Expert HVAC Repair and Services are Just Minutes Away in Columbia CIty, IN

If you’re on the hunt for a heating and cooling solution, give us a call, and we’ll be more than happy to talk you through installations, repairs, and any other HVAC needs you might have in Columbia City. It’s important to us that you are comfortable in your home, and effective heating, air conditioning, and air quality are all important facets of that lifestyle. We’re available through our online scheduler or by phone, 24/7/365 to handle any emergency HVAC repair you may have.Air Conditioning Services | Installs, Repair, & Maintenance | Salt Lake City

We pride ourselves on only hiring technicians who are qualified at the utmost standards of service, as well as friendly, approachable, and trustworthy. Past clients have described our technicians as “just good, trustworthy, honest individuals” and “very courteous and very informative as to how my inspection was going…I liked his personality!” Rolf Griffin Service Experts in Columbia CIty tries our best to align technicians with families, and it isn’t out of the ordinary to have the same technician servicing your home for multiple visits. Relationships between the customer and our company are valued, and we don’t hire anyone that we wouldn’t want to have coming to our own homes.

Our customers feel strongly about creating happy, healthy, live with their families. However, many families have not heard about the impact oxygen can have on their health. You heard us, the air you breathe in Columbia CIty can make a valuable difference in your lifestyle.

Take germs, for example. The majority of people attempt to avoid these repulsive airborne, illness-causing organisms with hand sanitizer or by washing their hands with warm, soapy water. But did you know that a old indoor coil in your own Columbia CIty home can make you vulnerable to fungi and bacteria in your duct systems? That’s why devices like the Ultraviolet Germicidal Light exist. They can help prevent the accumulation of germs in your home and make it possible for you to breathe in clean air. Give us a call for a complimentary, in-home estimate to find out how we can install one of these in your ductwork.

In addition to air cleanliness, we provide expert services in air conditioning installation, heat pumps, packaged systems, and more. Chances are that if you have a question when it comes to HVAC, we can help you. Our technicians in Columbia CIty will walk you through the service you need, how to fill your need most cost-effectively, and provide a 100% guarantee on the services we complete for you – each time.

Our services cover a assortment of areas that are all truly designed to improve your quality of life. Whether that means clean air, reliable air conditioning, a superbly maintained furnace, or saving money by installing a more efficient system, we can make your life in Columbia CIty legitimately better. With one quick phone call, you can have an expert on their way to your home for a free in-home consultation and the start of a new relationship. Or, if you’d rather, schedule an appointment online.

Plumbing in Columbia CIty, IN

Throw away those additional pails, because we have plumbing services in Columbia CIty, IN in addition! From leaks that are hard to find to weird scents, we’ve seen (and smelt) the most common troubles that your plumbing system can experience. Your kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom will be operating smoother. We’ve worked with water, gas, and even sewer, and our assistance is dependable and efficient. When torrential rain or icy cold blow through the area, you can rely on our specialists to provide affordable plumbing. And our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* will put your plumbing worries to rest.

Plumbing Habits to Break in the New Year

Can you tell the difference between the different types of plungers? Do you treat your toilet like a trash can? Do you avoid scheduling regular maintenance for your home’s pipes? These questions are essential to consider when improving your plumbing habits at home. In this blog post, we’ll break down how to change your habits to take better care of your home.How to Install a Toilet » Rogue Engineer

Tools

A homeowner is only as good as their tools, or so they say. It’s important to take time to learn more about the tools every homeowner should have stocked in the new year.

Did you know that there are different types of plungers? Let’s break down the three most common types:

Cup Plunger – This is your standard plunger; it’s typically on a wooden stick with a soft (usually red) cup. This flat plunger works best on other flat surfaces, such as your bathtub, shower, or sink. It’s a common misconception that this will work best on a toilet.

Flange Plunger – This plunger also has a soft cup but has an extra flap continuing out. This design is best suited for your toilet. It makes a stronger suction on your toilet drain, making it easier to unclog.

Accordion Plunger – This hard plastic plunger is a bit more challenging to use than the previous two. It can use a lot of force to work but does wonder on stubborn toilet clogs. Unlike the other plungers, it is not made of a soft material but hard plastic, which can leave marks and scratches on your toilet or sink.

While plungers are a necessity of any bathroom, they are not the only integral tool every homeowner should have. Should you ever have a plumbing emergency, these tools should hold you over until a professional plumber can arrive:

  • Duct tape
  • A gallon bucket
  • Pliers
  • A standard wrench
  • Drain guards

Down The DrainHome Page | Griffin Plumbing & Piping

Many items claim they are “safe” to go down the drain or are “flushable,” but that might not be the case. Here are everyday household objects that you need to stop flushing down the drain:

Wipes. A lot of bathroom wipes are advertised as “flushable.” What does that mean? It means, yes, technically, you can flush them down the toilet. But, wipes don’t dissolve in water. This means if you flush wipes regularly, they can build up and cause a clog in your pipes and sewer system.

Oil. From grease in the kitchen to scented oil in your bath, sending oil down your home’s drains is always a bad idea. Oil cools at room temperature, leaving it to coat and gum up your home’s pipes. If your pipe has too much oil caught inside, it could lead to a water burst or leak.

Kitty Litter. Like wipes, many kitty litters advertise themselves as “flushable.” But, kitty litter clumps when mixed with moisture, like water. Large clusters of kitty litter can be disastrous for your pipes and lead to expensive repairs.

Ignoring The Problem

It may seem like the easier option to put your home’s plumbing issues or inconveniences on the back burner. You tell yourself it’s a problem that can wait until tomorrow. But, the longer you wait, the more likely something is to go wrong and even be made into a worse problem.

The best thing you can do in the face of a plumbing issue is to contact a professional right away. They will pinpoint the exact problem and suggest solutions to prevent future plumbing issues. An expert’s advice is a great asset to help save time, money, and frustration.…

Why You Should Never Pour Grease Down the Drain

Hold it right there! Don’t even think about pouring that bacon grease down the drain. We get it – it’s a hot, oily mess. But it can cause serious issues when poured down your kitchen drain. So, what in the world are you supposed to do with it?

Grease in Our Sewers | Falls Church, VA - Official Website

Why Is Grease Bad for Drains?

The grease solidifies once it cools off. Sure, it might flow out of the pan and down the drain, but in a few minutes, the grease solidifies in the pipes and acts as a sticky trap for gunk and debris. Over time this blockage can clog the pipes or slow the drain. Grease also wreaks havoc on local sewer systems and septic tanks. Significant amounts of grease in sewers have even clogged neighborhood sewer systems.

What to Do with Leftover Cooking Grease

Bacon grease, duck fat, lard – any grease that is solid at room temperature should stay far away from your drains. Cooking oils that are liquid at room temperatures, such as olive oil, vegetable oil or canola oil, should also never be poured down the drain. Here’s what to do with both after you’re done cooking.

Grease – If the grease is still hot, simply pour it into a dedicated grease jar or can. A mason jar works well, or you can make a disposable grease can by removing the lid of a soda can with a can opener. When the jar or can fills up, simply scoop out the solid grease into the trash bin or throw out the entire can. You may also leave the grease in the pan, wait till it solidifies, and then wipe it out with paper towels.

Cooking Oils – Allow the cooking oil to cool off before you do anything with it. If there is less than a cup of oil, pour it into the trash can on top of a few paper towels. This may not be an option if you’re dealing with large amounts of oil. If you need to dispose of more than a cup, pour the oil into a container and reuse it next time you’re frying. Or you can save plastic jugs with screw tops to collect used cooking oil in and throw the entire container away when it’s full.

What If I Already Poured Grease Down the Drain?

What to Do if You Pour Oil Down the Drain: Tips to Avoid Clogs

Our plumbers recommend the most eco-friendly drain preventative there is! BioChoiceES® is the safe, natural alternative to caustic drain cleaning chemicals that helps prevent drain build-ups by degrading organic materials such as soap scum, fats, oils, and grease buildup.

Call Expert Drain Cleaners

What Are The Causes Of Blocked Drains For Drain Cleaning Services? | My Decorative

If you’ve been pouring grease down your drain for years, then you might need professional help. This grease is likely holding on to debris that is clogging your pipes and requires professional cleaning. Call us to unclog your drains and clean your pipes. You can also request an estimate on our homepage. Mr. Rooter Plumbing is a locally owned and operated company. Our plumbers understand that plumbing service is about not only your pipes but also your satisfaction. We won’t begin work until we give you a complete diagnosis and the best options to get it fixed, followed by an upfront flat rate price; that’s the Mr. Rooter guarantee.…

IMPORTANT PLUMBING INFORMATION FOR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS

If you are buying a home, whether it is your first home or you have owned property before, you may find it challenging to remember every aspect to which thought must be given. Owning a home means taking on many different responsibilities. However, if you learn the basics of your property’s various systems, you can make the settling-in process a bit less daunting. Understanding new home plumbing and how it functions can be a bit overwhelming, but if new house plumbing problems occur, you can count on the professionals at griffinplumbingky.com to come to your rescue. We offer a variety of services from repairs to maintenance, and when the time comes for you to hire a new house plumber, we are only a phone call away. The following are some tips that are particularly helpful for first-time homeowners:

FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH YOUR HOME’S PLUMBING HISTORY

As a first-time homebuyer, you may find that the history of your home is a fascinating subject. However, you are likely not thinking much about your dwelling’s plumbing history. For example, you may have no idea how old your pipes are or whether or not the pipe’s joints are being crowded out by shifting soil or the roots of trees. If you have not yet finalized your purchase, you should inspect the home’s pipes and learn everything you can from your realtor or the property’s former occupants. If you know the history of certain issues and understand what to watch out for, you will be in a better position to make wise, informed decisions about any new house plumbing problems that may arise.

LOOK FOR COMMON PLUMBING WARNING SIGNS

Fortunately, there are telltale signs of new house plumbing problems and if you know what they are, you can sometimes head off minor issues before they become major repairs. Below are some signs to watch for and what they typically indicate:

 Faucets that run in an erratic manner, may indicate a leak in the line.

• A blocked toilet may be a sign of an obstruction in the sewer.

• If your garbage disposal clogs easily, it may have been overused in the past and maintenance should be performed before you begin using it regularly.

• A sudden increase in your water consumption, which will typically be obvious when you get your bill, could mean a major water leak exists somewhere in the system and this should never be ignored. Following the above plumbing first-time home buyer warning signs will help prevent major problems in the future.

ADDITIONAL PLUMBING TO INSPECT PRIOR TO PURCHASE :

OUTDATED SEWAGE SYSTEM

Investing in an older home can save you a considerable amount of money, provided you make the necessary repairs before major problems occur. When considering your dwelling’s plumbing system, one of the most important things to discover is its age. If it is an old sewer system, it is definitely a wise course of action to call us and have a simple sewer camera inspection completed so that hidden problems can be uncovered and addressed.

Most sewer systems exit the dwelling at the home’s lowest point. If it is a county or city system, the wastewater will eventually make its way to a city main. Septic systems on the other hand allow the sewer water to run into a field where a larger tank is stored or into your own tank located on your property.

If you have a septic tank, observe the area for seepage of any kind–even if it looks like clear water–and for unpleasant smells. These are signs that you should give us a call, as something may be going wrong with the system. Sewage lines in any type of system can also become damaged or clogged from nearby roots from trees or plants. Additionally, old lines that have deteriorated can disintegrate, ultimately allowing sewage to back up into your new dwelling.

WATER HEATER PROBLEMS

Although the lifespan of water heaters is typically generous, they do eventually fail. To determine whether you need a new house plumber for your water heater, look around the bottom of the unit and try to detect if any leaks are present. If even a small leak is discovered, a professional should be contacted.

A professional can also determine whether or not the water heater has the appropriate capacity for the home. Sometimes a home with a soaking tub or Jacuzzi will feature a unit that is undersized for that much water volume. You may be able to get helpful information from the previous residents. For example, after children have moved on to college and fewer people live in the home, a couple or a single person may install a smaller unit to save money. It is always a good idea to have the unit size evaluated by a

Kitchen Solved! What to Do When the Dishwasher Stops Draining

If you’ve opened your dishwasher to find a sudsy puddle on along the bottom of the appliance, follow these troubleshooting tips to take care of the underlying problem yourself.

Dishwasher Not Draining? 8 Potential DIY Fixes

Q: I opened the dishwasher door to find the bottom of the unit filled with dingy water! My first thought was that the cycle didn’t complete so I ran the dishwasher again—but that didn’t do the trick. Why is my dishwasher not draining? Any ideas for a do-it-yourself fix, or must I call a plumber?

A: You did the right thing running your unit a second time. If a dishwasher gets inadvertently shut off during a cycle, there’ll be standing water in the bottom when you open it. When that smart move doesn’t solve the issue, the problem lies elsewhere. Dishwasher service calls are common in the plumbing industry, but fortunately, the fix to a dishwasher not draining is often something simple you can do yourself. So before you call a pro, troubleshoot your dishwasher using the following steps.

Run your garbage disposal.

The drain hose from your dishwasher empties into the garbage disposal drain. If the disposal unit contains unground food, or if food sludge settles in the drainpipe below the disposal, it can prevent the dishwasher from draining properly. Sometimes, just running the disposal is all it takes to get the dishwasher draining again.

In fact, get in the habit of leaving the water on and letting your garbage disposal run an additional 15 seconds after the food is gone. This clears all remaining food that might otherwise remain in the P-trap drain beneath the disposal.

Clean your sink’s air gap.

When a dishwasher hose connects to a sink without a garbage disposal, an air gap—a small, slotted cylinder (often made of stainless steel)—is installed on the top of the sink, right by the faucet. A small hose from the air gap connects to the dishwasher’s drain hose. This acts as a vent to prevent an air lock from forming in the drain hose, but occasionally, the air gap can become clogged with debris. To investigate, twist the air gap counterclockwise to remove it, and check it for gunk. Clean the air gap with water and a stiff brush, replace it, and run the dishwasher cycle again.

Remove standing water.

If running the disposal doesn’t help (or if you don’t have one), it’s time to drain the water to allow a closer look at possible culprits. Place absorbent towels around the base of the dishwasher and then remove the bottom dish tray by simply sliding it out. With the tray out of the way, use a plastic cup to scoop the dirty water into a bucket for disposal. When the water level is too low to scoop, use towels to sop up the last bit in the bottom of the machine.

Dishwasher Not Draining? 8 Potential DIY Fixes

Photo: istockphoto.com

Clear up detergent mishaps.

Dishwashers are designed for use with automatic dishwasher detergents that clean without producing suds. In the course of a hectic day, it’s easy to accidentally squirt regular dishwashing liquid into the unit, which can easily create enough suds to prevent proper draining. The same problem can occur if you run out of automatic dishwasher detergent and substitute laundry detergent in a pinch. Guilty as charged? Simply bail out the tub as described above, and run the cycle again, this time using the correct detergent.

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De-gunk the drain basket.

The drain basket is found at the bottom of your dishwasher’s interior. Its cover often resembles an upside-down basket, which either snaps off or is held in place by one or two screws. (If the bottom of your machine doesn’t look like this, consult your owner’s manual—which you can often download from the manufacturer’s website). Remove the cover, and check for food buildup in the basket beneath. Use your hand or a spoon to remove any debris, replace the cover, and run the dishwashing cycle again.

Note: If you find a lot of food debris in the drain basket, prevent future clogs by pre-rinsing your dishes. Most dishwashers manufactured today feature macerators that grind bits of soft wet food, but they don’t have nearly the power of a garbage disposal. So even if your machine says you needn’t pre-rinse the dishes, do so anyway to avoid repeatedly cleaning the drain basket.

Check the drain hose for kinks.

A kinked drain hose—the lightweight, ribbed plastic hose that connects from the dishwasher’s drain pump to the garbage disposal (or to an air cap)—can prevent water from draining. If something large or heavy was shoved under the sink it might have hampered the hose, so explore the area to locate the hose. If it’s kinked, try straightening it out manually.

Benefits Of High Pressure Drain Cleaning

High Pressure Drain Cleaner

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This high pressure drain cleaning guide will help you understand the terrific benefits of this plumbing technology and service. High pressure water jetting utilizes force pressurized water that is pulled through to clear drains by ripping apart blockage and flushing the remaining debris. The jet nozzle that provides the high pressure water jetting is powerful enough to scrub and clean the sides of drains and pipes in addition to clearing blockages making it a highly efficient drain clearing and cleaning system.

High pressure drain cleaning equipment is made up of professional, industrial grade components including a flexiblespartan hydro jetting equipment line which can pass through drain elbows and handle several thousand PSI. The jet nozzle which can use multiple back-firing jets to pull the line through the drain pipes and a forward firing jet which breaks apart the blockages. There are many types of jetter nozzles available to the professional plumbing contractor and each one does something a little different. Some are great for clearing grease and sludge others for cutting tree roots and even others that bang the inside of pipe to knock off stubborn grease and scale build-up.

 

obrienjetterHigh pressure drain cleaning systems are suitable for residential and commercial drains. For the service to be most effective it is important to discover the correct drain opening in order to access the source of the problem without having to pass through traps and tight drain elbows which could stop the jet nozzle from pulling forward.

Debris, grease, sand, and sludge are the usual suspects when it comes to drain line blockages. A high pressure drain cleaning syste

m can flush out the system by breaking up the debris and sludge, emulsifying the grease, penetrating hardened scale, and pulverizing minor tree roots if they are the problem. If your plumbing professional does determine that tree roots are the problem, a commercial hydrojetter is the only sure-fire way to rid yourself of the problem. Make sure that you follow up your drain cleaning with 6 month treatments of Root-X to ensure no new roots grow in the line. In the spring and winter tree roots grown and bore deep down for water so their tiny hairlike filaments and can grow very quickly blocking your sewer system.

High pressure drain cleaning is an environmentally safe, cost-effective, and highly efficient plumbing service to consider when it’s time to clean your sewer and drain pipes. It’s especially useful in restaurants and similar establishments that accumulate grease, sludge, debris, and mineral deposits in the drain lines. Scheduling regular sewer jetting service keeps your drains clean. In the long run, you are saving yourself a ton of money in major repair costs and you are guarding against significant revenue loss during the aforementioned repairs. If you don’t service the waste lines it’s not a matter of if it’s just a matter of when.

High pressure jetting is beneficial for home drain and sewer systems as well but it’s not a good idea to use it for older homes with ceramic and clay or wood composite drain pipes. Talk to your plumbing professional about your waste system. It may be necessary to video inspect the sewer line to assess it’s condition. We often say of the line is in such bad shape that jetting will destroy it its only a matter of time before it needs to be replaced. Although you may be able to get away with sewer rodding for a while it’s only a temporary fix.

You will find that high pressure water jetting drain cleaning systems are highly effective when used for gutter and landscaping drain lines, sewer drain lines that flow from your home or building to a septic tank or city sewer, and drain tile lines that are found around buildings. These systems can also effective for thawing frozen pipes and sewer drains as they are able to effectively clear the lines. Please be sure you have an open area when using a hydrojetter to clear ice. The amount of water produced by professional jetting equipment is pretty astounding. You will experience some flooding if the line takes some time to clear. The water backs up out of line until the blockage is clear.

When a professional is going to perform a high pressure drain cleaning service they will locate the main drain cleanout that is found in your basement or outside as well as the priority drain opening and another alternative opening to be on the safe side. They will plan to access the blockage typically from a downhill opening so they can work in an uphill direction as it is …

Why is My Water Heater Leaking?

Leaking water heater dripping from drain valve

If you find your water heater leaking, you need to take action immediately. A leaking water heater may seem like a minor inconvenience, but in reality, it can quickly turn into a major problem. The average water heater has a 50-gallon tank and whenever water leaves the tank (drawn or leaking) cold water will quickly refill it to capacity.

As the tank is constantly refilling from the water heater leak, the area surrounding your tank will flood. Even a small amount of water leaking from your water heater can cause damage to your floors, sub-floors and walls. A significant flood could lead to hefty repair bills and damage to personal property.  Water heater leaks can also be a health concern and lead to mold and mildew.

A water heater leak won’t go away on it’s own. Over time, it’ll get worse.

Not all water heater leaks are serious. Some can be repaired by simply tightening a connection. Others may need a little more attention, but you can probably do the repairs yourself, especially if you enjoy DIY projects.

Unfortunately, there’s also times when you’ll find your water tank leaking and you’ll either need to call a plumber to make the repairs, or purchase a new water heater.

Either way, this article will help you determine why your water heater is leaking and what you should do to resolve the problem.

Let’s get started!

Shutting off gas valve

Water Heater Leaking: What to Do First

If your water heater leak is not obvious, then you may want to do a little troubleshooting before turning off the water supply. Just because you have water under your water heater doesn’t mean that your water heater is leaking.

Furnace drain lines, water softener discharge lines, condensation, and other plumbing could be the source. These things can easily make it look as though your water tank is leaking, when in fact, the problem isn’t your water heater at all.

If you can’t identify where the water is coming from, you can dry the area and place some paper towels or newspapers down. Check back over the next couple of days. If the water returns, and you still can’t identify the source, there’s a good chance your water heater is leaking.

Dial valve on a copper pipe

Turn Off the Water Supply

The first thing you need to do is turn off the water supply to your water heater.

On top of your water heater there should be two pipes. One will be warm to the touch and the other cold. Some manufacturers even identify them with red and blue collars or paint.

The pipe that’s cold is the water supply line. It allows cold water to enter your water heater when hot water is drawn. Follow the line and look for a shutoff valve. Most water heaters have a shutoff valve on the water supply line.

How to Turn Off the Water

There are two types of valves commonly used:

  • Ball Valve – Ball valves have a lever type handle. Pull or turn the handle down to shut off the water supply.
  • Dial Valve – Dial valves (also called gate valves) have a wheel that needs to be turned clockwise to turn off the water supply. Turn the dial until it stops.

Although the majority of water heaters have a shutoff valve on their water supply line, some do not.

In this case, you may need to turn the water off using your home’s main shut-off valve. This will shut down all the incoming water to your house, including the water supply to your water heater.

Electrical Panel

Turn Off the Power

With your water turned off, it’s now time to turn off the power to your water heater. The process is different for gas and electric heaters:

Gas Water Heaters

Follow these steps to turn off the power to a gas fueled water heater:

How to Turn Off a Gas Water Heater

  • Locate the valve on the gas supply line. The line is usually within a couple feet of your water heater. It’s located near the bottom and connects to the gas control valve.
  • Turn the valve on the gas supply line clockwise until it stops. This will shut off the gas supply to the water heater.

Electric Water Heaters

Follow these steps to turn off the power to an electric fueled water heater:

How to Turn Off an Electric Water Heater

  • Locate the breaker to your water heater in the household electrical panel. It will be on a dedicated circuit breaker.
  • Flip the breaker to OFF.

Now with your water and power turned off, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and do some troubleshooting!

Corroded water supply inlet valve

Troubleshooting Hot Water Heater Leaks

Right now our goal is to identify the source of the water heater leak. Once you determine why your

Prep Your Plumbing For Vacation

Prep your plumbing for vacation

Vacations are back, and we’re all raring to get out of the house again and scratch that travel itch in this post-pandemic summer. But before you hit the road or board your plane, it’s best to think about prepping your plumbing for vacation. And our Arroyo Grande plumbers have a simple checklist for you to follow so you don’t return home to a soggy mess.

Here’s how you can prep your plumbing for vacation:

1. Do a Leak Check

Even a small leak can result in a skyrocketing utility bill, but it can also do a significant amount of water damage. It’s a good idea to do regular leak checks around your house regardless, but it’s especially important to do so before you head out of town. And don’t think a small little dribble will stay that way; it could get worse, and with nobody around to monitor it, that could mean a big problem.

2. Shut Off the Water Valve

This is a simple and easy way to avoid most any plumbing problem while you’re off on vacation. Shutting off the main water valve cuts off the supply to your house at the source, and since you don’t need water when nobody’s in the house anyway, it’s a good solution. Just make sure you don’t have any automatic irrigation systems in place, or you’ll come back to some dried-up landscaping. If you do have a sprinkler system, make sure it’s set properly and even consider having a neighbor check in periodically to make sure it’s functioning properly.

3. Inspect/Turn Down Your Water Heater

Newer water heaters have a “vacation mode” that will put the system in a kind of hibernation while you’re away. But it’s also a good idea to make sure your water heater is flushed out and working properly so no issues arise when nobody is around to handle them. For older tank water heaters, you’ll want to manually turn down the temperature so it’s not keeping a tank full of hot water for no reason. You can also drain it and turn it off altogether for ultimate energy savings.

4. Check Drains

It’s not like we’re getting many summer rainstorms in California, but you never know when one might hit. So make sure all your exterior drains and downspouts are clear to prevent any unexpected flooding.

Inside the house, make sure nothing is clogging your drains—especially in the kitchen sink—so you don’t arrive home to nasty odors emanating from your pipes. It’s a good idea anyway to regularly clean out your home’s drains.

5. Have a Neighbor Check In

Lastly, there’s no harm in having someone check your house periodically—even if you’ve taken all the proper plumbing precautions—just for peace of mind. Like we said before, checking to make sure your sprinkler system is working and drains draining is a smart move, and leave the phone number for Griffin Plumbing in case of emergency. Just be sure to buy your friend a nice souvenir from your trip!

For more vacation plumbing prep, our friendly Arroyo Grande plumbers are always a simple call or click away. Contact us online or call (805) 934-1949.

Infographic

 

How to Repair a Shower Diverter

Turning on your shower should be as easy as the flip of a switch. But when your shower diverter breaks, taking a shower is not so easy—water continues to pour from your tub’s faucet after you’ve switched the diverter. Luckily, repairing a shower diverter is quick and fairly simple.

What Is a Shower Diverter, Anyway?

5 Ways to Fix a Shower Diverter Pull-up

A shower diverter is the mechanism that reroutes the water from your bathtub faucet to your showerhead. Many shower diverters are controlled by a pin knob that you pull, but there are many types. Maybe yours is turned on with a button or with a third faucet handle between the bathtub’s hot and cold knobs.

How to Determine that Your Shower Diverter Is Broken

This one’s easy. If, after you trigger your shower diverter, water continues to leak out of the bathtub spout rather than the showerhead, the shower diverter is not working properly. This could mean that the inner rubber stopper isn’t creating a good seal to fully block and redirect the flow of water, or it could be another problem. Follow the steps below to troubleshoot and address the issue.

How to Repair a Shower Diverter

Once you’ve determined that your shower diverter is broken, don’t delay in repairing it. Though it might be an easy task to put off, a broken shower diverter wastes water and creates a poor shower experience. Repairing a shower diverter is a home improvement project that you can complete in just one day. Here’s how to repair a shower diverter in seven simple steps:

  1. Turn off the water supply to your shower.
  2. Seal off your drain with tape so that small screws or other important parts are not lost down the drainpipe.
  3. Tighten the screws behind the faceplate of the diverter valve. If you attempt this fix but the water continues to pour or leak slowly from the bathtub spout after the shower diverter has been engaged, move on to the next step.
  4. Disassemble the shower diverter. If your diverter has a rotating valve, unscrew the nut at the stem of the diverter and remove the entire valve. If it has a gate-type valve, unscrew the threaded tub spout.
  5. Replace the diverter. To be sure you purchase the correct replacement, bring your old diverter with you to the store.
  6. Install the new diverter, making sure that the parts do not cross-thread each other. Use a wrench to tighten the diverter, being cautious not to overtighten it. Twist the gate or adjust the stopper to ensure that it is in the correct position, depending on whether it is engaged.
  7. Turn the water supply back on. Engage the shower diverter, directing the water flow to the showerhead. If your shower flows well and no water leaks from the bathtub spout, then your shower diverter replacement was successful.

If replacing the diverter did not solve the problem, we recommend contacting a plumber for assistance.

Prevent Shower Diverter Wear and Tear

To reduce strain and wear on your shower diverter and help prevent the need for shower diverter repair, always release the diverter to let water flow from the tub faucet for a few seconds before you turn off the water.

If you’re not up for replacing your shower diverter yourself, call Mr. Rooter® Plumbing for help. Our plumbers are dedicated to exceptional customer service while they provide you with expert plumbing repair. Call Mr. Rooter at (855) 982-2028 or request an estimate today.

With your newly upgraded bathroom fixture, consider making improvements to the rest of your bathroom. Contact your local Mr. Handyman for bathroom upgrade help. Their professionals can help you save space and improve your bathroom overall. Just like Mr. Rooter, Mr. Handyman is part of Neighborly’s community of home service professionals. Find a home service provider in your neighborhood today!

This blog is made available by Mr. Rooter LLC, for educational purposes only to give the reader general information and a general understanding on the specific subject above. The blog should not be used as a substitute for a licensed plumbing professional in your state or region. Check with city and state laws before performing any household project.

Contact us for more information.…

How to Fix a Leaky Showerhead or Shower Faucet

Testing repaired shower head

A leaky, dripping showerhead is not only annoying, it wastes water. Before you call in a professional, this fairly common household problem may be relatively simple to fix by yourself (depending on the cause of the problem). Contact us if you want more information.

Fix the Showerhead

How to Clean Your Showerhead

Step 1: Turn Off Water

Shut off the water main to the whole house. Have a towel handy — your water main may be shut off, but there could still be some water left in the pipe that will come out.

Step 2: Remove and Inspect

Remove the showerhead by unscrewing it from the pipe with your hands. If the head is stuck on tight (as they often are if they haven’t been removed in a while), use pliers or a crescent wrench to unscrew it. Look at the threads inside the showerhead for a small plastic washer or rubber O-ring. It’s often the wear and tear of age on this component that can cause a showerhead to leak and start dripping. Over time, it dries out and becomes brittle which decreases its ability to hold in water. If it looks worn or damaged, replace it.

HELPFUL TIPS

Place a towel or large rag on the shower floor to protect it from possible damage if you happen to drop a tool. Also cover the drain so that any of the small parts from the showerhead don’t accidentally go down it.

Remember not to force anything. Whether you’re taking off the showerhead or putting it back on, don’t tighten it so tightly that you damage or crack something and then need to take on a larger project.

Step 3: Clean the Showerhead

Since you have the showerhead off, now is a good time to clean out the showerhead, especially if you’ve noticed decreased flow. Oftentimes, there can be mineral deposits or sediment left by hard water on the interior of the showerhead or at the pipe stem (where the pipe connects to the showerhead). This can significantly affect water pressure and flow and can contribute to a leaky showerhead.

In a small cooking pot or pan, mix water and three cups of vinegar and bring it to a boil. Once it’s started to boil, turn off the heat. Place the showerhead (minus any rubber parts that can be removed) into the solution and let it sit for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Then remove, rinse and scrub the inside and outside jets with an old toothbrush; do this until no deposits remain.

Step 4: Tape It Up

If the washer or O-ring looks okay or you’ve replaced it, the next step is to wrap the threads on the pipe stem with Teflon® tape. Don’t overdo it with tape though. Wrap a thin strip around the threads at the very tip of the pipe stem.

Step 5: Reattach the Showerhead

Screw the showerhead back on by hand-tightening it until you can’t turn it anymore. Then use pliers to give it a final turn. Remember not to turn too hard or you could break the showerhead or pipe.

Step 6: Turn On the Water

Turn the water back on and then run your shower for a few seconds. Turn it off. Wait a few minutes and then check to see if there still is a drip or leak.

Fix the Shower Faucet

If you’ve fixed the showerhead and a leak persists, you may have a leak in the shower faucet. Usually, this is from a worn-out washer on the shower stem, which can easily be replaced. You don’t need to call a plumber. Follow these steps to do it yourself.

Step 1: Cut Off Water

As you did with the showerhead, you will need to cut off the water supply to the shower at the water main. Next, open the faucet and let water drain out. Keep a towel on hand to soak up water that may be released from the pipes once you remove the faucet.

SAFETY ALERT!

Because you will be standing in the tub or shower to do this project, be sure that the floor surface is dry. Any moisture could cause you to slip and fall.

Step 2: Take the Faucet Apart

How you disassemble it depends on what kind of faucet you have: one-knob or two-knob style. If you have a two-knob system then you will need to replace both valves. Use a screwdriver and crescent wrench to unscrew the valves and remove the shower faucet knobs or handles. Remove the guard and set it aside. You should see two nuts. Unscrew the larger of the two; only one of them needs to be unscrewed to reach the shower stem. Remove the shower stem by unscrewing it in a counterclockwise direction.

Step 3: Replace