Category: Plumbing

“Toilet Spud” isn’t a term you hear often, even though we’re in Idaho, where you’d think we’d know all about spuds. A toilet spud is one of the many little pieces that keep your toilet in working order. Imagine a toilet, and you will likely picture the rectangular tank and the toilet bowl, with a base sealed to the floor. But what about the connection between the two pieces? That is where you can find the spud.  The toilet spud keeps the water in your toilet tank while preventing leaks. The spud acts as a water-tight seal that screws directly into the base, working as a passageway for water to move from the tank into the bowl while connecting the two parts of the toilet.  Anatomy of a Toilet Spud You can find the spud by removing the tank. To do this, you unscrew the two screws on the bottom of the tank and lift the tank off the seat. The spud gasket will be sitting on the back part of the seat. A toilet spud washer is not as small as you might imagine. It’s a cylindrical gasket with a flat edge on one end and a beveled edge

Pooling water in your yard is not a good sign. It can cause various issues, from flooding your home to attracting bugs and rodents. Standing water can ruin your landscaping, drown your plants, allow mosquitoes to breed, and let bacteria and parasites thrive. It can also lead to structural damage to your home’s foundation. While the presence of water can indicate poor drainage, it can also mean you have a sewer line problem.  Addressing the problem promptly can resolve the cause of pooling water in your yard and prevent further damage. Some solutions are as simple as trenchless sewer repair. Signs of Pooling Water Standing water is one of the most common signs of a problem. If it appears when it hasn’t rained, you’ll likely have a leaking or ruptured sewer line. But water may pool even if you don’t see a giant puddle. Since it’s important to address a sewer line problem early, you also want to be proactive in addressing signs such as: Soggy Soil: The soil in one area is soggy, while other areas are completely dry. Compacted Soil: This can mean water is present below or a pipe underneath has collapsed.  Soil Erosion: The soil in

A pipe belly in your sewer line is a serious problem that can happen when a pipe sags or drops out of its original positioning. This isn’t something that can be ignored, as it could lead to severe consequences for your plumbing and the soil surrounding your home. In this article, we’ll dive into what a plumbing belly is, why it happens, and what to do if it happens to your home.  Understanding Sewer Line Bellies  When a plumber tells you they’ve found a belly in sewer line repair inspections, they’re referring to a sag or low spot in the pipe. The pipe is still intact (in contrast to channeling, another issue in which the bottom of it has eroded).  Normally, a sewer pipe has a positive slope that transports waste away from your home using the force of gravity. The guidelines for sewer line design are quite specific; a sewer pipe must decline at least 0.25 inches per every foot of horizontal distance. This guarantees gravity can move wastewater into the municipal sewer line, but a belly disrupts this process as the slope is no longer adequate because a bellied pipe no longer has a positive slope. It bows

Key Takeaways Seemingly minor dishwasher leaks can escalate rapidly into dishwasher flooding emergencies.  Water damage can ruin flooring and even cause rotting and mold, but acting quickly with the right strategies can prevent further damage and costly repairs. Common causes of a dishwasher overflowing and leaking include clogged drains, damaged seals, or broken components, such as float switches or hoses.  DIY repairs may work for minor leaks, but professional leak repair is often the best approach. Is Your Dishwasher Flooding? Do This First If your dishwasher is leaking water onto the floor, act quickly to limit damage and avoid hazards. Before contacting a plumber, do the following: Shut off the dishwasher and water supply: Turn off the dishwasher to stop the cycle, and shut off the water supply at the water valve, typically located under the sink, to prevent further flooding. Mop up standing water: Use towels or a mop to remove standing water from the floor, including water under the dishwasher if accessible. This limits damage and prevents warping or mold development, especially for more permeable flooring materials. Unplug the appliance: Turn off the circuit breaker for the dishwasher. If it’s safe to do so, unplug the appliance to

Homeowners often use chemical drain cleaners to resolve clogged drains. However, the repeated use of these harsh products can result in persistent clogs and damage to your plumbing. It may seem easy enough to go to the store and buy a liquid drain cleaner. But hiring a plumber in the first place can save you money in the long run. Drain cleaning services can permanently resolve the issue at its source. The Risks of Chemical Drain Cleaners If you use a chemical drain cleaner, it may be doing more harm than good. There are many reasons to consider hiring a professional to address the problem. Some of the risks of chemical drain cleaning products include: Not All Types of Clogs Are Fixed: The type of clog a drain cleaner can clear depends on its formulation. If you have mineral scale buildup from hard water, a blockage caused by paper, or a clump of hair or grease in a pipe, using the wrong cleaner won’t fix the issue. Also, a drain cleaner won’t work if the clog is caused by pipe damage. The Effects Are Only Temporary: A chemical drain cleaner will not address the underlying problem if you experience frequent

Several signs can mean it’s time to install a new toilet. People don’t often talk about it, but replacing one that’s no longer functional can avoid lots of trouble. Installing a toilet can be simpler for a plumber than trying to fix one, as a toilet has lots of moving parts that must fit together perfectly. If you’re facing yet another repair call, here are a few reasons to consider having a new toilet installed in your Boise, ID, home. Aging Toilet It’s not uncommon for toilets to last 25 years or more. Most tend to work okay even in their later years. However, an older unit will start to work less efficiently at some point. Also, consider more recent regulations. Starting in 1994, the federal government required a reduction from 3.5 to 5 gallons per flush to 1.6 gallons. Therefore, your older toilet may be using much more water than necessary. Frequent Repairs Every time you call a plumber, you’ll spend money that can go toward a replacement. On average, it costs about $240 to repair a toilet, according to Angi, and about $370 to replace one.1 Even two visits from a technician mean you’re losing money, assuming the

Whole-house plumbing inspections should be scheduled once every year. Although much of the plumbing in your Boise, ID home is hidden away, it has a major impact on the health, safety, and all-around usability of your living space. These visits give plumbers the chance to catch and correct minor problems early on. They’re also key to maintaining the all-important protections provided by your home insurance plan and other policies and warranties. Read on to find out why you should never skip these appointments. Identify Slow and Hidden Leaks Not all leaks cause visible water damage. In fact, most fester for months at a time behind drywall or at the backs of water-reliant appliances. Whether behind your dishwasher or washing machine or in one of your crawlspaces, a hidden leak can leave you struggling with pervasive mold problems, flooring issues, foundation issues, and more. Scheduling a plumbing inspection each year ensures that slow and hidden leaks are always spotted and resolved within a timely fashion. Maintain Compliance With the Requirements of Your Home Warranty Home insurance plans and home warranties that cover plumbing systems are both mutually binding agreements. Just as companies promise to pay for covered damages, you agree to

Whether in your sink, shower, or toilet, having a clogged drain can be a huge inconvenience. It disrupts your daily routine and can lead to property damage if left untreated. While calling a plumber is always an option, you can sometimes take simple steps to clear your drains. Learn how to clear your drains and when to call a plumber to do the job instead. 1. The Plunger Method The plunger is a tried and tested tool that works on many smaller clogs. It’s the first tool that comes to mind when your toilet or sink is clogged. It creates pressure and suction, pushing or pulling the blockage out of the way. First, you need to choose the right type of plunger for the site of the clog. A cup plunger is best for sinks, while a flange or accordion plunger works best on clogged toilets. Next, remove as much water as possible from the sink or toilet bowl, and place the plunger over its opening to form a seal. Then, holding the handle firmly, push and pull, creating a vacuum effect. Repeat the process until the clog is cleared. If you think you’ll be clearing clogs on a regular