Tag: plumbing tips

Are flushable wipes really flushable? This is a question that many of us have asked ourselves while standing in the bathroom with a fresh pack of wet wipes in our hands. Let’s be real: using wet wipes to clean up after using the toilet has become a popular trend. They’re marketed as “flushable” and “septic-safe,” which means it’s perfectly fine to flush them down the toilet, right? Wrong! In this blog, we’re going to explore whether or not flushable wipes are actually flushable, and why they can cause serious damage to your home’s plumbing.

So, Are Flushable Wipes Actually Flushable? 

Oh, flushable wipes claim to be sewer-friendly and septic-safe, giving us the illusion that we can flush them down the toilet without a second thought. But are they really flushable? Spoiler alert: not exactly. 

Despite what the label on the packaging may tell you, flushable wipes take longer to break down than good old-fashioned toilet paper. This means that these seemingly harmless wipes increase the risk of clogged pipes and blockages, which could result in some hefty plumbing bills. So, flushable wipes can potentially leave your bank account drained (pun intended).

And, if you think that flushing them down the toilet is the end of the story, you’re in for a surprise. These sneaky wipes can team up with other items in your sewer line, such as thick toilet paper, cotton swabs, paper towels, dental floss, sanitary pads, and toilet cleaning pads. Together, they can create a monster of a blockage known as “ragging” that can wreak havoc on your plumbing. So, you might want to think twice before you flush that wipe next time.

But don’t just take our word for it. Even though manufacturers may claim that flushable wipes are safe to flush, the evidence suggests that they can increase the risk of clogged sewer lines and require more frequent septic tank pumping. And let’s face it; nobody wants to deal with a sewer backup or sewage spill in their home. It’s a messy and costly situation to clean up.

How Flushable Wipes Can Damage Your Home’s Plumbing

The accumulation of wipes in the sewer line between the house and tank can cause a blockage, leading to backups and even flooding in your home. Additionally, wipes can build up at the inlet of the septic tank, reducing its ability to remove solids from the water discharging to your leach area. This can ultimately lead to the failure of your entire septic system, resulting in expensive repairs and replacement bills.

The issue with flushable wipes goes beyond just clogging pipes and septic tanks. In fact, flushing any chemicals, wipes, or other items into your septic tank can cause the waste-eating bacteria to die, leading to the breakdown of the entire system. This means that regular septic tank inspections and pumping become even more important when using wipes, as the bacteria in your system will need to be replenished more frequently.

I Have a Septic System. Are Flushable Wipes Septic Safe?

Plumbing and septic tank service companies are in agreement on this one – flushable wipes are not so flushable after all. Despite what the packaging may say, these pesky wipes don’t dissolve in septic tanks and can cause serious damage in the long run. It’s like a ticking time bomb waiting to go off in your pipes.

One plumbing company even said that flushing wipes down the toilet are one of the worst things you can do to your home’s plumbing. Yikes, that’s like inviting a pack of angry raccoons to your backyard BBQ. Trust us; you don’t want to deal with that mess.

Sure, the manufacturers will tell you that these wipes are safe to flush, but the evidence suggests otherwise. Flushing them can increase the risk of clogged sewer lines and require the pumping of septic tanks more often. And let’s be honest; nobody wants to pay for more frequent septic tank pumping. That’s like paying for a gym membership you never use – a waste of money and resources.

So, what’s the solution? Stick to good old-fashioned toilet paper, folks. It may not be as fancy as those flushable wipes, but it gets the job done without causing any damage to your septic system. 

What to Do If “Flushable” Wipes Clog Your Plumbing

Are flushable wipes really flushable? Don’t take the packaging at face value – those seemingly harmless wipes can cause serious plumbing issues. If you’re experiencing frequent clogs in your home, it’s time to call in the experts. Our 24-hour emergency plumber at Custom Plumbing of Arizona is always on standby, ready to tackle any size clog. So don’t let the problem linger any longer – call us at 602-866-2665 to schedule an appointment and end those stubborn clogs for good!

Posted on Author webdevCategories Toilet repairTags , Leave a comment on Are Flushable Wipes Really Flushable?

Sometimes a home’s plumbing has to be replaced. Wondering what is involved in repiping a house? This article explains.

Unless your home is a cabin in the woods with no running water (or if you live—to quote the late, great Chris Farley—in a van down by the river), you are going to have to deal with plumbing issues at some point. For some, that means fixing a leaky pipe or two. For others, that means having their entire plumbing system replaced.

Repiping a house normally involves 4 steps:

  1. Inspection.
  2. Estimate.
  3. Demolition.
  4. Plumbing.
  5. Reconstruction.

To be clear, replacing your home’s plumbing is not a DIY job. You are going to need a professional, licensed plumber to handle this project. Are you thinking of repiping your home? Here’s what you need to know.

How Do I Know If I Need to Repipe My Home?

Before we get into the specifics of what is involved in repiping a home, you first need to determine whether your home requires it. Repiping is an expensive, time-consuming process — but here are a few signs that your home needs a new plumbing system.

Lead Pipes

Lead pipes are common in older houses from the 1920s and earlier, but even later homes may have this kind of piping system. They present lots of health hazards for you and your family. When these pipes corrode, lead can leak into your drinking water and cause harm to your heart, kidneys, and reproductive organs (even at low levels).

The bottom line: If your home was built before 1986, find out what materials your plumbing system is made out of and replace any lead pipes!

Galvanized Steel Pipes

Before the 1960s, galvanized steel pipes were common in homes. However, these pipes are coated in zinc. While this zinc lining helps to prevent rust and discoloration, lead deposits can build up when it corrodes. Not only is this harmful to drink, but the deposits can also build up and clog your plumbing.

If your home was built before this time period, consider giving your plumbing system a once-over.

High Plumbing Repair Costs

If you seem to find a new plumbing problem every month, it might be time to replace the pipes in your home. Even if the issues seem minor, the repair costs can quickly add up over time. Instead of spending money on numerous small fixes, installing a new plumbing system might be cheaper.

What is Involved in Repiping a Home?

In this section, we’ll cover what happens before, during, and after a repiping.

  1. Inspection.

If you are unsure what kind of work you need to be completed, you don’t need to worry. The first step in the repiping process is an inspection conducted by a plumbing professional, who will listen to the problems you have been having and look for signs of the kind of work you need to be done. Without a thorough inspection, you can’t know what is involved in repiping a house.

  1. Estimate and Recommendations.

Once your repiping specialist finishes the inspection, they will give you their recommendations. Depending on the age of your home, the layout of your plumbing, your needs, and any other relevant details, they will recommend the best course of action, including which materials are best for your situation and what work is most urgent. You may need to replace everything or only a small section.

It is critical to think about how much you are willing to risk your home if you decide only to do a small section or to repipe your home bit by bit. It may help you budget to cover the costs, but if your pipes are at risk of failing, it could save you money, in the long run, to do the entire project at once.

You should also expect an estimate for the work that is to be done. Most plumbing companies, including Custom Plumbing of Arizona, offer a free estimate to give you an idea of the cost.

  1. Demolition.

Once you accept the estimate, it’s time for the professionals to get to work. If you watch even for a few minutes, you will see first-hand what is involved in repiping a house—and it’s a lot! From locating the pipes behind walls and in ceilings to demolition and installation, they do it all.

Good plumbers will take care to protect your home from any possible water damage during repairs, placing plastic sheeting over furniture and moving family possessions when necessary. They also need to turn off and drain any water lines.

Once they turn off your plumbing system, they will get to work cutting through your drywall. A plumber will try to remove as little material as possible to minimize reconstruction costs.

  1. Plumbing.

After your plumber has made their cuts, they will detach your old pipes and install new ones. For pipes in your floor, they will try to go through the ceiling of the bottom floor if possible.

Once the repiping is done, your plumber will need to turn the water lines back on in order to test the new pipes and determine if there are any leaks. If there are leaks, your professional will take care that they are patched up.

  1. Reconstruction.

Once it’s determined that all the pipes are working properly, your drywall contractor or other professional will need to patch up your walls. They should repair and seal your drywall, then paint over it for a nice, smooth finish.

How Long Will I Need to Wait for the Job to Finish?

The length of the repiping project will depend on how large your house is and how many bathrooms you have in your home. A plumbing expert might take only two days to complete small houses. However, larger houses could take up to a week.

Want more information on what is involved in repiping a house? Talk to the plumbing experts at Custom Plumbing of Arizona.

Get in touch with Custom Plumbing today if you are interested in receiving a free estimate for your home repiping project. Call us at 602-883-2761!

Posted on Author adminCategories Residential Plumbing Services, Blog, Plumbing Service & Repair Phoenix AZ, RepipingTags Leave a comment on What Is Involved in Repiping a House? A Beginner’s Guide

These plumbing tips could help you avoid a disaster this holiday season. Need an expert in a pinch? Contact Custom Plumbing of Arizona today!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, so why would you want to spend any of it dealing with plumbing issues? Unfortunately, with all the holidays throw at us, many people experience plumbing emergencies during the festive season.

Want to reduce your chances of a holiday leak emergency this year? Here are some plumbing tips you should know.

Give Those Pipes a Rest

With COVID-19, this year you might not have extra guests in your home. If you do, it’s critical to take it easy on your home’s plumbing as much as possible. Aside from making sure that shower drains are free of excess hair and debris, you should inform your guests to wait a little between showers. Fifteen minutes is not too long to wait to avoid a clogged drain.

Give those drains some time to do what they do best, and you’ll be golden.

Know What You Can and Cannot Flush

If you have family over for the holidays, make sure that everyone knows what they can and cannot flush down the toilet. Toilet paper and human waste are fine to go down the drain. The rest should be thrown in the garbage.

Even if those disinfecting wipes or sanitary products say they can be flushed, it’s better safe than sorry. We know it can be awkward to have this kind of conversation with family. We suggest posting a discreet sign above the toilet so that no one misses it.

Be Kind to Your Kitchen Sink

Around the holidays, families tend to bond over delicious food—food that you don’t cook year-round. Some of the most popular dishes are full of fat, oil, and starch, all of which can wreak havoc on the plumbing in your home.

Here’s one of the most useful plumbing tips we can give you. When you put stuff down the drain that should be thrown in the garbage, out-of-sight-out-of-mind doesn’t always last for long.

Thinking of dumping that pan of hot grease down the kitchen sink? Think again! As soon as that stuff hits your cool pipes, it’s going to solidify and gunk up the works.

Think your garbage disposal can handle those fibrous vegetable scraps? Nope! Don’t tempt fate.

When in doubt, throw it out!

Get Your Plumbing Inspected before the Holidays

Whether you have guests in your home this winter or not, your plumbing will experience more use because you and your immediate family will be home more. One of the best ways to ensure that your plumbing is ready for added usage is to schedule a drain inspection and cleaning.

Got a problem drain that just doesn’t seem to be working right? We’ll take care of it.

Got a Holiday Emergency That Plumbing Tips Won’t Help? We Can Handle It!

There is perhaps no worse time to have a plumbing emergency than during the holiday season. Got a problem you can’t fix yourself? Custom Plumbing of Arizona is here to help!

Posted on Author Vince VinceCategories Plumbing Service & Repair Phoenix AZ, Blog, Residential Plumbing ServicesTags

As we make our way into the height of summer, it’s time to start paying attention to a few different ways you could be saving money. These plumbing tips will help you avoid costly repairs and exorbitant water bills.

Summer is a time for family, friends, outdoor fun, and indoor relaxation. Even with the risk of COVID-19 this year, many people are planning to take vacations, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy the weather as safely as they can. As we all battle the heat, it’s important to be conscious of some plumbing problems that are specific to summer.

Here are four plumbing tips to help you avoid some common issues.

Check for Leaks Inside and Outside the Home

When summer hits, it is critical to check every fixture inside and outside the home for leaks. Not only can these leaks—even if they are minor—lead to thousands of gallons of wasted water every year, but also they can cause significant damage to a home’s flooring and foundation.

To ensure that none of your fixtures are leaking, inspect each individually. Among the most important to check are all faucets and piping under sinks, showerheads, hot water heaters, outdoor spigots, and pool fixtures, if you have a pool.

Know What Your Water Pressure Is

In the summer, showers and washing machines see a lot more use, and with more use comes more wear and tear. One reason that homeowners might experience increased wear on their pipes, fixtures, and appliances is that their water pressure is too high.

In general, the standard for household water pressure is between 40-45 psi. To test your water pressure, purchase a gauge and attach it to an outdoor spigot. If the pressure exceeds 60 psi, you might need to have your plumber adjust the regulator on your main water line.

Not Everything Is Meant for the Disposal—Know What You Can and Cannot Put Down the Sink

With all the barbecues you will be throwing this summer, you and your family are probably going to be preparing lots of fruits, vegetables, and meats, which means a lot of rinds, peels, and trimmings. Many people who own a garbage disposal don’t realize that they cannot put just anything down the sink without risking serious damage to the plumbing.

As a rule, one of the most important plumbing tips is to avoid putting anything stringy through the garbage disposal, like corn husks, carrot peels, and banana peels. Also, never dump fat trimmings or grease down the drain. Hard, fibrous waste, such as melon rinds, can also damage your disposal and pipes.

Pick the Best Time to Water the Lawn

If you plan to water your lawn this summer, be sure to water it at the most effective time. Watering the grass and flowers in the early morning or in the evening will minimize the amount of water that you lose to evaporation.

Need More Plumbing Tips?

If you want to learn more about how to keep your plumbing in top shape, check out our other blog posts. Got any questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Posted on Author Vince VinceCategories Blog, Residential Plumbing ServicesTags