3 Simple Ways to Avoid Clogs

Today's blog is about clogs. It's a clog blog, if you will. (Sorry, we found that amusing.)

Terrible jokes aside, a slow-running or clogged main drain line is an annoying and expensive problem. Here are 3 easy things you can do to make sure your drains stay clear. (Warning: more terrible rhymes ahead.)

1. When in doubt, toss it out!

Toilet paper is biodegradable and breaks down in water, but other things don't break down and can get stuck somewhere deep in your home's pipes. This includes (but is not limited to) paper towels, wet wipes, tissues, dental floss, diapers, feminine hygiene products, Q-tips, cotton balls, etc. Even "flushable" wipes aren't biodegradable and will eventually cause problems if you keep flushing them. So if it's not toilet paper, don't flush it!

2. Strain the drains!

It's always a good idea to install strainers on all of the drains in your home. Strainers are inexpensive and will help catch any food, hair, or other debris that would otherwise go down the drain and into your plumbing. We've also heard horror stories of people dropping jewelry and other valuables down open drains; you won't have to worry about that if the drain is covered with a strainer.

3. Cease the grease!

This is a big one: DON'T POUR GREASE OR OIL DOWN THE DRAIN, even in the garbage disposal! You might think it isn't a big deal because grease is liquid, but the big thing about grease is that it solidifies as it cools. Even if you run hot water as you pour the grease down the drain, it will cool as it flows through the pipes and it'll stick. Even small amounts of grease can build up and create a nasty clog. The problem goes deeper than just a greasy buildup; further down in the city sewers, the fatty acids found in grease can continue to build up until they eventually cause sewers to back up into the surrounding homes. Super gross.

DON'T pour hot or even warm grease in the trash, as it might start a fire. Here are some alternative ways to get rid of grease: (1) If it's a small amount of grease, let it cool and harden in the pan, and wipe it into the trash with a paper towel. (2) Pour it in a glass container or old coffee can, keep the container in the fridge and keep adding to it whenever there is more grease to be disposed of, and carefully throw out the closed container when it's full. (3) Pour it in a bowl and let it harden in the fridge or freezer, then scoop the grease into a plastic bag and throw it in the trash. (4) Save it to use in future cooking! Read about that here.

Keeping your main drain clear is not limited to the 3 things on this list. Be mindful of what you're putting down the drain at all times, don't throw just anything into the garbage disposal, and teach your kids about the importance of taking care of your home's drain system. And as a rule of thumb, if you find yourself questioning whether or not you should put something down the drain, just put it in the trash.

Even if you follow all these guidelines, clogs can still happen, and sometimes they can be a sign of a deeper problem like a broken sewer line or tree root intrusion. So don't wait for it to get worse! Call us at 586-459-0040. We have the tools to completely clear the toughest clogs and fix any problems we find.

Why Backup Sump Pumps are So Important

"My sump pump is new and works great, why do I need two of them?"
"My power never goes out, do I still need a backup pump?"
"My neighborhood has a low water table and never floods. I should be okay without a backup, right?"

If you've ever found yourself asking those questions, you're not alone, and we're here to provide answers. In this post, we'll outline a few situations in which a backup pump will save you.

Power Outages

While a primary pump runs on electricity, a backup pump is powered by either a battery or water pressure. This is perfect for an event like a power outage or a tripped circuit breaker; when your primary pump loses access to electricity and stops working, your backup pump will take over without skipping a beat.

Storms that cause basements to flood are often strong enough to knock out the power, rendering your primary sump pump completely useless right when you need it the most. And although unlikely, emergencies like a blown transformer somewhere in your neighborhood can happen, leaving your home vulnerable to flooding. So even if your home rarely loses power, it's still a good idea to be prepared for a power outage.

Primary Pump Malfunctions

Just like any other mechanical device, your sump pump is not going to last forever. After years of pumping water out of your basement, the sump pump's motor will eventually burn out. And before that happens, a number of other things can go wrong that will cause the pump to stop working: debris entering and clogging the pump, a stuck or tangled float switch, electrical problems, and more. Even something as simple as leaves getting into the sump can cause problems.

A backup sump pump ensures that if any of these things happen, your basement will stay dry until you replace or repair the primary pump.

Floods

In certain emergency flooding situations, like melting snow followed by heavy rain, sometimes the large influx of water into your sump is just too much for your sump pump to keep up with on its own. A sump pump can even completely burn itself out by working too hard. The backup assists the primary pump in these situations, lessening the load on your primary pump and extending its life as well as keeping the water in the sump at a safe level.

Still not convinced? Even if your basement is only used for utility, things like water heaters, furnaces, and washers/dryers can short out when exposed to a flood. Not only that, standing water rots wood, promotes mold and mildew growth, and has potential to cause serious water damage. Don't take the risk! If you need help installing a backup sump pump, or your primary pump needs maintenance or repair, call us at (586) 459-0040. We're even available 24/7 in case your sump pump fails in the middle of the night.

How Tree Roots Affect Your Plumbing

With the growth of beautiful green leaves comes the growth of tree roots, so springtime is an excellent time to keep an eye on your plumbing.

Tree roots naturally grow towards water, especially during times of drought, so when moisture escapes through cracks in your sewer line, the roots will inevitably move in that direction. Roots are extremely powerful; we've all seen how they can cause concrete sidewalks to buckle and crumble, so they will easily penetrate water pipes (this is called root intrusion) and, if left untreated, will eventually fill up the pipe completely, causing your sewer line to back up into your home.

How to Prevent Root Intrusion

The first step you should take is finding out where your sewer line is located on your property (we can help you do this). When you are planning your landscaping, limit the amount of plants around the area of the sewer line, and plant trees a distance away. It also helps if you select trees that grow more slowly; if root intrusion ever becomes a problem, you'll be able to stay on top of the maintenance more easily than you would with a quickly-growing tree.

If there's already a tree near your sewer line, don't worry! You don't need to cut it down. Just keep an eye on how your main sewer line is draining, and call a professional for an inspection if you have any concerns.

Root Intrusion Warning Signs

If your plumbing is more than 25 years old, your pipes won't have the strength to keep roots out. Older systems typically have clay or iron piping. Clay is porous and is prone to cracking, so roots will find their way into a clay pipe easily. Iron piping is a bit more resistant to roots, but it is prone to corrosion and will end up letting roots in as well.

If you have frequent drain backups or slow drains, or if your toilet makes gurgling noises, there may be roots blocking your main sewer line. Pay attention to these warning signs and don't ignore them.

How to Get Rid of Roots

The first step is to have a plumber come and cut the roots out with an auger. This simply clears a path through the tree roots, so your sewer line can flow again. It's a good idea to have this done regularly if you have a lot of trees in your yard.

An extremely effective (but more expensive) solution, especially for a sewer line that's heavily blocked with roots, is a high-pressure hydro jetting of the sewer line. You can read more about it here, but in short, a trained technician feeds a high-pressure hose into the main line, and sprays a piercing jet of water that cuts through and washes away the roots. This lasts much longer than an auger alone and cleans out the entire pipe.

To help keep the roots at bay, your final step would be a root treatment. This treatment foams up when it comes in contact with water, filling the entire sewer line with a chemical that kills tree roots and leaves behind a residue that will help slow the roots' future growth. It is most effective right after a drain cleaning or jetting, because the roots are freshly cut and open to the root treatment chemicals.

If none of the above methods are effective, the damage may be too extensive and a complete sewer replacement may be needed.

If you have trees in your yard, especially if they are near your sewer line, you can easily prevent severe root intrusion by having your plumbing inspected every 18 to 24 months, preferably in the spring.

Call us at (586) 459-0040 and we can help you locate your sewer line in your yard and find out if there are any roots growing into the line. We'll work with you as a team to determine the best solution for your situation, and we'll help you keep your sewer line clear all year long.

Spring Cleaning Plumbing Checklist

Spring is an excellent time to make sure everything in your home is in tip-top shape, and that should include your plumbing. Here we have compiled a simple checklist for you to make sure all of your plumbing is working properly after the long winter months.

Kitchen

• Check faucets for drips and fix them to avoid wasting water.

• Make sure your kitchen sink drain has a strainer.

• Check the pipes under the sink for leaks. An under-sink leak can easily go unnoticed, causing water damage and mold growth.

• Check dishwasher and ice maker supply hoses for bulges or leaks. Replace any hoses that look weak, and use stainless steel hoses whenever possible (they are stronger and resistant to bulging).

Bathrooms

• Check faucets for drips.

• Make sure drains have strainers or pop-up assembly covers.

• Check the pipes under sinks for leaks.

• Inspect toilets for visible cracks on the tank or bowl.

• Check toilets for leaks. To do this, put 6 drops of food coloring into the toilet tank, and wait 30 minutes. If any color appears in the toilet bowl within that time, your toilet has a leak.

• Clean mineral deposits from your shower head. You can do this by filling a plastic baggie with vinegar, placing it over the shower head, and holding it in place with a rubber band. Leave it soaking overnight and then use an old toothbrush to scrub away the minerals the next morning.

Appliances

• Make sure your water heater is set no higher than 120 degrees. This ensures maximum efficiency and reduces the risk of scalding injuries.

• Flush your water heater of sediment, which builds up in the bottom of the tank and shortens the life of your water heater.

• Check washing machine supply hose for bulges or leaks. Replace any hoses that look weak, and use stainless steel hoses whenever possible.

• Clean the washing machine lint trap, if you have one. If you don’t, place a wire trap or even a piece of pantyhose over the end of the hose that drains the water from your washing machine.

• Make sure no flammable items are stored near your furnace or water heater.

Basement

• Pour a gallon of water into infrequently used drains, like floor drains, to make sure they drain properly and to fill up the trap. A dry trap can allow sewer gases to enter your home. Clear any drains that are draining slowly.

• Test your sump pump to make sure it is operating properly. To do this, pour buckets of water into the sump pit to make sure the sump pump switches on and pumps the water out. A failing sump pump will mean a flooded basement, especially during a storm.

Outdoor

• Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear and open.

• Check for bird nests in plumbing vent pipes.

• Check all hose faucets to make sure water flows freely and there are no leaks. If the faucet drips or there is a leak inside your home after you turn it on, the pipes may have frozen over the winter and need to be repaired.

Additional Improvements

• Install flood alarms in your basement. Flood alarms are similar to smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and they sound the alarm when they come into contact with water.

• Install a backflow valve in your floor drain if you live in an area where the sewers sometimes back up into homes.

• Consider replacing a water heater that’s over 15 years old. The average lifespan of a water heater is 8-10 years; older ones are prone to leaks and corrosion, and they are much less energy efficient than new ones.

• Install a sump alarm. If your sump pump fails in the middle of the night, you will have no way of knowing until it's too late. A sump alarm will alert you if the water level in the sump pit gets too high, so you can take action before the water begins to flood your basement.

If you prefer to have a professional plumbing technician perform this inspection, or you need a drain cleared or a sump pump replaced, don't hesitate to call us at (586) 459-0040. We're here to help!

How to Get Rid of Sewer Smell

We all know that nasty sewer smell; it's immediately recognizable and it's never pleasant. So what do you do if you start smelling it in your home? Usually the cause of the problem isn't obvious and finding it will take a bit of trial and error, but don't worry, nasty smells in your home are usually easily fixable. Here is a list of the most common causes, and what you can do to fix them.

Rarely-Used Sinks, Tubs, or Other Drains

That curved piece of pipe under your sink is called a p-trap, and it's designed to hold water at all times to stop sewer gases from coming up through the drain. Every drain has a trap of some sort. If the drain is rarely used, the water in the trap can evaporate, which opens up the pipe to allow sewer gases to enter your home.

What to do: Turn on the sink or tub at least twice a month to keep water in its trap, and pour water into floor drains.

Worn Toilet Wax Ring

Every toilet has a wax ring, which seals the drain beneath the toilet and prevents water from seeping out. It's designed not to wear out, but a loose toilet can damage the ring so it no longer creates a seal.

What to do: Check the toilet bowl to make sure it's secure. If it's wobbly or loose, reset the toilet with a new wax ring.

No Caulk Seal Around Toilet Base

As a rule, water that can't dry will grow bacteria and start to stink. So if there is no seal around the base of your toilet, water and urine can seep under there and won't be able to dry.

What to do: A simple bead of tub & tile caulk around the base of the toilet, where it rests on the floor, will create an effective seal.

Bacteria in Drains

Over time, soap scum can build up near the opening of a drain, and it creates an excellent place for bacteria to live and grow.

What to do: Pour a household cleaner or enzyme drain cleaner down the drain a few times a day over the course of a week (pouring the cleaner down the drain only once usually won't do the trick). Pour some cleaner into the overflow drain too, if there is one.

Sewer Cleanout Cap Screws

Sewer cleanout cover plates are attached to the sewer cleanout with a screw. The screw can deteriorate over time, allowing sewer gases to seep through. These are usually located under sinks and behind/next to toilets.

What to do: Replace the old deteriorated screw with a new one.

Still stinky? 

If you try all of these and the problem still isn't fixed, it might mean there is a trickier problem that only a skilled plumber can find and solve. Don't hesitate to give us a call at (586) 459-0040 and we'll help you get to the bottom of it.

Pros and Cons of Chemical Drain Cleaners

Slow sink & tub drains happen to all of us. But before you head to the hardware store for another bottle of Drano, first consider these pros and cons of chemical drain cleaners.

The Pros

• It's easy to use. Unlike cabling or hydrojetting, chemical drain cleaners don't require any special skills or training; you just open the bottle and pour it down the drain.

• It clears clogs quickly. Most clogs can be cleared in ten to fifteen minutes with chemical drain cleaners.

• It's inexpensive and convenient. Price does vary, but you can generally buy a bottle of drain cleaner for around 10 bucks, which is a small percentage of what you'd pay to hire a plumber or rent plumbing equipment.

• It works well on clogs made of hair, food, or grease. Tub/shower drains often get clogged with hair, and kitchen sinks without garbage disposals can easily become clogged with a buildup of food and grease. Chemical drain cleaners can work well in these types of clogs.

The Cons

• It can't clear all types of clogs. While it can work well on hair or food clogs, chemical drain cleaner can't clear clogs made of solid objects or mineral deposit buildup.

• It doesn't work in toilets. Chemical drain cleaner is heavier than water, so it sits at the bottom of the toilet bowl and is unable to travel up over the siphon curve to the clog.

• It can create noxious fumes and cause chemical burns. Chemical drain cleaners break up clogs by creating a chemical reaction with the clog and dissolving it, and it can do the same to your skin and eyes if it accidentally splashes on you. It also gives off some pretty strong fumes that can be dangerous if you're in an enclosed space.

• It often contains pollutants. Pollutants aren't clearly labeled on the front of the bottle; you have to dig into the ingredient list on the back to find them. If you have a leak in your main sewer line, these pollutants and chemicals can get into the soil and contaminate the groundwater.

• It can damage your plumbing pipes. The chemical reaction that breaks up the clogs also gives off heat, which can significantly soften PVC pipes and corrode older piping. And if your pipes already have some corrosion, the chemicals will cause further damage.

• It can cause more clogs with repeated use. A residue is left behind every time you use a chemical drain cleaner, and it builds up in the pipe similar to grease.

More Warnings

• Never pour chemical drain cleaner into a garbage disposal. It will damage the unit, and chemicals can splash back into your face when you turn it on again, damaging your eyes and skin.

• Don't use a chemical drain cleaner if the drain is completely blocked. This will just coat the clog in chemicals, contaminating the sitting water and making it dangerous for a plumber to clear the clog.

• Don't use a chemical drain cleaner if you have a septic system. These chemicals are known to damage septic tanks.

Alternatives to Chemical Drain Cleaners

So, although chemical drain cleaners are convenient and cheap, what if you don't want to risk it? Here are a couple alternatives you can try before calling a plumber.

• A plunger. Plungers aren't just for toilets; smaller plungers are made for sinks and tubs, and they can be effective in breaking up clogs if you know how to use them correctly. Here's a helpful article to teach you how.

• Boiling water, baking soda, and vinegar. 
  1. Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain.
  2. Dump about 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain and let it sit for a few minutes.
  3. Pour a mixture of about 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup very hot water down the drain on top of the baking soda.
  4. Cover drain with a drain plug to keep the reaction below the drain surface. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
  5. Rinse it all down with another pot of boiling water.

If all else fails, don't be afraid to call in a professional, like Universal Plumbing & Sewer. Our master plumber and drain specialists have been clearing all kinds of drains for years, and even the toughest clogs won't stand a chance. (586) 459-0040

How to Prevent Basement Flooding

Spring is quickly approaching, and that means longer days, warmer temperatures, and open windows. But it can also mean melting ice/snow and more rain storms, increasing the risk of a flooded basement. Protect your home and your valuable belongings by following these easy preventative steps.

1. Keep your rain gutters clear.

If your downspouts are short and close to your home, attach extensions to draw the water at least 3 feet away.

2. Look for cracks in the foundation in your basement.

Even tiny cracks in the walls can allow water to seep in during heavy rain, so seal any cracks that you find.

3. Make sure your sump pump system is working well.

You can test your sump pump by pulling up on the float switch and making sure the motor runs. Replace your sump pump if it isn't working right or if it's old. If you live in an area that experiences frequent power blackouts, install a water-powered backup pump, which will ensure your basement stays dry when the power is cut off from your primary sump pump or if your primary pump fails.

4. Invest in some window well covers for your basement windows.

These help keep water, debris, and even pests away from your windows.

5. Inspect your plumbing system to make sure there are no leaks.

The basement is usually one of the first areas to be affected by plumbing leaks, even if the leak is very small. Frozen pipes often cause leaks, so if your pipes gave you any trouble over the winter, a thorough plumbing inspection is an especially good idea.

Save Money by Keeping Your Home Warm

We’re halfway through our long Michigan winter, but frozen pipes are still a real danger here as temps frequently drop below freezing outside, and they can cause serious damage to your plumbing. It’s not too late to take steps to make your home as insulated and efficient as possible. Here are some money-saving tips to keep your indoor pipes—and you—warm through these last few wintery months.

1. Don’t let precious warm air escape.

Your furnace is already working hard to warm up your home; don’t make it work harder than it needs to by letting out the warm air! If you have a wood fireplace, close the flue when not in use. An open flue provides a direct escape for the warm air in your house. Check your windows and doors for drafts, especially if they’re old. Stop drafts under doors by installing a door sweep or using a simple door snake.

Here’s a helpful article on weatherproofing your drafty windows: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-weatherproof-windows 

2. Keep your home warm even when you leave.

You might be tempted to completely turn off the heat when you leave on vacation to save on your energy bill, but  letting the temperature in your home drop below 50 degrees can lead to pipes freezing, and frozen pipes can burst and flood your home. The extra money you’ll spend to keep your furnace running while you’re gone is only a small price compared to the thousands it’d cost to repair broken plumbing and restore a flooded home. You don’t need to keep your thermostat at your usual temperature either; setting it somewhere between 50 and 60 will save energy and keep your pipes safe from freezing while you’re gone.To save money when you are home, try keeping your thermostat a few degrees cooler. A simple change from 73 degrees to 70 degrees might take some getting used to, but could save you up to 10% on your heating bill. 

3. Keep an eye on your water heater.

Hot water is a convenience in the hot summer, but it’s an absolute necessity in the cold winter months. Not only are freezing showers uncomfortable, they are dangerous to your health. It’s a good idea to check for leaks around your water heater every so often, and look for any other abnormalities, such as rust-tinged water. If you find any of these or you suspect something may be wrong, call an experienced plumber to inspect your water heater and fix any problems. Catching problems early is key to avoiding costly repairs or replacement down the road. 

4. Take extra steps to prevent frozen pipes.

Besides maintaining the temperature of your home, there are a few simple things you can do to further keep your pipes from freezing:- Open under-sink cabinet doors overnight to expose the pipes to your home’s warmer air.- Insulate exposed pipes in colder areas of your home, such as your basement or crawl space.- Locate your home’s primary water valve so you know where it is in case of an emergency.If you think you may have frozen pipes, don’t ignore it. Yes, frozen pipes will thaw on their own eventually, but that will almost always lead to leaks and burst pipes because water expands when it freezes. If you suspect a pipe may be frozen in your home, turn off your home’s primary water shutoff valve and call a plumber immediately.Signs you may have a frozen pipe:- Visible frost on exposed pipes, such as the pipes under a sink- Limited or no running water when you turn on a faucet 

Don’t wait! If your water heater is giving you trouble or your pipes freeze (or worse), call Universal Plumbing at 586-416-4000. We have the tools, expertise, and experience to get everything working the way it should.

Are You Ready for the Big Game?

Did you know that the Super Bowl is the second-highest day of food consumption after Thanksgiving? Statistics show that Americans will drink about 50 million cases of beer and eat 14,500 tons of chips, 4,000 tons of popcorn, and 1.23 billion chicken wings on Game Day. Of course that will all eventually end up in the plumbing, so here are a few tips to help you make your Super Bowl party as stress-free as possible.

1. Have us run a quick maintenance check on your plumbing system beforehand. 

Having your plumbing inspected by a professional is the best way to ensure that everything is working properly.

2. Your toilet will be used heavily during your party. 

If it tends to give you trouble, switch to thinner toilet paper such as 1-ply on the day of the party, and keep a plunger nearby just in case.

3. Paper towels, “flushable” wipes, and other paper products can easily clog up your toilet and your plumbing. 

In order to prevent your guests from flushing these items, remove them from your bathroom.

4. Remember that you can’t just throw anything down your garbage disposal. 

Delicious greasy foods like chicken wings are a Super Bowl staple, but grease will solidify in your pipes and cause big problems, and chicken bones can jam your disposal. It is also important not to overload it with too much food at one time.

5. If you still experience a clog, a broken disposal, or some other kind of plumbing disaster during your Super Bowl party, don’t panic! 

We’re available all weekend for emergency service. Give us a call at 586-416-4000 any time and we’ll get things running smoothly again.