Home Improvement Archives

28
Jun 23
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Your Plumbing Questions Answered

Tags : plumbing plumbing emergency plumbing issues plumbing problems san mateo underground construction

Though you may not think about it regularly, your plumbing system is a vital component of your home. Without a fully functioning plumbing system, your comfort of living can wane and you may experience hefty repair bills that can hinder your budget.

However, not every plumbing issue requires expert knowledge. Some are easy to solve even for the novice DIYer. For the sake of your sanity and your wallet, here are some of the most common plumbing questions answered.

1. Why Do I Have Low Water Pressure?

Water pressure can fluctuate for a number of reasons. If you notice a sudden or permanent drop in water pressure, one of these scenarios is typically the culprit:

Crack in the city water main or a water main break
Corroded pipes if you have old iron pipes rather than PVC
Sediment or mineral deposits in the faucet or showerhead
Partially closed shut-off valve

Aside from the water main break, checking all of these other components is quick and simple. Assess each of them to save yourself a headache.

2. How Do I Unclog a Drain?

Clogged drains in your kitchen or bathroom can cause unsightly messes and become a source of stress. But it’s not your fault in most cases. Clogged drains are the result of a buildup of hair, skin flakes, dirt, grease, or oil — it’s just a natural byproduct of using your sinks.

Fortunately, fixing the issue isn’t a problem. You can use a plunger to unclog drains in your sinks and shower. If that doesn’t work, you can purchase a snake or auger to remove any debris. Hopefully, this resolves your drainage problems.

3. How Do I Prevent Frozen Pipes?

In cold-weather climates, frozen pipes can cause astronomical damage to a home. But the solution isn’t complicated. To prevent frozen pipes, wrap exposed pipes in foam or insulated wrapping. Search your crawl space, basement, and other areas exposed to the weather to ensure that they’re properly wrapped. This should help you avoid any burst pipes that can cause thousands of dollars in damage.

4. Why Did My Water Bill Increase Dramatically?

Water bills can fluctuate depending on several factors. If you have guests over or water your lawn and plants during summer, you should see a noticeable increase. However, if you haven’t changed anything in your routine, other factors could be at play.

In most cases, an increase in your water bill is due to leaks in your faucet or toilets. Even a moderate leak in your toilet can increase your bill by an average of $70 a month!

If you have a sudden increase in your bill, check all your pipes, faucets, and toilets for leaks. A visual inspection of pipes and faucets isn’t difficult, and you can instantly tell if that’s the problem. To check your toilet for leaks, put a few drops of food coloring in the tank. Wait about 20 minutes. If there’s a leak, you should see the water in the toilet bowl change color.

If you have a leak in your toilet, replace the float and flapper, or call a plumber to assess the problem.

5. When Should I Call a Plumber?

Not every plumbing problem is easy to fix; some things may require the expertise of an experienced plumber. If you can’t locate the problem, feel like an issue is beyond your skill set, or need an expert opinion, don’t hesitate to call your technician at Express Plumbing near you.

With the help of our reputable plumbers, you can repair any problems you may have, as well as avert costly disasters in the future. You may pay more than if you fixed the problem yourself, but sometimes, peace of mind is worth the price.

At Express Plumbing, we’ve been providing the Bay Area with residential plumbing services for the past few decades, there’s no problem we can’t fix fast. Contact us.

31
May 23
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How do I fix a clogged drain?

Tags : how to clear a drain plumber near me residential plumbing san mateo clogged drain san mateo plumber unclog a drain

Here are some steps you can take to fix a clogged drain:

Use a Plunger

Start by using a plunger to create suction and dislodge the clog. Ensure there is enough water in the sink, tub, or toilet to cover the plunger. Place the plunger over the drain and vigorously push and pull to create suction. Repeat several times until the clog is cleared.

Remove Visible Debris

If the clog is caused by visible debris near the drain opening, such as hair or food particles, you can try removing it manually. Use a pair of gloves or long tweezers to reach in and pull out the debris. Be careful not to push the debris further into the drain.

Use a drain snake

A drain snake or auger is a flexible tool that can be inserted into the drain to break up or remove the clog. Insert the snake into the drain and turn the handle clockwise to push it further. Once you feel resistance, rotate the snake back and forth to break up the clog. Continue doing this until the clog is cleared.

Chemical drain cleaner

Chemical drain cleaners can dissolve or break up certain types of clogs. Follow the instructions on the product carefully, as they can be toxic and should be handled with care. Avoid using chemical cleaners if you have a septic system or if the clog is in a toilet, they can cause damage.

Natural Drain Cleaner

Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar: If you prefer a natural solution, you can try using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes, then flush it with hot water.

If these methods don’t solve the problem or if you’re dealing with a stubborn or recurring clog, it’s best to contact a plumber. Our team at Express Plumbing specializes in fixing a clogged drain fast. We’re well equipped and experienced to handle any size drain clog. We can fix your clogged drain quickly. Contact us today.

20
Dec 22
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5 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Plumbing System

Tags : express plumbing plumbing plumbing problems san francisco underground construction

The new year is always a time to reflect on what you can do better in your life. However, people rarely add plumbing to that list—and with good reason. However, creating a list of New Year’s resolutions for your plumbing system can actually help you with other potential resolutions, such as cutting waste, becoming more eco-friendly, or saving money. So if you’re searching for things to improve in 2023, add these plumbing-based resolutions to your list.

1. Take It Easy on Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals do the grunt work so you don’t have to, easily eliminating excess foodstuffs and leftovers so you don’t have to lug them out to the trash. However, put something in a garbage disposal that doesn’t belong, and you can damage it.

As part of your New Year’s resolutions for your plumbing system, avoid putting these items in your garbage disposal:

Coffee grounds
Bones
Potato peels
Onion skins
Grease and oil
Eggshells

If you make an effort to keep these out of the garbage disposal, you have a much better chance of extending its life.

2. Fix Your Leaks

Cutting waste is always a great New Year’s resolution. Not only can you put more money in your pocket, but you can also preserve the planet for future generations.

One way that you can start your campaign to reduce waste is by fixing the leaks in your home. A running toilet can waste up to 1 gallon per hour, while a dripping faucet can burn through 1 gallon of water per day.

By fixing leaks, you not only cut waste but also save water and money in the process.

3. Keep Your Drains Clear

Clogged drains are one of the biggest culprits of water damage in your home. When wastewater can’t flow freely out to the sewer, it comes back into your home, which could result in flooding and unsafe conditions.

Although some types of clogs are out of your control, making sure that you don’t use your toilet as a trash can, as well as using drain guards religiously can help you avoid any clogging issues in your home.

4. Insulate Your Pipes

Burst pipes are a huge issue. Not only can your home and personal items suffer massive damage due to flooding, but repairing the pipes is often a job that can cost $500 to $1,000.

If you’re in an area that’s prone to below-freezing temperatures, make sure to insulate your pipes in areas fully or moderately exposed to the cold—including the crawlspace, garage, attic, and basement.

5. Consider a Preventive Maintenance Plan

Whether you’re busy or just don’t have the know-how to tackle plumbing issues, a preventive maintenance plan is always a smart choice. Our plumbing professionals can conduct a yearly inspection, give you priority service, and ensure that your plumbing is always flowing smoothly.

If part of your New Year’s resolution is a little peace of mind, following through on these tips and a preventive maintenance plan might just be the stroke of genius you’ve always needed. From all of us at Express Plumbing in the Bay Area, we wish you a New Year filled with good health, good times and no plumbing problems.

22
Sep 22
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6 Autumn Home Plumbing Tips

Tags : EPS Inc express plumbing plumbing emergency plumbing problems underground construction

As a homeowner, fall is the ideal time to do some final things around the house before winter finally arrives. And while planting a new lawn, doing repairs, and cleaning are all ideal, don’t forget about your home’s plumbing. By planning ahead and doing some routine maintenance in autumn, you can ensure your home’s plumbing is working effectively and efficiently in the winter. Here are a few tips to keep your plumbing humming along this autumn.

1. Clean Your Gutters

Although it’s one of the most dreaded tasks from a homeowner’s perspective, autumn is when you should absolutely make time to clean your gutters. Fall and winter can see an increase in precipitation, but if your gutters are clogged, you risk bringing water into crawlspaces or against the foundation.

Water against the foundation of your home can cause hydrostatic pressure, which can cause cracks or even lead to flooding. Thankfully, you can avoid all of these issues just by scooping out the gunk. Just make sure to wear personal protective equipment, as that debris can be downright nasty.

2. Drain Your Water Heater

Draining your water heater is also an important task in autumn to prevent corrosion, increase heating capacity, and improve the life span of your water heater. It’s a big job if you have a large tank, so calling a plumber may be the better option.

3. Test Your Sump Pump

If your home contains a sump pump, you should make sure that it’s in proper working order, as it’s the only thing keeping your basement dry during a torrential downpour. To test your sump pump, grab a large bucket of water and dump it into the sump container to see if it turns on. Clean any hoses or the receptacle itself as necessary to avoid any clogs.

4. Seal the Gaps

Whether you have an old home or a brand-new one, going around your house with a caulking gun can actually prevent plumbing problems. As you walk around the exterior of your home, seal any holes or cracks to prevent cold air from entering your home. By doing so, you can avoid freezing or bursting pipes come wintertime.

5. Take Care of Your Outdoor Plumbing

While you may still need to water the lawn to get fresh grass seed growing, set a date when you’re ready to turn off your exterior plumbing. Disconnect any hoses, shut off any exterior spigots, and use an exterior shut-off valve whenever necessary. This will allow water to drain from the plumbing so there’s nothing left to freeze or burst the pipes when temperatures start to drop.

6. Call a Plumber

Even the best DIYer may have a situation arise that’s outside their realm of expertise, time constraints, or even a decent YouTube instructional video. For those moments, the only true way to keep your plumbing in tip-top shape is by calling a professional.

We hire the most experienced team of technicians in the Bay Area. We welcome you to rely on us for all your residential and commercial plumbing needs. Contact us and we’ll find the most cost-effective way to avoid catastrophe.

By calling us this fall, you can enjoy the holidays and the coming spring without a care in the world. That’s something you don’t get every day.

Contact us with any plans or questions you may have. We service the entire Bay Area, review a list of all our service locations around the Bay.

21
Aug 22
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4 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Your Attention

Tags : express plumbing plumbing san mateo underground construction

One of the greatest inventions of the past 135 years is the residential water heater. Invented by Edwin Ruud — a Norwegian immigrant living in Philadelphia — the water heater provides comfort and convenience that most people take for granted. But like any other appliance, it needs a bit of TLC from time to time. So if you’ve noticed a lapse of timely hot water or other issues that are taking the joy out of cooking or your shower, consider these signs that your water heater needs your attention.

1. Rust

Although almost all water heaters are made from high-strength steel, they will eventually rust and corrode due to water exposure. This is the most telltale sign that your water heater needs your attention.

If you notice rusty water coming out of the shower or the tap, your water heater could be on its last leg. Not only does it provide a gross color to the water, but it can also become a sanitary issue for your family. Rust around the valve or inlet of the water heater is also a sign that it’s probably going kaput.

2. Loud Noises

Basements and utility closets always have some sort of sounds emanating from them, but if you notice consistent rumbling noises every time you use hot water, your system could be time for maintenance or replacement.

Sediment buildup is the most common cause of loud noises from your water heater. The good news is that a water heater flush may clear the system and solve the problem. But if your water heater continues to make noise after the flush, you may want to start shopping for a new one.

3. No Hot Water

If you don’t have any hot water, your water heater is almost always to blame. While this could be as simple as the pilot light going it, that’s not always the case.

Other problems might include a broken thermostat, a water heater that’s too small for your hot water consumption, or a broken heating element. Whatever the case, you may need a plumber to inspect it for you.

4. You Can’t Remember How Old Your Water Heater Is

Most water heaters have a lifespan of eight to 12 years, so if you can’t remember when it was installed, you may find that it’s on its last leg. While there’s no need to replace it if it’s still working fine, the age of your water heater may reveal while it’s starting to lose its efficiency.

Call our Professional Plumbers

Not every solution is ideal or even possible, even for the most avid DIYer. So if you come across a situation with your water heater that’s beyond your expertise or you just don’t have the time, give our reputable plumbers a call.

Express Plumbing in San Mateo has been serving the Bay Area community for multiple decades. From sewer repairs to unclogging drains, installing new plumbing, and more. We can help 24/7 including holidays and weekends.

Our team knows how to diagnose problems and fix your water heater, leaving you free to work, play, or just do something you enjoy. While it comes with a cost, the benefits far outweigh the price. You’ll be glad you made the call when you’re enjoying a nice, hot shower. Learn more about the benefits of an instant water heater, and give us a call to discuss all your plumbing needs in the Bay Area.

20
Nov 21
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4 Holiday Plumbing Tips

Tags : express plumbing plumbing plumbing emergency plumbing problems san mateo san mateo plumber underground construction

Whether you’re having friends over for a New Year’s party or enjoying the company of your relatives during Christmas, the holidays are all about getting together and sharing time with others. However, an overflowing toilet, cold shower, or clogged drain can threaten to erode the more enjoyable aspects of the holiday season.

Our residential plumbers in San Mateo have helped thousands of residents in the local area during the holiday season. So before you have family or friends over, make sure to follow these holiday plumbing tips to avert disaster.

1. Don’t Have Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen

Everyone is a self-proclaimed master of the culinary arts when the holidays come around, or at least that’s what they think. However, too many cooks in the kitchen can have a profound effect on your plumbing system.

Maybe grandma doesn’t know what goes in the garbage disposal or your niece isn’t aware that oil and grease never go down the drain. Either way, you should only have trusted individuals around the kitchen. If your drain gets clogged, food and celebration gets put on hold. Don’t let this happen to you.

2. Tell Others What Goes in the Toilet (and What Doesn’t)

Not surprisingly, your toilets work overtime during the holiday season as more people come to your house. Yet despite your guests’ familiarity with the toilet, some use it as a disposal for just about everything — even things that can cause your toilet to clog or back up.

If you want to keep your toilet flowing, make a list of things that your guests shouldn’t put in the toilet and post it in a location that’s easy to see. Some things to put on your list include:

Feminine products
Wet wipes
Tissues and paper towels
Cotton swabs
Dental floss
Cigarette butts
Hair
Gum

3. Refrain from Pouring Grease and Oil Down the Drain

You’ve already kept people out of the kitchen to reduce the chance of a clogged drain. The next logical step is to prevent grease and oil from getting down the drain.

When you pour grease and oil down the drain, it solidifies with cold water, even if it was a liquid beforehand. While you’re aware of this valuable information, others might not be. So just as you did with the bathroom, post a friendly reminder that grease and oil should never go down the drain. Instead, have a large coffee tin or other metal containers for disposal.

4. Stagger Your Showers

If you have people staying at your house, you likely have a morning stampede to the shower as your guests try to get a nice, hot shower. However, this shouldn’t become a carousel or revolving door.

If you allow one shower after the other, not only does your hot water run out, but your shower drain can’t fully clear out. As a result, stagger your showers with 15-minute breaks in between. This will make sure your drains don’t get overloaded and everyone gets a hot, refreshing shower.

If you’re not exactly a handyman, don’t stress. Some jobs are better left to the professionals. However, you should move quickly. Many plumbing companies get booked up quickly around the holidays, Express Plumbing in San Mateo operates 24/7 including holidays and weekends. If you ever need us, simply give us a call.

20
Oct 21
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How to Winterize Your Indoor and Outdoor Plumbing Before It’s Too Cold

Tags : express plumbing holiday plumbing problems plumbing plumbing emergency plumbing issues san mateo san mateo plumbers

When the leaves and temperatures start to change, the last thing on your mind is your plumbing. But as a homeowner, seasonal plumbing maintenance is essential to ensure your system doesn’t fail you throughout the winter. So before the cold weather hits, here are some steps to winterize your plumbing.

These tips are provided by our expert plumbing technicians serving the San Mateo and surrounding areas:

Disconnect Hoses from Outdoor Spigots and Turn Off the Water

If you’re a gardener or you have a yard that’s the envy of the neighborhood, you probably have a few hoses hooked up to the exterior of your home. However, these can become susceptible to damage in the winter if the weather gets below freezing. This weather can lead to ice in the water line, which can then lead to built-up pressure that can burst your pipes.

To avoid this damage, disconnect all your hoses and turn the water off to exterior spigots. Then, turn the valve on to release any water that’s in the line. Doing both of these things will make sure that you don’t have any water in the line that can freeze.

Consider a Frost Protector

Once you’ve disconnected the hoses and turned off the water, you may also want to consider a frost protector. These foam insulators fit right over the spigot, adding another layer of protection against frost.

Hot Water Tank Maintenance

Unless you have an on-demand tankless water heater, your hot water tank needs a bit of TLC before winter comes. Start by opening the drain valve and letting the water drain out until the tank is empty. Make sure that you have a drain nearby or in the basement for the water. Otherwise, connect a garden hose to the tank and drain it in a nearby sink.

Next, drain the holding tank to relieve any additional pressure that’s within the system. You can also add antifreeze to the jet pump case as an added safety measure.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

One of the most catastrophic events that can happen to your plumbing in the winter is burst pipes. However, you can prevent this with some quick, easy maintenance. Begin your maintenance by identifying any pipes that are more susceptible to freezing. This might include pipes in crawl spaces, near the exterior of the home, or in unheated places.

Once you’ve identified which pipes may freeze, wrap them with insulation sleeves, heat tape, or foam. This will prevent them from freezing or bursting and it’s a minimal cost compared with the cost of repairing ac burst pipes.

Clean Your Gutters

No one likes to grab the muddy, slimy mess that builds up in your gutters over the course of the year. However, this debris can quickly clog up your system, which in turn, can lead to ice dams or water leaks inside your home. So grab a ladder and dig out all that debris so that water can flow unabated.

While even the novice DIYer can take care of these projects, don’t forget to give us a call for the more tasks or preventive maintenance. With a quick call, you can get peace of mind with a plumbing system that won’t let you down.

Our crew is comprised of experienced plumbing technicians and the most advanced equipment available for plumbers today. We’ve been serving the Bay Area for multiple decades and are here to help when you need us for all your commercial and residential plumbing needs.

28
Sep 21
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Residential Plumbing Most Commonly Asked Questions

Tags : clogged drain express plumbing home improvement plumbing emergency plumbing problems sewer underground construction

When your residential plumbing system is functioning at full capacity, you probably don’t think too much about it. It’s only when something fails, there’s a drip that keeps you awake, or the toilet backs up that your mind finally starts to wonder about the pipes beneath the floor or behind the walls. While even a novice DIYer can fix some plumbing issues, others may require a more professional approach. Either way, getting the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about residential plumbing is the most direct path to keeping your plumbing in business and your mind at ease.

What Should I Do If My Toilet Starts to Overflow?

An overflowing toilet doesn’t just induce panic. It’s downright gross and can damage your home’s flooring, baseboards, and more. But before you have a meltdown, familiarize yourself with the steps to prevent a major catastrophe.

If your toilet starts to overflow, the quickest way to fix it is to take the lid off the tank, reach in, and push down the flapper. Hopefully, this solves the issue.

If the bowl continues to fill, look down at the base of your toilet. You should see some flexible pipe running to the wall. Follow this to the shutoff valve and turn the water off to avert disaster.

What’s the Best Way to Fix a Clog?

Although Drano and other drain cleaners tout themselves as the top solution to plumbing clogs, they’re environmentally unsafe. They may work, but if you don’t want to pollute the water supply, you still have other options.

In bathtubs and showers, the solution is usually easier than you think. Put on a pair of gloves, remove the grate, and reach down inside. A majority of the time, the issue is just a thick clump of hair and soap that’s built up over time. Once you remove this, it should solve the issue.

For your kitchen sink, you should first try a plunger. The suction can force the clog down the drain. If that doesn’t work, pour some baking soda down the drain and follow it up with a few quarts of boiling water.

When Should I Tackle a Plumbing Problem on My Own?

The most important thing to consider when fixing a plumbing issue is if you have the right tools for the job. Many plumbers use a variety of tools that you won’t find in a basic toolbox, so that’s where to look first.

Next, think about your confidence and knowledge to fix the problem. If you aren’t confident or aren’t sure what you’re doing, don’t force the issue.

Sometimes the Smart Move Is to Call a Professional

Even if you’re a driven individual that’s handy with a set of tools, don’t tackle plumbing problems that are over your head. Oftentimes, this can make the problem worse. Instead, call a professional plumbing crew.

By hiring a seasoned plumber, you can make short work of any plumbing problems and, hopefully, solve them before they become a major issue. The plumber may not love you looking over his shoulder, but maybe you’ll learn a thing or two. At Express Plumbing, we’ve helped residential, commercial and even municipal customers when they run into plumbing issues anywhere in the Bay Area. Give us a call, we’re happy to help.

25
Aug 21
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Fall Plumbing Adjustments Around the House

Tags : bay area civil engineering clogged drain express plumbing plumbing issues plumbing problems underground construction

Fall isn’t just a time when the leaves start falling, the kids go back to school, and the summer ends. It’s also a great occasion to do stuff around the house, and in particular, plumbing. Now that the hectic pace of summer has died down, you finally have time to do all the things you wanted to do months ago. And since your plumbing has probably taken a beating due to lockdowns and quarantines, it’s the perfect time to get a jump-start on everything before winter rears its ugly head. Here’s what you should do.

The Water Heater Debacle

Traditional Tank water heaters aren’t a bad investment per se. But if you live in a family of five or more, you certainly don’t want to be the last person to take a shower. While a cold shower might invigorate you and conceivably save water as you rush through your bathing regimen, upgrading to an on-demand water heater is perhaps the better option.

Although a bit more expensive than tank water heaters, you’ll know just where your money went. Every time you turn on the shower or faucet, you have instant hot water, essentially circumnavigating the cold-water issues you had in the past.

Our team at Express Plumbing can evaluate your water heater situation and make a recommendation. We have helped hundreds of homeowners in the Bay Area make the switch from a traditional water heater to a tankless water heater.

Garbage Disposal Repair

Have you noticed that your garbage disposal isn’t crushing up food particles as it has in the past? It’s nothing you did; it’s just the nature of garbage disposals. Like any other type of appliance in your home, it’s going to need maintenance from time to time.

To fix your garbage disposal, start with the easiest remedy: ice. When you pour ice down the drain and turn on the disposal, it effectively sharpens the blades, which could be the source of your problems.

If the problem is with draining, you have two other options. A plunger is a great way to remove clogs while baking soda and hot water solutions can help remove more stubborn clogs. Toss in a lemon afterward to clear the smell and your garbage disposal is like new.

Got any more questions about common plumbing problems? Give us a call, we love helping our neighbors and residents throughout the Bay Area.

Sprinkler Maintenance

Depending on where you live, fall means more rainfall. In the spirit of water conservation and saving money, you may as well conduct some sprinkler maintenance and take care of nature’s natural watering. Some things to look for include:

Puddles of water, which indicates a leak in the system
Sprinkler heads spraying the wrong way, which means they’re clogged or obstructed
Dead zones, which may be the result of broken lines or mechanical malfunction

If you keep your eyes on these problems, you can make sure your sprinkler is ready for the spring and turn your yellowed lawn into the green envy of the neighborhood.

Since sprinklers run at odd hours, you may not see the problem right away. Make sure to manually run your sprinklers during the day at least once a month and monitor each location for any leaks. Avoiding or ignoring this problem can be costly in the long run.

Cleaning the Gutters

With the torrential downpours of fall also comes a potential flooding hazard with respect to your gutters. When gutters are clogged, water goes closer to your house, which may result in leaks in the basement foundation. By cleaning the gutters of debris, you force the water flow away from your house, keeping your basement bone-dry in the process.

Know When to Call a Pro

Not every fall plumbing adjustment is easily handled by a novice DIYer. For those jobs, enlist the help of a plumbing professional. With just a quick call, you can fix minor problems before they become a huge issue in the winter. All that’s left to do is enjoy the change in foliage, Halloween, and maybe just the idea of the kids being out of the house.

We have been serving the Bay Area for multiple decades. EPS Inc. dba Express Plumbing is equipped and staffed to handle any size project. No job is too small or too big for our crew to handle, simply give us a call and we’ll be there to take care of your plumbing issues 24/7 including holidays and weekends.

26
Jul 21
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Clogged Garbage Disposal at Home: What Should I Do?

Tags : civil engineering clogged drain express plumbing plumbing plumbing problems plumbing tips

You’ve probably been there before. You put some end-pieces of food down the garbage disposal, turn on the water, and flick the switch. Quickly the sink fills up with water, and even the grinding of the disposal does nothing. You have the dreaded clogged garbage disposal. But as frustrating as it is, don’t stress. By learning what causes a backup and following a few tips, you can get your garbage disposal up and running in no time at all.

Why is my garbage disposal backing up?

Our San Mateo plumbers serving the Bay Area have reported that several culprits can cause clogged garbage disposal, but the most common reason is improper usage. Many people throw all types of food in the sink that shouldn’t go in there. Furthermore, if you’re not using enough water when you use the garbage disposal, the system can’t flush the food particles down through the trap and pipes.

One of the less common reasons that you should consider if you’re using enough water and only flushing the right types of food down the drain is the condition of the blades. Over time, food can dull the blades of the system, and they’re no longer sharp enough to cut the food into small enough pieces.

Furthermore, a unit that’s 15 years old or more may be at the end of its useful life. If you end up with a clog, give our experienced technicians a call. As your local Bay Area plumber, we’re here to make sure drains flow properly so you don’t have to worry about it.

How to drain a clogged garbage disposal?

The good news is that you have several options to drain a clogged garbage disposal. Before getting into these, it’s important to note that you should avoid drain cleaners. While these may work, they’re not environmentally friendly and should only be used as a last resort.;

One of the most efficient ways to clear a clogged garbage disposal is to use a plunger. You can use a toilet plunger, but for sanitary reasons, you may want to consider a sink plunger, which is also a bit smaller and makes it easy to plunge away.

Another option is to use an environmentally-friendly mix of baking soda and white vinegar. Pour one part of baking soda down the drain followed by two parts white vinegar. This will cause a fizzy chemical reaction that can break down food in the line. Flush it clear with water after about 20 minutes.

As a last resort, you may have to give us a call to amend the problem. Don’t go under the sink and start taking apart pipes or the garbage disposal unless you’re confident in your abilities. Otherwise, you might make the problem worse or your sink inoperable.

How to avoid a clogged garbage disposal?

If you want to avoid a clogged garbage disposal, don’t put any of these foods down the drain:

Eggshells
Coffee grounds
Fruit pits
Pasta
Grease and oil
Celery
Bones

Each of these items can clog or even break the garbage disposal. If you have quite a bit of acceptable food, make sure to put it down the drain in small batches to avoid overworking the unit. You should also keep the water running while you’re grinding up food to flush it down the drain and through the pipes.

Finally, you should conduct proper maintenance on all your drains and plumbing throughout the house. Throw ice in the drain once a week to sharpen the blades, as well as a lemon, which can help break down certain foods and provide a better odor.

A clogged garbage disposal is a nuisance, but with preventive ideas and maintenance, you can steer clear of the problem altogether.

These tips and more are available from our experienced crew of plumbers in the Bay Area. We’ve been serving our community for multiple decades and operate 24 hours if you ever need us. We look forward to serving your home or business.

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Category Archives: Home Improvement

Jun 23

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