Every household needs a functioning water heater to take hot showers, clean the house, and do everything else you need hot water for. Unfortunately, even if you pay your gas bill on time every month, there can be situations where your water heater doesn’t work properly. If your water heater pilot light keeps going out, you can use several remedies to resolve this problem. Water heater problems can impact your daily life and cause extreme frustration if you don’t fix the issue immediately – so don’t wait!

Reasons Your Water Heater Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

The first thing you should do when your water heater pilot light keeps going out is determined the reason for this. The following are several reasons why your water heater pilot light isn’t working correctly.

• There’s too much dust on your thermocouples, and it’s getting in the way of the igniting process.
• Your thermocouples are outdated, causing the malfunction and making your pilot light go out.
• The igniting device is bent out of place because of frequent use.
• Your gas company is experiencing problems causing gas shortages throughout your neighborhood.
• Your thermocouples are broken.

If you’re unsure why your water heater pilot light keeps going out, you should call a plumber for a proper diagnosis. In many cases, you can’t fix your water heater on your own, and waiting too long to call a plumber can impact your day-to-day routine. 

So don’t delay, give us a call and let us sort out the issue safely.

Clean Your Thermocouples

The first thing you should do when you notice your pilot light keeps going out is clean your thermocouples. You’ll need to shut off your gas supply to ensure you don’t accidentally cause a fire during this cleaning process. Then, you can use a standard duster to eliminate excess debris on your thermocouples that could be causing the pilot light to go out.

Should You Work On Your Water Heater By Yourself?

If your pilot light needs dusting, then you can complete this task on your own by turning off your gas temporarily while you dust the area. Otherwise, you should call a professional to fix your water heater to ensure you don’t cause a dangerous accident. Fixing your water heater without a professional can put you and your family in a dangerous situation. Water heaters use gas to function, and you should never mess around with household gas.

How Long Will It Take For Your Water To Heat Back Up After Relighting Your Pilot Light?

After you relight your pilot light, you should allow your water heater at least two hours to warm back up. However, the amount of time it takes for your water heater to warm up will depend on the size of the heater. Unfortunately, larger water heaters might take up to five hours to heat up, while smaller water heaters could only take one hour.

You should check your pilot light frequently to ensure it doesn’t go back out while you wait for your water heater to warm up. If the water heater pilot light keeps going out, you’ll need to call a plumber to resolve the issue. 

How a Plumber Can Fix Your Water Heater

The best thing you can do when your body heater pilot light keeps going out is to call a plumber to diagnose and fix the issue. If you don’t call a plumber to fix your water heater pilot light, you could ignore the main problem causing your pilot light to go out. This situation will lead to several instances of you not having hot water. When you call a plumber, they will look at your thermocouples to determine if the problem is fixable or if you need a replacement, but either way when they are done you’ll have a solution.

Final Thoughts

Contact us at (520) 214-2149 when your water heater pilot light keeps going out so you don’t have to keep dealing with this problem. Do you need hot water to get through the day and going without can cause extreme frustration and cause you to sacrifice your hygiene? Our professionals will come in for emergency or routine services so that you don’t have to deal with your water heater pilot light going out any longer.AuthorepsPosted onOctober 20, 2022CategoriesPlumbing

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Sewer line cleaning is a task that you can hire a plumber to do to ensure that wastewater drains properly from your home. Sometimes, there are situations where the wastewater gets stuck in your home, which causes a backup. Backed-up wastewater can cause problems, like making your house smell bad and creating mold. Please continue reading to learn more about sewer line cleanings and when you should hire a plumber to complete this task. A sewer line cleaning can help you minimize the plumbing problems you see regularly.

What Does Sewer Line Cleaning Do?

Sewer line cleanings are typically routine maintenance that many homeowners need to invest in if they want to keep their plumbing working great. However, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to neglect these regular cleanings and encounter plumbing issues as time passes. Sewer line cleaning removes sludge, debris, and grease from your pipes so that wastewater can easily drain from your home.

People might also schedule a sewer line cleaning when they notice a problem with their home, like flooding. These situations can be considered emergencies, and plumbers might charge an additional fee to handle emergency plumbing situations. Maintaining a routine sewer line cleaning would be the best way to save money in the long-term.

How To Know When You Need a Sewer Line Cleaning

If you own a home, you should clean your sewer line once every two years to keep your plumbing system working well. If a few years have passed and you haven’t noticed any problem, you should still contact a plumber to clean your sewer line. Otherwise, you could face flooding or trouble draining your wastewater, which can cause a disturbing smell in your home. 

Sometimes, even if you don’t notice a smell coming from your wastewater, the people visiting your home will because it’s common for people to become nose blind to the smells in their own house. Contact a plumber once every two years for a sewer line cleaning, or contact a plumber if you notice any flooding within your home. Some households need a sewer line cleaning more often than other households, depending on the state of the pipes and what’s been happening to them.

Image: https://stock.adobe.com/images/emptying-septic-tank-cleaning-the-sewers-septic-cleaning-and-sewage-removal-emptying-household-septic-tank-cleaning-sludge-from-septic-system/143544382

How Long Will The Sewer Cleanout Service Take?

Fortunately, calling a plumber for your standard or emergency sewer line cleaning won’t take very long. Ideally, it will take your plumber a few hours to complete the sewer line cleanout unless there is something severe going on with your plumbing system.

If you have severe problems that your plumber needs to resolve before they complete your sewer line cleanout, they will let you know and give you a price estimate.  An example of a situation that could cause your sewer line cleaning to take longer is if your basement has flooded with wastewater. This is because the plumbers will need to wade through the flooded basement to access the drain, which could take a while. You might also have roots in your sewer line that your plumber needs to get rid of to drain your wastewater properly. Tree roots are one of the most common causes of wastewater backups and fixing those takes more work than just running a snake down the line.

What To Do If There’s a Wastewater Backup

If you notice water flooding your basement, or wastewater backing up into your tubs, or flooding on your bathroom flowers – your sewer line needs cleaning! Call your plumber immediately and avoid the flooded areas as wastewater can be home to bacteria that will make you ill.

Final Thoughts

Contact us at (520) 214-2149 when you need a sewer line cleaning. Our professionals will come out for emergency services or standard maintenance so that your plumbing system works as fantastically as possible. We have years of industry experience and can resolve any plumbing issues you encounter during our sewer line cleaning. When your house floods with wastewater, you need a professional to come in and resolve the problem immediately.  You need Economy Plumbing Services!

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Hot water is essential for comfort and hygiene, so a malfunctioning water heater can be a significant concern. If you’re facing an issue where your water heater won’t drain, it’s essential to understand the causes and solutions before considering a costly replacement. Below, we’ll explore the common reasons why your water heater won’t drain and provide step-by-step solutions to get it back in working order.

Common Reasons Why Your Water Heater Won’t Drain

1. Clogged Drain Valve
   • A clogged drain valve is the most frequent reason for a water heater failing to drain. Over time, sediment accumulates at the bottom of the tank, blocking the drain valve and preventing water flow.
2. Faulty Drain Valve
   • If the valve itself is defective, it may not open or close correctly, causing drainage issues. A faulty valve often requires replacement.
3. High Sediment Buildup
   • Water heaters can accumulate significant sediment over time, especially in areas with hard water. This sediment can create blockages or reduce the efficiency of the heater, leading to drainage problems.
4. Vacuum Lock
   • A vacuum lock can occur when there’s no air pressure to allow the water to flow out, trapping water in the tank.

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Drano is a popular pipe cleaner, marketed for home use to eliminate buildup in pipes and clear clogs. However, just because something is marketed as safe for your pipes doesn’t mean it is. People often use Drano when their sinks, bathtubs, or other plumbing backs up and want a quick fix without spending much money. Here’s why that’s a problem.

Drano’s Strong Chemicals

The chemicals Drano uses to clear clogs from your sink are unsafe for your plumbing because your plumbing isn’t supposed to handle chemicals like that. For example, when you pour Drano down your sink, it will create a chemical reaction that will bring the compound to a boiling level, and your sink isn’t meant to handle these chemicals at these temperatures. Many people who used Drano report cracks in their ceramic and damage to the connection between their pipes.

Drano claims their compound is safe to use in plumbing pipes; however, these chemicals are not safe for the binding plastic between pipes or the ceramic in your sinks, toilet, or showers. These chemicals are only graded for the metal portion of your pipes. So if your pipes use a lot of other materials or are PEX tubing, for instance, Drano can eat away at them.

Corrodes Your Plumbing

Plastic pipes often can’t handle Drano because they’re not graded to handle harsh chemicals like that. However, if your pipes are made entirely from metal, you might not have a problem with corrosion, lucky you! Unfortunately for the vast majority of us, our pipes use a mix of materials or the more common, modern PEX material.  If you use Drano to clear out your pipes, you risk corroding your plumbing, which will cost you a lot more money in the long run.

Using Drano to clear out your plumbing once or twice over the course of a decade or two might not cause damage, but if you’re a frequent Drano user, you will face problems. So it would be best to be gentle on your pipes and avoid the solution altogether.

A Temporary Fix to a Potentially Serious Problem

Drano also won’t fix every type of problem your plumbing might have. While it may work to clear a clog caused by hair. For example, if you’re facing a log because you have roots in your drains, then using the Drano won’t help. It would be best to call a plumber immediately when you’re facing backups to ensure that you’re treating the right issue.

If you spend too much time treating the wrong problem with Drano, your plumbing situation could worsen and cost you much money in the long run. Using Drano to avoid the bigger problem is not an effective way to clear your drains permanently.

Drano Alternatives

If you don’t have the money to call a plumber immediately, you can use Drano alternatives that are much safer for your pipes. For example, one alternative you can use to freshen the room’s smell is pouring baking soda and vinegar down your drains. This will cause a bubbling chemical reaction that can help shift and clogs

Drano is a popular pipe cleaner, marketed for home use to eliminate buildup in pipes and clear clogs. However, just because something is marketed as safe for your pipes doesn’t mean it is. People often use Drano when their sinks, bathtubs, or other plumbing backs up and want a quick fix without spending much money. Here’s why that’s a problem.

Drano’s Strong Chemicals

The chemicals Drano uses to clear clogs from your sink are unsafe for your plumbing because your plumbing isn’t supposed to handle chemicals like that. For example, when you pour Drano down your sink, it will create a chemical reaction that will bring the compound to a boiling level, and your sink isn’t meant to handle these chemicals at these temperatures. Many people who used Drano report cracks in their ceramic and damage to the connection between their pipes.

Drano claims their compound is safe to use in plumbing pipes; however, these chemicals are not safe for the binding plastic between pipes or the ceramic in your sinks, toilet, or showers. These chemicals are only graded for the metal portion of your pipes. So if your pipes use a lot of other materials or are PEX tubing, for instance, Drano can eat away at them.

Corrodes Your Plumbing

Plastic pipes often can’t handle Drano because they’re not graded to handle harsh chemicals like that. However, if your pipes are made entirely from metal, you might not have a problem with corrosion, lucky you! Unfortunately for the vast majority of us, our pipes use a mix of materials or the more common, modern PEX material.  If you use Drano to clear out your pipes, you risk corroding your plumbing, which will cost you a lot more money in the long run.

Using Drano to clear out your plumbing once or twice over the course of a decade or two might not cause damage, but if you’re a frequent Drano user, you will face problems. So it would be best to be gentle on your pipes and avoid the solution altogether.

A Temporary Fix to a Potentially Serious Problem

Drano also won’t fix every type of problem your plumbing might have. While it may work to clear a clog caused by hair. For example, if you’re facing a log because you have roots in your drains, then using the Drano won’t help. It would be best to call a plumber immediately when you’re facing backups to ensure that you’re treating the right issue.

If you spend too much time treating the wrong problem with Drano, your plumbing situation could worsen and cost you much money in the long run. Using Drano to avoid the bigger problem is not an effective way to clear your drains permanently.

Drano Alternatives

If you don’t have the money to call a plumber immediately, you can use Drano alternatives that are much safer for your pipes. For example, one alternative you can use to freshen the room’s smell is pouring baking soda and vinegar down your drains. This will cause a bubbling chemical reaction that can help shift and clogs and is completely safe for your pipes. The odor elimination is a nice benefit!

Final Thoughts

Contact us at (520) 214-2149  today, and our experts will help diagnose what’s wrong with your drain, and we will fix it. The longer you wait to fix whatever is going on with your pipes, the worse your plumbing situation will become. Therefore, it is best to immediately handle plumbing situations with a professional, so you don’t make things worse by wrecking your pipes with Drano.

Drano can destroy your sinks, toilets, and bathtubs if you use it too often, and many alternatives are safer. If you damage your plumbing more than it already was by using harsh chemicals, it will cost you even more to get everything fixed.

and is completely safe for your pipes. The odor elimination is a nice benefit!

Final Thoughts

Contact us at (520) 214-2149  today, and our experts will help diagnose what’s wrong with your drain, and we will fix it. The longer you wait to fix whatever is going on with your pipes, the worse your plumbing situation will become. Therefore, it is best to immediately handle plumbing situations with a professional, so you don’t make things worse by wrecking your pipes with Drano.

Drano can destroy your sinks, toilets, and bathtubs if you use it too often, and many alternatives are safer. If you damage your plumbing more than it already was by using harsh chemicals, it will cost you even more to get everything fixed.

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When the plumbing goes out it is one of the most stressful things about being a homeowner.  The best way to ensure you get the job done right is to hire a professional plumber to come in and fix your situation. Otherwise, if you do the job independently, you could risk handling the wrong problem and worsening your building’s plumbing . Please continue reading to learn how to hire a plumbing contractor and what questions you need to ask before you sign a contract. Fortunately, finding a reputable plumbing service is easy when you know how to go about it.

Pick a Plumbing Contractor with a Valid License

Most states across the US make it illegal for a contractor to work on plumbing without a proper license. However, people can get a plumber’s license to start as an apprentice, a journeyman, and then a licensed plumber. Plumbing problems are serious; a well-known professional must handle the situation and get your plumbing back on track.

However, just because most states make plumbing illegal without a license doesn’t mean people don’t attempt to fix plumbing unlicensed. Therefore, before signing any contracts, you must ensure that you are talking to a licensed plumber, not your neighborhood handyman.

What is Plumber Insurance?

Plumber insurance is insurance that your plumber carries before they work on any job. This insurance covers injuries, property damage, and any other liabilities or problems that might occur while working. If you speak with a commercial plumber, you should always ask if they’re insured to ensure you don’t cost yourself money in the long run. Some states require plumbers to carry plumber insurance, but others don’t,  so it’s up to you to ensure that whomever you hire has insurance.

Jobs a Plumbing Contractor Can Help You With

If you have any trouble with your home or building plumbing, you can hire a plumbing contractor to assess and deal with the situation. The following are examples of jobs that you can call a plumber to resolve.

• A broken water heater
• Any clogs within your drain that are causing a water backup somewhere in the building
• A clogged or malfunctioning toilet
• Flooding basement
• Plumbing leaks

There are many other situations where you might also need a plumber to fix your problem. Hiring a plumbing contractor can resolve anything that has to do with the running water in your home.

Questions to ask a Plumbing Contractor

Before signing a contract with a plumbing contractor, you need to ask a few questions to ensure they’re legit. Otherwise, you risk putting your plumbing needs in the hands of someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing or doesn’t have the license to handle the situation. The following questions are what you should ask when you hire a plumber.

• Do you have a plumbing license and plumber insurance?
• How much will it cost for a consultation and service the problem altogether?
• Are there any plumbing situations the contractor specializes in, and do they relate to your problem?
• How long do you take to respond to plumbing situations on average?
• How long do you estimate the work will take, and do you want me present in the home while you work?
• Do you offer 24-hour help for an emergency plumbing situation?

Asking these questions will get you on the right track to hiring the right plumber to handle your situation. You need a professional service to come in and take care of any damaged plumbing needs you have. If you neglect to ask these questions, you risk signing someone up to handle the job that doesn’t know how to fix your problem. Plumbing is super sensitive, so you want things done correctly.

Final Thoughts

Contact us at (520) 214-2149 today, and we will help you with any plumbing concerns in your building. We can work on commercial and residential buildings, so if you have a problem, you can get a hold of us to fix it. Our professionals have been in the plumbing industry for years, and we can handle almost any situation you have. We also offer excellent customer service, so you can relax when you talk to us, knowing that it won’t be a negative discussion.

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A toilet that won’t flush is a common, yet distressing situation. If your toilet won’t flush, there can be a lot of causes with simple solutions. Toilets not flushing is one of the homeowners’ most common plumbing issues.

Please continue reading to learn why your toilet won’t flush and how to fix it with home remedies. 

Your Toilet Is Clogged

The number one reason why toilets won’t flush is that they are clogged with material. Even if you’re the only person who uses your toilet, it still gets a lot of use, and it will eventually clog. It would help if you always kept a plunger in your bathroom so that you can solve this problem every time it arises immediately.

Fortunately, you can solve most of your toilet clogging problems by using a plunger to dislodge the material until you can flush it. Try not to flush the toilet until you’re positive you’ve dislodged the blockage; otherwise, you can flood your bathroom. However, more serious clogs that are deeper in your plumbing system could require professional intervention instead of a home remedy.

There’s Something Wrong with Your Toilet’s Lift Chain

Another reason your toilet won’t flush could be because something is wrong with the lift chain inside the tank. Toilets flush by pushing down on the handle, which engages the rubber float valve to rise inside the tank. The chain pulls the valve up, and this causes water to flush out the waste in your bowl. If your chain is broken, flushing won’t work. The immediate solution to this problem is to open up your toilet tank and lift the chain manually. This will flush your toilet until you permanently fix the chain.  

If you notice your lift chain is broken inside the tank, you can buy a replacement online or at a hardware shop. Older toilets could experience lift chain breakage after several uses. 

Your Toilet Tank Doesn’t Have Enough Water.

You need enough water in your toilet tank if you want to flush it properly. If insufficient water in your toilet tank floods your bowl when you flush, your toilet won’t do its job properly. The immediate solution is to manually add enough water to your tank so that you can flush right away until you’ve solved the problem permanently.

If your toilet tank doesn’t get enough water, you may have a cracked toilet bowl, your sewer line vent might be blocked, or your fill valve could be damaged. Check all these areas within your toilet tank to see which issue is causing your problem and fix whatever is damaged.

Your Toilet’s Drainpipes Aren’t Optimal.

Unfortunately, you can’t fix all toilet issues at home on your own.  For example, if your toilet drainpipes aren’t optimal for your drainage needs, you’ll frequently experience plumbing backups, or your toilet won’t flush. Also, if your toilet stream pipes aren’t formed right, you’ll have to call a plumber to diagnose and resolve this problem. 

Attempting to rearrange your toilet drainpipes on your own could cause severe plumbing damage that could cost you tons of money. Damaging your pipes could also void a home warranty if yours covers plumbing. 

Your Toilet’s Rim Holes are Clogged

Your toilet won’t flush if the rim holes are clogged with debris or calcium. If your house uses hard water, you might have a calcium buildup where your ramjets are placed. Fortunately, it’s easy to dissolve calcium in your toilet bowl with everyday home cleaning supplies.

You first need to ensure no bleach cleaner is in your toilet bowl because it will negatively interact with other chemicals and cause dangerous gas. Then, you can put distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the bottom of the realm of your toilet where your jets are with the vinegar. White vinegar is a natural dissolvent for calcium buildup. 

After you let the vinegar sit on The Jets for at least 20 minutes, you can use your toilet as you normally would. If calcium buildup is the problem, this method should resolve the issue. . 

Call a Trustworthy Plumber

If you try all these methods and your toilet still won’t flush, there might be something more severe wrong with your plumbing system. Contact us at (520) 214-2149 today, and we’ll look at your clogged toilet and help you fix the problem so you can get back to  regular life. Clogged toilets are unpleasant, so let us handle the mess. 

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Every home and property owner eventually needs to take care of their plumbing. When you use something every day, there’s maintenance that you need to partake in to make it run optimally. Plumbing is a necessary part of any active establishment that people inhabit, and sewer line cleanouts are part of the regular maintenance required.

Please continue reading to learn when it’s time to conduct a sewer line clean now and how to do it. Our guide will help you through the process.

Get Rid of Bad Smells from Your Sink

If you notice odors from your kitchen sink or bathtub that can’t be washed away,  it might be time for a sewer line cleanout. Clogged dirt, hard water, and anything else that goes down your drain can cause these odors. Water is constantly going through drains, and when there’s something else trapped in that drain, bad smells will arise.

Cleaning out your sewer lines will release bad odor for good. When you clean a clogged sink without removing the blockage, you only cover up the odor instead of removing it.

Reduce the Amount of Water Backups You Experience

Have you noticed your sink or bathtub floods with water once every couple of months or more? Even when you use a drain snake, there could be a blockage deep down in your pipes that you can’t access without opening your main sewer line. After you clean out your main sewer line, you can expect a massive decrease in water backups for the next year until it’s time to clean it.

Cleaning out your main sewer line at least once a year is a great way to prevent your water from backing up. Water backups can bring out nasty stuff from your pipes that you don’t want to deal with after a long day. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that there is a main sewer line they can access to minimize their plumbing issues. 

Use Tools to Get Debris Out of Your Pipes

Some of the most common tools people use to clean out their main sewer lines are drain snakes and wrenches. When you use a drain snake, you can get right into your main sewer line and pull out any of the large debris trapped in your upper pipes. Your wrench will allow you to access more areas of your sewer line to clean out any blockages thoroughly.

Depending on your sewer line’s components and pipes, you might need to invest in more tools. However, once you determine all the tools you need to get the job done you can remove your drainpipe cap and insert your snake until you thoroughly clean your pipes. 

Find Your Main Sewer Line

You might have trouble finding it if you’ve never accessed the main sewer line to your current home. So the first thing you need to do is know what to look for. Your main sewer line is a 4-inch wide pipe with a screw cap. Typically, your main sewer line pipe will be white; however, this color can change depending on your house’s pipes.

You can usually find your main sewer line in your basement, crawl space, or backyard. Some houses might have the main sewer line in the front yard, although this is uncommon because they can seem unsightly. If you have a large house, you might be searching for a while before you find your sewer pipeline, and you might benefit from hiring a professional instead. 

After you locate your main sewer line, you can get to work cleaning it out to prevent water backups and eradicate bad odors in your home from your plumbing. However, sometimes taking care of the direct drain to these facilities isn’t enough, and it’s time to find the main sewer line instead.

Hire a Professional When Standard Methods Don’t Work

Tons of situations can cause all sorts of plumbing issues throughout your home, and sometimes cleaning out your main sewer line isn’t enough to rectify those problems. If you’ve cleaned out your main sewer line and you’re still experiencing water backups or bad odors from your plumbing, then consider hiring a professional to handle the job to prevent damaging your plumbing system.

Contact us at (520) 214-2149 to resolve your plumbing issues or clean your main sewer line. If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning out the main sewer line yourself, we’ll be happy to do the dirty work for you.  

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Why Your Bathtub Is Cogged and How to Fix It

When your bathtub is clogged, it can ruin a relaxing night after work. People use their bathtubs to unwind and get clean. A bathtub clog will completely counteract that goal. There are many reasons why your bathtub might be clogged, and there are several resolutions to that problem to go through.

Please continue reading our guide to learn how to unclog your bathtub and why it is clogged in the first place.

Too Much Hair in The Drain 

The number one reason most people have a clogged bathtub is because there’s too much hair in the drain. When you use your bathtub frequently, it’s natural for some hair to fall out during your bath or shower. You might not notice the hair falling out immediately, but it does happen, and all of that hair accumulates in your drain eventually.

The easiest way to resolve this problem is to buy a drain snake and remove the bathtub plug to get in there. You can snake out as much hair as possible, which should solve the problem in most instances. If you clean out your drains regularly, you won’t experience clogged bathtubs very often.

Soap Scum Buildup Causing a Blockage

Sometimes the reason your drain is clogged is because there’s too much soap and buildup inside. You can recognize soap scum inside your drain by taking a flashlight and peeking into the drain. If your drain is covered in chalky residue, you have a soap scum problem.

Fortunately, you can dissolve soap scum with common household cleaning solutions. Chances are that you already have these products on hand. Pour baking soda directly into your drain and chase it with distilled white vinegar. Ensure that there’s no bleach cleaner in your bathtub before you do this procedure.

After you pour the vinegar to chase the baking soda, your sink will bubble up because the chemicals will react together. Don’t worry! This is a safe chemical reaction. Once the bubbles dissolve, follow up with  boiling water to eliminate the soap scum in your drain.

High Mineral Content in Your Water

Many people have hard water, which means a high mineral content can cause a blockage in your drains and clog your bathtub. Some people combat this problem by purchasing a water softener, but once the mineral buildup has already occurred, it’s too late for that method. Fortunately, you can use a cheap at-home solution to minimize the buil-up hard water in your bathtub drain.

Pour distilled white vinegar down your drain and allow  it to sit for at least 20 minutes to combat as much buildup as possible. White vinegar is an excellent tool to dissolve calcium buildup in your bathtub as long as there’s no bleach treatment already present.

Tracking Too Much Dirt into The Tub

If you’re the outdoorsy type, then there’s a chance you’re tracking too much dirt into your bathtub and clogging your drains that way. With all of the hair and water that goes through drains, your bathtub is experiencing enough. Dirt and mud can get caught in pre-existing debris and cause a clog. 

The best way to prevent tracking too much dirt into your bathtub is to hose off your feet outside before you enter the house after swimming or hiking. Beach sand is especially gritty and the most common type of dirt that will get stuck in your drain, while most other dirt will go down with no problem. If you don’t have a hose, you can wipe off your feet with a towel before entering your bathtub.

If it’s too late and you already have too much sand in your drain, you must follow this method to unclog it. You have a drain snake to remove all hair and debris and pour water down it to ensure your pipes are clear. Sand causes clogs by attaching itself to other materials in your bathtub drain. 

Pick a Great Plumber If Home Remedies Fail

If you’ve tried all these methods and are still experiencing a clogged bathtub, you should hire a professional to fix the problem. If home remedies don’t work, you might have something wrong with your plumbing system. Contact us at (520) 214-2149 today to get an estimate on your plumbing needs and answer any concerns you have about your clogged bathtub. 

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If you own a home built before the 1960s, chances are it has galvanized water pipes. These pipes, once a popular choice for plumbing, are now known for their propensity to corrode and leak as they age. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of repairing galvanized water pipe leaks and discuss when it might be time to replace them entirely.

Why Galvanized Pipes Leak

Galvanized pipes are made of steel coated with zinc to prevent rusting. Over time, however, the zinc coating erodes, exposing the steel to water and causing corrosion. This corrosion leads to leaks and reduced water pressure, making repairs a frequent necessity.

How to Repair Galvanized Water Pipe Leaks

While repairing galvanized pipes can be a DIY project, it requires the right tools and some plumbing know-how. Follow these steps to fix a leak in your galvanized water pipe:

1. Gather Your Tools
   • You’ll need a reciprocating saw, a steel replacement pipe, rubber couplings, and a pipe wrench.
2. Turn Off the Water Supply
   • Before you begin, shut off the water supply to the damaged pipe to prevent any flooding.
3. Cut Out the Damaged Section
   • Use the reciprocating saw to remove the corroded section of the pipe where the leak is located.
4. Measure and Cut the Replacement Pipe
   • Measure the gap left by the removed pipe section and cut the replacement steel pipe to the appropriate length.
5. Attach the New Pipe
   • Connect the new steel pipe using rubber couplings on each end. Tighten the couplings with the wrench to ensure a secure fit.
6. Restore the Water Supply
   • Once the new pipe is in place, turn the water supply back on and check for any leaks.

When to Replace Galvanized Pipes

While repairing a single leak is often a quick fix, recurring leaks can indicate that your galvanized pipes are reaching the end of their lifespan. Galvanized pipes typically last 80-100 years, meaning that many homes built in the 1960s are due for a complete repipe. Replacing old galvanized pipes with modern materials like PEX or copper can prevent future leaks, improve water quality, and increase your home’s value.

Should You Hire a Professional?

If you’re unsure about your ability to repair galvanized pipe leaks, or if you’re dealing with extensive corrosion, it’s best to hire a professional plumber. At Economy Plumbing Service, LLC, we specialize in both repairing and replacing galvanized pipes in Tucson, AZ. Our experienced team can assess the condition of your plumbing system and recommend the best course of action, whether it’s a simple pipe repair or a complete repiping service.

How Long Will Galvanized Pipes Last?

Given their limited lifespan, it’s important for homeowners with galvanized pipes to monitor for signs of corrosion and leaks regularly. If your pipes are nearing the 80-100 year mark, it may be time to consider a full replacement to avoid future plumbing issues.

Contact Us for Expert Plumbing Services in Tucson, AZ!

If you’re dealing with leaking galvanized pipes, don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Contact Economy Plumbing Service, LLC online, give us a call at (520) 885-3510, or request a service appointment today for prompt and reliable plumbing services in Tucson, AZ. Our team can help you repair leaks, replace old pipes, and ensure your plumbing system is in top condition!

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PEX pipes are color-coded tools to help carry hot and cold water from place to place. PEX pipes are normally used for water heaters to carry water safely while it is hot. PEX pipes come in several colors to help you distinguish what type of water is in the pipe, although this color coding is not necessary for the plumbing industry. PEX pipes are convenient and easy to install, making them a great option for homeowners.

Different Colors of PEX Pipes

You can get PEX pipes in different colors and sizes for your convenience. The colors of the PEX pipes help identify the best use for them. Identifying your PEX pipes on sight by their colors can help you with your plumbing needs. The following are the colors you can get for your PEX pipe and what the colors mean.

• Gray PEX pipes are fantastic for both hot and cold water. This neutral color means that this pipe is suitable either way and is convenient for people who don’t want to hook up a specific color for a specific water temperature
• White PEX pipes also work for both hot and cold water. Therefore, choosing between a gray PEX pipe and a white PEX pipe is just a matter of personal preference because they serve the same purpose
• Red PEX pipes are for hot water
• Blue PEX pipes are for cold water

If you prefer color coding to help distinguish water temperature, red and blue pipes are perfect. However, if you prefer a neutral-colored pipe, you can choose white or gray pipes for your water needs. There are many options to choose from when you use PEX pipes.

Plumbing Uses for a PEX Pipe

People like using PEX pipes in their plumbing because they are flexible, making it easy for people to move them around the way they need them and for them to direct water easily. In addition, because PEX pipes are so flexible, it is easy to prevent leaks by reducing the number of pipe connection points you would have with solid pipes. They are also…

• Ideal for heating and cooling systems
• Great for water heaters
• Used to aid with electrical cable insulation

Many people are switching from traditional copper pipes to PEX pipes because PEX pipes are more cost-effective and require fewer connection points. PEX pipes are additionally more user-friendly for people to install than traditional copper pipes.

Can PEX Pipes be Used for Outdoor Plumbing?

No, PEX pipes cannot be used for outdoor plumbing. A PEX pipe is an indoor plumbing solution only. This type of plumbing pipe is not ideal for outdoor use because this paper is not designed to withstand weather conditions or outdoor climates. Outdoor plumbing requires sturdy pipes that can handle weather erosion.

Some people still choose to use PEX pipes for outdoor plumbing; however, these pipes have not lasted nearly as long as copper pipes for outdoor plumbing. In addition, PEX pipes are made from plastic, so they deteriorate easily under the sun’s rays and in harsh environments. This type of outdoor pipe can be a good quick solution for a plumbing issue, but it’s not a long-time solution for an outdoor plumbing issue.

How Long to Install PEX Pipes

One of the benefits people find of using PEX pipes is that they’re easy and quick to install. PEX pipes don’t require as many connections as copper pipes, and they’re very flexible to move around easily. Some people can install pax pipes in as little as 10 minutes.

On the other hand, copper plumbing can take days to install, depending on the size of the house. This is because there are many more connection points associated with copper plumbing which is why it takes much longer to install than PEX plumbing. Most people also hire A plumber to handle copper pipes because they have so many different connection points.

Some people hire plumbers for PEX pipes too, but this plumbing job is cheaper and takes less time than the plumbing job associated with copper pipes. Contact us today for PEX pipe installation.

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