A Quick Flushing Fix

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers

A Raleigh plumbing customer recently wrote in to inquire about a plumbing problem they have been having with their toilet:

 “I always have to hold down on the handle for my toilet to flush, why is this happening/can this be fixed?”

You are in luck, the answer is simple and this issue can be easily fixed. The chain connected to the flapper is too long. The chain should be no longer than ½ an inch longer than the handle arm at rest.

How to fix:

When the handle trip lever is all the way down on the inside of the toilet, remove the chain and hold it alongside the trip lever arm. Then, move the clip from the chain (fits in the holes of the trip lever) so it does not rise more than ½ an inch above the arm. Re-attach and flush to ensure that it is working properly.

If this does not work, the flapper is most likely water logged or broken. In either case, it will need to be replaced.  

If you would like assistance from a Raleigh plumber with any Raleigh plumbing or drain service visit our Web site or call 919-366-3045 to schedule a service call.


High Power Jetting

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers
New construction in Westbury has caused plumbing problems at a commercial customer's location, which will require using our high power jet. After doing a camera inspection on the main line, it seems the contractor used duct tape on the joints of the pipes and although that could be normal practice for the contractor, some of that tape is working its way through the joints causing the lines to backup. Our recommendation to the customer is to high power jet the line to try to clear most of the tape and other debris out of the line.
 
If you are experiencing a similar issue, high power jetting could be your solution and the Roto-Rooter New York plumbers are more than capable of assisting you. Feel free to call us at 516-785-6398 to schedule service at your convenience.

Annette Aylward, Long Island

Big Jobs

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers

This week Roto-Rooter Memphis plumbers had a very large plumbing job at a senior living facility. Roto-Rooter technician, Steve, was called to diagnose a lack of hot water at the property. As an experienced Memphis plumber, Steve was able to determine that a new boiler was required to solve the issue. Not only that, he discovered that two other boilers were about to go out. When you have a plumbing problem in Memphis, Roto-Rooter can provide you with a solution. There is no job too big or even small for Roto-Rooter of Memphis!

Name: Jon-Lise Frazier, Memphis


Seattle Plumber Preferred Service Tech Program

Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers
Did you know that you can request a specific Roto-Rooter plumber when you call? Roto-Rooter's preferred service tech program is in place because sometimes things just click between you and your plumber. Customers sometimes write us to say, "that guy was so attentive and he found the perfect bathroom plumbing solutions for us." We understand that when a customer develops a rapport with one of our plumbers, they want to continue using that plumber.

One of our Seattle plumbers was sent out to a remote location to fix some plumbing problems at a vacation home in the dead of winter. It was to be his last job of the day since it was getting late. He took care of the plumbing repair and went on his way. He didn't get very far when troopers stopped him at a road block and informed him that the highway was closed for the night due to an avalanche of snow covering the road.

Repeated attempts to find a motel were fruitless so the technician called the customer he just visited to see if he could help. Lo and behold, the customer picked up the Roto-Rooter man in his four-wheel-drive vehicle and let him spend the night at one of his rental properties. The two developed a strong rapport and plenty of mutual respect. Guess who the customer calls whenever he has plumbing problems?

Seattle Plumber is Ready for Return of Familiar Seattle Rains

Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers

When we think of Seattle, most of us think of rain. But this has been kind of a dry season for the Pacific Northwest, and conversely a "dry season" in terms of business demand for Seattle plumbers, Plumber Tacoma works too. Plumbing repair companies that replace lots of sump pumps and handle sewer repair work and sewer cleaning to remedy flooded basements, found themselves high and dry this fall at a time when they would prefer to be low and wet. But not many homeowners in the Seattle-Tacoma area were complaining. After all, those jobs are costly and these days extra cash is in short supply for most families.

But alas, the rains have returned. Last week saw normally tame rivers flooding beyond their banks and the abnormally dry ground became saturated once again. Looks like the humble Plumber Seattle is once again going to be a man in demand if the rain continues. Commercial plumbing as well as residential plumbing services should begin returning to their normal paces if the rain sticks around, for better or worse.

Plumbing problems are never convenient for the homeowner, but scheduling 24 hour plumbing service is as easy as pointing and clicking your mouse, using Roto-Rooter's EZ schedule tool on our web site. Finally, we've got a plumber who will work around your schedule whether at seven in the morning, nine at night or any other time that works for you.

Seattle Plumbers Work to Solve Drain Issues

Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers

The Pacific Northwest is known for its rain; they get a lot of it and it is extremely important to ensure that all drains are functioning properly.  It is a good idea to also regularly clear roots and debris from drains to move rain water from structures as quickly as possible. Drain cleaning Seattle, is one of our most popular plumbing services and is a very popular online search term, along with, "drain cleaning Tacoma," "clogged drain Seattle," kitchen plumbing Seattle" etc. A root-infested pipe can cause drains to back into homes and businesses, which can cause a number of plumbing problems when associated with the area's heavy rainfall. 

People in the Northwest have learned to live with the rainfall and continue to stay on top of plumbing repair issues, which are prevalent in the region. Ignoring a slow drain or putting off a nagging plumbing repair can have serious consequences anywhere, but in Seattle the constant threat of rain can make putting off a drain cleaning Seattle a pretty reckless idea.

Roto-Rooter Seattle Plumbers have a team of experts that can quickly solve any plumbing or drain issue you may encounter. They live in the area and are more than aware of the importance a prompt and efficient fix.


Call Roto-Rooter Seattle Plumbers: Kitchen Sink Smells

Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers

We live in Seattle. The kitchen sink, which is the highest trap in our house, is venting a terrible smell into the house. Is this a clogged vent? Can Roto-Rooter of Seattle fix it?

It could be a clogged vent or a clogged drain, both will produce the same condition that allows sewer gas to come into your home. Roto-Rooter Seattle Plumbers fix these types of plumbing problems all the time. We are constantly removing leaves, birds' nests and squirrels' stashes from vent pipes. 

When you think of kitchen plumbing Seattle, you may not think of vent pipes. Call in professional plumbing contractors to clear the vent and/ or drain. Roto-Rooter plumbers have experience in handling these situations.

A Reputable Company

Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers

Your employees were extremely professional and knowledgeable. We feel they went above and beyond to give the best customer service.

When water was backing up into our tub we searched the Internet for "bathtub drain Seattle " and found your website. The technician came out immediately and cleared everything out.

We had another great experience with Roto-Rooter with a second plumbing problem - the washing machine water was backing up into the kitchen sink. Again we searched the Internet for your company and found your listing when searched "drain cleaning Seattle."


We've had numerous local plumbers Seattle over the years come out who could not correct these plumbing problems. We will call Roto-Rooter if at anytime we need plumbing or drain cleaning help again.

Another happy Minneapolis customer:

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers
Below is a statement from a very satisfied Minneapolis plumbing customer:
 
This is the second time we have used the Minneapolis Plumbers of Roto- Rooter for clogged drain issues, and always been impressed. The customer service your organization provides from the time we call until the time the technician leaves is above and beyond. Hats off to your company for continuing to impress us! It is nice to know that there is a Minneapolis plumbing company that provides such great service and does the job right.

If you too would like to receive outstanding customer service with any drain or plumbing problem visit our Web site or call 1-800-GET-ROTO.

Angie Lemke, Minneapolis Branch

Roto-Rooter sweepstakes winners visit the Ghost Hunters

Friday, October 23, 2009 by Paul Abrams
The second prize winners of Roto-Rooter's Chilling Tales Sweepstakes just returned home to Nebraska from their visit to the Spalding Inn of Whitefield, New Hampshire. That's the inn that is now owned by Roto-Rooter of Providence plumbers and television's Ghost Hunters, Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson.

Craig and Amy Mortensen of Fremont, Nebraska wrote to tell me that had a great time on the trip, which was the second prize in our sweepstakes. Lucky for them that Jason and Grant were there last weekend to host the Spalding's Oktoberfest weekend and treated them to great hospitality. Here's the note:

"We just got back and have recovered enough to send you a thank you for everything! We had such an awesome time and Jason and Grant were such gracious hosts, along with their wives. We, and some of the other great couples that we met, are already talking about next year's Octoberfest! Jason Hawes, Amy Mortensen, Craig Mortensen and Grant Wilson at The Spalding Inn

[editor's note, Roto-Rooter reserved the notorious and allegedly haunted room #38 for Craig and Amy] The room we had did not disappoint either. We had several things happen and well we didn't sleep much but wouldn't have changed anything, except staying longer!

 The scenery was awesome, the employees were more than awesome, the food was great and we wouldn't have traded it for anything! We would never have gotten an opportunity like this without Roto-Rooters help! Thank you so very much!"

- Craig and Amy Mortensen
 P,S,,, Just so you know, we are thinking, if at all possible, we would like to relocate to the area we visited, Thanks again!
 
Great letter, Craig. We're glad you had a great time. But what you saw and heard in your room may have just been a clogged drain making noise or some other plumbing problem. I'll ask Jason and Grant to check into it. Our grand prize winners will be joining Jason and Grant on a ghost hunt at Colorado's Stanley Hotel.


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.

Great Service

Thursday, October 22, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers
A customer recently sent in a nice testimonial about the good work the South St. Paul plumbers from Roto-Rooter did for her:

"Recently I had a floor drain backing up. I called Roto-Rooter and they sent over a South St. Paul plumber to take care of the issue. Technician #654 came to my house very promptly and while looking over the situation he noticed that there were multiple plumbing problems that needed to be resolved. He made his recommendations and after discussing them with me he proceeded to accomplish the tasks in a most professional manner.

We had a couple of minor kitchen plumbing jobs that he solved quickly and he also took care of a clogged drain problem. I was relieved to find out that I didn't need a sewer repair, but some of our branch lines just a good drain cleaning. I hope we never have this problem again but if we do please send technician #654 back to hour home."


- Sylvia B.
St. Paul, MN

We always like to hear from our customers. We especially like to get compliments like Sylvia's. Who doesn't? But, if we make a mistake, we want to hear about it so we can make it right.

Angie Lemke
Roto-Rooter of St. Paul

Another Satisfied Customer

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers
Here is part of a letter we received from a satisfied Roto-Rooter customer:

"The service technician was very pleasant and took the time to explain what he was doing. Our plumbing problem was resolved quickly by the Minneapolis Plumber from Roto-Rooter. He really did a great job on our kitchen plumbing jobs and suggested bathroom plumbing solutions at a fair price. Roto-Rooter has never disappointed us in all the years we've been using them. They will continue to be our Minneapolis plumber of choice."

We first serviced this customer back in 2001, with the most recent call in mid-2009 we were able to send the same service technician as the last time and the customer seemed to appreciate that. Not very many Minneapolis Plumbers are able to send the guy back out so many years later but if our customers find a plumber they like, we try to foster that relationship. It keeps everyone happy.

Name: Angie, Roto-Rooter of Minneapolis

Another Satisfied Customer

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers
We are always pleased to hear about a job well done such as this one perfomed by two of our Wilmington plumbers on Sept. 29, 2009:

"Extremely polite and thoughtful workers. Your Wilmington plumbers worked non-stop all day at my home and didn't even stop for lunch, as far as I could tell. They fixed the plumbing problem and left a minimal mess behind, taking the time to clean up after themselves. Bravo! I know which Wilmington plumbing company I'll be using from now on.

- Ilene S.

We're thankful to Irene for taking the time to give us feedback about her local plumbing job. We know she could have called any Wilmington plumber but we're grateful she chose Roto-Rooter. We handle all plumbing problems, clogged drains, sewer repair and more.

Name: Roto-Rooter of Wilmington blogger

Solved every problem I had!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers
Here is another customer testimonial of which we at Roto-Rooter in Glenview, Illinois are very proud. We love satisfied customers but we especially love customers who take the time to write us about their service experience.

"I had several choices in the phone book for choosing a Chicago plumbing company. I called the phone number listed for Roto-Rooter Plumbers in Chicago. A very pleasant person listened to my concerns and assured me that a Chicago plumber from Roto-Rooter would be arriving within 2 hours. Less than 15 minutes later I got a call saying a plumber was on his way.

My second good fortune was the Chicago plumber they sent to my house, Tiab. He listened to my concerns and assessed EVERY one of them. He began by attacking the most urgent plumbing problem right away, my leak! I was very impressed with the professional and compassionate way he took care of my concerns. Each plumbing problem was solved, just as I requested. He even checked to make sure I didn't have any drain clogs and that everything else was working properly. I want to express my gratitude and satisfaction to all involved. Roto-Rooter will be my regular Chicago plumbing company.

- Pearl J. Chicago, IL

Now that's the kind of feedback we enjoy getting after a service call. If you don't feel good after your plumber leaves your home, maybe you ought to call Roto-Rooter next time.

Name: Glenn W. Roto Rooter Plumbers, Glenview IL

A happy customer is a repeat customer.

Monday, October 19, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers
Last week a customer called the Sunnyvale, California Roto-Rooter office to compliment the level of service we had provided her. She mentioned it was really hard to find honest Sunnyvale plumbers. She had called another plumbing company and was quoted and exorbitant amount of money to solve a plumbing problem she didn’t really have.

She decided to get a second opinion and looked for another Sunnyvale plumbing company. She called Roto-Rooter Plumbing of Sunnyvale, California and we had a plumber at her house within the hour. When the plumber arrived he noticed there was a problem and proceeded to call a camera technician to inspect the clogged sewer pipe to help diagnose the problem. After all was done we gave her a quote for a sewer repair at a fraction of what the other company quoted. She called the very next day and she said, “I want to thank your plumbers for the excellent service they provided, for being honest and for not trying to rob my wallet.”

She has since had us do the work and is a happy and satisfied customer. We hope she'll be a good customer for years to come, whether she needs a bathroom plumbing solution, kitchen plumbing jobs or just help with a clogged drain. The Roto-Rooter Plumbing Sunnyvale office is proud to have experienced Sunnyvale plumbers that strive to give the highest level of service and ensure every customer is satisfied.

Name: Erandy Gonzalez

Todd D.

Monday, October 19, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers
We recently received a nice compliment from a customer after his plumbing service call. It's gratifying to hear from satisfied customers like this one:

"I would like to express my gratitude at your extraordinary level of service. I had been experiencing leaky solder joints on the copper water supply pipes, which prevented water flow in my home. Your Springfield, Virginia Plumber, Denzel, arrived at my home in Springfield on a Sunday morning, a mere hour after my initial phone call. He repaired the pipe joints quickly and with a great attitude.

Both Denzel and the Roto-Rooter dispatchers deserve to be commended. They solved my plumbing problems quickly and they were excellent communicators. I like to know what is going on when someone is working in my home. Because of their level of service , Roto-Rooter will be the only Springfield plumbing company I'll use from now on. We have old sewer pipes and have had trouble with tree roots for years. Now that I know Roto-Rooter can handle sewer repair work of all kinds, I know I'll call you when it's time to finally do something about the sewer.

- Todd D- Springfield, Virginia

Name: Roto-Rooter bloggers of Springfield, Virginia

Removing Scratches from Inside the Toilet Bowl

Thursday, March 26, 2009 by Ray & Lee, Master Plumbers

A customer recently commented that they scratched their toilet bowl when taking matters into their own hands with a clogged drain. Seattle is an area of DIYers, so he went to his local home store and bought an toilet auger. Faced with new residential plumbing problems, he has asked if there is anything he can use to clean marks in the toilet bowl left from the toilet auger.

Toilet auger marks are made from the steel cable scraping the china surface of the bowl,  which deposit rust.

To remove marks left from a toilet auger:

• Remove the water from the bowl
• Use a little rust remover, such as CLR or ZAP

For more Seattle plumbing tips, check out our Web site or call 1-800-GET-ROTO to schedule service.

Call Roto-Rooter Seattle Plumbers if You're New to the Seattle Area

Thursday, March 12, 2009 by Ray & Lee, Master Plumbers
We received the below response from a couple who just moved in the Seattle area.

My husband and I have recently moved into a new house in Bellevue, WA. It is our first home, so we do not know much about it or the residential plumbing. We have always lived in commercial properties.

Soon after we moved in we had a problem with our bathtub drain, Seattle is new to us, so we did not know who to call for our Seattle plumbing problems. We found Roto-Rooter online by searching drain cleaning Seattle. Not only did your plumbers do a great job fixing our drain problem, but they took the time to teach us about the plumbing in our house.

We will always use Roto-Rooter when we have plumbing problems, but hopefully we won't need it too often : )