Roto-Rooter and the Green Cause

Roto-Rooter is committed to providing products and services that offer real water-saving solutions and environmentally-friendly products to our customers.

Let us know how you are contributing to the Green cause by submitting a comment below. We'd love to hear from you.

Toilet Vent Issues

Thursday, October 22, 2009 by Ray & Lee, Master Plumbers

When the water in a toilet bowl drops and the tank is full without leaks, it generally means you have a clogged vent.  When water enters a pipe, it has to push ahead the air inside the pipe. After water goes through a vent, it replaces the water that was lost when the toilet is flushed.

When a vent is not working properly due to a blockage, the water will leave a vacuum causing the air from the outside to be drawn into the inside of the pipe. If the outside is blocked by water in the trap of the toilet, water will also be drawn in to replace the air. Until the air in the pipe is replaced by another vent or the water is able to run level in the pipe it will be able to then refill.

An Alexandria plumber would be happy to provide further assistance, if you are in need. For Alexandria plumbing service call 1-800-GET-ROTO and a licenses plumbing specialist will be sent out at your convenience.

You can also check out the Ask the Plumber section of our Web site if you have other inquiries about this or other plumbing problems and we will get back to you with more plumbing advice.


Dealing with Sump Pump Setbacks

Thursday, October 22, 2009 by Ray & Lee, Master Plumbers

If your sump pump is starting and stopping over and over again or surging, it is most likely due to a few plumbing problems. Any Merrilleville plumber will be able to determine one of the possibilities below:

  • The pressure switch may need to be replaced.
     
  • The expansion tank may have no air inside.
     
  • There may be a blockage of the opening of the impeller pump.

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

Roto-Rooter's Merrillville plumbers would be happy to assist you with this or any other Merrillville plumbing problem. Feel free to contact us at 1-800-GET-ROTO or check out our Web Site.

Rock Solid Plumbing

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 by Ray & Lee, Master Plumbers

How to Remove Gravel from Your Pipes

Finding the right help for your Tampa plumbing requests, whether you have residential plumbing or commercial plumbing problems, is usually pretty simple. If you need a plumber in Boston, you would probably search “plumber Boston” and be connected with a local plumbing company. Likewise, if you live in Phoenix, you might search “plumber Phoenix”. BUT, what do you do if you manage, as one customer did, to get GRAVEL IN YOUR PLUMBING?

 

There are two main systems and it is necessary to determine where the gravel is located.

-         Drainage System: If gravel has entered here, it can be pushed out using a snake or water jetter.

-         Water System: The first step is to determine how it entered the plumbing. From here, you would need to eliminate the source of the problem and then flush the system.

 

 

Roto-Rooter can assist you with this or any other plumbing repair—help is just one call away! The Tampa plumbers of Roto-Rooter are always available at your convenience, call 1-800-GET-ROTO to schedule a service call.

My Dishwasher is Not Draining

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 by Ray & Lee, Master Plumbers

Many times a dishwasher will click into the drain cycle, but when it is finished running, the dishwasher is still full of water. This is a common occurence and our staff of West Memphis plumbers are more than capable of assisting if needed.

There are two things that control the discharge of water from the dishwasher - the pump and the screen in front of the pump. If the pump motor is bad, no water will be removed from the dishwasher. And if the screen is completely clogged, then no water can get to the pump impeller.

If the line is not clogged, you will need a very good "handy man" or an appliance tech to come out and fix the problem. If the line is clogged, you can call your local Roto-Rooter to fix this plumbing repair by clearing your West Memphis plumbing line to the dishwasher.

Boiling water

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 by Ray & Lee, Master Plumbers
I have a question on pouring boiling water down the kitchen drain. My father-in-law says it is not wise to pour hot water, like draining pasta, directly down the drain because it could heat the glue that holds the pipes together and cause a leak. Will that cause problems with the San Antonio plumbing in my home?

In theory your father-in-law is right because San Antonio plumbers often use hot air to loosen a glue joint to separate the piping. But pouring hot water down your kitchen drain once in a while will not cause plumbing problems and a need for leak detection.

San Antonio plumbers have to specifically target the joint with the hot air, concentrating on the joint for 5 to 10 minutes for 350 degrees, in order to pull apart the piping. The water temperature you use is no more than 210 degrees at it's hottest.

So not to say what your father-in-law is saying is theoretically impossible, under the right conditions with enough hot water, but it is unlikely.

Check out our Web site or call 1-800-GET-ROTO for San Antonio plumbing assistance. 

Water Heater Maintenance

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 by Ray & Lee, Master Plumbers

We get a lot of questions about water heaters—when and how to drain, how to remove, etc—so this post should cater to a large audience.  

Draining your water heater:
A common Westchester plumbing request, is to replace the heating element in an electric heater. In order to replace the element, it is safest, although not necessary, to drain the water heater beforehand. You can read more about draining your heater here. Westchester plumbers of  Roto-Rooter recommend draining this appliance once every six months to prevent the buildup of calcium and minerals in the bottom of the tank.

 

When to replace your heater:
If you are having plumbing issues with your water heater and it is more than 10 to 15 years old, it is recommended to be replaced for a newer more energy-efficient model. For more information, check out this blog post.

 

Leaky water heater:
The cause of this problem is usually an old rubber gasket at the bottom of the heater. Check out this post to learn more.

 

Should you need the assistance of licensed plumbing specialists, Roto-Rooter’s 24 hour plumbing service ensures that someone will be there to answer your plumbing service calls around the clock! Roto-Rooter is always available for all your Westchester plumbing needs.

Cooking-Related Tips

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 by Ray & Lee, Master Plumbers

Norfolk plumbers of Roto-Rooter offer drain cleaning and plumbing services. We work holidays and weekends 24/7. Due to current economic conditions, more people are staying at home and cooking instead of going out. This causes more cases of clogged kitchen sinks, especially in the Hampton Roads area. Many Roto-Rooter Plumbers located in Norfolk and surrounding areas have offered these helpful tips, so all your Norfolk plumbing problems go down the drain:
 

  1. Don’t pour fats or cooking oils down drains. Just throw them away in a wastebasket.
     
  2. Stringy, fibrous waste (poultry skins, celery, fruit and potato skins) can cause a kitchen sink clog because garbage disposals can not sufficiently grind those items.
     
  3.  Make sure your garbage disposal is running when you put food in it. It’s important not to wait until it’s full to turn it on.


For more Norfolk plumbing tips and advice visit our Web site, to schedule a service call at 1-800-GET-ROTO.


Roto-Rooter's Pipe Shield

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 by Ray & Lee, Master Plumbers
Roto-Rooter® Pipe Shield®Roto-Rooter's Pipe Sheild is highly recommended by Chicago plumbers. It is a fast, economical way to ensure free-flowing drains. It prevents materials from building up in your drains and causing clogs. Pipe Shield's exclusive formula uses natural bacteria to breakdown deposits, so it's safe for the environment. When used as directed each month, buildup can be prevented for up to 30 days.

All you have to do is apply it once a month to kitchen, bathroom, shower, tub and other drains. Add 2 oz. (1/4 cup) of Pipe Shield to 32 oz. (4 cups) of warm water and pour into drain. Let it stand overnight, then flush with hot water for one minute. For problem drains, use once a week.

You can purchase it directly from your Roto-Rooter Chicago plumbing  branch location. Check availability on our Web site for other areas.

Our Web site

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 by Ray & Lee, Master Plumbers
Our Web site is a great resource to utilize. We offer many tips and provide an Ask the Plumbers section where you can directly correspond with licensed plumbing specialists about inquiries and advice. For some locations you are able to schedule service online and find area-specific promotional offers.  

If you need to find local plumbing companies in your area, search the Internet for Roto-Rooter by typing keywords with your metro city, for example "Philadelphia plumbing" or "Baltimore plumber." We offer 24 hour plumbing, so we can schedule a time that's convenient for you.

How to shut off the water

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 by Ray & Lee, Master Plumbers

Every once in a while a faucet will break. Don’t be alarmed, the water can be easily shut off.  First, look beneath the sink for the water shut-off valves. There should be two, one to shut off the cold water and another for the hot. They're usually chrome with a small oval valve handle. Next, turn the handles clockwise until the water stops pouring out of the faucet.

Sometimes water shut-off valves freeze up from lack of use. If they won’t budge, use a pair of pliers to assist and slowly turn the knob back and forth until the rubber seat inside loosens. Don't force it all at once or it could break and cause bigger plumbing problems. If the valve spins freely and won't turn, tighten the set screw on the face and try again.

Once the valve is moving, turn off the water and call the Charlotte plumbers of Roto-Rooter, who will be more than willing and able to fix this common plumbing ordeal.
For Charlotte plumbing service call 1-800-GET-ROTO. Don’t hesitate to call; we are available 24 hours, 7days a week.

Showers & Bathtubs

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 by Ray & Lee, Master Plumbers

There are many bathroom shower and tub options available today. Most are conventional tub & shower combinations, others are ornate with a variety of water jets, shower heads and faucet designs. Camden plumbers have noted some trends and have noticed the more modern and customizable versions are gaining popularity.

Roto-Rooter's licensed plumbing specialists are masters of all shower and bathtub drain repairs. They are fully equiped to deal with water pressure issues and installations/replacements as well. Roto-Rooter can even order the shower or bathtub of your choice for you. We are the experts to call for your bathroom plumbing solutions.

For more information or to schedule Camden plumbing service feel free to contact us at 1-800-GET-ROTO.  

Fall Tips

Monday, September 21, 2009 by Ray & Lee, Master Plumbers

The fall is quickly approaching and is a great time to prep for the winter. Each and every Cleveland plumber would agree that just a few simple preparations now can prevent costly repairs that commonly occur in the winter.

Be sure to disconnect outside water hoses. If left connected, water is able to freeze, which can lead to frozen and/or broken pipes. Check for drippy/leaky faucets. Make sure to repair them before freezing temperatures arrive. Just one small crack in a pipe can easily unleash over 250 gallons of water in a single day.


If you have interior shut-off valves leading to outside faucets, close and drain them. Insulating pipes in unheated areas (like garages and crawl spaces) with heat tape or thermostat- controlled cables is an option as well.


Your water heater works harder in the winter, so make sure it is functioning properly- for optimum performance check that it is set at 120°F.  Inspect your sump pump and pit too. If not properly maintained and exposed to extreme cold, pumps can freeze and stop operating.

If vacationing, make sure the heat is set no lower than 55°F. Additionally, shut off the main water valve and drain the faucets at the lowest and highest points of your home. Note: if leaving for an extensive period of time it is recommended to seek professional help for Cleveland plumbing winterization.  


Some of our services

Friday, September 18, 2009 by Ray & Lee, Master Plumbers
We can provide you with a variety of repair and maintenance services.
Some of our services include:
  • Complete Plumbing and Drain Services
  • Anytime- 7 days a week
  • Emergency Service
     
Our Ft Lauderdale plumbers can take care of all your installation, repair and replacement needs. From faucets and sinks to water lines and pipework; we've got you covered. Be sure to check out our Web site. We provide a great deal of information, a number of valuable tips and so much more.  You can also schedule a Ft Lauderdale plumbing service call online or call 1-800-GET-ROTO to speak with a representative.


What is an auger?!

Thursday, September 17, 2009 by Ray & Lee, Master Plumbers
Every Colorado Springs plumber is familiar with one and now we will pass along the knowledge to you. An auger is a specially designed snake for toilets. It costs only about $15.00 and can be purchased at typically any hardware store. It has a rubber shield to protect the toilet from scratching unlike most other snakes and is most definitely a must for a do-it-yourself homeowner. Once you learn to use it, you can save yourself from extra plumbing service calls. 

They can be messy, but are very easy to use:

1. Insert snake into toilet bowl with the end pointing into the toilet.

2. Crank the handle clockwise and as you slowly push it into the toilet.

3. Continue rotating the handle until the clog is encountered/ the snake handle is rotated down against the protective sheath. 

4. If an object is encountered, the snake will try to snag it. Note: pull back on snake to retrieve object without turning the handle

This process may be repeated until the clog is cleared/ the item is retrieved.

If an auger does not work you may have to remove the toilet from the floor and check the opening on the bottom for a blockage. Warning pulling the toilet off the  floor should only be done by mechanically inclined people. If you happen to drop the toilet it will shatter into a million pieces.

For more Colorado Springs plumbing tips visit our Ask the Plumber section of our Web site or call 1-800-GET-ROTO for Colorado Springs plumbing services.

Camera Inspections Vital with Older Home Purchases

Thursday, September 10, 2009 by Ray & Lee, Master Plumbers

Camera inspection is essentially the only method to determine if tree roots have reached the pipe lines of a home. This is becoming a prerequisite of buying an older home and is definitely recommended by many Columbus plumbers, especially when large trees are involved.

If the house you are planning to purchase is less then 30 years old, you most likely have a plastic sewer. But, this is not guaranteed and a major reason for camera inspection. The inspection only takes about a half hour and the sewer cleaning usually takes place in the basement.

If a camera inspection is not an option before purchase, ask for an escrow of the amount to reline or replace the sewer to be put into the contract. Most definitely do the inspection after your home purchase if you were unable to do one prior. If the sewer line is good then they will get their money back. If the sewer line is bad and the sellers know it is then they probably won't agree to an escrow. In most contracts they can't knowingly deceive you.

If you would like further information on camera inspections or other Columbus plumbing inquiries, check out our Web site or call 1-800-GET-ROTO for a variety of Columbus plumbing services.

 
 

A Bit of Roto-Rooter History

Friday, September 4, 2009 by Ray & Lee, Master Plumbers
In the late 1920s, Samuel Oscar Blanc (1883-1964) was motivated by a stubborn clogged drain in his son, Milton's apartment (Des Moines, Iowa) to seek a better solution. By 1933, Samuel and Milton Blanc were able to fashion a sewer-cleaning machine.

This new and innovative machine was constructed from a washing machine motor, roller skate wheels and a 3/8" steel cable. The cable rotated sharp blades to cut tree roots out of sewer lines, which ultimately eliminated the need to dig. Blanc's wife, Lettie, dubbed the invention, a heavy-duty plumber's snake, the "Roto-Rooter."

From this point on, Roto-Rooter then began to guarantee results without having to dig up lawns to reach underground sewer pipes. This method was more efficient and cost effective and is still used today to clear roots, grease and scum from plumbing pipes, without pipe replacement. It is now one of our most common plumbing services and we continue to build off of Blanc's ambition.

If you would like more information, feel free to visit our Web site or contact 1-800-GET-ROTO for plumbing service calls.

Purchasing a Toilet

Tuesday, September 1, 2009 by Ray & Lee, Master Plumbers

No need to purchase toilets before installation, the Granite City plumbers of Roto-Rooter are more than willing  to purchase them and/ or simply just install them for you. Before choosing a toilet, it is a good idea to do some research; check out www.terry love.com/crtoilet.htm. This Web site provides a consumer report on the best flushing toilets made. But do make sure to purchase a toilet with at least a 900 gram flushing capacity. It most definitely will guarantee your flushing satisfaction.

Roto-Rooter can provide the Granite City plumbing solutions you are in need of. Don't hesitate to visit our Web site or call 1-800-GET-ROTO for a variety of Granite City plumbing services.

Water Usage

Monday, August 31, 2009 by Ray & Lee, Master Plumbers

Here are some interesting figures regarding household water usage:

  • The average homeowner uses 168 gallons of water per day to do everything from flushing toilets to washing clothes in a home without high efficient washers.
     
  • Toilets and faucets use about 1.5 gallons per minute.
     
  • In many areas, the amount of water used for lawn care significantly raises drinking water consumption.

  • Homes with high efficiency use substantially less per day (approximately 50-75 gallons).
     
  • Ideally, individuals should not be using more than 5,040  gallons per month.
     
  • A family of four will use about 20,000 gallons of water in a month in a standard home- with teenagers the number goes up.
     
It is recommended by all Hartford plumbers to always look out for plumbing problems, especially leaks or toilet abnormalities, which can significantly raise your monthly water bill if gone unnoticed. For more information visit our Web site or call 1-800-GET-ROTO to speak with a specialist or schedule Hartford plumbing calls.

A temporary leak quick fix

Monday, August 31, 2009 by Ray & Lee, Master Plumbers

Putting a temporary patch on a pipe is actually a quick and easy fix. All you need is some rubber gasket material and a hose clamp, which can be bought at any hardware store. Simply wrap the rubber material on top of the pipe around the leak to seal it until it can be repaired.

Keep in mind that this is only a temporary fix, ask any Dayton plumber, believe me we know from experience. Typically, a leak is a symptom that the section of piping is ready to fail. Holes in piping can develop for a number of reasons. One reason can be due to the type of water running through the pipe, if it is more acidic it will begin to eat small holes through the pipe. Another cause can be the plumber who installed it, they may not have properly debured the pipe when they cut it. This causes the water to swirl like a tornado, which over time removes the protective copper layer and ultimately eats a hole through the pipe. High water pressure can eat a hole through a pipe over time as well.  

Repairing a pipe when it has a leak is an essential plumbing repair. A leak should not be ignored and should be dealt with immediately to prevent future potential problems. If a problem were to arise, the Dayton plumbers of Roto-Rooter are always available to assist.

For more plumbing advice visit our Web site's Ask the Plumber section or call 1-800-GET-ROTO for 24 hour Dayton plumbing assistance from licensed plumbing specialists.