5 Simple Ways to Unclog a Toilet Without Using a Plunger

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Heightening, clowns, enclosed spaces, and needing to unclog a toilet without a plunger are among the world’s most widespread fears. It always happens when you least expect it – at your in-laws’ house, during a work meeting, on a holiday, on a date…

We would never wish the terror of rising water on anyone. That’s why we’ve listed the best methods for unclogging a toilet without a plunger below.

 

Water That Is Hot But Not Boiling

Making a clear distinction between the two in this context is of the utmost significance. The clog in the toilet can be removed with hot water, which works by dissolving the obstruction. Cracks in the ceramic of the toilet bowl can be caused by boiling water, which is a far more annoying problem to deal with.

Get a bucket that’s as big as you can manage and fill it with water that’s almost boiling but not quite. The motion of the water, in combination with the heat, will assist in removing the clog and flushing it out.

 

Dish Soap

Dish soap’s primary purpose is to cut through oil and any other remnants of food that it comes into touch with. Because of this, it is nearly as effective as other methods at removing obstructions from toilets. Dish soap can be helpful in unclogging a toilet if you have the time to let it sit and wait after pouring it in.

Dish soap should be applied to the bowl of the toilet and left there for at least a cup before being allowed to sit for 30 to 40 minutes. After then, check to see if the water in the bowl has started to decrease, which is a sign that the soap is doing its job. If it has, then the soap is working. If the water level is going down, then you should feel comfortable trying to flush the toilet!

 

Epsom Salt

Epsom salt isn’t something that everyone keeps in their medicine cabinet, but if you happen to have any sitting about, it can be useful in a pinch. A bubbly chemical reaction is produced when it is poured into a bowl, and this reaction has the potential to clean and unclog drains. Before you try flushing again, give it about 15 minutes to finish doing what it’s supposed to do.

 

A Toilet Brush

Only the most desperate, last-ditch efforts should use this method. Keep your grip on the handle, insert the brush into the opening, and begin to move your arm in a back-and-forth motion. Although you should be vigorous, you shouldn’t be so overly enthusiastic that you risk damaging the toilet. Because of the potentially revolting nature of this, we strongly advise using gloves and old clothing in case any of it splashes on you.

 

Get In Touch With Atlas Plumbing & Heating

If nothing else works, it may be time to contact the plumbing experts at Len The Plumber. We’re always ready to take your call!

6 Signs You Need to Hire a Professional Plumber Immediately

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Do you really need to get in touch with an experienced plumbing contractor right this second?

It’s possible that you, like a lot of homeowners, would rather take care of any plumbing issues that arise on your own. On the other hand, it is recommended that an expert plumber handle the majority of the repairs. Finding and fixing plumbing problems can be a challenging endeavor for anyone who has the appropriate training. And if something does go wrong, you can find yourself dealing with a costly problem that your insurance might not cover.

Employing a licensed and professional plumbing contractor is an investment in your home that should not be overlooked. If you observe any of these warning signals, it is in your best interest to contact a professional as soon as possible to save yourself time, stress, and money.

 

Water Leaks

Simple plumbing repairs, such as tightening a connection or exchanging the washer and gasket, are often sufficient to fix even the most insignificant of water leaks.

But if your water leaks can’t be fixed with a simple solution, you’ll have to call in a licensed plumber for assistance. Taking the time to repair dripping fixtures like faucets, showerheads, toilets, and pipes not only helps save water but also prevents future damage to your home and plumbing system.

 

Clogged Pipes

Plungers and sewer snakes are two common tools that can be used to unclog pipelines when other methods have failed. There is some evidence that home treatments can be successful.

Chemical drain cleaners, on the other hand, are unable to clear the majority of clogged drains, and the harmful components in them can cause damage to your plumbing system. If you have a hard clog, you should bring in a professional plumbing contractor to clear the lines in a safe and efficient manner. This will help you avoid future problems as well as expensive repairs.

 

Drop in Water Pressure

A rapid drop in water pressure is an unmistakable indication that there is an issue with the plumbing system in your home. There is a possibility that one of your pipes has developed a slow and undetected water leak. Alternatively, the flow of water from your main water line may be impeded or clogged due to mineral deposits.

Finding out what’s causing this bothersome issue can be difficult, and it’s likely not something you can fix on your own once you’ve identified the root of the problem. Therefore, if you discover that the water pressure in your home has suddenly decreased, it is important to get in touch with an experienced plumbing specialist.

 

Rust-Colored Water

The presence of iron in your water is indicated by the formation of rust. The fact that the water has a rusty tint does not ordinarily pose a concern because it is generally recognized as being safe for consumption and other uses.

On the other hand, rusty water almost always indicates that some of the pipes in your home’s plumbing system need to be replaced. It’s also possible that this is a sign that your water heater needs to be replaced. In extremely unusual circumstances, it may also be an indication that there is a concern with the water’s quality or safety.

In any event, you shouldn’t put your faith in chance. If the water that comes out of your faucet has a rusty hue to it, you should not delay in hiring a professional plumber.

 

Sewer Odors

Do you suddenly sense a sewer odor, either indoors or outside? In that case, you should get in touch with a qualified plumbing contractor as soon as you can because this is typically an indication that there is a significant issue.

The presence of a sewage odor is frequently an indication that there is a problem with the sewer line. You run the risk of having raw sewage back up into your home if the problem is not fixed quickly and professionally.

 

Soggy or Extra-Green Patches in the Yard

If it hasn’t rained in a while but there are still wet spots in your yard, you shouldn’t just ignore them and hope they go away. Unexpected pools of water could indicate that there are issues with the plumbing. In a similar vein, if you find that one particular area of your yard is noticeably greener than the rest of it, investigate further.

Whether you have a drip irrigation system, the first thing you should do is check to see if there is a leak in that particular area.

If that isn’t the issue, it’s possible that you have a broken water or sewer pipe buried underground somewhere. In either scenario, you will have no choice but to hire a qualified plumbing contractor to handle the necessary repairs; the sooner you do so, the better.

Homeowners can get free quotes on repairs from Atlas Plumbing & Heating, a reputable industry leader that has been in business for more than a decade. In addition, our highly trained plumbers are always available to assist with any urgent repair needs that may arise. Make sure to get in touch with our business as soon as possible for all of your expert plumbing contractor needs.

10 Indicators That It’s Time for a New Boiler

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Your initial reaction may be one of dismay when you discover that the boiler is malfunctioning or requires maintenance.

There is, however, no reason for concern when it comes to the matter of employing a professional provider for all of your boiler requirements.

In many circumstances, having a professional repair or replace your boiler might result in significant advantages for your residence. There is no reason to cope with a damaged boiler at this time, as inhabitants of Indiana have been suffering through dangerously low temperatures in recent years.

Even if it’s just working inefficiently, a boiler can still cause a significant amount of suffering. The repair of your boiler may also assist in lowering your monthly energy costs.

You aren’t sure whether it’s time to bring in the experts, are you?

Here are ten warning indications that your boiler needs to be replaced or repaired by a professional that you shouldn’t ignore:

1. Your Heater Is Broken

Is there something wrong with your heating system? Instead of attempting a repair yourself using do-it-yourself methods, you should contact a professional.

 

2. Persistent Service Calls

Do you call the same customer service number, and do you experience the same issues? Or, it’s possible that you’re dealing with a situation in which another component of your boiler breaks down each time a previous one is fixed.

In these kinds of circumstances, a cost-benefit analysis needs to be performed by a trained specialist. When you obtain quality service, it entails attending to all of your boiler’s requirements and getting it back on track.

Alternatively, purchasing a replacement could result in cost savings for you.

Do not squander your time or money on a boiler that has reached the end of its useful life.

 

3.  Bad Odors Could Indicate Boiler Repair

Your boiler should be inspected as soon as you notice any weird odors coming from it. Immediately give a professional a call.

 

4. Leaks

If there is any indication that your boiler may be leaking, you should contact a professional immediately. It’s not just the inefficiency of your boiler’s operation that can be indicated by leaks.

The fact that your boiler is leaking water could be a warning indication that more significant issues are on the way. Because of leaking boilers, many residential and commercial property owners have had to deal with situations that are a nightmare to deal with.

There have been occasions when a boiler malfunction has caused a building to be rendered inoperable for several days. A leaking boiler can cause extensive property damage, the growth of mold, and structural damage to your home.

Any indication of a leak indicates that there may be a significant issue. There is no room for delay at this point.

 

5. Inadequate Energy Efficiency

Even if you don’t notice any unusual behavior from your boiler, there could be a problem. Some homeowners are startled to learn that your monthly expenditures are an excellent sign of the need for boiler repair.

According to the US Energy Information Association, energy costs will grow in all sectors this year. A heater that performs properly saves money on your monthly payments.

A new boiler could be beneficial. However, increased utility bills may indicate that your boiler needs repairs.

Don’t overspend on heating your property. However, keep an eye out for symptoms that your boiler is about to malfunction or break down.

 

6. Heat Up Slowly

Some homeowners are hesitant to contact for boiler repair since they will eventually be able to heat their home. They could note that it takes longer to heat the entire house.

However, they may attribute it to colder-than-usual weather. Don’t make the mistake of settling for a boiler that heats your home slowly.

The initial design of your home’s heating and cooling system should take cooler temperatures and insulation into consideration. The slow heat up time could be a warning sign from your boiler.

It is preferable to call for assistance now rather than wait for a serious breakdown.

 

7. Your Pilot Light Has Gone Out

Many of us recall when the majority of stoves featured a pilot light. It wasn’t difficult to relight a pilot light on a stove.

However, it was prudent to exercise caution when attempting to relight a pilot light in your kitchen.

A boiler’s pilot light being out is a different story. Rather than relighting the pilot and continuing, you should usually contact a service specialist.

Oil streaks and a yellow flame blazing from your pilot light are further indications that you should seek assistance. Other repair concerns with your boiler may need to be addressed.

 

8. Operating Issues

Have you ever had the sensation of having a hot spot in your house?

Perhaps the living room is ice cold on one side and heated on the other.

In these instances, your boiler may be malfunctioning. Your boiler may be causing what appears to be a control or air handling problem.

Take advantage of this opportunity to have your boiler rebuilt or repaired.

 

9. You’re Hearing Sounds

A hissing noise from your boiler should be taken seriously. This noise could suggest the formation of a deposit.

Not all boiler problems necessitate a major repair or replacement. A skilled service can clean your boiler and perform the necessary maintenance.

If, on the other hand, deposits continue to collect, repairs may become more expensive in the future. You might even have to deal with total failure.

 

10. Age

What is the age of your boiler?

If your old boiler has provided you with excellent service and years of warmth, it is time to replace it.

New HVAC technology and improvements have resulted in boilers that function more effectively, resulting in a greater overall value.

A professional maintenance agreement or a new boiler are excellent investments in the value and functioning of your property.

 

Choose the Best

Atlas Plumbing & Heating can assist you at every stage of the process. Our boiler repair service provides professional technicians at a reasonable price.

In addition, if it is time to upgrade or replace your boiler, you may save money in the long term.

It is generally preferable to acquire the full benefits of a new boiler rather than investing in poor repairs by untrained service providers. You will notice a reduction in your energy expenses as a result of the efficient functioning and energy-saving technology.

Atlas Plumbing & Heating even offers financing to make the entire process easier for our customers.

When it comes to your comfort and safety, don’t put it off. Contact Atlas Plumbing & Heating right away.

Checklist for Plumbing Preventative Maintenance

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In the plumbing business, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but proactive maintenance can save homeowners money on costly repairs and utility bills. Here are seven simple plumbing preventative maintenance tasks for your home.

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1. Potty Prevention

Even if your toilets are used on a daily basis, it is not very often that you remove the tank cover in order to inspect the inside components.

Checking the fill, supply, and flush values, in addition to the supply line, for corrosion and ensuring that they are still functioning properly is a smart idea. Toilets that leak water can be difficult to detect but can quickly become expensive.

 

2. Don’t Get Heated Over Your Water Heater

Ever feel like your water heater is giving you the cold shoulder? It could be because sediment has built up in your water heater, making it work less well.

Every year, you should drain and flush your water heater to get rid of the sediment. This will help your water heater work better and last longer.

An annual check of the shut-off valve and pipes on your water heater can let you know if a problem is about to happen.

 

3. Checks For Slow Drains

Slow drains can be a sign that there are bigger problems going on. How well do your showers, sinks, and tubs drain?

If your drains are slow, try pouring a mixture of vinegar and hot water down them. If they are still moving slowly, you might have a blockage and need to call a plumber.

If you try to get rid of a clog with chemicals or force, you could break the pipes and cause bigger problems. Clear out the P-traps under your sink and use screens or drain baskets in the tub and shower to keep debris from getting stuck and causing a clog.

 

4. Fix Leaky Faucets & Showerheads

If you want to save money and help the environment, fixing your leaky faucet and showerhead is a good place to start. The Environmental Protection Agency says that leaks in the home waste an average of 180 gallons of water per week for a family of four.

Check that your faucet handles don’t leak when you turn off the water, and look for leaks under the sink or from showerheads. All of these can be signs of a corroded valve, a worn washer, or an O-ring that has broken down.

 

5. Signs Of The Season

Outdoor faucets, pool lines, and sprinkler systems work fine in the summer, but if they aren’t ready for winter, they can stop your plumbing in its tracks.

As part of your preventive maintenance, turn off the water supply to outdoor fixtures and wrap them in insulation before the weather gets cold. Before your landscaping goes to sleep for the winter, you may need to do a full winterization of your sprinklers.

 

6. Under Pressure

Outdoor faucets, pool lines, and sprinkler systems work fine in the summer, but if they aren’t ready for winter, they can stop your plumbing in its tracks.

As part of your preventive maintenance, turn off the water supply to outdoor fixtures and wrap them in insulation before the weather gets cold. Before your landscaping goes to sleep for the winter, you may need to do a full winterization of your sprinklers.

 

7. Missing Caulk

Caulking is important in your bathroom because it keeps your walls and floors from getting wet. If you don’t have enough caulk, water and moisture can get into your floorboards and behind your walls, making the perfect place for mold and mildew to grow.

Check the tiles around your sink, shower, and tub for caulk that is missing or has worn away. With DIY caulking tubes and guns, it’s easy to fix and replace things.

 

Repair & Maintenance: Atlas Plumbing & Heating

Emergency plumbing situations are difficult to ignore, but routine maintenance is simple to put off. You may save money by planning out your home’s preventative maintenance.

Our plumbers at Atlas Plumbing & Heating can do preventative maintenance on the plumbing system in your house. Or, if you run into a problem while completing your plumbing examination, our experts can provide first-rate service in response to your need for assistance the same day.

 

Call Atlas Plumbing & Heating right now if you require a dependable plumber!

How to Find Hidden Water Leaks in Your Home Easily in 5 Steps

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You should check your home for obvious symptoms of water leaks, as common sense dictates. Like inspecting the underneath of sinks and the backs of cupboards for moisture, mold, or unpleasant odors; nobody wants that in their home!

If your house is more than 25 years old, you should pay much closer attention to your plumbing system. Verify every connection, including those to washing machines, water heaters, pumps, valves, and hoses. You can have water leaks if you see oxidation or discoloration on the plumbing parts.

Not all water leaks, though, are simple to locate. You may quickly identify concealed water leaks in your plumbing if you are aware of the symptoms. Water wastage, mold growth, and house damage are all consequences of water leaks. W

e wish to assist you in locating any concealed water leaks since water leak repair needs to be done quickly to avoid disasters and expensive re

pair costs.

Keep a close eye on your water bill

If you pay close attention to your water bill, you may notice a message between the lines informing you that water leak repair is in your near future. That unspoken message is conveyed when your water bill continues to rise despite the fact that your water use habits have not altered. If your water bill continues to rise, it is a strong indication that something is wrong with your water system. You might need to repair a leak.

Your water bill’s unspoken message can be extremely baffling. You might not have noticed any water leaks under the sink or anywhere else in or around the house. But keep in mind that there are underground pipelines that are out of sight and out of mind, and if they leak, you will pay for it. When completing water leak repairs, a careful expert plumber will inspect all of your underground pipes to ensure that you will not need to make another service call anytime soon.

 

Check Your Water Meter 

Using your water meter is an effective approach to check for water leaks. When testing for water leaks, use your water meter as follows:

  • Turn off the water in the entire house. Check that all taps are turned off and that the dishwasher and washing machine are turned off.
  • Examine the water meter for any changes. If it does change, you most likely have a fast-moving leak.
  • If the water meter does not change after two hours, wait another two hours and check it again. If the water has been turned off and the meter has changed, you most likely have a slow water leak.

When water leak repairs are required, your water meter will notify you. Water leak repairs after the meter are the responsibility of the homeowner, even if the leak is underground.

 

Examine Your Water Consumption

Examine your water consumption. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the average family of four should consume no more than 12,000 gallons of water per month. If you are losing more water than is normal for your family, you will need to repair a water leak somewhere in your plumbing system.

More information can be found at https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/water-qa-how-much-water-do-i-use-at-home-every-day.

This website has an online form for estimating how much water you should use in your home.

 

Try the Toilet Dye Test 

Your toilets should be inspected to ensure that they are in good working order. When there is a water leak, you can flush a huge amount of water away. Toilets can consume up to 30% of your entire water consumption. To discover water leaks, use the toilet dye test. It’s simple. Simply take some food coloring and pour it into the toilet tank. After that, wait 10 minutes. If you detect color in the bowl after the 10-minute waiting period, you will need to repair a water leak. This signifies that water is seeping from the tank to the drain without being flushed.  

 

Examine Your Outdoor Faucet for Leaks

Remember to check the outside spigots; is the external faucet leaking?

Inspect outside spigots by attaching a garden hose, turning on the water, and looking for leaks. Replace the rubber hose gasket if water seeps through the connection when the water is switched on.

Those of you who have irrigation systems should also check them.

A minor leak in your irrigation system might waste up to 6,300 gallons of water every month. Ouch! A skilled plumber should inspect irrigation systems for concealed water leaks once a year.

If you detect a water leak of any sort, contact a professional plumber immediately. The sooner you repair a water leak, the better off you will be. Small water leaks today will grow into larger leaks tomorrow, resulting in higher repair expenditures and greater property damage.

 

Contact Atlas Plumbing & Heating if you have a water leak that needs to be repaired

When you require experienced water leak repair for your house, call Atlas Plumbing & Heating. Our skilled plumbers have the skills and experience to detect concealed water leaks and repair them correctly the first time. Stop wasting water by using our economical plumbing services immediately.

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

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sink-and-faucet-repairA leaking faucet is both inconvenient and time-consuming to repair. We’d like to discuss with you how to stop a faucet leak for your convenience. Knowing how to prevent a leaky faucet will save you time and money.

In the event of an emergency, Atlas Plumbing & Heating has repaired numerous faulty faucets. Our skilled plumbers have the knowledge and experience required for proper faucet leak repair that is also cost-effective.

 

Knowing Your Way Around a Faucet

Understanding the components of a faucet will assist you in determining what is causing a leaking faucet. The following internal faucet parts could be the source of a faucet leak:: 

  • A ball valve 
  • Aerator screws 
  • Cartridge Valve, 
  • O-Ring, 
  • Small Springs 
  • Valve Seat 
  • Washers 

The ball valve regulates the temperature of the water. Aerator screws are screens installed at the end of a faucet to restrict the amount of water that flows out. Internal water flow is controlled by the plastic cartridge valve. O-rings will be used to seal the faucet’s transitional components. Small springs function in tandem with the seals. The washer that opens and closes to allow water to pass through is placed right above the valve seat. To avoid a faucet leak, rubber washers are utilized to entirely seal off the water. A leaking faucet is caused by a problem with any of the above components.

 

Causes of Faucet Leakage

Internal corrosion, mineral buildups, or damaged parts may all necessitate faucet leak repair.

 

Internal Corrosion

Cracks will form as a result of internal corrosion, which will allow water to penetrate the structure. In addition, corrosion will cause the sealants that surround the faucet to deteriorate, which will result in the faucet leaking. Remove corrosion from the faucet using a soft cloth and a mild cleanser to complete the do-it-yourself faucet leak repair. You might need to use a product that was developed specifically for the purpose of removing severe corrosion from metal in order to get rid of corrosion that is resistant to removal. Corrosion has most likely caused the O-ring to become compromised if the base of the faucet is leaking. Leaks in the faucet usually appear around the spout when there is corrosion present in the ball valve. It is important to perform routine checks on your faucets for cracks as soon as possible so that they may be repaired before any additional harm is caused.

Mineral Build-Up

If you observe a decrease in the amount of water that comes out of your faucet, you may have a mineral buildup on your hands. In Jackson County, where I live, the water contains a significant amount of lime, which can lead to leaking faucets. The accumulation of lime and other minerals within your faucets will result in a rise in water pressure, which places additional strain on the joints and seals of your faucets. Utilizing a gentle brush and some cleaning solution, carefully remove any mineral deposits. Because mineral cleaning solutions can damage the finish of your faucet, you should make sure to rinse it off as soon as possible after using them.

Failed Parts

As you crank the handles of the faucet, do you find that it is becoming increasingly difficult to entirely stop the flow of water? Failure of cartridge valves can be brought on by everyday wear and strain. In the event that the cartridge valves become defective, you will be required to use an increasingly greater amount of force when turning the handles in order to stop a leak. In order to effectively fix a leaking faucet, the Cartridge valves will need to be replaced after some time.

 

How to Prevent a Faucet from Leaking

There are methods for preventing a leaking faucet. Maintaining ideal water pressure, removing additional minerals from the water, and keeping the faucets dry are all preventative steps for avoiding faucet leak repairs.

Check Your Water Pressure

When the water pressure in your home is too high, it can put strain on your plumbing fixtures. Excessive water pressure is indicated by odd noises emanating from the supply pipes and leaking plumbing fittings. This is one case where you should hire a professional to assess the water pressure in your home and, if necessary, install a pressure-reducing valve to improve the operation of your plumbing system.

Evaluate Water Hardness

Hard water causes a variety of plumbing problems, including leaking faucets, so test the hardness of your water with a simple testing kit available at most hardware stores. If your water is too hard, you can install a water softener, which eliminates the minerals that cause hard water.

Keep Your Faucet Dry

Keeping the region dry is a simple but efficient approach to keep the base of a faucet from leaking. Corrosion can occur when water sits near faucets after use. Keeping the area clean and dry after washing your hands or brushing your teeth not only helps with housekeeping, but it also helps to keep faucets from leaking.

Stop Water at the Source

If you have a utility sink or faucets that you rarely use, turn off the water at the local shut-off valves until you need to use that sink again. If you turn off the water at the source, the faucet will not hold back extra water pressure for long periods of time.

 

Do You Have a Leaky Faucet? Atlas Plumbing & Heating Can Help!

We have the skills and experience to handle all of your leaky faucet repairs expertly. Every customer obtains the greatest repair services at reasonable prices.

Schedule commercial servicing for your business today to keep your faucet in good working order and avoid unexpected breaks or pricey repairs.

Kitchen Plumbing Maintenance Suggestions

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If you want to keep your kitchen plumbing repair expenditures low and your kitchen running smoothly, it is necessary to have basic kitchen sink plumbing maintenance, as any experienced homeowner will tell you. If you want to keep your kitchen plumbing running smoothly. The fundamentals of plumbing a kitchen sink include being familiar with the operation of the faucet, the removal of common obstructions, and the maintenance and repair of the garbage disposal. 

If you are aware of what to look out for, you will not only be able to resolve the most fundamental problems that occur with the plumbing of your kitchen sink, but you will also know when to contact a professional kitchen sink plumber like Atlas Plumbing & Heating.

 

Kitchen Faucet Tips

There is a wide variety of shapes, sizes, styles, and finishes available for kitchen faucets. If you are in the market for new kitchen plumbing fittings, the plumbing that is located under the kitchen sink is the first item you should become familiar with. Every kitchen sink is distinctive. Some of them have one, while others have all four mounting holes. You should also take note of the water shut-off valve that is located under the kitchen sink. If you have an older home, the valve connection may be a different size from new kitchen plumbing fixtures. Because of this, you may need to repair your water shut-off valve in addition to your kitchen sink if you want to avoid flooding your home.

When you are looking at the apparently endless selections of kitchen plumbing fixtures that are available on the market today, make sure to take both the aesthetics and the practicality into mind. In general, you want your new fixture to match the hardware that is already installed in your kitchen. Be sure to select a kitchen faucet that has a finish that is compatible with the one already installed in your kitchen, unless you want to replace all of the drawer pulls and other hardware in your kitchen. When shopping for a new kitchen faucet, functionality should take precedence over all other considerations. Because it is used so frequently, the sink in the kitchen needs to be one that is simple to operate. It is essential that you pick one that meets these requirements. If you don’t want to have to lean over the sink basin every time you need to operate the sprayer, you might want to look into getting a faucet that already has the sprayer built into it. This way, you can simply pull down on the faucet to spray your dishes instead of having to lean over the sink basin.

Chrome is the most user-friendly and low-maintenance option for the fixtures in your kitchen’s plumbing, both in terms of cleaning and maintenance. Not only does it appear shiny with very little effort, but it also appears cleaner and lasts longer since unlike some other finishes, it does not disclose as many fingerprints or wet spots. Ceramic valves are now the best option available on the market for minimizing the amount of water that drips from a faucet’s spout, and their cost is often comparable to other similar options.

 

Kitchen Clog Tips

The likelihood of your kitchen sink becoming clogged at some point in the future is extremely high. However, not all plumbing issues with the kitchen sink drain necessitate an immediate visit from a professional plumber. Before calling for assistance from a professional, there are a few things that you can do to unclog a clogged kitchen sink. The quickest and easiest solution is to flush boiling water down the drain of your kitchen sink. If there is water pooling in your sink basin, remove as much of it as you can before proceeding, and then pour at least four cups of boiling water down the drain. If the problem persists, replace your sink strainer. If the blockage is really obstinate, you can try pouring roughly a half cup of salt down the drain first, followed by the boiling water, and finally flushing the entire thing with hot water to clear the pipes.

If pouring boiling water down the drain does not do the trick, you can try using a plumber’s snake to loosen the clog. A plumber’s snake, which consists of a long strip of plastic with small arms covering the sides, is an essential tool for the plumbing of a kitchen sink drain. It does need a bit more effort since in order to begin, the plumbing that is located beneath the kitchen sink will need to be disassembled. After that is finished, you can just slide it up the drain, and as you carefully bring it back up, the arms should either dislodge or capture whatever is causing the clog in your drain.

 

Keeping Your Waste Disposal Unit Clean

Maintaining the efficiency of your garbage disposal requires frequent cleaning, which should be done in order to keep it working properly. This doesn’t have to be a difficult undertaking; all you need is a basic understanding of science from elementary school. You may use the knowledge you gained in elementary school when you created a volcano to good use now. After pouring baking soda and white vinegar down your disposal in equal quantities, cover the drain and wait for the fizzing to cease before removing the cap. The chemical reaction helps to break up any oil or food particles that have become lodged on the inside of your disposal, allowing it to function more efficiently. After the bubbling has stopped, switch on the garbage disposal and pour hot water through it to flush out the contents of the disposal.

In addition, it is advisable to pay attention to the rubber drain cover that is located on top of the disposal. After turning off the disposal, use a sponge dipped in soapy water to scrub the underside of the rubber flaps in order to remove any leftover odors of food. A fantastic method to revitalize the plumbing in your kitchen sink is to run a handful of citrus peels that have been sliced into little pieces through the garbage disposal.

 

Garbage Disposal Repair

Repairing a garbage disposal takes a little bit more work, but you don’t need to know how to plumb a kitchen sink to perform some of the most fundamental troubleshooting.

Humming

If your garbage disposal is making a humming sound, this is a sign that something is lodged in the disposal, which prevents the blades from turning. After you have made certain that the power supply to the disposal has been cut off, proceed to the plumbing for the disposal that is located under the kitchen sink and attempt to dislodge the object that is jammed inside.

Drains Sluggishly

A sign of a blockage in the disposal is typically a slow draining disposal. Check for a clog in the drain trap after first ensuring that the power has been turned off. If you are unable to locate one there, you can try using the snake that comes with your plumber’s toolkit to clean the drain line that leads into the wall. It is imperative that you NEVER put chemical drain cleaner down your disposal because doing so might corrode the pipes and render your warranty null and useless.

Leaking

There are multiple points in your garbage disposal that have the potential to develop a leak. The most typical locations for leaks to occur are the hose that links the garbage disposal to the sink, the hose that connects the garbage disposal to the dishwasher, and the hose that connects the garbage disposal to the drain system. In most cases, the only thing that needs to be done to fix a leak that is caused by a hose is to tighten the clamp or bolts that are holding the hose in place. Applying some new plumber’s putty to the connection between the sink and the faucet is usually all that is required to rectify this classic problem with the kitchen sink’s plumbing.

 

It is not necessary to continue to be mystified about the plumbing that is located under the kitchen sink. One of the best ways to feel accomplished and to take ownership of your home is to become familiar with the fundamentals of the plumbing in the kitchen sink. It is not necessary to have plumbing experience in order to solve the more straightforward issues that may arise. You will know when it is time to call Atlas Plumbing & Heating because when the plumbing in your kitchen sink has more than just a simple problem, it is time to call them.

Top 10 Ways to Avoid Needing Emergency Plumbing Repair

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Most homeowners may need emergency plumbing repair at some point. Water leaks, basement flooding, broken pipes, and sewage backups are just a few of the issues that can arise at any time.

Many plumbing problems, fortunately, may be avoided with some basic preventive maintenance. Our best plumber advice will help you prevent expensive emergency plumbing repairs.

 

Keep an eye on what goes down the drains.

The purpose of drains is not to accommodate anything that can fit. A number of things, such as coffee grounds, grease, and the peels from potatoes, can cause damage to your plumbing system. In addition, pouring bones, shells from seafood, and other non-food objects down the toilet is a surefire way to cause difficulties.

 

Take Care of Your Toilets

It is not appropriate to throw rubbish in the toilet or utilize it as a trash can. It is not necessary to flush something just because you have the ability to do so. Flushing rubbish like baby wipes, feminine napkins, cotton balls, and other types of garbage can easily result in the need for urgent plumbing repairs.

 

Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

Drain cleaners that contain chemicals are not on your side. They may be able to clear minor obstructions, but at the expense of your pipes’ integrity, they should be avoided. If you reach for chemicals too frequently, you might find yourself reaching for the phone instead to contact a plumber to fix the plumbing.

 

Protect Your Pipes

It is imperative to take preventative measures to avoid having pipes become frozen. You may reduce the risk of pipes bursting by installing additional insulation, running cold water when the temperature drops below freezing, and keeping your cabinet doors open during cold snaps.

 

Find the main water shutoff valve in your home

In the event that your plumbing develops a significant leak, you will need to shut off the flow of water as soon as you possibly can. In order to prevent floods and serious water damage in the event that leaks occur, it is important to locate the main shutoff valve in advance.

 

Check Your Water Pressure

Always keep an eye on the water pressure. It is possible that silt has built up in the pipes if you have observed a decrease in the water flow coming from your showerheads, faucets, and spouts. Also, check to see that the pressure isn’t set too high, as this could put unnecessary strain on the plumbing system.

 

Watch out for your septic tank

It is a good idea to inspect the septic tank for overflows, water leaks, and mechanical problems after intense rainfall and storms have passed through the area. Installing a backup sump pump that is powered by a battery is another option for dealing with plumbing emergencies.

 

Prioritize preventive maintenance

Water heaters, garbage disposals, and other appliances require routine maintenance to keep in good working order. Regular preventative treatment allows you to discover and correct problems before they become severe.

 

Repair Drips and Leaks Right Away

Do not ignore dripping and leaking pipes in the ceiling or walls. If you choose to ignore the issue, you will not only see an increase in your water bill but also an undue strain placed on your plumbing system.

 

Call in a Professional for Plumbing Repair

Do not begin a project that requires you to fix plumbing if you are unsure of what you are doing. You might feel more comfortable handling the situation on your own, but if you lack the appropriate training, you run the risk of making things even more difficult.

 

The emergency plumbing repair experts at Atlas Plumbing & Heating can address your problems promptly, expertly, and at a price that won’t break the bank.

Consultations with a member of the Atlas Plumbing & Heating team are provided free of charge. Get in touch with our office as soon as possible to either arrange an appointment or receive experienced plumbing emergency repair around the clock.