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7 Kitchen Plumbing Company Tips You Need To Know | Oak Ridge, TN

Jamie Ndungu on August 24, 2021

Photo By asadykov at istock

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home because that’s where family and guests gather to cook, eat and socialize. Like the rest of your home, you need to take care of your kitchen too and the best way to do that is to ensure that your kitchen plumbing is working. This article will give you helpful plumbing tips for your kitchen but if you’re already having some plumbing issues, call a plumbing company in Oak Ridge, TN, today for assistance.

Helpful tips:

Don’t Use Chemical Drain Cleaners

When you have slow or clogged drains, try not to attempt a quick fix by using chemical drain cleaners. They are not a permanent solution for unclogging your drains. In fact, they’re not good for the pipes, and they can be harmful to your health. Using this type of cleaner consistently may lead to pipe leaks. If you’re not careful, you may also injure yourself when using heavily advertised cleaners.

For cleaning the drains, pour about one liter of boiling water to get rid of the small food particles or grease stuck in the pipes. Vinegar and baking soda solution are also good for deodorizing the sinks.

If you have a stubborn clog, it’s better to call a plumbing company in Oak Ridge, TN, so they can properly clean your drains. As much as possible, schedule a regular drain cleaning to ensure that your drains are always clean and free of any buildup. Licensed plumbers have special tools that they can use for looking into the interior of the pipes, and they can tell you exactly if there’s something wrong with the plumbing. When choosing a plumbing service make sure that they are highly reliable and experienced.

Install a Sink Strainer

If you don’t want clogged drains, learn what not to throw down the drains. Coffee grounds, grease, and other food particles should not be thrown down the sink. You can catch these food particles by installing a sink strainer in your kitchen sink. They are fairly easy to install and also available at your local store. Should you need further assistance, you can always contact a plumbing company. Licensed plumbers can help you install strainers in all of your drains to avoid clogs.

Get a Garbage Disposal

A garbage disposal is a useful tool for shredding food waste into little pieces and not clog the plumbing pipes. However, they still need to be maintained so they can function properly. Always run your disposal with cold water to solidify the grease that is stuck and then they can be shredded into pieces too. When installing, make sure that you contact a reliable plumbing company for your appliance’s proper installation.

If you want to better manage food waste, then a garbage disposal is a good option. That’s a lot better than throwing your food waste into the garbage can where it can rot. With a garbage disposal, you can arrange a pickup, and the collector will know what to do with the food waste.

Thinking of a Kitchen Renovation? Call a Trusted Plumbing Company

If you’re thinking about doing a kitchen remodel, we suggest that you work with a licensed and experienced plumber only. Choose a professional that’s familiar with kitchen plumbing and has worked with several homeowners in the past. Ensure that he’s also certified and adheres to the building code to avoid other issues down the road. Most importantly, make sure that he’s a skilled professional who can tackle any kitchen plumbing, big or small. Go with someone who can give you a guarantee of a job well done, a professional who can do repairs or installations during the first visit, so you don’t have to spend more money.

Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances

As much as possible, consider buying energy-efficient appliances such as Energy Star dishwashers or refrigerators. These appliances are designed to use less energy compared to their counterparts. When buying, simply look for the Energy Star logo. You can also contact a plumbing company to know what brands are best for your kitchen.

Choose Only Durable Materials for Your Kitchen

If you’re doing any repairs or maintenance in your kitchen, make sure that you only buy those high-quality materials because they last longer. Some fixtures may be cheaper, but they are not really the best option money-wise as you may have to keep buying replacements every couple of years or so. It’s more cost-effective to invest in high-quality materials and fixtures as they last longer, which means you don’t have to keep buying replacements all the time. For the installation, ensure that you only work with a reliable plumbing company near you.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Do you have exposed pipes under the sink? It’s best to insulate them, especially during the winter. When the pipes are not protected, the water inside them can freeze, which will lead to pipes expanding and bursting. You can avoid this when you protect your pipes all the time. And we’re not just talking about the kitchen pipes. Exposed pipes outdoors or in the bathroom need to be insulated come winter, so they don’t burst. Water damage is expensive, but it can always be prevented when the homeowner takes extra precautions.

Contact My Professional Plumber

If you need a plumbing company in Oak Ridge, TN, who can help you with any repairs, maintenance, or installation in the kitchen, don’t forget to get in touch with us. Our plumbers are highly skilled and reliable when it comes to kitchen plumbing. We can get the job done promptly, and we can also give a guarantee. Our plumbing company takes pride in providing only exceptional plumbing services to all of our clients. Call us at My Professional Plumber today for an appointment.

8 Plumber Tips for Taking Care of Your Plumbing System | Knoxville, TN

Jamie Ndungu on February 10, 2021

Photo By Pineapple Studio at istock

By far one of the hardest parts about being a homeowner is taking good care of your plumbing system. There are so many things that can go wrong when it comes to plumbing, but so many of them are preventable if you take the time to do a little preventative maintenance. If you want to keep the plumbing system in your Knoxville, TN, home in good shape and avoid calling a plumber, here are 8 tips to help you.

1. Keep Drains Clean

One important thing if you want to prevent plumbing problems is keeping your drains free of clogs. A clogged drain can cause a wide range of issues, from leaks in pipes to sewage backups. The good news is, you can avoid calling a plumber for drain clogs by simply being careful about what you’re flushing down the drain. If you do notice your drains starting to get a bit clogged, you should either call a drain cleaning service or use a plunger and drain cleaner to try to remove the clog on your own.

2. Avoid Hard Water

Have you ever heard of the term “hard water”? This refers to water that has a high mineral content, which might not sound like the worst thing. However, that high mineral content means this water tends to leave a residue in fixtures and appliances, which can cause corrosion that leads to a lot of problems. You can avoid having to deal with hard water by having a plumber install a water softener in your home, or you can simply install a water-softening device on the appropriate fixtures.

3. Watch Your Bill

The last thing you want is to have to spend a fortune on your water bill, so you should keep an eye on it. However, it’s even more important to keep an eye on your water bill because it can be such a good indicator that you’ve got a plumbing problem. If you haven’t changed the size of your household or your water usage habits but your water bill is suddenly much higher than normal, have a professional check things out. It could be that you’ve got a silent problem such as a small leak or a running toilet that’s causing a lot of water waste each month.

4. Prevent Burst Pipes

Another thing you need to do if you want to minimize the amount of plumbing damage you have to deal with is try your best to prevent burst pipes. Burst pipes can cause a ton of water damage and leave you with a massive water bill, so preventing them should always be a priority. The good news is, preventing burst pipes is as simple as taking the time to have a plumber look at your plumbing system and insulate problem pipes. If you have pipes that are especially susceptible to freezing, you might want to have them wrapped in heat tape.

5. Locate Your Shutoff Valve

When you have a major problem with your plumbing system, the last thing you want is to let water freely flow into your home and cause as much damage as it can. The best thing you can do to prevent water damage while you wait for a plumber to arrive at your home is to shut off the water. Every home is equipped with a main water shutoff valve that allows you to quickly cut the supply of water to your home, so make sure you know where yours is ahead of time.

6. Look Out for Leaks

Leaks can be one of the hardest plumbing problems to spot, especially if they’re occurring in a spot where you don’t normally look. However, there are also some telltale signs that you’ve got a leak which are pretty easy to spot. If you ever notice a brown or yellow spot on a piece of drywall in your home, that’s a good indicator that you have a leak. You may also smell mold or mildew near the leak. If you suspect you have a leak in your home, make sure you call a plumber right away to prevent water damage.

7. Keep Up with Maintenance

Most people don’t think about having plumbing maintenance done, but that’s an important part of making sure your plumbing system is in good shape. From having the pipes checked on to having your drains cleaned, there are a lot of little things you can have a professional do to keep your plumbing working. You can even have somebody flush out your water heater tank to remove the sediment so it lasts longer. If you want to prevent problems, every little bit of maintenance helps.

8. Recognize Emergencies

One of the things you need to be able to do as a homeowner is recognize plumbing emergencies. Whether a pipe bursts in your home, there’s a sewage backup or your home is flooding, knowing when to call an emergency service which will arrive quicker is crucial. When you do call these emergency services, make sure you take the time to shut off your water so you can minimize the damage while you wait for help.

Call Today

Making sure your home isn’t susceptible to any major plumbing problems can be a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be. If you want to keep your plumbing system in better shape, having a plumber help with maintenance, repairs and advice goes a long way.

If you’re looking for help taking care of the plumbing system in your Knoxville, TN, home, look no further than My Professional Plumber. From preventing plumbing problems to fixing them, we can do it all. If you need a little help preventing problems in your plumbing system, call My Professional Plumber to schedule a service appointment today.

5 Tips For Making Your Drain Cleaning Service Last | Oak Ridge, TN

Jamie Ndungu on November 15, 2020

Photo By focal point at Shutterstock

Many plumbers recommend getting a drain cleaning service every 3 to 5 years. However, some people may notice that they require more drain cleaning services than others. The drains might get clogged after only 1 to 2 years.

Why is that? Why do some homes require more frequent drain cleaning services than others?

The answer lies in how mindful the homeowners are in taking care of their drains. Those who are more mindful and more diligent will often need to get their drains cleaned less frequently. They may also find that their drains and plumbing tend to be in better condition throughout the years.

If you are interested in proactively taking care of your drains and plumbing, consider implementing the 5 tips below after getting your drains cleaned.

#1. Be Mindful of What You Flush Down the Toilet

First and foremost, you must always be mindful of what you flushed down the drain. This includes anything from the kitchen sink to the toilets. You should never flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. Some people think that flushing sanitary napkins is okay, but this isn’t the case. These items can easily clog the toilet, the drains and the plumbing in that area.

Many of the things that you flush down the toilet may not affect the drains, but may actually damage the septic tank system.

#2. Always Clear the Dishes Before Washing Them in the Sink

Many people simply toss their dirty dishes into the sink without a thought; however, this could easily cause the kitchen drains to get clogged. Food items can get washed down the drain and coat the inside areas. This is particularly true for any greasy food items. If there’s grease on your plate, make sure you scrape the grease off into the garbage bin or compost bin before placing your dishes in the sink.

You should run the dirty dishes under hot water for some time to ensure that all of the remaining grease and residue is washed away. You should also make sure that small bones and other items are scraped off first. This is particularly true for starches, like rice and pasta, as the starches can easily coat the inside of the plumbing and become a huge headache to deal with at a later time, as these substances are difficult to remove.

#3. Avoid Using Any Chemical Drain Cleaners

Whenever most homeowners run into any clogs, they usually pick up some chemical drain cleaners right away. While chemical drain cleaners may appear to be effective, they’re actually something that you should avoid, as the chemicals can actually corrode the inside of the plumbing and do more harm than good.

After getting professional drain cleaning services for your home, you should try to stick to more natural cleaning methods, like warm water or vinegar. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners if they are not necessary at all, as they may only cause more issues to arise in the future.

Chemical drain cleaners also don’t work on every clog, and can damage your septic system as well. Depending on the type of product that you are using, the chemical fumes may also be dangerous to you and your family’s health, especially if the fumes get trapped within the plumbing.

#4. Stick to Your Regular Maintenance Schedule

Even if your drains look super clean, you should still stick to your regular drain cleaning service schedule. You never know if there are any underlying issues within the plumbing that you can’t see. By sticking to a regular maintenance schedule, you’ll be notified immediately if anything looks amiss. This will allow you to avoid many headaches in the future, as minor problems won’t even have a chance of becoming a major hassle.

If our plumbers do not see anything suspicious, we may recommend that you delay your next drain cleaning service to a later time, as you probably won’t need your drains cleaned as frequently. With time, you’ll notice that you’ll be able to stretch the drain cleaning services longer and longer, as your drains will be in amazing condition.

Those who stick with a regular maintenance schedule will also find that they usually won’t forget to get the necessary maintenance services that their plumbing needs. Some plumbing companies may even offer you a deal if you sign up to one of their maintenance programs.

#5. Install a Drain Catcher

Last but not least, consider installing a drain catcher. A drain catcher can really help prevent small items and foods from entering the drain. They’re particularly useful if you have small children, as they can accidentally drop their toys and other small trinkets down the drain.

A drain catcher is particularly useful in the shower, especially if you have long hair. It’s not unusual for long hair to get tangled up into a mess within the drains. If they clog the plumbing in this area, they can be really difficult to get out. This is especially true since a lot of soap may cling onto the tangled hair. This creates a huge chunk.

Call Us for Drain Cleaning Services

Do you need to drain cleaning services in Oak Ridge, TN? If so, give My Professional Plumber a call at 865-238-7049. We have many experienced plumbers on our team who will be able to get the job done efficiently and effectively. Our video inspection will easily determine whether there are any other plumbing issues that need to be resolved while we’re there. For example, if there’s a small leak somewhere in the plumbing, it’s always a good idea to get it patched up sooner rather than later.

We offer many specials, promotions and deals throughout the entire year, and we guarantee our services! We can tackle any plumbing problem that you may be facing. Give us a call today if you are in the Oak Ridge, TN area, and we can send someone out right away to inspect your plumbing.

Have A Plumber Help You Choose The Right Type And Size of Water Heater | Knoxville, TN

Jamie Ndungu on October 5, 2020

Photo By JackF at istock

Jumping into the shower and being splashed with cold water is most people’s nightmare. It has to be one of the most unpleasant feelings out there, which is why most people prefer hot showers to cold showers any day.

Your water heater is responsible for making sure that there is always hot water in your home. While these tanks tend to be rather durable and can last decades, they will need to be replaced sooner or later. If it’s time for your water heater to be replaced, you might have a hard time figuring out what you need. After all, the model that you had installed might already be outdated. There are so many newer models out there now that are more efficient.

Knowing how to choose the right type and size of water heater isn’t common sense. You may need the help of a plumber to get you started. This article will also give you some insight into this issue.

Water Heater vs. Boiler

First and foremost, we’d like to differentiate the difference between a water heater and a boiler. While these two machines do similar things, they are very different

A water heater will take cold, incoming water from the main water line and indirectly warm it with a gas burner or some type of heating rod inside the tank. Once the water is warmed to the right temperature, the heater will store the water for you until the next time you hop into the shower or run yourself a nice steaming hot bath. You might even have a tankless water heater. This machine can heat up your water instantly, so it doesn’t need to store any of it inside a tank.

A boiler is slightly different. This machine will turn water into steam, as steam is a very inexpensive and efficient way of transporting heat throughout your entire home. Most homes nowadays rely on hot water heaters for their hot water source.

The Different Types of Water Heaters

As mentioned previously, technology quickly advances. Nowadays, there are many different types of hot water heaters that you can choose from. Each one will have its own benefits and drawbacks. They’ll also be in different price ranges. When choosing the right type of water heater, you’ll need to take all those factors into consideration. Our plumbers can help you figure out what type of water heater is best suited for your needs. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of water heaters:

Storage tank water heaters. This is by far one of the most common types out there and one of the most installed heaters by our plumbers. These traditional models have an insulated tank that will keep the water hot for as long as possible. You can usually choose between electric and gas models. If you’re not sure which one is best for you, ask one of our professionals. In general, gas models tend to be pricier; however, the operating costs associated with these models is lower.

Tankless water heaters. These water heaters are quickly becoming more and more popular. Our plumbers are installing more of these units. While they tend to be pricier to install, they’re a lot more energy efficient, so you’ll save money there. You’ll also get an unlimited supply of hot water, as you’re not relying on a tank to heat the water up.

Solar water heating system. This is considered as one of the newer technologies. These systems may either use an active solar water heating system or a passive solar water heating. An active solar water heating system will involve the use of circulating pumps and controls while a passive one will not use any pumps or controls at all.

Each water heater type has its own benefits and drawbacks. Understanding what each type has to offer will help you make a more informed decision.

Calculating the Size

Once you’ve decided on the type of water heater that’s best suited for your home, you then need to consider the size that you need. The general rule of thumb is to install a 30- to 40-gallon water heater for a one or two-person household. This will ensure that everyone gets as much hot water that they need, provided that no one is taking hot showers for hours! A 40- to 50-gallon tank will be best suited for a household with three or four people, and a 50-gallon tank will usually be large enough for homes with more than 5 people.

It’s important to note that tanks that have a capacity more than 50-gallons are rarely installed in residential homes. In most cases, anything larger than 50-gallon will be overkill. Your home may also not have the space to store such a large tank.

Our Plumbers in Knoxville, TN Can Help You Choose the Right Water Heater for Your Home

Is it time for you to upgrade your home and replace your water heater? The whole experience can be very overwhelming to some homeowners who have no idea where they should start. This isn’t a job that you should attempt to do by yourself, as you’ll need experience and technical know-how on how to install and remove a water heater. This is a job that’s best left to the professionals, like our plumbers. Our plumbers will get the job done in no time and can even help you choose a water heater that will satisfy all of your needs.

My Professional Plumber offers plumbing services for those who reside in the Knoxville, TN area. Our plumbers have decades of experience under their belts, so they’re well aware of the latest water heater technologies that are out there. We can come to your home to assess the situation and give you some recommendations based on what we see.

For more information, give us a call at 865-248-2549. Or, contact us online through this online form! We’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Hiring a Plumber: 5 Questions to Ask Beforehand | Knoxville, TN

Jamie Ndungu on September 10, 2020

Photo By ljubaphoto at istock

Are you dealing with some type of plumbing problem or emergency? You might feel tempted to agree to the terms and conditions of any service agreement if you are stressed. You might also find a professional from an ad in a newspaper or a flyer that was dropped off at your home. This may open you up to some expensive plumbing services or shoddy work. Before you hire anyone, you want to make sure that you ask the professional several questions to get a better idea of their work and their company.

If you’re dealing with any type of plumbing problem in Knoxville, TN, consider giving My Professional Plumbers a call at 865-248-2549. Our licensed technicians have years of experience in dealing with a variety of plumbing issues. We’d be happy to answer any questions or concerns that you have.

With that said, here are 5 questions that you should ask any plumbing company that you get in contact with.

#1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

This should be the first question that anybody asks a plumber. Unfortunately, it often isn’t. You want to know whether the plumber is licensed and insured. if they are licensed, then you know that they have adequate training in dealing with various plumbing problems. But, most importantly, you want to make sure that they have adequate insurance coverage should anything go wrong. Mistakes with the plumbing can easily become a headache and can easily cost a fortune. If the professional accidentally bursts a pipe, it could lead to significant water damage throughout your entire home.

#2. What Is the Total Cost of the Service?

The total cost of the service is also another question to ask about. You want to make sure that the cost that you see advertised online or in the newspaper is the actual cost that you will be paying. Some companies may tack on additional charges for overtime work or for the cleaning fee. Ask the plumber to include every fee that you’ll be paying into the total cost, so there are no surprises with the bill. This will also allow you to compare quotes from different companies.

To understand the value of the package that is being offered, you must compare the total cost of the service with what you are getting. For example, while one company may offer you a higher quote, they may guarantee their work for a longer period of time. Or, they may have included the cleaning cost with the total cost of the service. As a result, you won’t need to do any subsequent work at all. Keep in mind that garbage fees can be quite expensive.

#3. Will You Be Doing the Work?

This is also another question that most people don’t consider. If you’re working with a relatively small plumbing company, the professional who is giving you a quote for the job will also likely be the professional who is completing the job. However, this may not always be the case with larger companies. Some companies may hire many plumbers, and the individual who is offering you a quote may not be the same person who is going to show up to get the job done.

While this may not necessarily bother you, it’s still something that you might want to be aware of upfront. If another individual will be doing the work, you may want to inquire about the amount of experience that particular individual may have.

#4. When Is Payment Due?

When it comes to simple plumbing jobs, you won’t necessarily have to worry about setting up a payment schedule. However, you may still want to know when payment is due. For example, you may want to know whether you are expected to pay for the services before the plumber gets everything started or whether you can pay for the services after everything is done

With that said, for more expensive jobs, you will want to know what the terms are upfront. For example, if you are remodeling your home and doing a lot of plumbing jobs, you may want to set up some type of payment schedule based on when everything will be done. Mini cameras will require that you make a payment of 10 to 15% upfront for larger jobs. Another 50% should be paid before the job is started.

Knowing when you’re going to need to pay for your services may affect your hiring decision. Other than setting up a payment plan, you may also want to know about the different payment methods that are accepted. Many plumbing companies accept credit cards nowadays.

#5. Is Your Work Guaranteed?

Last but not least, you want to find out the specifics of the guarantees that a plumber can offer before signing any contract. If the professionals make any verbal promises, make sure that you get it in writing; otherwise, it might not hold up at all. Ask the professionals about what they are able to guarantee. Some professionals may be able to guarantee their work for up to a year. If anything goes wrong during that time, they will come back out to fix the issue. If the part is defective or if there is something wrong with the quality of their work, they’ll cover the repair costs.

Give My Professional Plumber a Call Today!

A reputable company will be more than happy to walk you through all of your questions and concerns. They’ll make sure that you are comfortable with what they’re offering, and they won’t rush you into any decision at all (although they might highlight the urgency of which you should get some things looked at before the situation worsens).

If you are looking for a reputable plumbing company, consider giving My Professional Plumber a call. We service many cities, like Knoxville, TN, and offer great prices and high quality work. If you are looking for a plumbing company you can’t go wrong with us!

Plumber Tips: Myths That Will Harm Your Plumbing System | Oak Ridge, TN

Jamie Ndungu on August 30, 2020

Photo By nito at Shutterstock

Homeowners have all heard stories about what they can and can’t do with their plumbing system. For example, are flushable wipes really a thing? And can you pour grease down your sink? There are many things that homeowners regularly do that actually damage their plumbing systems.

This article will debunk some of the most common plumbing myths. Avoiding these common mistakes will allow you to keep your plumbing system in good working order.

If you’re searching for a plumber in Oak Ridge, TN, or the surrounding area, you may like to contact My Professional plumber. The company employs a highly skilled team of professionals who can carry out all types of plumbing work, including drain cleaning, maintenance, and repair and installing plumbing systems into new builds.

Do Flushable Wipes Really Exist?

You may have heard that it’s ok to flush wipes down the toilet. Some wipes even say on the packet that they are flushable. Plumbers tend to disagree and are often called out to unblock toilets that have been caused by flushable wipes. Some will even go as far as to say that flushable wipes are a myth.

Some people think that wipes are more hygienic than standard toilet paper, or they use cleaning wipes on their toilets and then flush them. There is a problem with these types of wipes; they aren’t flushable. Most wipes are unable to effectively breakdown in your plumbing system, which can cause blockages. In time, multiple wipes will cause a build-up in your system and create a clog that will result in a blocked toilet and back-up.

Plumbers think that flushable wipes are one of the biggest plumbing myths. Do yourself a favor and put wipes in the bin rather than the toilet. It would help if you didn’t flush anything other than toilet paper. Avoid flushing things like sanitary products or q-tips.

Are Drop-in Tank Tablets Good for Cleaning a Toilet?

Drop-in tank tablets allow you to easily keep your toilet clean and fresh for weeks with minimum effort. But are they good for your toilet and plumbing system? Professionals urge you to think about what the tablets are doing to your toilet and the plumbing system’s inner workings.

Many toilet cleaners are actually very corrosive and have a detrimental effect on your toilet pipes. This is a significant problem, and many toilet manufacturers won’t give you a refund if they see that an in-tank cleaner has damaged your tank. You must recognize the damage that some chemical cleaning products can do to your plumbing system.

Can You Put Grease into Your Sink if You Run Hot Water at the Same Time?

There are many things that should never be allowed to get into your drains, including food particles and loose hairs. However, you may have heard that it’s ok to pour grease into your kitchen sink as long as you pour boiling water down the plug afterward or run the hot tap as you’re doing so.

Plumbers say that this is, in fact, a myth and that you should never put grease that’s leftover from cooking down your sink. The misconception here is that using hot water will help to melt the grease and will allow it to flow through your plumbing system. This isn’t the case as grease will solidify and can cause blockages in your drains and pipes. Over time this can cause severe problems, and you’ll need to call out a plumber to unblock the sink.

Instead of putting grease down the sink, you can use a paper towel to absorb it and wipe out cooking pans and trays. If you have a lot of fat, you can pour it into an old jam jar and leave it to set. This can then be thrown into the trash. It’s a good idea to pay attention to what goes down your sink and gets into your drains.

Putting a Brick in Your Toilet Tank Will Save You Money

Some people may tell you that in order to save money on your water bills, you can put a brick in your toilet tank to make it use less water. This is one of the oldest and most common plumbing myths there are.

This myth assumes that the brick will displace some of the water in your toilet tank, which means that it will use less water per flush and therefore reduce your water consumption and save you money.

Homeowners want to save themselves money, but putting a brick in your toilet tank isn’t a good idea. A brick in the tank can cause damage to your toilet. If the brick begins to crumble, as it will do over time, it will ruin your toilet flushing mechanism. Toilets have also been designed to use a specific amount of water to run correctly. If you force your toilet to use less water, you may find that it isn’t flushing effectively.

Water Heaters That Are Making a Noise Need to Be Replaced

It can be worrying when your water heater starts making a noise, but this doesn’t automatically indicate that it needs to be replaced. While sounds can indicate that a malfunction is occurring, it may be able to be repaired. If your water heater is making a noise, you should phone a plumber as soon as possible as your water heater has a risk of catching fire or even exploding.

Don’t automatically believe the myth that noise means you need to replace your water heater. Ask a professional to service your equipment as it might need to be cleaned and maintained. Water heaters should be regularly serviced and do tend to need regular maintenance. This can cause worrying noises.

My Professional Plumber

If you’re looking for a professional in Oak Ridge, TN or the surrounding area, don’t hesitate to contact My Professional Plumber. They can provide plumbing installation, can unblock drains and toilets, and also offer emergency repair. They can be contacted on 865-248-2549.

3 Ways Your Plumber Can Help You Prevent Pipes From Freezing | Knoxville, TN

Jamie Ndungu on August 15, 2020

Photo By Aleksandar Tasevski at Shutterstock

As temperatures drop during the winter, most homeowners don’t realize that they have to worry about their pipes freezing. As the water temperature fluctuates, the water expands. This force is more than enough to burst the pipes and cause them to break. You may not even realize the extent of the damage until the next year. At which point, you’ll be left with a large bill when you call a plumber.

There are many different ways that you can prevent your pipes from freezing. In fact, if this is a huge concern for you, you should highly consider calling one of our professionals in Knoxville, TN to come take a look at your plumbing situation. We’ll figure out which areas of your plumbing are most susceptible to damage and help you figure out a game plan that will help you avoid a rather huge bill in the future.

This article will look at 3 simple ways that you can prevent your pipes from freezing during the winter. By winterizing your home, you’ll have more to gain than lose. It’s definitely something that’s worth looking into!

Insulate All Pipes, Especially the Ones Outside

Pipes that are not insulated are much more prone to freezing. They are much more susceptible to temporal fluctuations and changes. One of the best ways to prevent your pipes from freezing is to call a plumber and have them inspect your pipes. Ask the professional to let you know which pipes are not insulated, and which ones will be most susceptible to freezing. Your plumber should give you a layout of all of the vulnerable areas and also be able to recommend different types of insulation for you.

There are many different types of insulation. To figure out which one is best for your home, check out the r-value of the insulation. The higher the r-value, the more effective the insulation will be at preventing your pipes from freezing.

Some of the main areas that require insulation include the attic, basement and the exterior of the home. There are usually many areas in the exterior that are left exposed. If you can’t install insulation in those areas, you might want to find some other way to protect the pipes. Some homeowners recommend wrapping the pipes with newspaper and other materials for the time being.

Drain All Sprinkler Systems, Hoses and More

Before the temperature drops, take some time to drain all of the exterior water lines that won’t be used. If you have a pool, make sure that you drain that first. Some of the water lines that you should consider draining include hoses, water sprinkler systems. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions. If you’re not sure what’s the best way to drain the plumbing system, ask your plumber. They’ll be able to provide you with more information.

Most important of all, make sure that you do not put antifreeze in any of these water lines unless you were asked to by a plumber or directed by the manufacturer. Antifreeze is harmful to the environment and can also be dangerous to the landscaping, to pets, to wildlife and to humans.

Last but not least, make sure that you close the inside valves that are supplying the outdoor hose bibs. You should keep the outside hose bibs open, so that water can drain out. Keep the outside valves open as well, so that any excess water has room to expand and move.

Keep the Heat On in Your Home

Last but not least, it’s a good idea to keep the heat on in your home during the winter. Even if you won’t be home, make sure that the heat is still on and above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Although this may not seem like a big deal, it is. If the heat is on, you can avoid a potentially detrimental situation where multiple areas of your plumbing may have burst.

It may also be a good idea to find a way to warm rooms that are in unheated areas of the home. These areas tend to be the most vulnerable and susceptible. You could, for example, keep a portable heater in the room, so that the temperature doesn’t drop too much.

Another good idea is to keep the garage door, doors and windows in your home closed during the winter. Don’t let a draft in because then you’ll have a much harder time keeping the pipes in a warm environment. If you can, weatherstrip the doors and windows. Weatherstrip is cheap to install, and can make a huge difference in the indoor temperature of your home. You might even want to consider adding insulation to the inner walls. This could not only help prevent your pipes from freezing, but may also help lower your energy bill.

Give Us a Call for More Information

If your pipes are frozen, call a plumber in Knoxville, TN to get it thawed. Don’t try to fix the situation yourself, as you might actually worsen it if you’re not careful or if you don’t have the right tools, equipment and expertise. Our plumbers can come out and take a look at your situation to give you some recommendations on what your next steps should be.

With that said, you should try to avoid getting your pipes frozen in the first place. If you think your pipes are vulnerable to freezing, call one of our plumbers for advice.

To get more information on how you can prevent your pipes from freezing this winter, give My Professional Plumber a call. Our licensed technicians will come and take a look at your home to see what preventative measures can be put in place to prevent your pipes from freezing. We can ask to take this opportunity to look at your plumbing system to see if we can catch any minor problems before they become a huge headache. Give us a call today and see what we can do for you!

Drain Cleaning Service: Avoid DIY Drain Cleaning Methods | Knoxville, TN

Jamie Ndungu on July 15, 2020

Photo By Dmitriy Galaganov at istock

Water backups are one of the most common signs of a clogged drain. When you have a water backup that is causing water to spill forth, it’s time to call a drain cleaning service. Often this problem starts with slow drainage followed by the clog getting so bad that water can’t get through your pipes at all. When this happens big problems can arise. Water backups can lead to big problems due to water damage.

When your drains become severely clogged, many homeowners do the responsible thing and call a professional plumber for drain cleaning service. Yet some homeowners opt to try to do it themselves through drain cleaning methods. These methods can often make matters worse, costing you time and money!

At My Professional Plumber, we have seen many DIY nightmare scenarios that have caused homeowners much bigger and more expensive problems. There are many reasons why taking the do it yourself approach to cleaning out a clogged drain is not always a good idea. We will discuss why it is better to call for a service to deal with your clogged drain.

The Problem Might Be More Complex Than You Think

If you are not a plumber yourself you can’t possibly have any idea of the scope of the problem that is lying in your drains. You need to know the exact cause of the clog to even try the many DIY methods out there. Grime buildup for example requires the assistance of a plumber. For solid masses, you’re going to want the help that only a drain cleaning service can provide.

Liquid Drain Cleaners Aren’t Always the Best Option

Knoxville, TN Professional plumbers never recommend the use of liquid drain cleaners. Most of these drain cleaners are also extremely bad for the environment. Some contain lye which is toxic and dangerous. Lye contacting human or animal skin can cause burns, it is also highly corrosive. Most of these cleaners can damage your drains and pipes thanks to the corrosive acids that work to unblock those clogs. A professional service with professional tools won’t cause these issues.

You Could Risk Further Damage

Without the knowledge of professional plumbing, you risk the chance that you could cause even more damage to your pipes than the issue at hand. There are many ins and outs of professional pipe maintenance and cleaning, and many of the DIY methods can damage your drainage system. In short, you could create an even pricier problem which could have been avoided had you called in a professional drain cleaning service, to begin with.

DIY Is a Big Time Investment

DIY Is a big-time investment that doesn’t always yield results. By calling a drain cleaning service you can carry on with your daily activities, without investing the better part of a day or longer in figuring out how to unclog your drains. What would be worse is spending a day trying to unclog the drain, only to find out later that your methods failed. Time wasted is never satisfying. Since DIY is such a time sink why not call in a pro? What if the clogged drain returns in a few days? Even more, time wasted.

Your Drains Can Become Clogged Again Quickly

Most do it yourself techniques only provide a temporary fix to clogged drains. This is especially true with expensive liquid drain cleaners. Ever notice when you use those types of liquid clog fixes that you’re often running to the store to pick up another bottle as the clog has occurred once again? These types of fixes usually only clear out a drain part way, allowing some water to flow but leaving a significant amount of debris behind. This leads quickly to future clogs. Your local drain cleaning service can easily remove those stubborn clogs and tell you how to avoid future clogged drains once the source of the clog has been determined.

Drain Cleaning Service Yields Professional Results

The professionals at My Professional Plumber have access to the tools, equipment, and methods to remove even the most stubborn drain clogs. Amateur do it yourself people do not have access to these tools and equipment, while your local drain service in Knoxville, TN can unclog these drains the way they were meant to be unclogged. You want your drain to be unclogged in a way that stands up to the test of time as well, so the problem doesn’t reoccur at some random point in the future.

A drain cleaning service is often one of the most affordable services a plumber offers. What’s more, is they have advanced training on drain cleaning techniques and tools. For greater peace of mind when it comes to drain cleaning, call in the professionals at My Professional Plumber.

Now that we know you need a pro when it comes to clogged drains, what are the signs you need a drain cleaning?

Slow Draining

If your water is draining more slowly than usual you likely have a buildup in your pipes. Call in a drain cleaning service before a slow drain turns into a full-blown clog.

Standing Water Accumulation

If you have standing water in your showers or sinks, this demonstrates that your drainage problem has worsened. If these receptacles are often filled with water that never drains, it’s time to call a pro immediately.

An Unpleasant Smell

If your drains are clogged, sewage and waste can build up in the pipes. In hotter months this problem can send a rather strong odor even into adjacent rooms. Any foul smell coming from your drains should be dealt with immediately.

Fruit Flies

If you suddenly have fruit flies hovering around your drain chances are they are most likely being attracted by the food waste building up in your drain. Calling in a pro can often not only take care of the clogged drain, but also deal with the pesky fruit fly problem.

For greater peace of mind when it comes to drain cleaning, call in the professionals at My Professional Plumber today at 865-238-7049, your trusted local plumber.

Call Your Plumber For House Maintenance | Knoxville, TN

Jamie Ndungu on May 25, 2020

Photo By ronstik at istock

As the harsh weather of the winter gives in to the beautiful and much wanted hot weather of the spring, it’s time to start planning your home’s annual maintenance. This time of the year is just ideal for arranging for a plumber to inspect and maintain the plumbing system of your house as the weather is good. This gives you plenty of time to deal with any problems that may arise, way before you set off for your summer vacations. As with other houses locally you tend to use more water during the warmer seasons. Apart from the usual dish washing and laundry, water sprinklers are coming back to life in preparation of the hot weather lying ahead. When it comes to plumbing issues, it’s worth putting your ducks in a row, way before you can use all those summer facilities. Just imagine the disappointment of having to stay inside because the septic tank has overflowed, ruining your day off at the pool. By calling a professional to do the annual maintenance checks, you ensure that when the temperature climbs and it’s time to take some time off work, you won’t have to deal with the plumbing systems of your property.

Taking Care of the Septic Tank

Most houses in Knoxville, TN, have installed their own waste disposal tank in order to gain independence from the sewage network. A septic tank, as the name suggests, is the tank that processes all waste that is produced from your home. They came with a variety of benefits as they are cost-effective, and they don’t require a connection with the rest of the sewage network. Septic tanks are hidden below your garden, in an area known as drain field, and connect to the rest of the home by using sewage pipes, which are also buried underground. If your property has a septic tank installed, it is necessary to keep in touch with a professional plumber who will regularly inspect and drain the tank when it reaches its full capacity. It is important that the septic tank is functioning correctly, otherwise, you may end up in a nasty situation where the plumbing facilities of the house are no longer functioning. Despite being durable, neglected waste tanks may rupture, causing the drain field to flood with sewage water, and thus, completely, ruining your day. Make sure to tell your plumber any tell-tale signs such as bad odour, puddles of water or wastewater that takes a long time to drain.

Rain Storm Drains

Storm drains is an essential part of the house’s plumbing system as it directs the rain water away from the home. Drains can easily be neglected as they are usually located adjacent to the roof of the property, thus, causing blocked rain water to puddle in unexpected areas. Since the drains are exposed to the elements of nature, they often get blocked by domestic pests, soil, and leaves. Attempting to clean the drains on your own can be a risky and challenging act since they need special equipment and someone who is trained to safely do the climb. A professional can use the various tools hidden in his armory to clean the system from debris and ensure that during the next storm, the drains will work like a charm.

Embedded Pipes

Pipes are the veins of your plumbing system and it is essential to keep them clean. Apart from the sink, the toilet, and the bathtub, more devices are connected with your house’s freshwater plumbing system. Dishwashers, washing machines are a few to name but it can make a big difference if you regularly arrange for a plumber to inspect the pipes that interconnect the various facilities of your property. Freshwater pipes are pressurized in order to provide fresh water. The presence of limescale in the water as well as the age of the pipe itself can cause a leak within the system that may cause water to flow freely on your property. A ruptured pipe comes with a noticeable drop in the water pressure. Should you notice that the water pressure is not stable or lower than usual, call for an experienced plumber to assess the issue.

Garden Watering System

If you are planning to refresh the look of your front yard by planting some colorful flowers, think when was the last time you checked the watering system. External watering systems are mainly used during the warmer seasons and as a result, they might need to be looked at by a plumber before you can use them. Seasonal flowers need a controlled flow of water. An old watering system might have malfunctioning sprinklers or ruptured hoses which will alter the flow and amount of water reaching the plants. Having a specialist to look at your garden in advance, can make a big difference in the final look of your garden this year.

Get Your House Ready for Summer

Before you take time off work to relax and enjoy all the benefits of the summer, be sure to take the necessary maintenance that your plumbing system needs. While taking matters into your own hand can be a nice recreational activity, nothing compares with the professional inspections and expertise of your local plumber. Avoid the headache that comes with bad odours, leaky pipes and defective plumbing appliances. Leaky sewage can pose a risk to your health and ruin your plans for the summer. Make a list of all the appliances that you use and check if the water runs naturally through the sink.

If you find out that part of your house’s plumbing system is not functioning as expected, you should seek professional advice on how it can be fixed. Whether you have a question about a problem that you are dealing with or you simply want a professional opinion, arrange a meet up with your local Knoxville, TN, plumber at My Professional Plumber and get your plumbing system sorted out for you.

Call Your Plumber for a Pre-Summer Plumbing Inspection | Oak Ridge, TN

Jamie Ndungu on April 25, 2020

Photo By Eva-Katalin at istock

Although it may seem like a distant dream, summer is nearly here. And with summer comes the inevitable uptick in usage of your Oak Ridge, TN, home’s plumbing system. The kids are home from school. Guests are over visiting. You’re doing more laundry, washing more dishes, using more water. Your household will also likely see an increase in the use of your plumbing for outdoor sprinklers, filling up swimming pools, and other outdoor activities. This is not the time for plumbing issues to spoil the fun. Your plumbing system needs to be in optimal shape both indoors and outside, and now’s the time to give your plumbing a pre-summer checkup and get your plumber busy on any needed repairs.

Drains

First things first; make sure that your drains are working properly throughout your home. Pay close attention to the drains in every sink and shower. If you notice that water is draining slowly when you take a shower, then you may have an obstruction in the shower such as hair or other items and the slow drain capability is a sign of that. Dial your plumber right away to request drain cleaning services. With everyone spending more time at home this summer, it’s also a good time to go over the basic concepts of what can and cannot end up in the drain or in the toilet. For instance, no flushing tampon applicators or Q-tips down the toilet and no rinsing grease down the kitchen sink.

Leaks

Even a slow dripping faucet can cost hundreds of dollars over the course of time when it comes to wasted water. And besides, Mother Nature frowns on water wastage. Inspect all your faucets and other water outlets inside and outside your home, looking for leaks or signs of wear and tear, and call your plumber for a quick fix if you find anything amiss.

Check Your Hot Water Heater

If your home is like most, summertime translates to getting sweaty and hot and showering more often than normal. And those showers require lots of hot water. Make sure that your hot water heater is up to par, since it will bear the brunt of the usage uptick for the entire household. Now is the time to consider flushing and draining the hot water heater in your home, and during the process it is a good idea to check out the heating elements and the unit’s anode rod. If you have a gas unit, the gas burner assembly should be checked, and if necessary, replaced. Most homeowners will need to contact a plumber to check out their hot water heaters and provide a professional inspection.

Hoses and Valves

Floods and leaks due to hoses and valves that are in poor working condition or malfunctioning are a big cause of calls to plumbers in the summertime. A major cause of summer floods in the home is faulty washing machine hoses. Do a thorough inspection of all of the hoses and valves that make up your home’s plumbing system. Hoses should fit tightly and valves should turn on and off easily. If they don’t, ask your plumber for help.

Water Pressure

Any seasonal inspection of your plumbing system should include an inspection of the water pressure coming into the shower and all sinks. Water pressure can have a big effect on the entire plumbing system and cause problems for you when it comes to showering and getting laundry done. However, if the water pressure in your home is poor, it can be a sign of something more ominous, such as a clogged pipe or drain. A dirty showerhead can cause poor water pressure in the bathroom. If you are noticing less than ideal water pressure, give your local professional a call and get to the root of the problem before it gets out of hand.

Outdoor Plumbing

Your outdoor plumbing takes a beating, so be sure to inspect it for damage before the dog days of summer set in. Check your hoses to determine if there are any leaks, and replace or patch hoses that are worn or leaking. Inspect sprinklers by connecting the faucet and allowing them to run for a while. Look for puddles of water on the lawn, which may indicate a leaking connecting pipe or a pipe failure. Inspect your outdoor faucets for leaks, and make sure they turn on and off easily. This is also a good time to clean your gutters since debris from spring blooms and such can back up and cause a blockage and the ensuing poor drainage that follows. If you can’t do it yourself, your plumber can.

Getting Ready for Vacation

And last of all, if you are going away on vacation, be sure to take the appropriate steps with your plumbing system before you head out. Leaks and flooding can occur even when your plumbing system is not being used. Locate and turn off your plumbing at the water master switch just to be on the safe side. If you have one, give your sump pump a once-over too. Storms that crop up in the summer can lead to flooding in areas prone to it, so it’s crucial you don’t leave home without knowing your sump pump is ready for the possibility. Testing is simple and easy; just make sure your sump pump is on, pour a bucket of water into the pump, and then be sure that it starts pumping the water out right away. If it doesn’t, call your plumber for service.

Weak water pressure and slow-moving drains may seem like minor inconveniences, but the truth is if you allow a plumbing issue to go unchecked for an indefinite time, you can end up with costly repairs and out-of-service plumbing in your home that can put a damper on summertime activities. Schedule a plumbing check-up with your local Oak Ridge, TN, plumber at My Professional Plumber and stave off any potential problems this summer.