Category Archives: plumbing tips

How To Flush Your Toilet When The Water Is Off

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How to Flush a Broken Toilet

We take so many of our modern conveniences which is why it seems like such a hardship when we are suddenly without them. That is certainly true of indoor plumbing. When the water is shut off to your house due to a water main break or for plumbing repairs you will be left with only enough water in your toilet’s tank for one flush. After that, what do you do? You are able to flush your toilet even while the water is off but it takes a little extra effort and planning. All you need is a bucket and a supply of water and you should be able to continue to use your toilet even while you are without running water.

Your toilet doesn’t actually need running water to flush properly. As long as your toilet is functioning normally, all you have to do is fill the bowl with water and gravity will take care of the rest. You don’t even have to worry about pulling down on the flush handle.

If you have some advanced warning that the water will be shut off you should fill up your bathtub with enough water to allow you to flush your toilet several times until service is restored. Another advantage of filling the tub for this purpose is that the water supply will be nearby and you won’t have to haul it into the bathroom from somewhere else. Even if you don’t know that the water will be shut off in advance you can use water from any source for this purpose, including a nearby pond or creek since it is only going down the toilet and won’t be used for drinking or cooking.

You’ll need about a gallon of water to make this work. When pouring the water into the bowl make sure you do so with enough force to mimic the action of a normal flush. If you dump it in gradually, all you will do is fill the bowl and the water won’t go anywhere. This is handy to remember if you want to fill the commode back up to its normal level after a flush. That being said, you don’t have to toss the water into the toilet as if you are dousing a fire. A steady pour should do the trick and you won’t be left with a wet floor to mop up.

There is another way to flush your toilet when the water is turned off to your home that is just as easy. It also requires having a ready supply of water. This involves refilling the tank after each flush. The basic idea is the same, but instead of pouring the water into the bowl, you pour it directly into the tank. You’ll need to pour in about a gallon and a half of water taking care not to raise the level in the tank until it covers the top of the overflow tube, otherwise you are just wasting precious water. Whichever approach you choose, you should have no problems continuing to flush your toilet while you wait for the water to start flowing again.

Is Your Sump Pump Going To Be There For You When You Need It?

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The day you discover that you have water in your basement is the wrong time to find out that your sump pump isn’t working right.

Sump pumps can prevent serious water damage to your home but only if they are well maintained. Is your sump pump going to be there for you when you need it? If you follow a few simple maintenance tips the answer to that question should be yes.

You can test the pump by pouring water into the well, the hole in the floor that the pump sits in. The float should rise with the water in the well and the pump will turn on, sending the water through the discharge line and away from the house. If the pump fails to come on, then you’ve got problems.

If you sump pump isnt working, start with the obvious. Make sure power is getting to the sump pump. Is the unit plugged in? Did a circuit breaker get tripped? If you find that power is indeed reaching the pump, then you need to start troubleshooting. You may find the problem is a quick fix or you may find you need a brand new sump pump.

A common culprit is a malfunctioning float component. It is possible that the float itself is caught on something which is preventing it from being raised by the water level. Check to make sure debris hasn’t fallen into the well which could obstruct the float. It is also possible the float switch may be bad and need to be replaced. If you find the float switch has indeed failed, it might be better to invest in a new sump pump unless you are confident you can install a new switch yourself.

You should also check to make sure the discharge line isn’t frozen shut or obstructed by debris. When the line isn’t clear the pump can’t push the water through the line and it will back up into the basement. Making sure that the discharge line is free of obstructions is a continuing part of sump pump maintenance and it should be checked a few times every year.

A clogged intake filter can make it difficult or even impossible for a sump pump to get water out of the well. Dirt, gravel, and other debris can clog the filter and force your sump pump to work harder to empty the well. Make sure to keep the intake filter clean and replace it when appropriate. Clogged intake filters can cause your pump to run continuously since the water isn’t being removed which can quickly burn up the unit.

Sump pumps do wear out over time and you’ll want to find out if yours is finished before flooding season. Installing a new pump is simple enough but if you don’t feel it’s something you can do on your own, hire a plumber. A properly functioning sump pump can help mitigate the effects of flooding in your basement, potentially saving you thousands of dollars, so it is well worth your time to check out your sump pump to make sure it is ready to go when you need it.

7 Things You Can Do Right Now To Reduce Your Water Bill

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All of us would like to trim our household expenses and one the best ways we can do that is by reducing our monthly water bill. While there are many easy ways to accomplish this we are sometimes reluctant to take the necessary steps. Most people equate conserving water with making radical changes to their lifestyle. The good news is with a few minor tweaks, you can start seeing savings on your water bill without sacrificing comfort. Here are seven ways you can do right now to reduce your water bill.

Replace Leaky Fixtures

Leaky faucets can waste thousands of gallons of water each year. If you have more than one leaky faucet or a leaky toilet, it can really add up in the course of a year. When it comes time to replace fixtures consider low flow faucet aerators and toilets to help regulate your water usage.

Pull The Plug On Baths

On average it takes about 35 gallons of water to fill up a bathtub. When you compare that to a 5-minute shower that uses around a third of that and making the switch is a no-brainer. When you replace conventional shower heads with low-flow models the savings can be even more significant.

Low Flow Shower Heads

According to the U.S Department of Energy, switching to low-flow shower heads can reduce your water bill by up to 60%. Low-flow shower heads are easy to install and you won’t notice any change in the quality of your morning shower. Spending a little less time in the shower will help as well.

Turn Off The Water While Brushing Or Shaving

We all do it. You’re brushing your teeth or shaving in the bathroom sink and you keep the water running until it’s time to rinse out your mouth or wash the shaving cream off your face. Why do we do it? Most of the time we don’t stop to think how much money we are wasting by not shutting off the faucet when we don’t need the water. Simply remembering to turn off the water when you don’t need it can help lower your monthly bill.

Throw Out The Garbage Disposal

You are pouring money down the drain when you use your garbage disposal. Just throw your waste in the trash instead. Taking the trash out a few extra times a month is more than worth it when you consider the amount of water you can save.

Insulate Your Water Pipes

This has a dual benefit; not only will the insulation protect your pipes from freezing during the winter but it is also a great way to save water. Since the insulation helps water heat up faster you spend less time with the faucet open waiting for the water to get hot enough to wash dishes or shower.

Use The Dishwasher

From a water conservation standpoint, dishwashers are a more efficient way to get dishes clean than hand washing. But make sure you only run the dishwasher when it is full. Otherwise, you are negating any possible savings by not making the best use of the appliance’s money saving potential.

Toilet Won’t Flush? These Might Be the Reasons

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Toilet Won't Flush

Who hasn’t experienced this minor household emergency; you flush the toilet and instead of the familiar swirl of water leaving the bowl, nothing happens. You know you’ve got an issue, the only question is how serious is it. The source of the problem could be something that you can easily fix yourself in a matter of minutes or it may require calling in a professional to get your toilet repaired. If your toilet isn’t flushing water, these might be the reasons.

A Clogged Pipe

When you flush too much toilet paper or materials that are better disposed of in the trash, a clog can result which will keep your toilet from flushing. Depending on the severity of the issue you might be able to dislodge the clog with a plunger. A more serious clog might require a call to a plumber who will use a snake or auger to clear the pipe. Clogs can be prevented by being mindful of the amount of material you flush.

The Lift Chain Isn’t Lifting the Flapper

The lift chain is hooked to the end of the arm that connects to the flusher handle. The other end of the chain is connected to the flapper, the small piece of plastic or rubber that covers the pipe running between the tank and the bowl. When the toilet is flushed, the flapper lifts off the pipe, allowing the water to leave the tank and flow into the bowl. If the lift chain is disconnected or there is too much slack in the chain then the flapper won’t raise, preventing this simple but vital transfer from taking place. This is a simple fix that even the most unhandy person should be able to undertake. Simply lift off the top of the tank and reconnect the chain or, if there is too much slack, adjust the length of the chain.

There’s Not Enough Water in the Tank

The toilet won’t flush if there is an insufficient amount of water in the tank. When you look in the tank, the water level should be about an inch below the top of the toilet’s overflow tube, which redirects the water into the bowl when the water level in the tank is too high. If it isn’t, then you should check the water valve to make sure it hasn’t been turned off. Sometimes the valve is turned off accidentally or it might have been done in the course of winterizing the home. Turn the valve back on and then keep an eye on the water level in the tank after you flush to make sure that it fills to the correct level.

The Flapper Isn’t Functioning Properly

The flapper can become worn and warped over time which will prevent it from forming a proper seal over the pipe that connects the tank and the bowl. This is a fairly easy and inexpensive fix. Replacement flappers can be purchased at most hardware stores and are simple to install. Turn off the water to the toilet and empty the tank before putting in the new flapper. Give it a flush to ensure the problem is resolved.

Please, contact us if you are having an emergency toilet repair issue.

6 Typical Plumbing Issues Found In Older Homes

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Old bathroom

Old bathroom

Is Your Home Old? If the answer is yes, there are some plumbing issues that you should be aware of. That older home of yours can lose a lot of its charm when you are constantly dealing with problems ranging from low water pressure to a backed up sewer. Sometimes the fix can be tricky and time-consuming or expensive if you aren’t able to do the work yourself. Here are some of the usual suspects when it comes to serious plumbing issues in older houses.

Normal Wear and Tear

Like anything in an old house, you have to expect a certain amount of natural deterioration that comes with day to day use over a long period of time. But understand why something happens doesn’t make it any less problematic. Eventually, small leaks can grow into large leaks and can leave you with water damage that will only compound the challenges of maintaining an older home. Relining the pipes is one alternative to completely replumbing the house.

Galvanized Steel Pipes

Older homes are more likely to have galvanized steel pipes rather than plastic or copper pipes that are more common in newer homes that you may want to have inspected. Over time, those older pipes begin to rust and corrode. This affects the performance of water pipes, making them susceptible to water pressure problems and clogs. If you get brown water when you first turn on the faucet that means you have a rust problem. You will want to replace steel pipes to head off any major leaks before they occur and turn your quaint old home into a money pit. Other older materials including clay sewer lines and cast iron drains can pose their own problems.

Plumbing That Has Been Altered Numerous Times

If you have a leak, it may be more difficult to run down the problem in an older home. Odds are previous owners have altered and reconfigured the plumbing in the house several times which can make finding the source of an issue that much more difficult. Eliminating any extraneous pipes can not only cut down on the clutter but can also shorten up the amount of time it takes to react to a plumbing emergency.

Small Vent Pipes

When most older homes were built two-inch vent pipes were the norm. These smaller vent pipes are inadequate to meet the needs of a modern household and can lead to slow drainage, among other problems. Replacing those undersized vent pipes with three-inch pipes will prevent headaches in the future.

Tree Roots in the Sewer Line

Large trees growing in the yard are often part of the allure of an older house at least until the roots start growing into the septic tank or into your slab causing a slab leak. This can cause the sewer to back up, or water line breakage and inflict serious damage on your property. You’ll want to take action the first time you have this issue or you could have a really big problem later.

Noisy Pipes

Your house can sound haunted when old pipes start creaking as they expand and contract. The solution to this problem is fairly easy and inexpensive. By adding some insulation, you can help keep the pipes at a constant temperature and eliminate the noise.

Davis Plumbing & Drain offers plumbing service inspections in older homes. Please call to scheduled yours today.

Benefits Switching To Water Saving Faucets, Heads and Appliances

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There are a number of benefits to switching to water saving faucets, heads and appliances beyond the obvious advantage of lowering your monthly water bill. From an environmental standpoint, water saving fixtures and appliances are an excellent way to conserve water. It is estimated that over three trillion gallons of water a year could be saved if every home in U.S. installed energy efficient water fixtures to say nothing of the additional savings “green” appliances could offer these same households. Some communities and utility companies also offer households incentives for switching to these water-saving plumbing accessories and appliances.

Water Saving Faucets

One of the benefits of replacing fixtures is that a water-efficient faucets have a flow rate of 1.5 GPM, compared to 2.5 GPM for conventional faucets, which can save an average family around 700 gallons of water annually. This lower flow rate in no way affects performance. These faucets also reduce energy usage by putting less of a demand on hot water heaters. The addition of a flow restrictor to an existing faucet can accomplish the same objective.

Water Saving Shower Heads

That refreshing shower you take in the morning could be responsible for up to 30 percent of the water usage in your home. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that American’s waste around two trillion gallons of water every year in the shower. Making the switch to a low-flow showerhead can reduce your water consumption by up to 40 percent and also save you a couple of hundred dollars or more on your water bill. Expect to save a few dollars on your electric bill as well. You can find low flow shower heads at most hardware stores and they are quick and easy to install.

Some people resist moving to low flow shower heads because they equate them with low water pressure. If you’re concerned about sacrificing the quality of your shower in the name of water savings take heart; recent improvements have addressed the issue of lower water pressure that once made showering with low flow heads so unpleasant.

Water Saving Appliances

Water saving appliances can be a little more expensive than less efficient models but you can quickly make up for the extra cost with what you’ll save on your utility bills. These water saving appliances also use less electricity and take up less space in the home.
Switching to a more water efficient washing machine can save a family of four up to 11,900 gallons of water annually. But there are other considerations that make water saving washers a smart purchase. Most of these high-efficiency washers are front loaders which rely on tumbling action to get clothes clean, a process which is gentler on clothes and requires less detergent. And since more water is removed from clothes during the final rinse cycle drying takes less time.

A water-saving dishwater can save a four-person household up 700 gallons of water a year. The more sophisticated water efficient dishwashers use soil sensors to automatically adjust the amount of water delivered to dishes based on how dirty they are. Even more basic models can save water and energy since they typically use about one-third of the amount of water that a conventional dishwasher uses and are 41% more energy efficient.

Need help converting to water saving fixtures, faucets or appliances? Call Davis Plumbing & Drain at (480) 985-3012

Why Is My Water Heater Running Out Of Hot Water?

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Does it seem like your hot water heater isn’t working right? After a couple of minutes in the shower does your hot water turn lukewarm? Your hot water heater may have a problem and there could be a number of reasons for this. The reasons below are typical problems but be sure to contact a professional plumbing service to help determine your specific issue.

Dip Tube

Both gas and electric hot water heaters have a pipe called a dip tube that is supposed to make the unheated water coming into the tank go down to the bottom so the already-hot water can be sent out of the tank to where it’s needed. If your dip tube is broken or it falls off, this won’t happen, meaning new water coming into the tank will mix with the hot water and lower its temperature. Hence, you wind up with lukewarm water.

Thermostat

Your water heater has a thermostat that tells it how much to heat the water before it goes on its way. If the thermostat is not functioning properly, you are likely to wind up with water that isn’t hot. If the thermostat is broken altogether, your water heater won’t heat any more water, so eventually you will run out after whatever in the tank is gone. If the thermostat setting is off, you might get water that’s not heated to the temperature you expect.

Heating Element

If you water heater is electric, you could have a problem with your heating element, especially the one on the lower part of the tank. If it’s not functioning properly, your water heater may only heat the water in the top of the tank, which means you eventually will run out of hot water.

Some of these issues you can investigate on your own, but you likely will need a licensed plumber to assess the situations and either make repairs or suggest a replacement.

3 Reasons You Might Have Mold Growing In Your House

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There are several reasons why a home can have mold growth, but whatever the reason, you need to determine the source to repair the problem before beginning a cleanup. Having mold in your home is dangerous because it causes symptoms such as watery eyes, itchy skin and chronic coughing. Here are three causes of mold inside a home that you must look for and fix.

Leaking Roof

You might not realize that a home’s roof has holes because it is not something you inspect on a regular basis. However, tiny cracks can permit moisture to enter after it rains or snows, and the moisture causes serious problems. Small amounts of moisture can leak into a home to damage ceilings and walls. Because mold spores thrive in moisture, colonies begin to grow rapidly and send out more spores into a home’s ductwork.

Leaking Pipes

Old degraded plumbing can lead to mold growth inside a home because pipes and connectors begin to leak and will need to be re-piped. The tiny drops of water soak into drywall and insulation, helping mold spores to grow. This type of mold can grow inside walls for several years without homeowners noticing, and unless the materials are removed and cleaned thoroughly, the building’s occupants can begin to experience health problems.

Poor Air Circulation

Mold spores will grow quickly in areas of your home that have high humidity levels and poor air circulation. Spaces such as attics, closets and basements are also dark, creating a perfect environment for mold to grow. Homeowners may not enter these spaces for several months and not realize that mold is growing on the walls, floors or ceilings until serious damage occurs that requires tearing out materials before sanitizing underlying surfaces.