What It Takes to Become a Plumber

When most people think of a plumber, they still picture the outdated stereotype – a disheveled man hunched under a sink with an exposed belt line. But the truth is, that image belongs in the past.

Modern plumbers are highly trained and highly educated professionals. Since the implementation of the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), the path to becoming a licensed plumber has become increasingly rigorous. Licensing requirements now demand not only hands-on experience but also in-depth technical knowledge, ongoing education, and state certification.

The Journey Begins: The Plumbing Trainee Card

The first step toward becoming a licensed plumber is applying for and obtaining a plumbing trainee card. This allows aspiring plumbers to work on job sites under the supervision of licensed professionals while beginning to accumulate required hours.

All hours must be officially tracked and submitted to the state through notarized affidavits, ensuring that only verified experience counts toward licensure.

Understanding the Plumbing Licenses

Washington State has three primary plumbing license levels:

PL-04 (Residential Service)

• Limited to single-family homes and duplexes. Can service, repair, or replace existing fixtures and piping that are accessible (above floor or outside walls).
• Requirements: 4,000 hours (approximately 2 years).

PL-02 (Residential)

• Includes single-family dwellings, duplexes, and apartment buildings up to three stories.
• Requirements: 6,000 hours (approximately 3 years).

PL-01 (Journey Level)

• No restrictions – can work on all phases of plumbing, including residential and commercial.
• Requirements: 8,000 hours (approximately 4 years), with at least 4,000 hours in a commercial setting.

The Exam and Ongoing Education

After logging the necessary hours, plumbers must pass state exams ranging from 85 to 150 questions – all administered in closed-book, proctored environments. These exams cover complex math, code compliance, safety standards, and much more.

And it doesn’t stop there. Every licensed plumber must complete 24 hours of continuing education every renewal period to stay current with evolving codes, technologies, and safety protocols.

Why This Matters for Homeowners

Working with an unlicensed plumber may seem like a cost saving alternative. Who doesn’t like to save money? This alternative could result in a catastrophic flood or unsanitary contaminated water intrusion. From improperly vented systems to backflow disasters, the risks are real and costly. Unfortunately, this is all too common. We experience 2-4 service calls per week because of these mistakes. We will always be here when you call however 99% of these disasters can be avoided by working directly with a qualified service provider the first time.

That’s why at Apollo Plumbing, we ensure every technician is fully licensed, thoroughly trained, and up to date on all continuing education requirements. We take pride in the professionalism and expertise of our team – from the technical details to the elite customer service and warranties we provide.

So next time you call a plumber, skip the stereotype. When you partner with Apollo Plumbing, you’re hiring highly skilled professionals who take pride in protecting your home, your family, and your belongings.

Dealing with clogged drains is one of the most annoying problems a homeowner can face. You may be tempted to reach for chemical cleaners in an attempt to get rid of the offending blockage, but these harsh products are often bad for both your pipes and your wallet! It’s possible to effectively clean out clogged drains without using any chemicals at all – if you know how. We’ll take you through the step-by-step process of clearing out obstructed plumbing without resorting to artificial cleaning agents that could be damaging. Learn more about how you can rid yourself of pesky blockages quickly, easily, and safely without spending a fortune on robust store-bought solutions!

1. Prepare The Drain:

Drains can quickly become blocked with debris or dirt buildup, which can cause a whole host of problems. Taking the time to properly prepare the drain before undertaking any plumbing work is essential for a successful job. The process of clearing out any obstructions is a straightforward one; all you need to do is make sure that there are no objects stuck in the drainpipe and then use a brush or plunger to clear away any dirt or sludge. While this task may seem small, it is an essential step for ensuring better pipe performance and fewer problems down the line.

2. Boil Water:

Boiling water is a practical, low-cost solution for dealing with clogged drains. Getting the job done requires just two things: a pot of boiling water and gravity. Simply heat up your pool and pour it slowly down the drain – the force of gravity will help clear away whatever clog lies in your pipes. You should exercise caution when dealing with hot water as it can be hazardous to skin and objects. However, organic clogs such as hair or grease are no match for this tried and tested method.

3. Baking Soda & Vinegar:

Baking soda and vinegar are a power duo when it comes to nontoxic cleaning. Not only are they better for the environment, but they are safe to be around pets and children as well. A combination of the two mixed with water is a cost-effective alternative to harsh chemical cleaners. Because of their natural properties, baking soda, and vinegar don’t just leave surfaces clean – they help deodorize them too! Put your eco-friendly cleaner together by measuring out one part baking soda first and three parts white vinegar. Finally, add a bit of warm water until you reach your desired consistency. The resulting mixture is guaranteed to be put away caked-on grime without leaving behind any unpleasant smells or residues.

4. Plungers:

A plunger can be an effective tool when it comes to dislodging a clog from a pipe. The force of the expulsion created when this standard household tool is used helps thrust the clog through the line and away from your home. To start, make sure you have enough water in the sink or tub to cover the suction cup of the plunger and ensure a strong seal. When you are ready, place the suction cup over the clogged drain and press down firmly, then pull up quickly. You may need to repeat this process several times in order for it to work correctly. With some patience, using a plunger can help get rid of that pesky clog without having to resort to more drastic measures.

5. Use Enzyme Cleaners:

Keeping your pipes clean is a vital part of maintaining a clean home and ensuring the longevity of your plumbing system. One effective method to clean the lines that are gaining popularity is using an enzyme cleaner. Enzymes are proteins produced by living organisms that enable chemical reactions; this enzyme cleaner breaks down organic material in the pipes, such as grease, oils, paper towels, hair, and soap scum. An enzyme cleaner uses naturally occurring bacteria to digest the debris within your pipes until it’s gone, making it a safe and easy solution to clogged drains. Not only can an enzyme cleaner keep your pipelines free of gunk – it can turn into a money-saver in the long run as you avoid costly repairs or replacements. Make sure you choose an enzymatic drain cleaner made with natural, nontoxic materials and see the impact – with regular use; you’ll be able to maintain a pristine plumbing system in no time.

6. Prevention Is Key:

The best way to keep your drains clean is to take preventive measures before a clog occurs. One such step is placing mesh strainers in your sink drains and shower/bathtub drains to catch debris, such as hair and small food particles, that can lead to blockage. Additionally, running hot water down the drain after each use helps dissolve any fats and oils that may have accumulated from washing dishes or physical contact with the skin. Lastly, it is essential to avoid pouring grease, cheese, oil, coffee grounds, eggshells, or other food-based residuals down the drain – these are more likely than not going to cause clogs in the near future. Taking these simple yet effective steps will help keep your drains working smoothly for years!

Call Our Professional Plumbers!

We can help unclog any drain in your house. This includes your kitchen sink, bathroom sinks, toilets, bathtubs, floor drains and more. When we come into your home, we take the time to assess the problem first. To better understand the clog, we can use advanced video technology to inspect the drain from the inside. With video inspections, we can get a comprehensive view of what is going on inside your pipes. Then, we can come up with the proper plan to fix any problems.

You have plenty of options when it comes to plumbing services. However, if you want reliable, affordable and effective drain cleaning service, then you should contact Apollo Plumbing right now.

Apollo Plumbing has been in business since 2005. Our team is fully licensed, insured and bonded. Each technician is trained to work with the latest tools, the best techniques and unparalleled customer service.

When it comes to plumbing, one of the most important services that homeowners need is repiping. Whether you’re dealing with an old home or a new one, it’s essential to know when your pipes are in need of repair or replacement – and one of the best ways to do that is to look for signs that you need PEX repiping.

PEX (or cross-linked polyethylene) piping is quickly becoming the go-to choice for repiping because it is durable, flexible, and cost-effective. Repiping your home with PEX can help improve its water pressure, prevent leaks and floods from occurring, and more. It’s important to be aware of any signs that may indicate you should call in a professional for PEX repiping before any major issues arise.

Here are a few signs that you may need PEX repiping:

1. Low Water Pressure

If you notice that your faucets and showerheads provide less water than usual or take longer than normal to fill up a tub or basin, then it could be due to low water pressure. Low water pressure can be caused by blocked pipes or corroded pipes, both of which could require significant repairs if not replaced completely with PEX piping.

2. Strange Noises

The sound of running water should never accompany strange noises like gurgling or banging. This means there could be air trapped in the system creating bubbles and causing the strange noises when they burst in the pipes. Excessive turbulence due to clogs or corrosion can also cause these types of noises – all of which will require professional attention to diagnose and fix properly with new PEX pipe installation if needed..

3. Discolored Water

Discolored water can be a shocking sight, especially when it flows out of your taps. Discolored water indicates that contaminants have made their way into the pipe lines and suggests deeper issues lurking within them. Rust build up is often the cause of discolored water, particularly with older pipes such as copper and galvanized steel. In this case, a complete repipe with PEX piping material would be necessary to replace worn down pipes, restoring clear tap water for your home once again. Paying attention to the color of your tap water is an effective way to gauge the condition of your pipes before heavy damage is done – in fact, clear tap water could even hint at a pipe replacement being on its way before any kind of discoloration appears.

4. Poor Taste & Smell

Tap water is a seemingly simple refreshment that we all take for granted. However, it is actually very susceptible to contamination – especially poor taste and smell, which are caused by corrosion and rusting of the metal fixtures along the pipeline route. Hard water deposits may also cause such unpleasant problems, as well as bacteria growth from poor maintenance or upkeep. All of these combined can make tap water taste metallic and even worse – posing a hazard to our health and wellbeing. The good news is that pipe replacement can help to eliminate these issues – replacing old pipes with high quality PEX piping materials can solve poor tastes, smells and other contaminants quickly. It is thus essential to ensure that timely repairs are conducted so that we can enjoy clean, safe and great tasting tap water consistently moving forward into the future!

5. Uneven Heating/Cooling Throughout Home

If certain areas throughout your home feel hotter or colder than others even after adjusting the thermostat, then this could mean there are blockages preventing heat transfer throughout different parts of your house equally. This requires inspection by qualified professionals thereby providing accurate determination regarding structural integrity status associated with existing condition including whether new installation involving PEX piping material might prove beneficial toward overall improvement. To ensure ongoing comfort and affordability in the long-term, it is imperative that proactive measures be taken soon to identify potential piping problems and implementing PEX repiping. By monitoring performance optimization goals with total energy savings in mind, swift intervention can help maintain consistent satisfaction over time as well as minimize costs often leading to superior results – making for a more positive outcome overall at an economical pricepoint.

In conclusion, knowing when it’s time for PEX repiping based on these common signs is essential for keeping your plumbing system functioning at its peak level – and helps avoid costly repairs down the line too! If you suspect any issue related to your plumbing system at all, contact an experienced contractor who specializes in residential plumbing services immediately; they will provide advice on whether installing new PEX pipelines would benefit your home and make sure everything runs smoothly again soon enough!

Residential Repiping PEX Plumbing Advantages

Fewer Leaks: PEX pipes require fewer fittings than traditional piping. This means less chances of leaks at joint connections.
Flexible: PEX pipes can be installed in long runs, including 90-degree turns without coupling fittings.
Corrosion Resistant: PEX pipes resist scale build-up common to copper or galvanized pipe.
Less Expensive: PEX piping is less expensive than copper pipe and because less fittings are needed, installation time is reduced.

Residential Repiping Is A Right Now Thing

Since incoming water pressure remains the same, restricted flow can eventually result in leaks. Leaks lead to water damage. Water damage can lead to mold. That’s why Apollo Plumbing provides quick and dependable PEX repiping.

Call Apollo Plumbing for Your PEX Repiping:

There is not a set time to repipe your home. However, when you experience the mentioned issues, it is smart to consult with a professional plumber. At Apollo, we have experience replacing pipes. If you have an older home, have lead pipes, or have problems, it is wise to consider this service. Old pipes can be harmful to your health. In certain circumstances, dangerous metals may seep in your water. Having your system repiped can be a complicated task, especially if your entire home is receiving this upgrade. When you work with us, you receive quick and efficient service. For more information, call us today.

Low water pressure is an early indicator of plumbing trouble. That’s because plumbing, especially galvanized pipe, develops water-restricting buildup and corrosion. Your personal plumbers at Apollo Plumbing are PEX Repiping experts who bring the experience of hundreds of repiping projects to solve plumbing leaks for homes like yours.

At Apollo Plumbing, we like to make Washington homeowners aware of various plumbing issues they may face. One of these you might not even immediately identify as a plumbing problem. You could just notice a bad smell in your kitchen, and it isn’t until you smell the sink drain that you realize where it’s coming from.

Nothing can put a damper on your enjoyment of your home, not to mention your appetite, more than an awful odor coming up through your kitchen sink drain. This problem has several potential causes. Some of them are simple enough that you can probably fix the issue yourself. For others, you may need the assistance of knowledgeable professionals, such as our team of licensed plumbers.

The following are some of the main culprits for a smelly sink drain.

1. Mold or Mildew Growth

   In this instance, the smell will not be coming from the drain itself. You may have a barely noticeable leak in a pipe under the sink, which is soaking the wood underneath. Moisture is a fundamental ingredient for mold and mildew growth. You should look and feel under your sink for any wet areas to ascertain whether there is a leak.

   If your unpleasant odor problem is caused by a leaking pipe, you will need to locate and fix the leak. Once found, there are pipe thread sealant products on the market that will do a lot better job than duct tape and prayer. If you can’t find the leak or are not a do-it-yourself type when it comes to plumbing work, you should contact us to handle the problem for you.

2. Presence of Bacteria

   This is the main cause of bad odors from a drain after eliminating leaks as a possibility. Especially after years of use, any kitchen sink will see an unholy assortment of nasty food scraps, hair and other waste make their way down the drain. This can make that drain a natural breeding ground for bacteria. While some bacteria growth is perfectly normal, too much can cause smells no one wants in their home.

3. A Dirty Garbage Disposal

   A garbage disposal is a wonderful modern convenience. Because it is so convenient, however, many people may be too reliant on it and end up putting all sorts of waste and scraps down into it. This can quickly lead to dirt buildup in the garbage disposal, which makes it a likely source of nasty odors.

   You certainly don’t want to remove your garbage disposal and clean it by hand. You may not even know how to do this, and reinstalling it improperly afterward could lead to a whole new set of problems. Fortunately, you should not need to do this. While first making sure your garbage disposal unit is turned off, put ice cubes and coarse salt down the drain, and then you’ll turn it on for about a minute. The ice and salt should help knock any accumulated dirt and debris off the garbage disposal’s blades. You can also throw in some lemon peels toward the end of running the disposal to add a nice fresh and fruity aroma. Grapefruit and orange rinds provide another scent option.

4. Grease Down Your Drain

   Grease is one of the leading culprits behind drain clogs. Some people believe it’s fine to pour grease down the kitchen sink as long as you accompany it with dish soap and hot water. This is a big mistake. No matter how much soap and hot water you pour down the drain after the grease, it will cool and congeal along the sides of the pipes at some point. This often translates into buying some Drano or pulling out the plunger for some drain unclogging action. Before it reaches this point, however, it starts with sending some not-so-pleasant odors back up into your kitchen.

5. Drain Trap Issues

   When you smell sewage odors, a problem with your drain trap is a likely cause. The trap in your drain is that u-shaped part of your sink pipe. Basically, it’s that part of the drain pipe where water collects, which has the effect of blocking sewer gases from coming back up your drain.

   If the sink hasn’t been used in a while, it’s possible that the water in the trap evaporated. This is easily handled by running water down the drain. If it still smells, you can try removing the trap and cleaning it out. There are plenty of do-it-yourself YouTube videos on how to do this. After putting it back in, be sure to look at it as you run water down the drain to make sure it isn’t leaking.

6. Your Sewer Drain Vent Might Be Clogged

   Improper drainage and unpleasant odors are two of the main symptoms of a clogged sewer drain vent. This vent takes the form of a narrow shaft that connects the sewer line to the air outside. This vent typically ends at the roof of your home, which is why cleaning it can sometimes be tricky. If you’ve tried plunging and liquid drain cleaning products to no avail, then it’s a good chance that your problem is a clogged drain vent. Going up on a roof can be risky, so you might want to let our professionals at Apollo Plumbing handle this job for you.

7. Bad Plumbing Work

   Did this bad smell only start coming from your sink soon after you had some plumbing work done? This is a sign that they may have done something wrong. Perhaps they didn’t properly install a pipe, joint or seal, and this means a leak is causing mold or mildew growth. If this is the case, you should contact the plumbers who did the work to have them check it again.

Remedies for Sink Smells

Some remedies were mentioned above for specific sink smell causes. In the case of smells caused by bacteria, dirt, gunk and other contaminants, the following advice should prove useful.

• Mild Odor Remedies

  If the smell is not too bad, you might be fortunate enough that using hot water and dish soap will fix the problem. You start by filling your sink with a few inches of hot water. Add a generous amount of dish soap. You’ll then simply remove the drain plug and let it flow down.

• Resolving Stronger Odors

  The next level above soap and water is using baking soda and vinegar for drain cleaning. You only need to pour about a cup of vinegar and the same amount of baking soda down the drain. You wait about 10 to 15 minutes, and then you flush the drain with hot water.

When You Need a Professional

There are some odor control and drain clearing issues that will be too involved for any Washington homeowner. If soap, baking soda and lemon peels are not doing the job, this is when you’ll want to call the professionals at Apollo Plumbing.

If your drains are smelly or not functioning properly, we can give them a professional drain clearing with our Hydrojet service. This technology utilizes the eco-friendly power of water pressure to bring about long-lasting drain cleaning while also unclogging and cleaning your sewer line. Please give us a call for any plumbing issues outside your control, and one of our screened and well-trained plumbers will get to the bottom of the problem quickly and cost-effectively.

Copper is a durable material that often lasts for 20 to 50 years when it is used to manufacture things like pipes. Despite the longevity of copper pipes, they can develop pinhole leaks. Here are a few things that you need to know about leaks in copper pipes.

How Pinhole Leaks Occur

If a copper pipe is exposed to certain conditions, it could form a leak in as little as two years following installation. These types of leaks are common around the country. They form when variants in the water’s pH value wear down a pipe’s natural protection against corrosive elements.

What is the Definition of a Pinhole Leak?

According to a study completed on copper plumbing, a leak is a puncture in copper pipes, fittings or tubes that are used to distribute water domestically.

Pinhole leaks are miniscule. In fact, they are typically smaller than 1/8 inches wide. They also feature a pinhole shape, which is why they have the name that they do. When this type of leak is present, it signifies the final breaking through of a deteriorating corrosion issue that’s been developing on the inside of a copper pipe. This means that the leak is not an origination problem. Instead, it’s the culmination of lengthy corrosive damage.

How Does This Type of Leak Begin?

A pinhole leak is caused by pitting corrosion. This is a localized type of corrosion that results in the development of a hole. This form of corrosion impacts a small section of the pipe. Over time, the small section will gradually wear down until it collapses in and becomes a hole or a pit. Once the hole or pit has fallen in on itself, it’s considered a pinhole leak.

What are the Signs of a Pinhole Leak?

The signs of this type of leak include:

• A higher water bill
• Diminished water pressure
• Damage that you can see
• Mold
• Dripping noises
• Discolored pipes
• Condensation

High Water Bill

Regardless of the leak size, you will see an increase in the cost of your water bill. Take note of your water bill each month and pay attention when you see unexpected changes.

Diminished Water Pressure

Not only will you lose water following a leak, but you will also experience diminished water pressure. Whatever the size of the pinhole, the pressure in the pipe will decrease. This may result in reduced water pressure in every faucet of your home, which is the last thing that you want to have happen in the winter.

Damage You Can See

If you have a plumbing conduit that’s been leaking for a while without your noticing, at some point, damage will develop that you can see. This type of damage is likely to impact the materials that are around or near the leaking pipe. For instance, you may spot wall discoloration if the leak is inside the wall.

Mold

Pinhole leaks are known for being the cause of mold and mildew growth. The reason for this is that these kinds of leaks usually form inside a wall. This means that it’s likely for them to continue leaking undetected, resulting in an environment that’s perfect for mold growth.

Dripping Noises

If you hear dripping sounds in your home, then this is a more obvious sign that you have a plumbing conduit that’s developed a leak.

Discoloration

The exterior of a copper pipe should appear to be the color of copper. If you are able to see your pipes and they appear blue, green or brown, then it’s a sign that the plumbing element is starting to oxidize because there is water present.

Condensation

The exterior of your copper pipes should be dry. They should never appear wet or damp. When copper pipes are wet, then it’s because of a leak or from condensation that’s formed due to a leak. While there are many possible pinhole leak symptoms, keep in mind that these types of leaks are especially challenging to find. The reason for this is that they are miniscule. Also, they may develop anywhere on a copper pipe.

One definite way to check for a leak is by turning off your home’s water supply. Then, check the water meter. If you see the meter shifting after shutting your water off, you have a leak that’s undetected in your home. This method will notify you that you have a leak, but it won’t help you pinpoint the leak location.

What are the Causes of Pipe Corrosion?

There are three main reasons that corrosion occurs, which are:

• Chemical damage or mechanical damage
• Localized damage to the protective coating
• The existence of elements like non-uniformities in the copper

Chemical or Mechanical Damage

The most common cause of pinhole leaks is chemical damage. The pH value of your home’s water has little to do with its safety or quality, but it can impact the copper pipes. According to a study on copper pipe leaks, there are different ways that the pH value can interfere with a pipe’s sulfate content, bacteria, temperature and metal to develop the conditions required to cause damage.

If any of the damaging conditions develop in your home’s copper pipes, then it will cause a chemical reaction that will destroy the pipe’s protective oxide coating. This coating insulates your home’s inner pipe metal against the water that makes its way through them. If the chemical reaction is able to wear away the coating entirely in small sections, then these sections will become vulnerable to the development of corrosion. This is when a pinhole leak may become present.

Mechanical damage may happen from contaminants like sediment or metal that’s present in the water. This kind of sediment may come from a water heater. When these contaminants are present, they may wear down the interior of your home’s pipes as they move through them. This type of damage happens more often when water is especially hard or treated locally. If you have hard water pressure, then it may also wear away a copper pipe’s oxide coating.

Damage to the Coating

While it’s unlikely that your copper pipes were of poor quality, it’s possible that they are defective or were not installed properly. These types of problems happen more often when pipes are retrofitted or installed without professional guidance. If copper pipes become damaged, they may not be able to stand up against corrosion properly. This can lead to a leak or another problem.

Repairing a Pinhole Leak

If you suspect that your plumbing system has developed a pinhole leak, consider contacting a professional plumbing company for a repair. The only way to repair this type of leak is with the sweating replacement technique. While the repair gear that you need is available at the hardware store, it’s best to let the professionals handle this one because the repair involves soldering and expertise.

Preventing Leaks in Copper Pipes

Chemical reaction issues that cause your plumbing to break down generally happen due to high pH value in the water. A water softener may prevent high pH from developing. You may also prefer how a water softener helps your water heater create heat. Check the water pressure meter that’s located on your main water line. The pressure should be from 40 PSI to 60 PSI. You may need to purchase a water pressure limiter to prevent high pressure from harming your pipes if it’s higher than 60 PSI.

A Common Home Problem

Pinhole leaks are a common home problem. The good news is that they’re easy to fix. Be sure to contact a professional company. At Apollo Plumbing, we can help pinpoint leaks in copper pipes and repair them.

As the cold winter weather starts to set in, it’s time to prep your home to endure the colder temperatures. A necessary component of your home that is particularly sensitive to below-freezing temperatures is your piping. Knowing how to properly maintain your pipes during the colder winter months can mean the difference between a happy home and an expensive plumbing disaster.

Know Where Your Exposed Pipes Lie

The pipes most susceptible to freezing are those that are in uninsulated areas of your home. This includes spaces like your garage and attic where cold air can quickly seep in. These areas should be of your utmost concern as they will be the first to freeze. It’s highly recommended that you take the time to properly insulate these exposed pipes and perform necessary maintenance steps on them during the coldest of the winter days.

Insulating Pipes

Insulation can be done in a number of ways. Probably the most popular and easiest to install is the foam tubular insulation. This is typically black or grey in color and can be cut to the specific lengths of your pipe. It has a slit in the backside, which allows you to easily slip it over an exposed pipe. Some other methods of insulation include fiberglass and foam pipe wrap.

If you have an outlet within close vicinity of your exposed piping, then you may want to invest in heated cables. These are cables specifically designed to be attached to piping. They have a built-in thermostat that monitors that pipe’s temperature and will turn on its heat source when temperatures get too cold. These can be more costly to purchase and operate than traditional insulation methods.

If it’s cost-efficient, you may want to consider adding a heat source to the uninsulated area of your home to help minimize the freezing of any exposed piping. A small space heater can make a big difference in how warm your pipes remain during the coldest of the winter season.

When Temperatures Dip Below Freezing

Whenever the temperature dips below freezing, your pipes can start to freeze up. As the temperatures dip, it’s a good idea to perform some extra tasks to help keep your pipes adequately heated. First and foremost, you’ll want to open up your cabinet doors where water lines are present. This allows fresh heat to circulate through these areas and heat up your water lines.

If you have exposed piping in your garage, consider keeping your doors shut until the cold spell snaps. If you have areas of your home where there is exposed piping and no insulation, then let your faucet drip. Even this slow movement of water can go a long way in preventing your pipe from freezing up during the coldest of the winter weather.

Sealing Up Your Entire Home

A very common way that homes end up cooling down to pipe freezing temperatures is because of drafts and air leaks throughout the home. It’s imperative that you take the time to walk through your home and assess common areas for cold air to seep into your home. These include near your doors, windows, dryer vents, and so forth.

Any areas where you can feel a cold draft coming in should be properly sealed up. If the hole is big, use weatherstripping material to keep the draft out. For smaller leaks, you can use clear caulking to completely seal them up. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that your home’s insulation level meets or exceeds the R-value standards for your region of the country. When you can keep your home free from air leaks and drafts, it goes a long way in reducing your risk of experiencing frozen pipes.

Turning Off Water Supply to Outdoor Faucets

You don’t want to have live water going to your outdoor faucets during the colder winter months, as this could lead to frozen pipes and a costly repair bill. Rather, you want to locate the shut-off valve for each outdoor faucet that you have. Turn it to the off position and then bleed the remaining water line via the bleeder valve.

It’s important to note that just shutting off the water valve to your outdoor faucets isn’t enough. If you leave water in the line, it can still freeze between the shut-off valve and the outdoor faucet. Bleeding is a crucial step in the process to remove any water in this section of piping so that it isn’t exposed to frigid outdoor temperatures.

If you use your outdoor faucets in the winter months, then you’ll need to invest in frost-free sill cocks. These winterized options have the washer, seat, and valve located about 18 inches inside of the pipe inside of your home. Additionally, they’re installed at a downward angle so that water left in the piping can easily drain every time you turn the faucet off.

Dealing With Frozen Pipes

When you turn on your faucet and you only get a trickle or nothing at all, it’s an indication that your pipe is frozen somewhere. It’s best to examine the length of the piping to identify if there are any obvious bursts. When water freezes, it actually expands. This can force your piping to expand and end up bursting. However, since the water is frozen, you won’t see water leaking out just yet.

If you notice any bursts in your pipe, you should shut your water off to that section of piping if possible. If not, then turn off your main water supply at the main water valve. Once the piping is unfrozen, you don’t want to have tons of water gushing out of the leaky area, as that could lead to even more damage to your home.

Before you attempt to unfreeze the piping, make sure that you turn on the faucet so that the water can flow out of the piping into a sink or tub. When attempting to unfreeze your piping, you need to keep in mind that your piping is sensitive to extreme heat. You never want to use a blowtorch, kerosene heater, propane heater, or any other open flame source of heat.

Instead, opt for a more controlled heating method. You can start by wrapping hot towels around the piping. Other acceptable methods for unfreezing your piping include an electric heating pad, hair dryer, and portable space heater. If you opt for the latter, make sure that the area is clear of any flammable debris.

You want to continue to heat your piping until its normal water pressure is restored. By having the faucet open, the flow of even cold water will help to unfreeze your piping. If you notice a leak anywhere in your piping during the unfreezing process, be sure to turn off your water supply and call a licensed plumber for assistance.

It may seem like your garbage disposal, drains and even toilets can accommodate a variety of waste and unwanted items. Through these plumbing features, you can easily watch those items be carried away and hopefully never think about them again. In reality, however, many types of trash and debris can pollute the water supply or cause damage to the water line. The types of plumbing repair work needed could range from draining cleaning with a snake or hydro jet to repiping the entire line. By paying attention to what you toss down the drain, you can avoid these issues. What should you avoid putting in your drains?

Grease and Oil

After you prepare many types of meat on the stove or in the oven, you may be left with a pot or pan full of grease. While the grease may be warm and liquid at the moment, it can congeal as it grows cooler. This can block the pipe. Even liquid oils, like vegetable or olive oil, can line the inside of the pipe and collect other debris. Eventually, this can lead to a clog. Always dispose of grease, oil and fatty foods in the trash can.

Coffee Grounds

It may seem like fine coffee grounds would not be able to harm the plumbing system. However, their unique physical qualities may make them difficult to evacuate from the pipes. When other matter is already partially blocking the pipes, coffee grounds can easily get stuck and contribute to the problem. Toss used coffee grounds into the trash bin.

Egg Shells

Egg shells also need to be disposed of in solid waste trash. Your garbage disposal could easily chop up the thin, brittle shells. However, shells often stick to the inside of pipes. They can also get caught up in a developing clog relatively easily.

Flour

When flour mixes with water, it creates a heavy, thick paste. This paste will not easily pass through the pipes, and this means that it can add to a developing clog. More than that, when the pipe is not used for a few hours, any lingering paste could harden on the interior of the pipe. Toss both dry flour and any flour dough remnants into the trash rather than in the garbage disposal.

Uncooked Rice and Pasta

When rice and pasta get wet, they absorb the moisture and expand. When many pieces and rice or pasta go down the drain together, they can collectively grow large enough to clog the pipe. In addition, they become very sticky and can grip the interior of the pipe. If you have unused pasta and rice that you do not want to save for later, ensure that it finds its place in the trash can rather than in the drain.

Tampons

Many women believe that tampons are flushable products. While some of the applicators may be designed as flushable items, tampons should never be tossed into the toilet. These products are designed to be both highly durable and very absorbent. As they absorb water, they can completely block the entire interior of the pipe and create a messy situation.

Wipes

From baby wipes and makeup wipes to cleaning wipes and more, these toss-and-dispose products are designed with convenience in mind. Flushing used wipes down the toilet may seem like a great way to get rid of them, but this should be avoided. Wipes generally will not decompose easily in water. Instead, they will retain their composition and may block the water line after they have been flushed.

Paper Towels

Since you can flush toilet paper, you may assume that you can also flush paper towels. In reality, however, the composition of paper towels is different. Many paper towels are comprised of recycled paper, which will not easily break down in the water. Like wipes, paper towels can retain their thick composition and can get trapped in a pipe if you flush them.

Cotton Swabs

Given the small size of cotton balls, you could assume that they would flush down the toilet easily enough. However, like tampons, cotton balls expand in water. A single cotton ball could pass through a straight pipe, but it could get trapped as it rounds a corner. Multiple cotton balls and even Q-tips may be more problematic even when traveling down straight stretches of a pipe.

Kitty Litter

Disposing of your cat’s waste in the toilet may seem like a natural move. After all, the toilet accommodates your own waste. However, kitty litter clumps around both urine and feces, so it will be washed through the pipes when you flush your cat’s waste. When kitty litter gets wet, it sticks together. This makes it easier for you to clean out the litter box. However, this clumping property can easily lead to a clogged pipe if you flush it down the drain.

Hair

Most people do not intend for their hair to run down the sink, tub or shower drain. Hair strands naturally fall out as you brush and wash your hair. Individual hairs are not a problem, and many of them will work their way through the pipe without concern. However, some of these hairs may start to accumulate. When this happens, they can collect body oils, soap residue and other hairs that run through the drain. The result is a blockage that slowly grows in size and eventually completely blocks the pipe. Consider using a catcher to capture the hair before it flows down the drain.

Produce Stickers

Before you rinse off your produce in the sink, you should always peel off the sticker and dispose of it in the trash can. Otherwise, it may work itself down the drain. There, it can get trapped in a developing blockage and contribute to the issue. These vinyl or plastic stickers may also find their way to the water treatment plant. There, they may damage a pump or filter.

Unused Medicine

Commonly, people find themselves with expired medications or extra medications that are no longer needed. Flushing medications seems like a convenient way to get rid of them and to ensure that other people do not have access to them. However, after you flush a medication, it can enter the public water supply. This can actually be detrimental to many others in the community. As an alternative, consider taking your unused medications to the pharmacy to dispose of them safely.

Harsh Cleaning Products

Some home cleaning products as well as drain cleaning products are comprised of harsh and even toxic ingredients. These products can damage the public water supply and could eventually work their way into marine habitats. There, they could have fatal consequences. In addition, many of these products are detrimental to your pipes. When they are used regularly, they can cause significant erosion and may result in the need for repiping. Consider using natural cleaning products and safe drain cleaning solutions, such as hydro jetting and snaking, as alternatives.

Paint

Whether you are cleaning up after an art project or a home improvement project, you should not clean your brushes in the sink. You also should not pour unused paint down the drain. The chemicals in paint can damage marine environments and may be toxic to wildlife. In addition, the paint can cling to the interior of your pipes and may play a role in developing clogs.

Schedule Plumbing Repair Service Today

Are you already dealing with a clogged pipe or a backed-up toilet? At Apollo Plumbing, our experts are ready to respond to your request for plumbing repair service. When we arrive, we will quickly assess the situation to determine if snaking, hydro jet drain cleaning or repiping would be the right solution for your home. We always provide a fair estimate upfront. Contact Apollo Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.

In addition to your daily and weekly cleaning chores, such as vacuuming and dusting, you must tackle numerous spring cleaning chores periodically to keep your home in tip-top shape. When you think about spring cleaning, you may initially focus on decluttering. After all, your closets, drawers, and cabinets will become increasingly chaotic and must be reorganized from time to time. Other chores require your attention, such as dusting off the ceiling fan blades, wiping down the baseboards, cleaning the light fixtures, and more. While focusing on these and other more obvious tasks is easy, your next spring cleaning session is also the time to clean out your drains. Drain cleaning is a huge task you definitely want the professionals to do it.

Over time, the drains in your kitchen and bathrooms will grow increasingly filthy. In addition to emitting foul odors, dirty drains can also produce clogs. Clogs cause the water to drain more slowly from the sinks, tubs, and toilets. This problem can seem like an annoyance initially, but clogs will gradually grow in size. As this happens, the drains will function even more slowly. Eventually, you will have a complete clog, and no water will flow out of the drain.

Drain Cleaning Services

By simply focusing your attention on drain cleaning periodically, you can avoid this messy situation in your home. What are some tips for cleaning your drains more easily and thoroughly?

Focus on the Stopper

Your drain stoppers do more than prevent water from draining out of the tubs, shower basins, and sinks. They also are the first line of defense to prevent clogs from developing in the pipes. Stoppers often collect hair, soap residue, food, and other items that otherwise may form a clog in the pipes.

You can easily clean the stopper by first removing it from the drain. Then, pull or scrape all accumulated matter off the stopper. This debris can emit a foul odor that lingers even after the matter has been removed. With this in mind, soak the stopper in a small bowl of baking soda and water, vinegar or lemon juice, and water. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the stopper with your preferred concoction after it has been soaking for a while.

Clean Out the Drains
After you have cleaned the stoppers, you can turn your attention to the pipe and drain cleaning. You may be inclined to use one of the chemical drain cleaning products you can find at many local stores. While these can destroy clogs and help the water to pass through the pipes as intended, these chemical products can also damage your pipes over time. More than that, they are toxic substances that can cause serious harm to the environment.

A better solution for pipe and drain cleaning is an enzymatic cleaner. These products use natural ingredients, such as bacteria and enzymes, to target the clogs. Through natural processes, an enzymatic cleaner can break down the elements in a clog into safe elements, such as hydrogen, oxygen, and others. These products may be more expensive than chemical drain cleaning products. Still, the ability to clean your pipes without damaging them or the environment is well worth the cost.

Tackle Unpleasant Odors
Bacteria, mildew, and other elements can start to grow on the clogs in your pipes. The result can be a truly unpleasant odor that floats through your kitchen and bathrooms even after you have just cleaned them. The good news is that you can deodorize the drain and pipes after you remove the clogs and even in between your more significant clog removal sessions throughout the year.

Start by running hot water down the pipes to flush any debris away initially. Then, heat a cup of white vinegar in the microwave. Pour this down the drain. Rinse the drain by running cold water through it. Repeat the process as needed until the smells are completely gone.

Clean the Kitchen Sink with Citrus Fruit
Over time, food residue and grease can build up in the sink drain and pipes. In addition to potentially building up into a clog, the debris can create a funky smell that wafts through your kitchen and even into other rooms in the home. While you can also use enzymatic cleaners in the kitchen, another option is available.

Citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, and oranges, are naturally acidic. They can cut through grease and other debris that may be causing an issue in your kitchen sink. More than that, they can emit a fresh, inviting smell that dramatically improves your home environment. Cut a whole fruit into wedges to clean the kitchen drain with citrus fruit. One by one, run these wedges through the garbage disposal. Because of how easy this is, you can keep your kitchen smelling nice without a hassle by repeating this process every month.

Hire a Pro
Are you dealing with a more challenging clog? Sometimes, a clog is too large and stubborn to be tackled only with enzymatic cleaners and natural agents, such as vinegar, citrus fruits, and baking soda. Thankfully, professional help is available. Our plumbers are true professionals who can use proven techniques to address all of your drain problems. The best time to call a plumber for service is before the drain is completely clogged.

Call For Drain Cleaning Services today!

Clogged drains are an unfortunately common issue that most people will have to deal with over time. You can prevent any clogs from developing by regularly cleaning the stopper and drains. However, even with your best efforts, you may still develop a clog that does not break down through your cleaning strategies and techniques. If you are dealing with this situation today, your next move should be to call a plumber for assistance. Our professionals can safely address the problem and leave you with clean drains and pipes. Contact our office today to schedule a drain cleaning service for your home.