When a stubborn clog comes between you and your plumbing system, you want it taken care of right away. Your trusted plumber will have plenty of tools in their arsenal to quickly dislodge clogs and return your drains to normal.

Power rodding offers a powerful way of tackling tough clogs and other obstructions that prove difficult or even impossible to remove any other way. Read on to discover everything you wanted to know about the tools and processes behind power rodding and how it benefits your plumbing system.

You might not realize it, but bad shower habits can impact your bathroom plumbing in ways you wouldn’t expect. Common problems including clogs and leaks can come from careless and sometimes dangerous shower habits.

Bad habits die hard, but overcoming some shower habits can give your bathroom plumbing a new lease on life. You will not only enjoy more reliable plumbing and fewer service calls but also conserve more water and pay less for the privilege of using your shower. The following are a few things you can do to break those habits and ensure your bathroom plumbing works efficiently.

Your toilet is not a garbage can, and you should never use it as such. While this sounds easy enough to remember, you would be surprised by how many people use their toilet to get rid of certain items. Of course, flushing certain things down the toilet is not always done on purpose.

This is especially true if you have small children, who sometimes make a game out of seeing whether their sibling’s favorite toy is flushable. Even if you do not have children, just flushing something down and forgetting about it might be tempting. However, according to professional plumbers, the only things that should go down the toilet are human waste and toilet paper.

If you wonder why Kleenex or baby wipes are not flushable, this is because they do not easily disintegrate in the water as toilet paper does. Even flushable wipes should never go down the toilet. Besides wipes and Kleenex, here are five more things you should never flush down the toilet.

The plumbing throughout your home is something you rarely think about until you notice a leak, clog, or any other number of minor issues.

The following are a few plumbing bad habits that need to be broken.

Plumbing leaks can strike at any time. When they occur, many unexpected problems can arise. Often, these problems can seem unrelated to the home’s plumbing. If you know what to look for, you may be able to recognize the signs of a plumbing leak before the problem gets out of hand.

Upgrade your outdoor water capabilities this summer with new exterior faucets installed by a qualified plumber. Here are four great reasons to schedule an exterior spigot update.

1. You Have a Pool or Pond

Whether you’ve bought a new pool or you’re refilling the old one, you need a lot of water before you can swim. At 40 pounds of water pressure, a standard 1/2-inch diameter garden hose needs at least nine hours to fill a 5,000-gallon pool or pond. A 5/8-inch-diameter hose only takes five hours to deliver the same amount of water to your outdoor water features.

Clogged sinks are a common household plumbing issue. In many cases, these obstructions seem to appear virtually overnight with no readily apparent cause. The seemingly sudden appearance of sink clogs is due to the fact that many blockages happen over time as certain substances stick to the sides or bends of your pips and begin to block normal water flow. Eventually, the ball of gunk becomes large enough that your sink drains slowly or not at all.

Understanding how these clogs form can help you prevent the inconvenience and potential damage of sink drainage issues and backups. In this blog, we list six of the most common substances that cause residential sink clogs.

Outdoor water supplies are lifesavers during warm months. You water plants, flush out gutters, and wash the car easily because of your outdoor faucets and fixtures. In winter, pay attention to your outdoor water supplies to protect hoses, faucets, and your indoor plumbing.

Your plumber can install several devices to reduce problems with your faucet over the winter. One of these devices helps when you have issues in summer, too. Here are five things you should know about your outdoor faucets during cold weather.

Hard water is a common household plumbing problem. Hard water occurs when a home’s water gathers a high level of trace minerals like calcium and magnesium on its way through the municipal water supply system. These minerals can then affect the performance of a home’s plumbing system.

Once you suspect that hard water has become an issue for your home, you can take steps to address the issue. A reputable plumber can test for hard water, recommend and install a water softener, and correct any existing effects of hard water on the home’s plumbing system.

Unfortunately, many of the signs of hard water aren’t immediately obvious unless you know what to look for. In this blog, we list 10 invisible signs of hard water so you can notice a problem and address it before the hard water causes too much damage to your home.

Low water pressure can be frustrating, especially when you’re taking a shower or washing a sink full of dirty dishes. Sometimes low water pressure is due to a simple problem, like a clogged aerator screen on a shower head or faucet — a condition that is easily fixed.

But when the problem is more complex, you’ll need the help of a professional plumber. In that case, a plumber can take several steps to identify and fix the problem. When you call a plumber, these are some of the things they might do to resolve the issue.

Drain clogs are some of the most common plumbing issues homeowners face. Clogs also can seem like one of the most straightforward projects for the handyman in your home. However, do-it-yourself drain cleaning methods are unreliable at best and potentially hazardous at worst.

In fact, your best course of action when you notice a persistent drain clog is to call in a professional plumber from a trusted company. In this blog, we list four of the main reasons to leave drain cleaning to your plumber.

Replacing your kitchen and bathroom faucets is a worthwhile investment, especially if your faucets haven’t been updated in 15 years, which is the average lifespan of faucets. Now is a good time to pick out some new faucets, there are many choices in faucet styles and materials are available to meet the design of every household.

As you plan your kitchen or bathroom remodel, research the various types of faucets that will work in your home. Get the most use out of your new faucets by following the three tips listed below.

Frozen pipes can cause serious water damage when they thaw. Fortunately, frozen pipes are an avoidable problem. Preparing your home for cold temperatures this winter and taking measures to protect your pipes when cold weather arrives can help you take care of your property.

Insulate Your Pipes

Pipe insulation protects exposed pipes from cold temperatures. If you don’t properly insulate your pipes before winter, they could freeze and then burst. If you live in an area that experiences cold winters, it’s a good idea to contact a plumber in the fall and have them insulate your pipes.

Pipe insulation is especially helpful in parts of the home that are unheated, such as the basement, crawl space and attic. Pipe insulation can also come in handy in any sheltered, isolated parts of the house, like in the space underneath cabinets and in closets.

It’s another peaceful morning, and you’re ready to tackle a few chores, including laundry. As you head down the basement stairs with a full basket tucked under your arm, you notice a horrific sight: your basement is flooding. Your first instinct might be to drop the basket and begin saving as many items as possible.

Unfortunately, mishandling even minor flooding in your basement can lead to unnecessary damage, or you might even get hurt. Here are some suggested steps to take once you discover your basement is filling with water.

It’s bound to happen at some point—you’re taking care of business only to discover that you’re fresh out of toilet paper. But it just so happens that you have a roll of paper towels or a box of facial tissues nearby. Nature’s calling, and at that point, substituting tissue or paper towels for toilet paper doesn’t seem all that terrible. Unfortunately, doing just that could be more dangerous for your toilet than you think.

Summer has arrived, and if you’re a parent, that means your kids are off from school and spending more time around the house. While it can be a pleasure having the kids around all day, their presence also makes plumbing problems more likely.

Problems that have been brewing for a while may become more serious, and new problems may arise as well. Follow these seven plumbing tips to protect your plumbing from the kids.

If you own a property that has a basement, you should have a plan to deal with potential flooding. It isn’t just a broken levee or swollen creek that causes water to pour into a home. Roof damage, foundation cracks, and improperly sealed windows can all lead to water pooling in the basement.

Flooding in a home damages structural elements and leads to mold and mildew growth. It’s best to practice prevention to avoid the risk of flooding, but you should also have the tools on hand to manage potential flood events.

Determine Your Risk of Property Flooding

If you live high up on a hill, far away from a body of water, with adequate landscape drainage in a well-sealed home, you’re in a great spot. As long as a tornado or fallen tree doesn’t take out a section of your roof, you’re at a low risk of suffering a flood event. It’s still a good idea to keep a wet-dry vacuum cleaner and spare mops on hand in case a toilet overflows or a window is left open during a rainstorm.

If you live close to a river, your home has clogged gutters, or you’ve experienced flooding in your basement before, you’re at a high risk of a future flooding crisis. Property owners who are lower in elevation on gravity-fed sewer lines often get hit hardest as storm water flows downhill into their basements. If this describes your property, you’re also at high risk.

You know the signs of a clogged drain all too well. Instead of flowing quietly through your plumbing, the water gurgles and glugs. Over time, the small pools that form around your drain as you wash dishes or your hands eventually turn into little lakes. In some cases, the water backs out of your drain after seeming to go down, and what comes up looks dirtier than what you originally rinsed away.

You also know that if you don’t handle the clog quickly that it could contribute to leaks and flooding. You don’t want to go through the hassle of calling a plumber, so you feel tempted to rely on a chemical drain cleaner instead. After all, the advertisements suggest that the formula will quickly scour your pipes and break down any debris. Soon you can go back to washing your clothes or bathing your children as normal.

But don’t grab that plastic jug just yet.

Despite manufacturer claims, chemical drain cleaners may do your plumbing more harm than good. Unless you use a product specifically recommended by your plumber, your cleaner may have the following problems.

1. The Fumes Are Toxic

Take a quick look at your drain cleaner’s label. You’ll likely see a lengthy list of warnings describing the negative health effects. Although these health effects vary depending on the product, you can experience skin irritation or even severe burns if you spill the cleaner on your skin.

Even if you were to exercise the utmost care when pouring the chemicals down your drain, the formula will still release fumes into the air, and these fumes can linger for days after usage. If inhaled, many drain cleaners cause difficulty breathing, chest pain, and fainting.

2. The Chemicals Erode Pipes

Different products rely on varying chemicals to unclog your pipes. Caustic drain cleaners, for example, use caustic potash or lye to dissolve clogs. Oxidizing cleaners often feature nitrates, bleach, and peroxides. Acid drain cleaners have hydrochloric or sulfuric acid.

But no matter which product you use, you can expect your chemical drain cleaner to react with the hair, scum, and debris in your plumbing and create heat. The reaction and resulting heat can soften modern PVC pipes and corrode older copper, steel, and cast-iron pipes, especially if used incorrectly.

If your pipes have already suffered minor damage or corrosion from general wear and tear, the chemicals could worsen the condition of your plumbing and increase the likelihood of leaks.

3. The Formula Upsets Bacterial Balance

If your plumbing connects to a septic tank rather than a municipal sewer system, you should avoid chemical drain cleaners as much as possible.

Septic tanks contain a delicate balance of bacteria colonies and chemicals. When you flush waste down your plumbing, the bacteria break down and consume the debris that accumulates in your tank, and the remaining water flows away into your drain field.

However, experts have found that only 12 grams of bleach (or similar drain cleaner) can effectively kill many of the bacteria colonies in your tank. Without adequate bacteria in your septic tank, the waste will accumulate, and you’ll have to pump and replace your failing system.

4. The Results Are Temporary

If you have a small, manageable clog, a mild store-bought drain cleaner might help you clear away some of the debris and allow the water to flow smoothly once more. But keep in mind that drain cleaners have limits, and they won’t compensate for undersized, outdated, or damaged plumbing.

Clogs can occur for a variety of reasons, not just the food you toss down the
disposal or the hair you shed in the bath. If you have a backed up sewer line, broken pipe, or non-dissolvable item (such as a toy or tool) lodged in your plumbing, drain cleaner will only address surface buildup rather than the underlying cause.

If you’re lucky, the product will give you enough clearance to restore minimal water flow, but your pipes might clog again and again and again, despite frequent cleanings. If you’re unlucky, the drain cleaner will sit on top of the clog and continually eat at your already compromised pipes, resulting in additional damage.

Call Your Plumber Whenever You Have a Clog

Chemical drain cleaners have a lot to offer homeowners: convenience, affordability, and speed, to name a few. But unless you know the precise nature of the clog, the overall condition of your pipes, and how the ingredients will react in your plumbing, you’ll be better off skipping the drain cleaners and talking to a reliable plumber.

When you schedule professional drain cleaning, you can rest easy knowing that the plumber will only use professional equipment. Additionally, your plumber can thoroughly inspect your pipes and pinpoint any problems that would result in repeated clogs.

When you wash your hands, flush the toilet, or take a shower, you may not realize how much water you actually use. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the average four-person American family uses as much as 400 gallons of water a day, just completing necessary daily activities.

Luckily for the environment and your wallet, modern manufacturers have developed new appliance models that drastically reduce water usage and offer other benefits as well. If you’re ready to lower your water bills and create a more eco-friendly home, replace your older appliances with a modern alternative.

You consider your home a sanctuary-a haven where you go to escape the pressures of work and the world. It’s a space that’s uniquely yours, and it provides you with all the luxuries and comforts you want.

But what if you want certain areas of your home to be a little more luxurious? What if you want to upgrade the look and functionality of one space just to make your home a little more welcoming at the end of a long day? And what if you want to remodel your bathroom but fear that the project won’t be successful?

As a homeowner, you know that a bathroom renovation could cost a lot – but it will also add value to your home. You don’t want to risk a flopped project, yet you aren’t sure what you need to do to ensure its success.

Below, you’ll find several tips that you should use as you plan for your next bathroom remodeling project.

Make a Design Plan

The first thing you need to do when you choose to remodel your bathroom is to create a design plan. After all, any professionals who assist you can’t do their jobs correctly if they don’t know what you want. You can draw a rough sketch of what you want the space to look like, or you can simply make a list of things you’d like to change.

For example, if you want to retile the floor, convert your tub to a shower, hide the toilet in its own closet, and install new accent features, write these items down on a list. The more concrete, set ideas you have before the project begins, the easier and faster it will be to complete.

Determine Your Budget for the Project

Once you’ve come up with a design for your updated bathroom, set a budget for the project. How much are you willing to spend on materials and labor? You can always talk to a professional plumber and get a quote so you know how much the remodel could cost. On average, homeowners spend a little over $9,000 on bathroom remodels.

Additionally, you should include emergencies in your budget. For example, you may run out of materials or there may be an unforeseen problem with the plumbing.

Always Use a Professional’s Assistance

You’ve got your design plan, and you’ve set your budget for the project. Now, you need to turn to the professionals. Unless you are a certified plumber or electrician, it may be wise to engage the help of a professional technician.

Your home’s plumbing and electrical systems are complex, and licensed plumbers and electricians ensure that each step of the remodel is completed correctly. Always use an expert as you start your remodel.

Choose the Materials Beforehand

When you begin any project, you need to have all the materials on hand and ready to go. This fact is even truer with bathroom remodels. You don’t want the renovation to take longer than necessary. So by purchasing your materials beforehand, you make your plumber’s job much easier and faster.

Additionally, your plumbing expert won’t have to guess on the kinds of fixtures or materials you want-you’ll have already made the decision and he or she will fully understand your vision for the space.

Splurge on One Item

As you choose the materials for your remodel, pick one item in your bathroom to splurge on. Install granite countertops or marble flooring in the space. Convert your small tub into a larger tub and shower combo. Or, add in-wall shelves to increase your storage space.

This one splurge adds an extra splash of luxury and elegance to the space, and you’ll appreciate the aesthetic it provides.

Install Energy- and Water-Efficient Fixtures

While you’re remodeling your bathroom, why not help save the environment-and lower your water and energy bills? Ask your plumbing professional to install energy- and water-efficient fixtures. These fixtures include water-friendly showerheads and toilets, as well as energy-efficient lights and water heaters.

Though these items may cost more upfront, you’ll more than make up for the cost as you save money on your monthly bills.

Find Out If Your Plumbing Services Will Be Disrupted

Finally, talk to your plumber and see if any of your plumbing services will be turned off during the remodel, especially if you have children or seniors living with you. As experts upgrade your bathroom and work on different fixtures, they usually have to turn off your home’s water. Your technician will likely tell you at least a day in advance if he or she will turn off any plumbing service so you can plan accordingly.

How to Get Started

Ready to create the bathroom of your dreams? Use the information in this blog to create a design plan for your project and to ensure you have the perfect bathroom for you and your home. When you need assistance with the entire venture, get in touch with the qualified, licensed plumbers at Jim Dhamer Plumbing & Sewer, Inc.

Your home’s plumbing system is made up of an effectively designed combination of pipes. Each pipe fits perfectly into a set order so your home can receive fresh water when you turn on the tap and remove wastewater with the flick of a handle.

For your home to work properly and efficiently, all of these pipes must function as they were designed to. The pipes that bring water into your home should only ever provide clear, clean water from the spout. And the pipes that remove wastewater should never let water come back into your home.

Sometimes, though, the pipes that lead from your sink to the sewage system don’t work as they should. Sometimes, sewage and water back up through the pipes and reenter your home.

Below, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about sewage backup and why you should take immediate action if you notice it in your tub, shower, or sinks.

Causes of Sewage Backup

More often than not, you’ll experience a backup for one or more of the following reasons:

Sanitary Main Issues

If the sanitary main for your neighborhood has a block or stops working, you could experience sewage backups in your home. Your city public works office monitors and clears the mains frequently to prevent backups. But when a blockage isn’t detected in time, pressure will build in the main, causing the sewage to backflow. The sewage will then enter your home through the plumbing as the built-up pressure pushes it back.

Tree Root Growth

As trees grow, their roots descend deep into the ground looking for water and nutrients. If the roots come into contact with your pipes, they’ll find a way to break through these fixtures to access the water inside. The roots continue to grow, absorbing water and nutrients from your pipes. Eventually, the roots will become so thick and tangled that they can block your pipes entirely.

Heavy Rainfall

Sometimes, heavy rainfall can cause sewage to back up into your home. If they city’s draining systems can’t withstand the sudden onset of water, the water will find any available drain and use it as an escape hatch.

Additionally, if your home’s drainage system and landscaping don’t drain water away from your home properly, you are more likely to experience backups during a storm.

Signs of Sewage Backup

Even if you know what causes a sewage backup, identifying one can be difficult. Take the following steps to determine if you have a backup in your home:

• Look for sludge or sediment in your tub, shower, or sinks.
• Pay attention to foul odors. You’ll typically smell sewage from the pipes in your tub, shower, or sinks.
• Run your plumbing fixtures. Watch out for water that backs up after you flush your toilet or run water down your sinks.

If you notice any of these signs, contact a plumber as soon as possible. He or she can work with your city’s public works department to determine if the main is blocked or if your sewer line needs rodding from your home to the street.

Effects of Sewage Backup

Because sewage backup contains human waste, exposure to raw sewage can have adverse side effects. If you’re exposed to the bacteria for too long, you could develop health issues.

If you’ve been exposed to sewage backup and you experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, or abdominal pain, visit a health care professional immediately.

Backup Classification

When wastewater backs up into your home, it can be classified into one of two categories. The type of sewage backup that flows into your home determines the kind of action you should take to get rid of it.

Greywater

Greywater is a form of unsanitary, contaminated water that can make humans sick if they consume it. You’ll experience greywater backups if your sink, dishwasher, or washing machine overflows. The water doesn’t contain feces or pathogens, but if left alone for 48 hours, greywater degrades into blackwater as bacteria and pathogens grow in the stagnant water.

Blackwater

Blackwater, on the other hand, is much more toxic to humans. This kind of backup contains feces, urine, and other pathogens that could cause a human to become ill. Blackwater usually backs up from the toilet, but it can also back-flow through your other drain pipes. Additionally, any water in your home that sits stagnant for more than five days is considered blackwater.

Ways to Remedy Sewage Backup

If you ever experience a sewage backup in your home, contact a plumber immediately. Once your plumber arrives, he or she will inspect your home’s drainage system to find the source of the problem. Then, he or she will make the necessary repairs and provide you with tips to prevent a backup in the future.

Think of the different plumbing features in your home. Drains are used daily to flush all kinds of contaminants and waste products into the sewer system. 

Below, you’ll find a list of common drain problems you may encounter. Keep in mind that if you don’t have any experience with plumbing, you should leave the repairs to someone with the proper knowledge and tools.  Your licensed plumber can do a thorough job.

The Drain Slows or Backs Up Due to Fat, Oil, and Grease Buildup

You might think that when oils and liquid fats from meats go down the drain, they flush all the way out with running water and end up at the treatment plant with everything else. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. When fats and oils go down the drain, the cool pipes around them turn them back into a solid, and they then line the sides of the pipe.

As more grease goes down the drain, the more the buildup coats the inside of the pipe until eventually it forms a total blockage. Even if you pour boiling water down the drain, it might not do enough to defeat the grease plug.

The Drain Slows or Backs Up Due to Hair Buildup

Hair gets stuck around tiny imperfections in the pipe’s interior. It also sticks in shampoo, scented oils, and any other products that may go down the drain.

Tree Roots Grow Into Your Drainage System Down the Line

Tree roots follow moisture through the soil. So it should come as little surprise that they would grow towards your pipes, especially if your plumbing has tiny flaws that let little droplets leak out. The tree roots will grow towards the moisture and then insert themselves into the pipe’s flaws. As the roots grow, they can cause a rupture in the pipe as well as block the water that passes through it.

Additionally, these roots can catch toilet paper, food waste, hair, and anything else that goes down your drain and create a formidable clog. If that’s the case, you will not be able to solve this drainage problem on your own.  Call your plumber to power rod and/or hydro jet your main sewer drain.

A Sentimental or Monetarily Valuable Item Goes Down the Drain

You don’t want toys, wedding rings, money, or anything else with sentimental or fiscal value going down the drain. But accidents happen.  Your plumber can help you safely take apart your drain pipes to search for your lost valuable, and will reconnect your plumbing system properly and to code.

The Drain Slows or Backs Up Due to Frozen Pipes

When pipes freeze, they don’t burst right away. The water simply sits in the pipe and turns to ice. Any water that comes up behind it exerts pressure. So if you have frozen contents in your home’s drainage system, don’t run any water or put anything in the drain until you’ve had a professional plumber come and help. You may not be able to solve this problem on your own as thawing pipes often reveal many leaks.  Your plumber can repair any leaks or replace the affected pipes.

Keep in mind you can always have our plumber perform regular drain maintenance and we’re here to assist in case of your emergency

Does your toilet get clogged frequently? It’s a messy, unpleasant, inconvenient experience, and you probably would be glad if it never happened again. In order to prevent clogs, you make sure to never flush anything that could be damaging, like food, feminine hygiene products, or trash. But what if the clogs keep forming?

As strange as it sounds, toilet paper may cause your constant clogs. Not all toilet paper is made the same, and some kinds may get stuck in your plumbing. This blog can help you figure out why toilet paper might clog your toilet and what to do about it.

Why Does Toilet Paper Form Clogs?

You would think that since toilet paper is designed to go into the toilet, it wouldn’t cause any problems.  However, that isn’t always the case – there are a few reasons why toilet paper clogs form:

• Low-flow toilets. You may have chosen a low-flow toilet for its efficiency. After all, you care about the environment, and you don’t want to waste water. You also want your water bill to remain low. However, because low-flow toilets use less water, the water pressure isn’t as high. Therefore, thickness of the toilet paper used is something to be aware of.
• Rough pipes. New pipes are smooth and clean, which means that waste goes through them easily. However, the pipes get coated in grease and waste over time, and the edges may get rougher. All of these factors can cause toilet paper to become stuck more easily. Older cast iron pipes can be more at risk for clogs.
• Too much toilet paper. As you have doubtless observed, too much toilet paper can clog your toilet. Generally, adults tend to know how much toilet paper is too much, so this probably isn’t an issue for you. However, if you have a child who is still learning, you may have to deal with clogs frequently.
• Toilet paper that doesn’t dissolve well. You may love getting ultra-plush toilet paper-you want a product that is soft, absorbent, and strong. However, if you get a toilet paper that is too thick, it may not dissolve very well, which means that it can get stuck in your pipes and cause clogs. If you eliminate other reasons why your toilet is clogging, your toilet paper itself might be to blame.

Your clogging problem may be caused by one issue or a combination of problems. You may have to do some experimenting to get rid of the problem.

How Can I Stop Clogs?

In order to stop frequent clogs, start by taking easy steps. For example, if your children are using too much toilet paper, try teaching them to count the squares so they don’t take too much. Alternatively, some parents draw a line on the wall under the toilet paper dispenser. The child can pull the toilet paper down, and when it hits the line, they know they have enough.

If you’re worried that your toilet paper is too thick, there is an easy test. All you have to do is put a square of your toilet paper into a toilet. Wait a few minutes, and then go check on it. If the toilet paper is at least partially dissolved, the toilet paper is probably not an issue. However, if it still looks the same as when you put it in, the toilet paper is too thick. Try to get a product that is thinner next time you shop.

If you’re worried about low-flow toilets or about rough pipes, hopefully switching your toilet paper and limiting the amount of paper will be enough to prevent clogs. However, if it isn’t, you’ll need to contact a plumber. A professional will be able to help you decide if your toilet and pipes are doing their jobs correctly and can repair or clean them if they aren’t working.

What About When I’m Away From Home?

Did you know that in many countries, you aren’t supposed to flush the toilet paper? Generally, Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and the US all flush toilet paper, but much of the rest of the world doesn’t-and if you try to do so in those areas, you might clog the pipes. You probably don’t want to cause or deal with a plumbing emergency while on vacation.

If you plan on traveling in an unfamiliar country, make sure to look up how they handle toilet paper before you leave. However, if you are traveling now and you aren’t sure, just check the bathroom. If there is a wastebasket that has toilet paper in it already, you should probably throw the paper away instead of flushing it.

If your toilet keeps clogging just from waste and toilet paper, make sure you are using a small amount of the right kind of toilet paper. However, if you have further problems, contact Jim Dhamer Plumbing & Sewer. Inc. We can help you address the problem and discuss your options, including replacing the toilet fixture.

Every day, there’s one task you can’t skip: your daily cleanse. Your bathroom may have a tub-shower combo, just a shower, or both fixtures independent of each other. Which method do you use to freshen up? In this blog, we’ll compare bathing to showering and offer tips for helping you enhance the time you spend washing up.

The Big Question: Water Usage

When comparing showering and bathing, you face one unavoidable question in today’s eco-conscious world: which method uses more water? If you guessed showering, you’re right-most of the time.

In general, people will use less water during a 10-minute shower than they would taking a bath. Obviously, large whirlpool or freestanding tubs require quite a bit of water-70 gallons or more with a person inside. Average-sized five-foot tubs hold closer to 45 gallons when someone bathes in them. By contrast, a 10-minute shower under a regular showerhead will release about 25 gallons of water.

Of course, the length of your shower can hugely affect how much water you use. If you indulge in a shower that lasts 20 minutes or more, you’ll use a minimum of 50 gallons of water. Based on those numbers, you may want to choose a bubble bath instead if the point of your activity is extended relaxation.

Now that we’ve addressed the most intriguing question, let’s talk about the pros of each cleaning method. Each has its own vocal supporters.

Reasons People Love Showers

Showers are far and away the most popular cleaning method. People prefer this method for several reasons, including the following three.

1. Showers Take Less Time

Many people can get their daily scrub finished faster when they shower. Some individuals even have it down to a system. They can shampoo and condition their hair, shave, and wash off grime and sweat in under 10 minutes.

2. Showers Help People Feel Alert

Those who love to shower often choose to perform this task as soon as they roll out of bed. The warm water helps them wake up and start the process of preparing for the day.

3. People Feel Cleaner After Showering

Many people who prefer showering over bathing feel that they get cleaner when they shower. They dislike the idea of sitting in water that gets dirty quickly, and they like knowing that most of the grime they wash off goes down the drain immediately.

Reasons People Love Baths

While baths are less popular than showers, they have some very big fans. A few reasons people relish bath time include these advantages.

1. A Bath Can Be More Relaxing

Some people enjoy taking regular baths so they can spend time relaxing in private. They can turn their bathroom into a mini spa by lighting candles and putting bubbles, bath salts, or essential oils in the bathwater.

2. Baths Give People More Thinking Time

Many people choose to bathe when they want to give their mind a rest or think through a nagging problem. People also use their bath time for reading or other multi-tasking activities that can’t be done while they shower.

3. Your Shower Curtain Doesn’t Accumulate Mildew When You Bathe

When you shower, the water hits your shower curtain, and much of that water remains when you step out of the shower. Over time, that water creates mildew on the plastic liner, and the mildew can be hard to clean off. On the other hand, when you bathe, you don’t need to use a shower curtain, and you can prevent further mildew accumulation.

Ways to Enhance Your Shower or Bath

Whether you stick to either bathing or showering or use each cleaning method for specific reasons, you can take a few steps to make your daily scrub more beneficial and enjoyable. Try the tricks below.

• Invest in a low-flow showerhead. You’ll use even less water when you shower, so you’ll feel less guilty about indulging in a long shower or an extra-full bath from time to time. An expert plumber can recommend and install a suitable showerhead in your bathroom.
• Take a cold shower. Scientists have linked many benefits to an occasional cold shower, such as healthier skin and hair, reduced stress and depression, and improved immunity.
• Soothe your skin. If you have dry skin, a bath in water that’s not too hot can help you moisturize. Add a few tablespoons of olive oil or coconut oil to the water to enjoy this effect.
• Lower your blood pressure. According to research, a soak in a hot bath improves your circulation and can help lower your blood pressure. Remember to consult your doctor before you take baths for this reason if you have any heart conditions.

Use these tips to enhance your next shower or bath. For a truly enjoyable experience, remodel your bathroom and put in a state-of-the-art shower or tub-or both. Talk to our expert plumbers about your options.

When you live in green, lush Chicago or the surrounding areas, you might not think about wasted water very often. The year-round humidity and thick shrubbery mask the fact that the last several summers have been the hottest on record worldwide.

Recently, droughts in places like California and Colorado have gotten the most airtime, but Chicago isn’t exempt. In spite of chilly winters and summer rainstorms, Chicago suffered from an extreme drought in 2012 and 2013, and there’s no guarantee that something similar won’t happen in upcoming summers as well.

How can you do your part to conserve water this summer? Making a few simple changes around the house, performing a few energy-efficient upgrades, and changing some crucial habits can help you help the earth this summer-and you might just help your wallet along the way as well.

1. Fix Leaks As Soon As You Notice Them

Leaky taps don’t seem like a massive problem, especially when you only notice one drip of water slipping through the tap every minute or so. A steady stream of drips can distract you, but you still might not know just how much money this seemingly tiny problem can cost you.

According to the EPA, faucets that drip once per second waste 3,000 gallons annually-and all those tiny drips add up over time! Fixing a leak as soon as you notice it will conserve those 3,000 wasted gallons, plus help you cut down your water bill.

Of course, one leaky faucet won’t drain your bank account. Hopefully the water in your city is affordable and clean. But if you have a few leaky faucets, a running toilet, and a dripping pipe, you might start to see an increase in your water bills. As soon as you notice a leak in your house, get in touch with our capable plumber.

2. Update Old Appliances

Appliances that are 10 years old or older don’t work as well as they used to. If you properly maintained your water heater, for instance, it could last for around 15 years. But eventually, all old appliances need to be replaced.

Simply updating your fixture improves its energy efficiency for energy standards have improved by leaps and bounds over the last few years alone. However, when you upgrade your plumbing fixtures, consider investing in ENERGY STAR appliances. ENERGY STAR appliances go the extra mile to reduce your energy footprint. You might even qualify for a tax rebate if you invest in certain ENERGY STAR products.

You might also consider switching the make and model of certain fixtures. For instance, tankless water heaters warm your water the instant you turn on the tap. Thanks to this technology, you don’t have to run a faucet for a few minutes to wait for the water to warm up. But tankless water heaters aren’t for everyone-they can run out of water quickly, so they don’t work well for large families.

Ask our plumber about which plumbing fixtures you should update around your house. We can also recommend the right brand, make, and model for your property and living situation. 

3. Make a Few Small Upgrades Around the House

If you have relatively new fixtures and appliances, you don’t necessarily need to replace them all with the most energy-efficient models on the market. Instead, you can make a few smaller upgrades to cut down on your home’s water consumption:

• Install low-flow shower heads. You won’t have to cut your shower short to save water, and you likely won’t even notice a huge difference in the water pressure.
• Install low-flow faucet aerators. Just like low-flow shower heads, low-flow faucet aerators decrease the amount of water your sink uses without reducing how quickly you can clean your dishes.
• Add insulation to your water pipes. Insulation protects your pipes from freezing in the winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you have to wait for your water to heat up.

These small changes won’t cost you much, but they could save you quite a bit of money later on.

4. Run Full Loads

If you invest in an energy-efficient laundry machine and dishwasher, you won’t have to worry as much about wasted water every time you run a full load of clothes or dishes. However, you can maximize your energy savings but only running these plumbing appliances when you have a full load of clothes or dishes. If you have to wash a small load, you can change the settings on your appliance to circulate less water.

Ask Your Plumber for More Information

As summer approaches, it’s up to you to save water around the house-and your plumbing fixtures can help you. Combine high-quality appliances with good habits and you’ll save much more than money on your energy bills. You’ll also contribute to making a better world for future generations.

If you have other questions about how to make your plumbing systems more efficient or reliable, don’t hesitate to contact our plumber.