How To Fix a Clogged Drain and More! Your Guide to Common Plumbing Problems and Solutions

For some of us, the kids are home from school and causing chaos. For others of us, the kids are only weeks or just days away from being done with school and causing chaos. Either way, we’re dealing with impending chaos. And with all the chaos, you want to make sure your home is not contributing to it. Therefore, you should make sure your home is clear of all plumbing issues — before the arrive. Here are some common plumbing problems to look out for, tips on how to deal with them, and (in case you’re looking) our recommendation for the top plumbing company in Phoenix.

Clogs

Clogs are a huge problem, but also a common plumbing problem. Knowing how to fix a clogged drain is key to preventing future occurrences. There are many options when it comes to unclogging a drain. There are mechanical, chemical, chemical alternative (natural) options to choose from. We highly recommend considering chemical alternatives or mechanical options because (depending on your drain) chemical options can pose a health risk to you and your family. More on that here.

When it comes to common plumbing problems, we can’t think of many plumbing problems more common than this. So let’s talk solutions. If you’re looking for how to fix a clogged drain, consider natural options such as baking soda + vinegar or baking soda + salt. For a mechanical option, you can use a plunger or snake wire. While a lot of media shows the wooden sticks with red cups as the ideal plunger for toilets, those are actually meant for flat surfaces such as sinks and showers. If you already have a red cup plunger for your toilet, DON’T CROSS-USE THE PLUNGER. … for obvious reasons. If you don’t have a plunger yet, get a toilet plunger for your toilet (pictured below).

Washing Machines

Our washing machines are meant to clean out our clothes so it’s fair to say we don’t often consider our washing machines as the ones in need of proper cleaning and maintenance. Over time, the detergent and chemicals used to clean our clothes may get trapped in the drainage of our washing machines. This is especially bad news for washing machines as the humidity and water in the process can grow bacteria.

To clean a washing machine, run your washing machine on the hottest temperatures you can get. Add 2-3 cups white vinegar to your machine’s detergent dispenser. As the water and white vinegar mix into the system, let the machine run for a full cycle. Afterward, run another cycle but add in baking soda to the mix. After all of that, wipe down your machine (and dispenser) to make it spotless again.

Garbage Disposal Problems

Any parties planned? If you’re hosting a 4th of July barbeque, a kid’s birthday party, or a social gathering, you’re sure to have a lot of food being disposed of in places they shouldn’t be. One of these places will be your garbage disposal. Here is a list of things you absolutely should not have going down your garbage disposal and how to solve your garbage disposal issues. Of course, you won’t have time to educate your guests. In that case, leave many small trash baskets around and a large trash bag near your disposal so guests don’t accidentally pour stuff down the drain that they shouldn’t. This is a fairly common plumbing problem; however, it is one you don’t want to be dealing with during a party.

Sewer Line

Heavy rains and summer storms *cough cough* monsoon and haboob season *cough cough* can be the culprit behinds some of the nastiest things to attack your plumbing pipes. If your sewer line is busted or clogged, they may lie outside of your home and may be difficult to get to. In that case, you should reach out to a professional plumber to help resolve that issue.

Looking For a Plumbing Company?

If you’re searching for different plumbing companies in Phoenix for your plumbing needs, look no further than Donley Service Center. Our plumbing experts have been saving Arizonians from comfort disasters every day!

HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY?

There is a growing consensus that the indoor home air quality is significantly worse than outdoor air quality. While surprising at first glance, it makes sense when you consider why. Because we are indoors more often than not, we are our own culprits when it comes to sources of airborne pollutants. Couple this with pets at home, the air quality significantly worsens. You should investigate how you can improve indoor air quality because it will ensure that you, your family, and your guests are healthier and happier. But don’t worry — this guide on how to improve air quality in the home will arm you with the knowledge you’ll need to live a healthier life!

Watch For The Sources

The EPA has named some of the biggest sources of air pollution impacting your home air quality. As a quick run-down, they include the following:

•  Fuel-burning appliances

•  Tobacco products

•  Building materials

•  Household cleaning products

•  HVAC devices

•  Excess Moisture

•  Outdoor air pollution sources

◦  Radon

◦  Pesticides

Sources indoors as well as outdoors contribute to the air quality you breathe in. This is why ensuring you have great filtration systems in place is foundational.

Why Ventilation?

You need outdoor air to enter indoors because this prevents pollutant accumulation. Air entering in and out of your home is key in raising the air exchange rate, which in turn filters pollutants out. With that said, you have to be cognizant of the fact that outdoor air also has pollutants.

Your home is equipped with a ventilation system which includes air ducts, fans, and air vents. If you want to know how you can improve indoor air quality, this is step one. Knowing where your vents and ducts are and frequently replacing the filters is critically important. This ensures the vents and ducts do what they are meant to do to their highest capacities to preserve great home air quality. Make sure to invest in the right filters. While prices vary, they vary with varying degrees of quality. HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters are the types you need. Especially if you have family members with allergies or weak immune systems, HEPA filters help get rid of harmful pollutants the best.

Minimize The Use Of Fuel-Burning Appliances

When looking into how to improve air quality in the home, look at fuel-burning appliances. It’s important to note air quality is not just the smell but the fuels on the microscopic level as well. Burning fossil fuels and/or coal releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the air. We all know the concerns when it comes to CO2 — impaired performance and decision-making among other concerns. We’re all aware that it’s never a good idea to leave the car running in a closed garage. It becomes lethal. In a more minimized way, using fuel-burning appliances for extended periods of time with poor ventilation options poses a huge risk to your family.

How To Improve Air Quality In-Home

Go Electric

The best thing to do is move towards electric appliances over fuel-based appliances. Not only are these going to be more energy efficient (pending the model), they don’t emit the same level of air pollutants as fuel-based appliances.

Open Windows

The alternatives are cracking open windows and doors to let air move about. Move your cooking outdoors, and/or again checking your ventilation systems.

Test Your Air Quality

Carbon Monoxide is a major issue that is odorless and seemingly undetectable. As an emission of burning gas, carbon monoxide (as well as other gases) should be tested for. Investing in a Carbon Monoxide detector, as well as getting your air quality tested helps combat odorless toxins and gases in your home.

Cut Out Tobacco Products From the House

Smoking tobacco products are known to pose many health risks to, not only ourselves but those around us through second-hand smoking. It’s best to avoid them altogether but at the very minimum, they should be done in isolated areas outside of the house where smoke can’t get trapped.

Test For Radon

This is another dangerous source affecting your health quality. Radon is the leading source of lung cancer for non-smokers and the second leading cause overall. Because it is odorless and difficult to detect, this is one of the major consideration points for ensuring you protect yourself and your family as best as you can.

Be Cautious Of Your Use of Paint

Redecorating our rooms is a fun experience, especially if we’re going for a big remodel. We’ve heard that it’s best to leave a room empty for a few days after painting to prevent inhaling gases; however, paints in general still release gas months after we apply them. This means that they too are odorless (are you catching onto a theme?). Make sure that you crack open a window now and then and have an extremely clean filter system after redecorating or remodeling a room (or home). Especially because building materials contribute to poor air quality, redoing your home releases more toxins than normal. Make sure your house is equipped to handle it.

Check Your HVAC System

One major ‘how to’ in improving air quality in the home is to employ proper HVAC maintenance. Air conditioners use hydrofluorocarbons which can present toxins and gases harmful to us and the earth’s atmosphere. While HVAC systems won’t release these toxins naturally, one with broken or malfunctioning parts may so it’s important to make sure they are up-to-date. It’s also important to note that in the process of heating air, your home uses whatever heating mechanism is in place. Furnaces use gas and/or oil to heat the air which may contribute to your in-home air quality. Knowing how your air gets heated tells you about potential sources of toxins and gases.

Use HVAC Less

You can try to minimize the use of HVAC systems. If the air is nice out, crack open a window. Again, make sure your filtration system is up and running.

Employ Air Purifiers To Improve Home Air Quality

It may also help to invest in an air purifier. There are many that run for different prices. We highly recommend HEPA purifiers as they aim to best trap pollutants. But note that while effective, they too need to have their filters replaced.

Ask a Professional

Because your family’s safety is vitally important, scheduling seasonal maintenance on your home’s HVAC system best protects your family from the odorless gases and toxins that may invade your space. Donley’s HVAC heroes are here to save the day. Schedule a service to see what we can do for you!