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Chemical drain cleaners are one of the most popular methods for cleaning residential drains, however, not all chemical drain cleaners are safe for pipes. Many chemical drain cleaners can do damage to pipes. Understanding the potential problems with chemical drain cleaners and what can be used as an alternative to chemical drain cleaners can help you take better care of your pipes. Chemical Drain Cleaners Can Harm Pipes Chemical drain cleaners are caustic or oxidizing. When these drain cleaners are used enough in old pipes they can cause the pipes themselves to degrade. Used in plastic pipes, chemical drain cleaners cause […]
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Do you use bath bombs after a stressful day at the office? Have you ever heard that bath bombs can be bad for your plumbing? Unfortunately, it’s true: bath bombs can cause clogs in your drains, unless a few precautions are taken. Knowing the danger of using bath bombs and what you can do to prevent problems can help you take care of your bathtub drains. The Good Bath bombs are a scented, fizzy bath salt designed to dissolve in your tub and relax your muscles. Upon placing bath bombs in a bathtub full of warm water, your bathroom will […]
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Your toilet can only safely be used to dispose of two things: human waste and toilet paper. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most commonly flushed items that should never, ever go down the pipes. Kitty Litter Kitty litter is heavy, absorbent and clumping, which makes it bad for pipes and sewers. Kitty litter also contains cat poop, which can contain a certain type of bacteria that is hazardous for the environment and human health. Wet Wipes Wet wipes are causing the downfall of New York sewers, and they can clog sewers where you live too. Wipes can travel […]
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Winter is a time when pipes freeze, thaw and break, causing drips, leaks and other problems. Winter is also a time when gutters fill with leaves, debris and ice, causing backups and house leaks. When the winter ends, many homeowners make plumbing repairs, gutter repairs and take on other plumbing related maintenance tasks that may have accumulated over the winter. Some of the following tasks can help you identify problems that may have developed over the course of the winter while also helping to ensure that your home’s plumbing is in good condition for the warmer parts of the year. Interior Plumbing […]
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If you have a typical double bowl kitchen sink, the drain baskets are connected by a pipe, and that pipe is connected to a single drain line. When the drain or one of the pipes becomes clogged, this can cause one of the sinks to back up. Unclogging the sink can take some problem solving abilities, perseverance and basic tools. However, if you’re a capable DIYer, doing this work on your own can save you money and help you avoid calling a professional plumber. The Plunger Solution The easiest solution, if it will work, is to plunge the sink with a basic plunger. Clamp […]
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Leaking water under the sink can be caused by a number of problems. At Terry’s Plumbing, we encounter leaks under the sink all the time, but find that the reasons behind these problems can be varied. In this post, we’ll cover some of the most common causes of water leakage under the sink and suggest solutions that can help. Diagnosing the Problem Looking under your sink, you’ll see multiple potential sources for a leak. Water supply lines usually run at the back and may cross over to the dishwasher, if you have one. Coming down from the sink, you’ll see the […]
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Spring is here! At this time of year, many homeowners find themselves doing more chores and maintenance around the house. If you’re a homeowner who likes DIY projects, spring is also a good time of year to take care of repairs to your home’s plumbing. At Terry’s Plumbing, we recommend that homeowners across the city perform a few basic chores and maintenance tasks to keep their home’s plumbing in proper working order. Fill Unused Drains Every drain has a P trap filled with water. This water in the P trap creates an airtight seal that prevents sewer gas from wafting […]
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There are many reasons that clothes washers stop draining. Clogs, malfunctions and kinks in hoses can all stop your washer from working properly. Frequently, a confident DIYer can manage this problem on their own, with the proper tools and a little bit of experimentation. Drain the Water Before you can fix the problem, you’ll need to empty the washing machine first. Start by unplugging the machine. As you do this, check all hoses in the back of the machine for kinks. If you find a kink, free the hose and turn the machine back on. If the machine drains, your […]
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So, you need to turn off your water shut off valve. This sounds like it should be an easy task, but for many homeowners, turning off the water can be a challenging. Finding the valve alone can be difficult, if you’re not sure where to look. The location of the main shut off valve may depend on the location of your home and its construction. Know Where to Look First Look in the front of the yard, close to the street. In your yard, you’ll see a plastic or metal plate in the ground, like a small manhole cover. This […]
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One of the great decisions that many homeowners must make at some point is whether or not to repair their plumbing or to replace it. In many homes, plumbing repairs remain a viable option for years. Clogged drains and the occasional leaky pipe are acceptable and expected, and can be repaired by a knowledgeable plumber or even a capable DIYer. However, at some point pipes become more trouble than they’re worth. Replacing old, leaky, brittle pipes can save homeowners hundreds of dollars wasted on repairs. Know the Lifespan Of Your Pipes Pipes don’t last forever. Copper pipes may last anywhere […]
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