A Complete Guide to Dealing With a Clogged Drain

clogged drain

There will never be a “good time” for a clogged drain in your home, but there are some clogged or slow-running drain situations that you can handle on your own. Of course, there are other clogs that require professional assistance. Let’s take a look at a few ways that you can try to clear a clogged drain before calling a trusted professional like Team Rooter.

What Causes Clogged Drains?

A clogged drain is usually caused by debris or a foreign object that has become lodged in your drain pipes. It could also be the result of residue or build-up that needs to be flushed away. In most instances, acting quickly with the right tools can save you from a costly (and messy) repair.

Drain Cleaner

One easy way of handling a clogged drain is a bottle of drain cleaner. Pouring it down the drain and allowing it to work might loosen the clog and solve the problem quickly. You should consider that drain cleaner is a chemical, and it should be used with caution to avoid injury.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

If you would prefer a non-chemical solution, you can try vinegar and baking soda to clear your clogged drain. Pour the vinegar first and follow it up with baking soda. In a matter of seconds, the combination will go to work on minor clogs.

Boiling Water

Another way of clearing a clogged drain is pouring boiling water from the stove or a tea kettle down the impacted drain. It might need to be repeated, but it’s the cheapest approach. If boiling water doesn’t work on its own, clear the water from the drain by hand (using a cup or other vessel) and pour salt down the drain, followed by more water. Give it a few minutes to work and try flushing the drain again.

Plunging

Depending on the nature of the clogged drain, you might also consider using a plunger. This technique will require patience and trial and error, but with some elbow grease, you may be able to dislodge the clog without the use of chemicals.

Snaking

One last way of dealing with a clogged drain is using a snake. A snake is a long piece of plastic with grooves or “teeth” cut into it that are designed to grab onto debris. Snaking is particularly helpful in clearing hair clogs in bathroom sinks and shower drains.

For A Stubborn Clogged Drain, Call A Professional!

If you’ve tried some or all of these methods to no success, bring in the pros at Team Rooter. Our team has over two decades of experience clearing clogged drains. We’ll find the problem and work quickly to get your pipes back to working order. We guarantee it. Contact our team to fix your clogged drain today!

Top Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

tankless water heaters
Photo by Kirsten Marie Ebbesen on Unsplash

 

You need a new water heater due to building a new home, remodeling, or maybe your old one simply quit working. As you begin shopping for options, you run across tankless water heaters. This option is pricier than standard water heaters, which means you may almost skip over that option and go with the same storage tank unit you have always had. Wait, though – it might be worth looking at the benefits of this tank before making a final decision. If cost alone was the only consideration, the tradition tank-style heaters would win. Those heaters have downsides, though. And tankless water heaters can solve those downsides.

Endless Hot Water

Have you ever taken a shower after a partner or child, and the water was tepid or even cold? Storage tank water heaters can only heat the reserve water they have on hand, fill and heat the new batch. This means in houses with heavy water usage, you experience lapses in hot water. Tankless water heaters circulate water through high-powered coils and keep a steady stream of hot water flowing.

Standby Losses Eliminated

Tankless water heaters come in electric or gas options. They heat on demand with higher power usage when under pressure to supply, but because they do not have reserve water in them, they are not constantly reheating it. In traditional tank systems, the water constantly reheats, even when you are not home or using the water. Therefore, these tanks cost more than tankless systems on power usage.

Tankless Water Heaters Have Longer Lifespans

The lifespan of tankless water heaters is twice the lifespan of standard units. While a high-quality standard tank lasts a decade, tankless models can end up lasting two decades. This longer lifespan lengthens the warranty on these units and can significantly extend the coverage for repairs that might arise on tankless versus lower warrantied standard water heaters. Also, other pluses include added tax benefits, utility bill reduction, and warranty coverage for issues that might arise.

Space-Saving Benefits

Most traditional storage tanks require a corner in a basement or a built-in storage space in apartments or condominiums. This space concern disappears with tankless water heaters, as all they need is a small area to mount to a wall. For apartments and other small houses, this consideration alone makes it worthwhile to consider a tankless system.

Contact Team Rooter To Learn More About Tankless Water Heaters

Now that you know some of the advantages of a tankless water heater, do your research to determine which system is right for you. Your water demands, the size of your home, and your budget are all critical considerations. As always, when making a decision like this for your home, a professional should be consulted to give you all your options. Call Team Rooter today to discuss tankless water systems and your options.

 

 

 

Kitchen Plumbing is Different. Here’s How.

kitchen plumbing
Photo by Jacek Dylag on Unsplash

When people think of plumbing, they think of pipes. Of hot and cold water flowing when they need it. We don’t usually give plumbing another thought until a problem arises, or we decide to replace and remodel a room. The facts are that all the plumbing in the house runs on the same schematics.  Overall, three things make kitchen plumbing a bit different than bathroom plumbing. These factors are the size of kitchen projects, complexity versus bathrooms, and costs.

Size of Projects

When you look at a kitchen versus a bathroom, the square footage alone tells you the size of a project will differ. Look a little deeper, and you will see other major differences in the kitchen plumbing. Do you have a disposal under your sink? That will require waste lines, either to a dishwasher or by itself. Speaking of a dishwasher, it also has solid waste that will require a drain fitting. Also, an air gap fitting ensures dirty water does not make its way back to the dishwasher. Do you have an ice maker anywhere in the kitchen? Whether it’s in the refrigerator or freestanding, that will need a pipe as well. What about a second sink for food prep, or in the bar?

Complexity of Kitchen Projects

As you can see from the information above, complexity is a factor in kitchen plans. Whether you need to repair, remodel, or build a kitchen from the ground up, good planning is still critical. Ensure any power switches needed for appliances such as the dishwasher, disposal, and refrigerator are not close to water lines. Also, for the best outcome, make sure to hire a professional to approve any major drawings or schematic changes. Looking at the placement and planning of garbage disposal lines hooked from one appliance to the other, water supplies and cabinets, flooring, and countertop placements is important. You want all the plumbing to be out of sight and not easily damaged. Plumbing repairs or fixes after the fact are expensive, so engage the best team to ensure the work done right the first time.

Cost of Remodeling or Replacing

On average, kitchen remodels range up to $57,000, with an average of around $19,000. Bathrooms are usually up to about $40,000, with the average being $17,000. Also, when considering a remodel due to size and complexity, kitchens usually take one to six months, while bathrooms have a current industry average of about 18 days. Always keep in mind, though, that kitchens will pay better dividends when you go to resell. Kitchens are the main selling point of real estate, and updated kitchens can sell a house faster.

Contact Team Rooter For Help

When deciding on projects or repairs affecting kitchen plumbing, remember the size, complexity, and cost of these are significant. Ensuring the right professional helps determine pipe placement, appliance line layouts, and the like is critical. The kitchen can add value to any home, but you want to ensure that the job is done well. Contact Team Rooter for help today!

Everything You Need to Know About Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting
Photo by Bruce Warrington on Unsplash

It’s likely that the first time you heard the phrase “hydro jetting” was from a plumber delivering unwelcome news during a visit. Your pipes experienced a problem like clogging or back up. The plumber explained that the hydro jetting process will use high-pressure water. Forcing the water under pressure into the pipes clears blockage and contaminants in its path. Before you agree with their diagnosis and treatment plan, if you have questions we are here to help answer them.

When Is Hydro Jetting Used?

Hydro jetting is proposed by a professional when the standard process of snaking or other methods would not be effective. Only trained professionals should treat pipes in this manner. Please note that this is not a complicated process, but if not done correctly, it can cause more damage. This process shoots water between 1500 PSI and 4000 PSI, depending on pipe dimensions and application through the pipes. Professional plumbers will adjust the nozzles for drain size, type of clogs, and other factors for the best results. Knowing how to make small adjustments and other considerations to successfully hydro jetting requires someone with specialized knowledge in this area.

Benefits of Hydro Jetting

Snaking moves through the pipes and removes clogs. Hydro jetting cleans pipes and fixes any known clogging issues. This cleansing causes better overall water flow. Also, cleaning the pipes will help cut down on bacteria that pipes develop over time and use. Snaking can remove simple root intrusions if cutting heads are applied. Due to the water pressure used, hydro jetting cuts both residue and root intrusion down extensively.

Can Hydro Jetting Damage Pipes?

Old houses and those with extensive tree root issues could be at risk of added damage if hydro jetting is allowed. This is why only a professional should do this service. Further, ensure that the plumbing professional has done a thorough inspection of your system. Professionals must take cracks or other safety issues with your pipes into consideration. Choosing a licensed and insured professional is necessary for your peace of mind.

Precautions You Need to Take

If you have a septic system, hydro jetting may not be your best option. Hydro jetting cleanses the pipes of bacteria, which septic systems rely on to break down waste. If you do have a septic tank and wish to do jetting, ensure you ask questions about the professionals’ credentials. How often have they done this service? What precautions are they taking to protect the septic system and pipes?

Additionally, pipes with extensive tree infiltrations could be at risk for damage from hydro jetting. If this is a known contributing factor to your plumbing concerns, ask about using a camera. A camera is sent through the pipes to better see damage already in place. It can show whether there are tree roots and help determine if this process could cause added damage.

Finally, always ask for references and credentials. Ensuring the professional does due diligence should alleviate risks. Unfortunately, pipes are areas that are not easily accessible. Damage to these can be a time-consuming and expensive fix. Always hire the best professionals for hydro jetting or any plumbing service.

Contact Team Rooter Today

Hydro jetting may be an option to clear that nasty clog you have, but the benefits go beyond that simple fix. It can also clear bacteria, residue, and even tree infiltrations. Because of this, you must always do due diligence to hire the right professional. If you want to know whether it may be right for you, contact Team Rooter today!