Give Us a Call
Putman & Son’s Plumbing Wishes You a Relaxing Father’s Day
flushing toilet
How to Prevent Sewer Line Backups in Your Home
Sewer line backups can cause a mess in your home. According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, the average plumbing drain system failure costs around $4,400 per incident after paying a deductible. That’s a lot of money to have to pay out for an emergency. The best thing to do is to take steps to prevent sewer line backups, so you are less likely to have to deal with an expensive problem.
- Update and Maintain Your Sewer Lines – This is especially important for older homes. If your system was installed before the mid-1950s, then it probably uses clay lines. These usually include a lot of joints where roots can enter and cause blockages. Update and maintain your system to prevent serious blockages before they have a chance to form.
- Be Careful About What Goes Down the Drain – Do not put cooking oil, grease, pasta, potatoes, rice, and fibrous vegetables like onion and celery down the drain. Also, do not flush anything but toilet paper. Even flushable wipes and similar products should be kept out of your sewer lines.
- Look for Soggy Areas in Your Yard – If you haven’t seen rain for at least several days, look around your yard for soggy areas. If the ground is muddy or soft, it could mean you have a leak in an underground line. This should be fixed as soon as possible.
- Install a Backward Prevention Valve – A backwater prevention valve can be installed on a sewer line in your basement. This will stop sewage from flowing back into your home in case of a backup.
Sewer line backups can be costly. Contact Putman & Son’s Plumbing today for any sewer blockage or issues before it becomes a larger problem, so we can keep your system flowing properly.
Memorial Day 2019
To our fallen soldiers, we respect and appreciate your great sacrifice for us.
Check Your Toilet’s Flush
Many people spend the majority of their bathroom time on the toilet. This is the most essential seat in the house. A poll consisting of 2,500 people found that most spend an average of an hour and 42 minutes on the toilet weekly. That comes to nearly 92 days in an average lifetime. When your commode stops working, it can wreak havoc on your household.
Water Won’t Stop Running Unless I Hold the Handle
If you have to jiggle or hold the handle to get the toilet to stop running after a flush, then chances are something is wrong with your tank parts. These components don’t last forever and may need to be replaced from time to time. Doing so will ensure that your toilet works properly and can lower your water bill.
I Can See Visible Cracks in the Tank or Bowl
Most toilets are made of porcelain, which can crack and chip. Damage to the tank or bowl can be a big problem. Even a small crack can allow water to leak out and lower efficiency. If ignored, a crack can eventually grow and cause serious water damage inside your home. Some damage can be repaired using plumber’s putty or silicone sealant. Others may require a new toilet.
My Toilet Won’t Flush Anymore or Requires 2 Flushes
Toilets that won’t flush or require two flushes to work can be tricky to diagnose. It could be an issue with the lift chain, water valve, or flapper. The best way to find and solve the problem is with the help of a professional plumber. Call Putman & Son’s Plumbing 24/7 hotline today to schedule an appointment for your malfunctioning toilet.
