for! In addition to our availability, we also do not charge an extra fee for nights, weekends or holidays!

Don’t hesitate to contact us for any problem, any time, (303) 666-0045 or visit our Denver plumbing Website to schedule service online.

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Suggestions for Sump Pump Setbacks

November 18th, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

The Austin plumbers of Roto-Rooter have addressed a number of sump pump issues and have provided, some advice below to diagnose some of the more common sump pump problems.

If your sump pump is starting and stopping over and over again or surging, it is most likely due to a few problems.

The pressure switch may need to be replaced.

The expansion tank may have no air inside.

There may be a blockage of the opening of the impeller pump.

The best advice would be to do a bit of investigation on your own. Check the expansion tank to see if water is coming out of the top of the air bleed valve. If there is, this is a sign that the diaphragm, which separates the water and air has failed and the tank will need to be replaced. To test the pressure switch you will need to call in an electrician and go from there. Lastly, you may need to pull and check the submersible pump.

If you would like Austin plumbing assistance, call Roto-Rooter at (512) 258-3008, or visit our Website for online scheduling.

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Diagnosing Low Water Pressue Issues

November 15th, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

If you have low water pressure, our Denver plumbers suggest checking a few things. Make sure the strainers of your faucets are not blocked. Aerators and strainers need to be removed annually to check for mineral build-up inside openings. Also, make sure the main valve coming into your home is closed. Checking the meter valve to see if it is completely open is also suggested. Occasionally, this valve gets stuck in the closed position, even though the handle continues to turn. If it is stuck, check the piping to see if it is galvanized.

If the piping in your home is galvanized, the issue could be caused by calcium and mineral deposits. When galvanized pipes are in a home for 30-50 years, calcium attaches to the inside of the pipes. It takes several years for this process to occur, but when it does, it coats the full length of the pipe. The calcium build-up reduces the internal diameter of the pipe until the water can no longer flow. The calcium deposits are hard, so they cannot be removed and affected pipe will need to be replaced.

Once in a while, an old galvanized main water valve gets stuck half-way open. Even though it seems like the valve is open and the stem continues to turn, the valve is closed. Inside each gate valve there is a round disk that fits into a slot. When the disk is all the way down the valve is shut off. When it lifts up the valve is open. If the valve hasn’t been closed for many years, calcium builds up on the ground faces of the slot as the water passes over it. When you close the brass gate, it gets stuck on the rough surface. When you try to turn it up, the stem will pull through the brass-casting slot and leave the gate in place. Once this happens, you have to replace the valve.

If you need assistance with this issue or any other plumbing or drain problem, feel free to contact Roto-Rooter. Visit our Denver plumbing Website for online scheduling or call (303) 666-0045.

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What causes a black ring under a toilet?

November 15th, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Our Austin plumbers of Roto-Rooter have encountered this black-ring issue many times. Additionally, they are able to assess and ultimately provide you with a solution to this common plumbing problem. When a black ring starts to appear around the base of a toilet underneath the surrounding linoleum, it generally means there is a leak in the wax ring that seals the toilet.

The blackish color can come from bacteria, mold or sewage. The only solution is to pull the toilet off the floor and replace the wax ring gasket. Our Austin plumbers also suggest making sure the drain line is cleared under the toilet while you have it off the floor. If your toilet cannot flush properly, then the water will build up and put pressure on the wax ring, which causes it to leak. If you’re not familiar with this kind of work, it may be in your best interest to call one of our plumbers who would be more than happy to assist you.

You may visit our Website to schedule service or call (512) 258-3008, and remember our Austin plumbing services are available 24/7 at your convenience.

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Do these 5 things to keep your house from getting frozen pipes!

November 14th, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Ask anyone who it has happened to and you’ll discover that frozen pipes are a giant nightmare. In some instances it requires that you re-do your system as the pipes are likely to burst when the water pressure becomes too great. The good news is the preventative measures are simple and doable for anyone. Keep these simple guidelines in mind in order to avoid the hassle and maintain healthy pipes.

A valve
The ice that forms when temperatures drop is not actually the culprit for frozen pipes. The air pressure that accumulates due to the expansion of the frozen water is what actually cracks the surface of the pipe. This is why the crack is often far away from the ice. Installing a valve is an easy fix to avoid this problem.

Insulate pipes
Drafty pipes are more likely to freeze than insulated ones, even if the temperature is the same. If you have areas of your house that contain exposed pipes or large holes near the pipes, these can be covered with expandable foam or insulation.

Leave a drip
In order to avoid the build up of water pressure, you can also leave a small drip of water coming from your faucet. This is useful when leaving the house for an extended period of time and if you have no valve. That tiny drip will allow the pressure to escape and prevent a burst and major damage from happening while you’re away.

Plug the gaps
Inspect the areas around your pipes because often there are holes for access to electric boxes and so forth. These gaps can be filled in and allow for more insulation. Your pipes will thank you, as well as your pocketbook when you can avoid costly fixes!

Frost-proof faucet
A fairly new concept, the frost-proof faucet will help prevent air pressure from building up if cold temperatures decrease drastically. It is located on the outside wall of the house but a water-flow valve is located on the inside of the building. They eliminate the need for an inside shutoff valve and allows you to use the outside spigot in freezing temperatures without the fear of freezing your pipes. Adding an inexpensive insulation kit to cover the outside faucet provides an additional layer of protection.

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Commercial plumbing is almost half of our business

November 11th, 2011 by pabrams

Sometimes people are surprised to learn that Roto-Rooter is not only a full-service Orlando plumber but that we can handle any size commercial plumbing job. Commercial plumbing repairs represent almost half of our overall business. Think of movie theatres, hospitals, schools, manufacturing plants, restaurants, office buildings, theme parks and other commercial establishments here in Orlando and all the toilets, sinks, drainpipes, sewer lines and water supply pipes those businesses depend on. Not to mention backflow inspections and other services commercial businesses have to deal with. Yes, Roto-Rooter here in Orlando takes care of any and all commercial plumbing issues, not matter how big or small. Let’s face it, when the plumbing stops working, a lot of businesses ground to a halt. That means profits stop dead in the water too. Roto-Rooter’s Orlando plumbing professionals understand that, which is why we offer the Roto-Rooter Business Advantage Program to our commercial customers. It give priority service, discount coupons and 24/7 rush service no matter what time of the day or night. Check out the details of Roto-Rooter Business Advantage and ask yourself if this program might be right for your business. Or give us a call at Roto-Rooter of Orlando and we’ll be glad to tell you all about it . 407-886-7311

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Is it time to go dual-flush at your home or business?

November 11th, 2011 by pabrams

Dual-flush toilets are ones that give the user a choice to use a low-power flush for urine and a full-power flush to wash down solid waste and toilet

Residential dual-flush converter

Commercial dual-flush handle

paper. They only started appearing in the U.S. in the past seven or eight years but still haven’t caught on here the way they have in Europe and Asia. While the U.S. has seen toilet tank capacity shrink over the years from 5+ gallons-per-flush to 3.5 GPF to 1.6 GPF and now the ultra-low 1.28 gallons, we’re still using more water than we need to flush our waste 7 out of 10 times we flush! Even at 1.28 gallons per flush that’s 3.4 gallons more in 7 flushes (requiring 8.96 gallons) tham a dual-flush toilet would require (5.6 gallons). Imagine the water (and water bill) savings we would enjoy as a society if everyone had dual-flush toilets.

As part of Roto-Rooter’s ROTOGreen water conservation program, Roto-Rooter advocates dual-flush toilets and we can even convert your old toilet to a dual-flush model using special retrofit kits. We have one that fits most residential toilets and a different model that works on commercial toilets that use the powerful flushometer systems that are common in most public and commercial restrooms. These units are pretty amazing when you see them for yourself. And they’re even more amazing if you’re the person who pays the monthly water and sewer bill because they can save a family of four about 15,000 gallons per year or about $105 at today’s average water rate. Commercial dual-flush systems will cut water use by about 30% but of course that figure is dependant on users to actually choose the right setting. Roto-Rooter’s Tampa plumbers stock these units on their vans as standard equipment because we really believe they benefit society as a whole as well as individual homes and businesses. Call us if you are interested in new dual-flush toilets or in retrofitting your existing toilets to dual-flush. 813-980-6000

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What’s clogging that shower drain?

November 11th, 2011 by pabrams

Drains clog, that’s just a fact of life, as any local plumber here in Atlanta will tell you. For kitchen drains, it’s grease and food that cause the clogs but shower drains are usually clogged by hair, soap and shampoo residue. Put these three things together and you can create a pretty tough shower drain clog. We humans seem to shed lots of hair. But those of us with longer hair, particularly women, seem to lose a handful of hair each week, if my shower drain is any indication of what goes on in other households. Honestly, I wonder how it is that women can lose so much hair and not be bald? Fortunately, our drain cover is one that seems to capture a lot of the hair on the drain grate itself and I’m able to gather it and throw it in the waste basket without allowing most of it to go down into the pipe. Or so I thought. About twice a year, the shower drain gets clogged to the point that we get standing water in the shower pan as the drain very slowly does its job. Normally, I just pop off the drain cover, put on some rubber gloves, reach a finger or two down the pipe and pull out a big wad of hair. Sometimes, I’ll reach down with a pair of needle-nose pliers and grab even more. Occasionally, a plunger helps bring more to the surface and the problem goes away for another six months. After many years in the same house, we’ve so far avoided the need to have the shower drain professionally cleaned but one of these days, I think a professional cleaning may be necessary to beat a super clog. I know it’s coming, I just don’t know when. If your shower drain has clogged to the point where you can no longer beat the clog on your own, call Roto-Rooter of Atlanta and we’ll send over a skilled Atlanta plumbing professional to clean the drainpipe good as new. 404-209-0001.

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Why homes can run out of hot water

November 7th, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

There are essentially two possibilities as to why your home would run out of hot water. First, the dip tube could have broken off. The dip tube forces incoming water to the bottom of your tank so hot water will be drawn off from the top. When the dip tube breaks, cold water entering the tank mixes with the hot water and reduces the water temperature. This issue can occur with both gas and electric models.

Second, if your water heater is electric, the lower element that heats the water may not be operating properly, thus only the upper half of the tank will heat up. This can be caused by a bad element or a thermostat malfunction. This type of problem should be evaluated by a licensed Denver plumber.

Additionally, you may want to check if a toilet in your home is leaking. First, check the water level to ensure water is not overflowing the tank. To determine the water level, look for the overflow pipe, which should be located in the middle of the tank. It has small tubing connected to it. If water is running into the overflow, adjust the fill valve to stop the flow approximately one inch below the top of the overflow tube or to the water level mark stamped on the side of the tank.

Another method to try is to put a few drops of food coloring into the tank to check the flush valve mechanism. If the water in the bowl changes color within 15 minutes, this is an indication that water is leaking into the toilet bowl and the ball or flapper needs to be replaced

If you would like assistance with the suggested testing tips above or are in need of a Denver plumber for any plumbing or drain problem, call Roto-Rooter at 303-666-0045 or visit our Website for online scheduling.

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Look behind your washing machine today

November 7th, 2011 by pabrams

Look behind your washing machine, and do it today. If you see black rubber hoses connecting your washer to the faucets in the wall, you’re looking at a time bomb. One of these days, and nobody knows when, those cheap rubber hoses could burst and if you are like 99% of us, you

Braided stainless steel hoses

probably leave those water supply lines turned on all the time. That means when one of those hoses bursts, the water will continue to run freely all over your house until you close the valve. As plumbers who have served Orlando for decades, we’ve seen this happen more times than we care to think about. And that’s why the best plumbing tip you’re going to get today is to look behind your washing machine and replace those rubber hoses with high-quality braided stainless steel hoses that are resistant to bursts and will last a long, long time.

Appliance failure is responsible for more household floods and water damage than weather of any kind. That’s a fact that your insurance agent will verify. Sometimes those old rubber hoses won’t come off without a fight so if you can’t get them off with your bare hands, you may have to use a good pair of channel lock pliars. Just be careful and use a reasonable amount of effort, don’t yank the faucet out of the wall and cause the flood that you’re trying to avoid. And if something does go wrong, remember that Roto-Rooter is a 24 hour plumbing company. We’re always available to help and Roto-Rooter of Orlando does not charge extra for service calls at night, on weekends or on holidays because we know plumbing problems and emergencies can happen at any time of day or night. How many Orlando plumbers won’t charge you extra for a 3:00 a.m. service call? The answer is not many. We’re always here when you need us. 407-886-7311

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