5 Thanksgiving Foods that will Destroy Your Garbage Disposal

Thanksgiving is this Thursday! We’re really excited for the chance to spend time with loved ones and for the great food we’re gonna eat. If you’re the one cooking or hosting this Thanksgiving, though, be careful about what’s going in the garbage disposal!

Contrary to popular belief, even the most high-end garbage disposals can’t grind up anything.In fact, Thanksgiving and the day after are two of the busiest days of the year for plumbers. Most of the calls we get on those days are about broken or jammed garbage disposals and clogged sinks. Don’t let that be you this year! Here’s a list of some Thanksgiving foods you should never put down the disposal:

Turkey Bones, Grease, and Fat

Turkey bones are too hard for a garbage disposal to grind up. At best, they will just bounce around in there and jam the disposal, and at worst they can fly out and injure someone or break the disposal entirely. Throw those bones in the trash.
As a general rule, grease and fat should never go down any drain. Grease hardens as it cools, building up into a clog in the pipes and even causing problems and backups in the main sewers. Instead, pour that grease in a glass jar and throw it in the trash after it cools.

Fibrous Vegetables

This includes green beans, celery, onions, potato peels, and more. The stringy fibers in these veggies wrap around the garbage disposal’s blades and can cause it to jam.

Pumpkin Pulp and Seeds

Pumpkin pulp can gum up the garbage disposal and then solidify as it dries, rendering the disposal unusable and creating a nasty clog in the pipes that even chemical drain cleaners can’t get through. If you’re not cooking with them, throw those pumpkin guts in the trash.

Starchy Foods

Yes, this includes potatoes, pasta, and rice! Starchy foods turn into a paste in the disposal, and then that paste solidifies and can clog the trap.

Eggshells

Some people say that eggshells sharpen garbage disposal blades, but this isn’t true. The hard outer layer of the shell is ground into a sand-like consistency that sticks to pipe walls and contributes to clogs, and the shell’s stringy membrane layer wraps around the disposal’s shredder ring.

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If you have doubts about whether or not you should put something down the disposal, just throw it in the trash to be safe. Taking an extra moment to properly dispose of something is well worth the money you will save by avoiding emergency service plumbing costs!

Let’s face it, things can go wrong even when you’re careful, so Universal Plumbing will be on call this Thanksgiving to come to the rescue if you need us. Call us at 586-459-0040 anytime, and keep our number handy in case of an emergency! We’re always here to help you.

How Winter Will Test Your Sump Pump

Like it or not, temperatures are getting down below freezing around here. It’s time to start thinking about snow!

Sump pumps are usually associated with rainfall, but they are just as important in the snowy season, especially around here where the temperatures are never very consistent (remember last winter when it was in the 60s in February?). Melting snow will saturate the ground around your foundation and threaten to flood your basement. And there will be those few days where it warms up a little so the snow melts and it rains, creating a muddy mess that your sump pump will have to handle.

So, if you have a basement, a sump pump is extremely important in the winter. Now is the time to make sure it’s working correctly - that it turns on, the float switch works, and it effectively discharges water to somewhere away from your foundation. If any part of the system is not working as it should, the sump pump should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible in order to protect your home.

You can test your sump pump by filling a bucket or large cooking pot with water and slowly pouring that water into the sump pit, keeping an eye on the water level. The float switch should rise, and the pump should automatically turn on, pump out the water, and automatically turn off.

Additionally, consider installing a water-powered backup sump pump. In situations where there is a large amount of water coming in very fast, like during heavy rainfall and/or rapidly melting snow, a single sump pump can burn itself out trying to keep up. A backup pump will assist your main pump, as well as come to the rescue if the main pump fails due to a power outage or other causes.

Don’t leave anything to chance this winter. Be proactive and ensure your sump pump system is reliable enough to protect your basement at all times, even when water is pouring in. Universal Plumbing & Sewer can help you with anything sump-related, from installing a backup pump to ensuring the discharge pipe doesn’t freeze. Call us at 586-459-0040 and schedule an appointment today!

Last Chance to Prepare for Winter! [Resources]

Can you believe November is only a day away? October was a wonderful month with warm weather and sunshine, so hopefully you were able to get your winter preparations done while the weather was nice! If you haven't, you still have a little time, but you don't want to wait much longer. It's getting cold out! Preparing your home for winter is extremely important in order to prevent frozen pipes and costly drafts.

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In this post, we've compiled a list of resources to help you get your home ready for winter. Don't wait!

10 Things You Must Do Around the House This Fall - Popular Mechanics
Here are some of the essentials for preparing your home for winter.

More Safe, Less Sorry - HouseLogic
This one covers everything from house preparation to tips on beating the winter blues.

Preparing Your Home and Car for the Blast of Winter Cold - Nationwide
No harm in being completely prepared! This article provides ways to prepare your home and car for winter, as well as safety tips in case of a winter storm emergency.

Prep Your Home for Winter With These 16 Low-Cost Tricks - MoneyTalksNews
Winter preparation doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Here are some inexpensive things you can do.

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If you'd like a professional to handle the plumbing side of things as you prepare for the winter, call Universal Plumbing & Sewer at 586-459-0040. And just to be safe, keep our number on hand just in case your pipes freeze in the coming months. We're here to help you!

Don't Put Pumpkin Guts in the Garbage Disposal!

Jack-o-lanterns are a Halloween staple. They're great decorations, and carving them can be a fun activity for the whole family. But if you dispose of the pumpkin's pulp and seeds the wrong way, your Halloween could turn out to be much less fun.

A common misconception is that garbage disposals can grind up anything, but that simply isn't true. Pumpkin pulp gums up garbage disposals, sometimes to the point of rendering them unusable. And once the pulp gets into the pipes, it hardens and creates a nasty crust that even chemical drain cleaners like Drano can't get through. Your only option at that point would be to call a plumber and have them snake the drain to cut through it.

Instead of throwing those pumpkin guts down the disposal, carve your pumpkin on a newspaper so you can easily collect all the pulp and throw it out in the trash or compost. It doesn't require any extra work, and your plumbing (and wallet) will thank you. You can either throw the seeds away too, or you can set them aside and roast them for a delicious healthy snack! Click here for a recipe!

Universal Plumbing & Sewer's technicians are drain cleaning experts. If you find yourself with drain problems of any kind, don't hesitate to call us at 586-459-0040!

Why We Recommend Bradford White Water Heaters

When you call us to have us supply and install a fixture or appliance, we know you're trusting us to provide only the highest quality. We believe (and have experienced) that Bradford White makes the best water heaters on the market. Here's why.

Made in Michigan

Bradford White is an American-owned company, located in Middleville, Michigan. That's pretty close to home! Purchasing their water heaters means creating American jobs and supporting the American worker.

Corrosion-Resistant Lining

Hot water is extremely corrosive and can eat through a metal tank with ease, but Bradford White tanks are lined with an exclusive enamel called Vitraglas. The unique compound expands and contracts with the metal tank so it's very durable and long-lasting. It effectively protects the tank from corrosion and extends the life of the water heater.

Hydrojet System

A buildup of sediment in water heaters is never good - the burner has to work harder to heat through the sediment layer, reducing efficiency and overheating the bottom of the tank (which damages the tank and shortens its life). Bradford White tanks have a special kind of cold water delivery tube inside that uses jets of water to prevent the accumulation of sediment in the bottom of the tank.

Defender Safety System

Bradford White's gas-powered water heaters are equipped with a safety mechanism that automatically shuts off the burner's operation if flammable vapors are detected in the incoming air. If flammable substances are spilled nearby, you can rest assured that your water heater will not ignite them.

If you need a new water heater before the winter, don't risk your home's safety or efficiency by going with a lesser-quality brand. Call Universal Plumbing & Sewer today, and we will install a top-of-the-line Bradford White water heater that will last you many years. Don't wait until it gets too cold outside! 586-459-0040

How To Prevent a Frozen Sump Discharge Line

Sure, it's only mid-October, but a month from now will be mid-November, when freezing temperatures are definitely possible. Now is the time to make sure your home is ready for the winter.

One of the dangers of freezing temps is a frozen sump discharge line, especially if the pipe is exposed outside your home. When a sump discharge line freezes, it causes all kinds of destructive problems - the water in the sump can't escape so the basement will likely flood, the sump pump motor will burn itself out, and the pipes themselves can crack or even burst. An efficiently working sump pump system is so important in the winter, when snow seeps into the ground and threatens to flood your basement!

Luckily, there are some steps you can take now to prevent a frozen sump discharge line this winter:

1. Make sure the discharge pipe is correctly sized and pitched. If the pipe diameter is too small, it leaves very little room for water to move through and will easily freeze solid. And if the pipe is laying on the ground horizontally without any slope, water will sit in the bottom of the pipe and freeze quickly (water doesn't freeze as easily when it's moving). It's important that the water is able to move freely and quickly through the pipe.

2. If you have a flexible discharge hose, disconnect it in the winter or replace it with hard PVC piping. Flexible pipes have many areas in them where water can settle, so they are prone to freezing.

3. Wrap the discharge line in pipe insulation or outdoor heat cable (only if the line is hard PVC). These can be bought at your local hardware store, and you can install it yourself.

4. The best thing you can do is hire a professional to bury your sump discharge pipe below the frost line and tie it into the storm drain system. The pipe will be safe from the biting cold air or piles of snow, which greatly reduces any risk of freezing. A pro will further reduce the chance of freezing by making sure the pipe is correctly pitched. An added bonus is that the unsightly pipe will be hidden, which will increase your home's curb appeal and allow you to create more attractive landscaping in the warmer months.

Whatever you choose to do, Universal Plumbing is always here to help! Give us a call at 586-459-0040 if you need help with anything sump-related.

The Power of a Good Review

Reviews are our favorite. We'll tell you why.

The capability to write public online reviews is great for both businesses and consumers. Everybody wins. It promotes honesty and allows anyone to get a glimpse of what kind of work the business really does, regardless of what their advertising says. And a truly good & honest company will get mostly good reviews, which helps them get new customers. This is especially true for local contractors, like plumbers. Inviting a stranger into your home to fix or install something can be nerve-wracking, but reviews allow you to read real people's experiences with this person and gain some knowledge first. It makes the process of choosing a company so much easier.

The only issue with reviews is that it is much easier to remember to write a review when you had a terrible experience. Let's say 10 people hire a company, and 9 out of 10 people have a good experience with them. Only 1 out of those 9 will remember to write a positive review, but the 1 who did not have a good experience is sure to write a negative review. Online, that makes the company appear to have a 50/50 split of good and bad experiences, when in reality 90% of customers were happy.

This is why it's so important to write a positive review when you have a great experience with a company, especially if they're a local business and you believe in them! Local businesses thrive on word of mouth - people are generally much more likely to choose a company based on a friend's recommendation rather than an ad for the company. Not only that, writing a good review and mentioning the technician(s) by name is a great way to let them know you're happy with their hard work.

When you leave a positive review for Universal Plumbing & Sewer, you're doing much more than just recommending us to others. You're helping us grow, you're encouraging the whole staff, and you're giving your technician a pat on the back for his quality work. So next time you hire us, if you're satisfied with your experience, take a minute or two to write a review! We're on HomeAdvisor, Angie's List, Yelp, Facebook, and Google, and you can post your review on whichever site you prefer. We read them all and appreciate every one of them!

Here's one of our favorite reviews that we've received:

"Hands down the best service call by a plumbing company that I have ever had. Friendly, helpful, professional, and upfront with all work details. Highly recommend them." - Divna J.

Difference Between Storm Drains and Sewers

Without storm drains, streets and parking lots would easily flood even during a light rain. But where does all that rainwater go? When you think "drain," you might automatically think "sewer." But not all drains lead to the water treatment plant!

The sanitary sewer is what you most likely think of when you hear the word "sewer." Your shower, toilet, kitchen sink, laundry tub, etc. all drain to the sanitary sewer, which takes the wastewater to a water treatment plant. There, the water is thoroughly treated and purified before being discharged to the nearest stream or body of water.

The storm system, completely separate from the sanitary sewer, is there to prevent flooding and is meant for rainwater and groundwater only. The drains you see on streets and parking lots are connected to the storm sewer system, which drains directly to the nearest stream or body of water. This water is not treated, so it's very important to never pour paint, solvent, oil, or anything else into storm drains, or else you risk poisoning fish, birds, and other wildlife.

These 2 systems are separate in order to avoid sewer overflows. The sanitary sewer system is not designed to handle the large amount of water that comes through the storm system during a big rainstorm - if all storm drains and sump pumps led to the sanitary sewer, the water treatment plant would easily become overwhelmed and cause a nasty backup. By keeping these systems separate, street flooding is minimized during storms, and sanitary sewers don't back up every time it rains. (For this reason, it is important that your sump pump discharges into the storm system and NOT the sanitary sewer.)

If you have drainage problems around your home, or if your sump pump is hooked up to the sanitary sewer, get it fixed before winter! Call Universal Plumbing at 586-459-0040. We can help!

History of the Toilet

What do you think about when you use a toilet? You might scroll through your phone or read something, or you might just think about what you're gonna eat for lunch later; your thoughts probably aren't dwelling on the toilet itself. We can thank the modern toilet for making it easy and convenient to do our business. Even as recent as a century ago, people didn't have it so easy!

Ruins of ancient Roman public toilets. Concrete replica on the left.

Though simple toilets can be found throughout ancient history, the first notable example can be found in the Roman Empire. The Romans had open public toilet rooms with a channel of water running under the seats to carry away waste. These toilets were made possible by the Roman Empire's impressive system of aqueducts which carried water around the city, similar to modern-day water mains and sewers.

After the decline of the Roman Empire, however, the world returned to the "lavatorial dark ages." Chamber pots, made of metal or ceramic, were widely used; they were emptied into street gutters, where the waste would be washed away by rain. For the wealthy, garderobes were built high up in the walls of a castle or Manor house. These consisted of a seat with a hole in it that would let waste drop directly down the side of the outer wall, and it was the responsibility of gong farmers to collect the waste in a bucket and carry it away by hand. What a nasty job!

In the 16th century, the growing populations in Europe were too much for the street gutters to handle, so cesspits and cesspools were dug into the ground near houses. These large underground holding tanks were made of brick or stone. Tradesmen would empty them during the night as to not disturb the public with the smell. Outhouses were also used, and many of them had more than one seat. People often went to the outhouse together, especially in the dark of night.

In 1858, so much sewage built up in the River Thames in London that it created an overwhelming stench, which was only made worse by the summer's heat wave. This event came to be known as "The Great Stink of 1858," and it finally pushed lawmakers to take sanitation seriously. Public health experts and officials began studying and debating sanitation, and the construction of an underground network of pipes began.

Alexander Cummings' design for a flush toilet. Notice the S-trap underneath.

The first-ever patent for a flush toilet (or "water closet") was taken out by Alexander Cummings in 1795. It included an S-trap underneath the toilet to keep sewer gases from getting out. The design was improved by Joseph Bramah in 1778, and it was so well-received that "Bramah" became English slang for something really good. These toilets came to widespread use in wealthier homes by the late 19th century, just in time for the dramatic growth of sewer systems around that same time.

A fully-functional Bramah water closet, located in Osbourne House on Isle of Wight

Over the next few decades, many improvements were made to the design, and eventually a toilet was invented that included the S-trap in the pedestal beneath the bowl. This made it much cheaper to produce, and therefore much more affordable and accessible to the working classes. In America, chain-pull toilets came to wealthy homes and hotels in the 1890s, and in 1906, William Sloan invented the Flushometer, which used water supply pressure rather than gravity to flush the toilet.

Interestingly, Thomas Crapper, who is thought by many to be the inventor of the modern toilet, actually did not have any part in the invention of toilets. He was simply a plumber, business owner, and great marketer. As other people invented better and better toilets, he sold them and heavily promoted their importance while making sure his name was on it all. And while many people believe the word "crap" came from Crapper's name, it actually is of Middle English origin and most likely came from a combination of the Dutch krappen (to pluck off, cut off, or separate) and the Old French crappe (siftings, waste, or rejected matter).

A modern Japanese toilet

Today, toilet technology continues to improve. They are made to use much less water than they did years ago, efficiently saving gallons of water with every flush. Some even have self-cleaning capabilities and special anti-microbial glazes. In parts of Asia, toilets have many high-tech capabilities such as seat warmers, speaker systems with a variety of sounds to choose from (even chirping birds), water jets, and more. Bare minimum, modern toilets help stop the spread of disease and ensure that our cities and water sources stay clean.

Next time you use a toilet, take a moment to think about what your life would be like without it. It's definitely something to be thankful for!

Your toilet is one of the most important things in your house, so don't be stuck in the "dark ages!" If your toilet isn't working quite right, or if it's old and you'd like to reduce your water bills by getting a new one, give Universal Plumbing a call at 586-459-0040.

Why You Should Get a Tankless Water Heater This Fall

A sudden, unexpected cold shower is never fun, and it's even worse in the freezing cold winter months. Just imagine stepping out of that freezing water, getting dressed, and then going out into the freezing cold snow to go to work - it would not be pleasant! A reliable water heater is incredibly important during this time of year. Most regular water heaters last around 10 years before they start leaking or otherwise malfunctioning, so it's a good idea to be proactive and replace an old tank.

If you've got an old water heater and you're thinking about replacing it this fall, consider getting a tankless water heater. These natural gas- or propane-powered heaters heat water as it passes through them, instead of holding heated water in a large tank, and they can do so much more for your family than a regular water heater can.

Here's a list of reasons why we love these water heaters:

Heats water on demand, which saves energy. Instead of keeping a tank full of water hot at all times even when it's not being used, a tankless water heater is designed to only turn on when a hot water tap is opened. This can save you hundreds of dollars in energy bills annually, depending on your family's water usage.

Unlimited hot water. A tankless water heater works by heating water as it passes through, so you won't run out of hot water even during/after a long shower. It's also great for filling a hot tub; the water won't get cold halfway through. The only downside is that it is much easier to take longer showers, thus using up more water. 

Fits into compact spaces. Unlike the bulky tank of a regular water heater, a tankless water heater is a wall-mounted unit that can easily fit into smaller spaces. Need more closet space? Get a tankless!

Longer life span. A regular water heater lasts only about 8-10 years on average, but a good tankless water heater can last up to 20 years if maintained properly.

Tankless water heaters are incredibly useful and efficient. They are an excellent option for any size house, especially if you have a hot tub or whirlpool to fill. You will save on your energy bills, so the unit will end up paying for itself over the years.

If you need a new water heater this fall, Universal Plumbing can help you find the perfect water heater for your family's unique preferences and needs. We supply only top-of-the-line water heaters, both regular and tankless, so you can rest assured your new water heater will do its job well. Schedule an appointment with one of our expert technicians, and we will help you decide what kind of water heater is best for your home! 586-459-0040

5 Habits to Keep Your Family Healthy This School Year

It's time for another school year! While this can be an exciting time for kids to make new friends and learn new things, it can also be a time when it's easy to catch a cold or the flu. When you put a bunch of kids in a room together for a few hours, it's pretty much guaranteed that all kinds of germs will be spread. Luckily, there are quite a few things you can do to strengthen your kids' immune systems. Below are 5 habits that you can start implementing into your family's daily routines that will lead to healthier and happier kids this school year.

1. The first, and most obvious, is good hygiene. Make sure even young kids know how to properly wash their hands (warm water and soap), and teach them to do it after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coming in from outside. In addition, tell them to always keep their fingers away from their noses and mouths.

2. Make sure your kids get enough sleep. Sleep is the body's time to rejuvenate and repair itself, a dedicated time for the immune system to do its work. Elementary kids should be getting 10-11 hours of sleep each night, and teenagers should be getting 9-10 hours (which becomes difficult due to early school start times and busy schedules, so do the best you can).

3. Make healthy breakfasts and lunches. These two meals not only serve as fuel for the day, they provide nutrition to feed the immune system. If your kids aren't getting enough protein, vitamins, and minerals in their breakfasts and lunches, their bodies won't have the fuel necessary to fight off the bacteria and viruses they come into contact with. Studies also show that eating sugar suppresses the immune response for up to 5 hours by reducing the amount of white blood cells in the body. A bowl of sugary cereal in the morning does much more harm than good!

4. Get some exercise! This is an often-overlooked way to strengthen the immune system. It also improves mood and shakes off stress, and high levels of stress can compromise a child's growing brain. Your kids spend the majority of the school day sitting down, so it's important to make sure they get some exercise after school. Try going for walks or bike rides, play on a local playground, or when it gets snowy outside, have a snowball fight!

5. Teach your kids to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water every day is absolutely necessary for a healthy immune system. Proper hydration also fights against headaches, poor concentration, and cracked lips, to name a few. Pack a water bottle for your child when they go to school or leave the house, and remind them often of how important it is to drink water.

If you make these habits a part of your kids' daily lives, they will get sick less often, and when they do get sick it will be much less severe. Remember to lead by example; kids are much more likely to stay hydrated, exercise, etc. if they see you doing the same. Here's to a great, healthy, successful school year!

4 Things You Can Do to Get Your Home Ready for Fall

It's almost that time of year: cozy sweaters, colorful trees, and pumpkin-flavored everything. Fall is a favorite time of year for many, and for others it's a sad end to the warm summer. But regardless of how you feel about the season, it means that winter is fast approaching, and now is the time to get things ready for the colder months. Preparing your home for fall is inexpensive and will save you from many potential plumbing problems down the road.

1. Keep Gutters Clean

Gutters are there to catch water and carry it away from your roof and your foundation. If they get clogged with leaves, your home is at risk of flooding and water damage. It's important to clean out your gutters regularly during the fall season, especially if you have large trees on your property.

2. Insulate Pipes

Once the temperature drops below 32 degrees, frozen pipes are a real possibility for any building and can cause extensive damage. Now is the time to insulate them. Buy some foam pipe insulation from your local hardware store, or talk to your plumber about other pipe insulation options.

3. Unhook Outdoor Hoses

Keeping your garden hose hooked up to the spigot will lead to frozen pipes and damaged plumbing as soon as it gets cold outside. It's extremely important to unhook outdoor hoses and store them until the warmer spring months.

4. Check Water Heater

When was the last time you replaced your water heater or had it serviced? The colder months are the worst time to have your water heater fail or start leaking, so get any maintenance out of the way before the temperatures drop. If the water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be worth replacing it altogether as older water heaters are much more prone to leaks and malfunctions.

We can help you make sure that your plumbing is completely fall-ready! Give Universal Plumbing & Sewer a call at 586-459-0040 for quality service you can trust.

This is Why Plumbers Charge So Much

We've talked about this before: Doing your own plumbing is never a good idea, and the best solution to any plumbing problem is to hire a professional. But we understand; the professionals are expensive. Many plumbers have hourly rates that can quickly add up, and flat-rate companies can charge hundreds to install a fixture that you can find in the hardware store for a fraction of that cost. Have you ever wondered if these companies are just ripping you off? Maybe they're taking advantage of you?

Of course there are some plumbers out there who will try to rip you off, and you must always do your research and read reviews before hiring a company. But with even the most honest of plumbing companies, the truth is that plumbing is an expensive business to run. The following is a breakdown of some of the reasons why plumbing companies charge so much more than just the price of materials, and why the high price is necessary.

1. Education and Demand

Becoming a licensed plumber requires years of schooling and training. After receiving a high school diploma or GED, a student must attend a plumbing vocational school and pay tuition. Once they graduate, they must become an apprentice, receiving on-the-job training from licensed and experienced plumbers. Once the student has been an apprentice for at least 4 years, they must pass an exam before they can get their license. And that is just the beginning for a plumber; for example, if they wish to become a Master Plumber, more training and exams must be paid for and completed. Skilled plumbers are in high demand, so plumbing companies must offer competitive pay in order to employ a licensed & highly skilled staff.

2. Travel Expenses

As you know, purchasing and insuring a vehicle is not cheap. When you call a plumber, they come to you in their insured & fully-stocked truck. And when they complete the job, they drive that truck to the next customer's house, and so on. A technician can easily drive almost 100 miles in total on a busy day, so gas gets used up quickly. Regular maintenance to the trucks, such as oil changes and minor repairs, must be taken into account as well. Between the purchasing, fueling, and maintaining of these trucks, plumbers pour thousands of dollars into transportation costs alone.

3. Office Staff

Running a plumbing company is more than just fixing pipes and installing faucets. Without full-time employees working in the office, the company would be messy and unreliable at best. Here at Universal Plumbing, our awesome office staff answers every phone call (at all hours), arranges the job schedule, keeps track of all accounting and bookkeeping, updates our website and advertising, maintains the detailed database of customer records, ensures all the technicians are fully prepared for the day's jobs, and more. All the things you love about us, like same-day appointments, 24-hour emergency service, and great communication would not be possible if it weren't for our office staff.

4. Dangers

Plumbing is not an easy job, and it can even be scary at times. Plumbers come into contact with many different harmful materials on a regular basis, including mold, sewage, bacteria, toxic chemicals, and more. They must take extra precautions so they don't become sick or endanger others. Additionally, some tasks can be physically dangerous, like excavating and installing underground plumbing. Every day, a plumber has no way of knowing exactly what dangers they will face while on the job, but they must jump in and get the job done anyway.

5. Tools and Equipment

While you can pick up a variety of plumbing tools at your local hardware store, those tools are generally made with cheaper parts and a one-size-fits-all approach. Many plumbing problems require specialized tools, which can only be bought from a professional plumbing supplier, in order to be fixed properly. Many plumbers also have high-tech equipment that requires special training to use and costs thousands of dollars to purchase and operate, such as full-color sewer cameras, a high-pressure sewer jetter, and backflow testing equipment.

When a plumber completes the work you hired them to do, and you pay the bill, your payment is contributing to much more than just the plumber's wallet. It gives the plumber the ability to drive to your house. It ensures that there will always be a friendly voice answering the phone when you call the company, even in the middle of the night on a weekend when your basement is flooding. It provides the equipment needed to fix even the most complicated or severe plumbing problems. It gives the company the ability to provide continuous training for its employees, so you receive the best service and workmanship possible.

For these reasons, when you hire a plumber based solely on the fact that they're inexpensive, unfortunately you often get what you pay for.

We understand that it can be financially difficult to hire Universal Plumbing & Sewer, so we do what we can to help. We offer financing for qualifying applicants, so you can pay off the bigger jobs in smaller installments. And feel free to print out a coupon to use the next time you hire us! (click here to see our coupons.) Above all, we work hard to make sure you get your money's worth, by striving for excellence in every area and doing our best to provide you with the best service possible.

Have You Thanked Your Plumbing Lately?

Ah, plumbing. It's one of those things in life that no one really thinks about, and normally the only time it does come to mind is when something goes wrong with it. Yet, it is literally all around us and it gives us the quality of life we enjoy every day. Some may think they could go a day or two without plumbing, but the fact is that the average American uses around 80-100 gallons of water per day. Running water is so ingrained in our daily lives and habits that it's easy to forget about.

Have you ever taken a moment to think about all the good things your plumbing provides?

• Your sump pump works hard at all hours to keep your basement/crawlspace dry at all times.

• I don't think we even need to go into the benefits of having a working toilet. Just imagine what your everyday life would be like without one.

• Water filter systems and ice makers make it so much easier to stay hydrated and healthy.

• Sinks/faucets with clean water coming out of the tap make it possible to prepare food safely, wash your hands, wash dishes, and more. Imagine how the health of your home would be affected if you didn't have sinks!

• Speaking of running water, it'd be impossible to make coffee without it. We're very thankful for coffee around here.

• Hot showers. There is nothing more relaxing than a hot shower. You can thank your water heater and shower faucets for that.

• The underground sewer system is responsible for taking all the waste water away from your home. If the sewer system didn't exist, where would all that nasty water go?

• How would you water your lawn or garden, fill up a pool, or wash your car without an outdoor faucet and hose?

• The way drains are plumbed ensures that sewer gases don't escape into your house. We're all familiar with that awful smell; aren't you glad it's not all over your own home?

Take a moment today to appreciate your plumbing. It may not cross your mind often, but it is responsible for making your home a healthy and comfortable place to live every day, and that is definitely a good reason to be thankful!

How Much Water Does a Dripping Faucet Waste?

We're always telling you that leaks waste water, and you shouldn't ignore them. But if a faucet only has a slow drip, is it really worth worrying about? In this post, we're gonna get into the numbers to find out exactly how much that slow drip adds up to.

To figure this out, we first need to time out how often the faucet drips. Let's say you have one faucet in your home that drips once every second. That's 60 drips per minute, 3,600 drips per hour, which adds up to 86,400 drips per day and a whopping 31,536,000 drips per year.

Then, we must figure out the volume that all those drips add up to. There is no precise definite volume of a faucet drip (the exact volume of each drip can vary), so we are going to estimate that each drip's volume is 1/4 milliliter (ml). One gallon contains roughly 3,785 ml, so that's 15,140 drips per gallon, which means our 1-second-dripping faucet wastes over 5 gallons of water per day and just under 2,083 gallons per year. The numbers only get higher if your faucet drips more quickly, or if you have more than one drippy faucet in your home.

It goes without saying: all that wasted water makes quite an impact on your water bill. Wouldn't you rather use those 5 gallons that you're paying for every day? Imagine all the coffee you could make with that! (That was a joke, please don't actually drink 5 gallons of coffee.)

So, you may think this isn't much and may still be tempted to leave your leaky faucet alone. But wasted water aside, a leak will almost always get worse over time if you leave it alone and can even cause the faucet to corrode or leak under the sink, leading to water damage and mold growth. Don't wait! Call us at 586-459-0040 and we'll quickly fix it up.

Looking to Buy a House? Don't Make This One Mistake!

Imagine this: You finally find a house that you love. It passes inspections. You buy it, and you excitedly move into it with your family. A week later, your drains are running slow and there’s sewage backing up into your new basement. You call a plumber, and they tell you your new home’s sewer line is in bad shape and needs to be replaced, which will cost thousands of dollars. And you, the new homeowner, are responsible for paying for it.

Sounds like a nightmare, right? Unfortunately, it can happen easily; a typical home inspector only checks visible systems in the house, and the inspection does not include the house’s underground sewer line. Not only that, the seller may not disclose any known sewer issues to you. It is imperative to ensure a house’s sewer line is in good shape; the sewer is a vital part of the house that affects the entire plumbing system. One sewer problem can lead to a backup of sewage all over the home, making it a dangerous place to live.

If you’re in the market for a house, you can easily avoid this! 

Simply get a sewer camera inspection done before buying the house. This inspection allows you to literally see inside the house’s main sewer line, so any existing or potential problems can be found. It is important to get this done professionally; a tiny crack in the sewer line may go unnoticed to the untrained eye, but a highly trained and experienced plumbing technician knows exactly what they’re seeing. Even the tiniest cracks, offsets, and tree roots can lead to BIG problems down the road.

Buying a home is a huge investment, so it’s important to do everything you can to ensure it’s a good investment. The cost of a professional sewer camera inspection is minuscule compared to the cost of a sewer excavation and repair, and the complete peace of mind you will feel once you buy the house will be well worth the small cost.

When it comes to camera inspections, it’s important to hire someone you can trust. Universal Plumbing & Sewer is a family-owned company with a Master Plumber on staff, and we specialize in drains and sewers. Call us at 586-459-0040 to schedule your appointment now.

What's the Deal with the Detroit Zoo Water Tower?

A couple days ago we shared an article on our social media pages about old water towers that were converted into really cool houses (I seriously recommend checking it out. Click here to see the article) and it got me thinking. Water towers are one of those things that you see once in awhile as you’re driving, but you never think much of them. I drove past the Detroit Zoo water tower earlier this week for the hundredth time, but this time I couldn't help but wonder, why is that thing there? What does it do? So, naturally, I went on a curiosity-fueled research spree.

When you turn on a faucet, the water pressure in the system is what pushes the water out of the faucet. Low water pressure is one of the most irritating plumbing problems; the simplest tasks like showering or washing dishes can become incredibly time-consuming. So, how does a city ensure that there’s always enough water pressure for everyone, even in periods of high water usage?

The answer to that question is water towers. Unlike electric-powered water pumps, a water tower uses the power of gravity to create water pressure in the system, which is incredibly cost-effective. Potable water that’s stored up in the tank is released throughout the day, and then the tank is refilled by a pump during the night when water usage is low.

Water towers ensure the reliability of the water system in case of emergencies, too. Their tanks are usually sized to hold a day’s worth of water for the community it serves; in case an emergency causes the municipal pumps to shut down, the water tower ensures that the community will still have running water for 24 hours. They can also be built specifically for other uses, such as emergency fire protection or industrial use in factories.

So next time you turn on the water as you get ready for your day, you might have a nearby water tower to thank!

Fun fact: As it turns out, the Detroit Zoo water tower is currently non-functional. It used to hold 1.5 million gallons of water and served the north Woodward area’s water system up until 1984, when it was shut down due to a defective valve. Instead of demolishing it, however, the mayor at the time argued that it had become a landmark associated with the Zoo, and it was decided that the water tower would stay. Ever since, the tower has served as a unique billboard for the Detroit Zoo, and now it even serves as a home for a family of endangered falcons.

If you ever find yourself with low water pressure, it's probably not a water tower's fault. Certain issues in your home's plumbing system can cause changes in water pressure. Call us at (586) 459-0040 and we'll fix it up!

Here's What Happens When You Drink 64 Ounces of Water for 31 Days

Today's post is a little different than our usual blogs. Instead of giving you general information about plumbing, I'm going to introduce myself (Hi, I'm Alanah!) and share a personal experience!

We've all been told a thousand times that drinking enough water is important, but studies show that 75% of Americans are dehydrated. After realizing that I was definitely part of that 75% and my water habits were truly TERRIBLE, I decided to take on a water challenge. For the full 31 days of May, I had to drink 64 ounces (the recommended daily amount) of water by 6:00 PM every day. It wasn't so much difficult as it was annoying, having to lug around a big 32-ounce water bottle everywhere I went, and not to mention having to use the bathroom so much more than I used to. (Is that TMI? Sorry.) But for the most part, I successfully made it to the full 64 oz every day.

Even after just a few days, I noticed all kinds of improvements in how I felt, and it only got better as the month went on. Here are some of the specific things I experienced: 

1. Working out was easier.

I felt more energy and was able to do more reps in my workouts. It's no wonder; drinking water helps blood circulate through the body more easily, which brings oxygen to muscles.

2. No more bad breath.

Before this challenge, I carried gum with me constantly because my mouth was always dry and I had a gross taste in my mouth. But when I was well-hydrated, I noticed the bad taste was completely gone and I didn't need the gum anymore.

3. DRASTIC improvement in my anxiety.

Water is necessary in the production of certain hormones in the brain, including serotonin and others that regulate mood and emotions, and I definitely experienced that to be true. In situations that would normally cause my heart to start racing with anxiety, I felt in general much more calm.

4. No more crackly joints.

Sometimes when I would run up stairs, my ankles would make cracking noises with each step. Joints are supposed to be surrounded by a layer of water that protects and lubricates the joint, and after being hydrated for a month, I haven't heard my ankles or knees crack since April.

5. No more dizziness.

It's probably embarrassing for me to admit that I'd get a little light-headed every time I got up from the couch, but that's just how dehydrated I used to be. Being hydrated completely eliminated the dizziness.

6. Reduced headaches.

I used to get some form of a headache every single day, but this past month, I only experienced two or three headaches in total over the whole month. It was so much easier to enjoy my day and be productive when I wasn't in pain.

7. Increased ability to sing.

The few times that I had to sing at different events during the month, I noticed that higher notes were easier to hit and my voice's tone was smoother when I was hydrated.

8. Better skin.

Every single winter, I get patches of dry skin on my face that stick around until June, but this winter's dry patch went away by the middle of the month. And when it comes to acne, my skin was noticeably clearer.

There are many, many more benefits of staying hydrated beyond those specific short-term effects I experienced, like improved heart health (water naturally thins the blood and helps it flow more easily), improved cognitive function and memory, weight loss and anti-aging, and more. I fully intend to continue drinking 64 ounces of water every day, even though the 31-day challenge has ended. I feel really great.

The thing that made all the difference in this challenge was my RO (Reverse Osmosis) water filter under my kitchen sink. We've had it at my house ever since we renovated the kitchen in 2005, and I just took it for granted for a while, but during this challenge it made staying hydrated so easy. Pure, cool water comes out of a little faucet on my kitchen sink, so I just turned on the tap and refilled my water bottle with that filtered water every morning and afternoon. It tasted like fresh bottled water straight from a store. I live in an area where the municipal tap water is clean & safe to drink, but with the way tap water tastes, I wouldn't have made it through this challenge if I had to drink 64 ounces of tap water every day.

Reverse osmosis works by filtering water through a semipermeable membrane that only pure H2O molecules can pass through. This means that even dissolved substances, such as salt or even lead, can be filtered out. The only thing that comes out the other side is genuinely pure water. In fact, it's even cleaner than bottled water!

If you want to be healthier and feel better in every area of your life, drinking the recommended amount of water every day is a great and easy first step. Even just try it for a month and see how you feel, like I did. And if you hate the taste or the chemicals in tap water and you don't want to spend a ridiculous amount of money on bottled water every day, a good under-sink filter will be the perfect solution for you. I don't know what I would do without mine now, honestly, and it has lasted over 12 years without giving me any problems. Speaking from experience, it's definitely worth it!

Call us today at 586-459-0040 and ask us about our water filtration options!

4 Ways a Hot/Cold Hose Spigot Makes Life Easier

Image Source Provided By Plumbwell Plumbing Services

Have you ever wished you could have both cold and hot water come out of your garden hose outside, just like the faucets in your home? With a hot/cold hose spigot, you can. Here are a few great reasons you'd love having outdoor hot water.

1. Washing the Dog

Washing the dog in your bathtub works fine, but that dog hair gets everywhere. All over the floors, cabinets, and not to mention down the tub drain (which can easily cause a clog). And if your dog is anything like mine, they'll shake immediately after the bath is done, spraying that water and hair all over the house. Being able to wash your dog outdoors will eliminate the cleanup completely, and the availability of warm water will make it more comfortable for both you and your dog. And when they do that after-bath shake, they'll already be outside.

2. Filling a Pool

Even on the hottest summer days, swimming in ice-cold water will make anyone shiver. How many times have you filled up the pool, and then let it sit for a few hours before using it so the sun could warm it up a little? If you could fill the pool with warm water straight from the hose, you'd be able to swim right away and it'll be much more enjoyable.

3. Washing Your Car (or Motorcycle, Boat, Etc.)

Anyone who has washed dishes before knows how much easier it is to clean anything with hot water, and your car is no exception. The icy hose water does very little to cut through the dirt, tar, and bird poop that could be stuck on your car. Washing your car with hot water can save time and make the job much easier.

4. Rinsing Off 

Playing or working outside is messy, no matter what you're doing. Shoes get muddy, hands get dirty, feet get covered in grass. Instead of tracking all that grime inside the house and having to clean it up later, wash it off right outside! With a hot/cold hose, rinsing off your (or your kids') hands and feet is just as comfortable as a warm shower.

Does this sound good to you? Give us a call at (586) 459-0040 and we'll install one of these great hot/cold hose spigots! You'll be on your way to a more enjoyable summer in no time.

Sump Pumps: Don't Hook it Up to the Sewer!

A sump discharge line that's hooked up to the city sewer is illegal in many areas and in general is not a good idea. In this post we'll explain the reasons, why you should care, and what you can do instead.

When I first heard that pumping sump water into the sewer system was illegal, my first thought was "Why? It's just water!" and I'm sure plenty of people share the same thought. But it isn't just water; when it comes to this issue, we must think of groundwater and city water (the water that comes out of your tap) differently.

The storm drain system, designed for groundwater/rainwater, is separate from the city sewer system, doesn't go through a water treatment facility, and flows directly into the nearest body of water. Because of this, the city sewer system and its water treatment facilities are designed only to handle the demands of daily city water usage in the city's homes and businesses.

If you're a homeowner with a basement or crawl space, you're likely aware of the large amount of water your sump pump has to handle during a storm. If your pump is discharging to the sewers, that's a sizable amount of extra gallons pouring into the sewers in a short amount of time. Now imagine if sump pumps all over the city were discharging to the city sewers-- during a storm, that would be thousands of gallons of extra water pouring into the system all at once. The sewer system and water treatment facilities would quickly fill to over-capacity and easily flood during a period of heavy rainfall, causing either the sewers to back up into homes or the water treatment plant to release partially treated sewer water into local streams and rivers (ew).

If that doesn't convince you, here's another reason: A main drain/sewer clog is a fairly common problem, especially in yards with trees, and it usually happens without warning. If your main sewer suddenly stops flowing properly, it can back up into your toilets, bathtub, and sinks. The last thing you'd want in that kind of situation is a sump pump pouring gallons and gallons of additional water into the clogged sewer! You can turn off your water until you can get the sewer cleared, but you can't turn off your sump pump without risking a flood.

No one wants sewage backing up into their home, so if your sump pump is currently hooked up to the city sewer, get that fixed! You may hate the idea of having an unsightly pipe pouring water into your yard, but there are plenty more attractive options that will work with your home's current situation and landscaping, such as routing the water away from your home in a pipe underground and directing it to a drainage ditch, or even hooking it up to the storm drain system, if available.

Working with a licensed and experienced contractor like Universal Plumbing & Sewer can really help when weighing the different options. We can help you determine the best course of action for your landscaping, personal preferences, and budget while ensuring the water gets carried far enough away that it doesn't return to your basement. Call us at (586) 459-0040 for more info, or click here to read more!