Press Releases Archive - Maxwell-White Plumbing

Three Reasons Homeowners Should Invest in a Water Softener

How Water Softeners Benefit Homeowners

Hard water contains a high concentration of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals can cause issues for the home and homeowners, such as build-up on and inside plumbing fixtures, impede the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, lead to dry skin and hair, and leave a chalky residue when dishes are washed or clothes are laundered.

A water softener is a device that helps reduce the effects of hard water by removing minerals from the water supply. It passes the water through a bed of tiny beads that act as a filter, trapping calcium and magnesium particles and allowing other minerals to pass through. The device then replenishes itself with salt so that it can continue to remove impurities. By using a water softener, the effects of hard water can be significantly reduced. Below is a discussion of three reasons homes and their inhabitants can benefit from a water softener.

It Makes Cleaning Easier and More Effective

The thing about hard water and cleaning is that the minerals react with soap in unpleasant ways. Calcium in hard water is responsible for the soap scum on sinks and tubs. A few of the everyday inconveniences that come with hard water include:

Spotted or cloudy-looking glasses and dishes after washing
Faded clothes
Scale buildup on plumbing fixtures and surfaces

Soft water does not cause these issues and makes creating a lather easier with soap and other cleansers. It will leave glasses and dishes squeaky clean, and clothes will be less likely to fade and will last longer. In addition, there will be less soap scum and buildup to clean from the plumbing fixtures.

It’s Better for the Plumbing System

Scale buildup from hard water happens on more than just the plumbing fixtures. A big part of the problem with hard water is scale buildup within the pipes and appliances it enters. This can narrow the pipes, making them more prone to clogging, and can build up in appliances like the water heater, reducing their energy efficiency and raising energy bills. Additionally, this can lead to shorter lifespans for the plumbing, fixtures, and appliances. The benefits of a water softener concerning the plumbing include:

Consistent Water Pressure: Water lines free from hard water buildup mean homeowners don’t have to worry about poor water pressure from this issue.

Fewer Clogs: A lack of scale buildup means the water flows better, and the pipes are less likely to clog.

Better Efficiency: Water heaters will function better and more efficiently, saving homeowners from high water heating costs.

Longer Lifespans: Without the hard water buildup and issues it can cause for the plumbing and appliances like the water heater, they can function better and last longer.

It Leaves Hair and Skin More Hydrated

Hard water contains high levels of minerals that can also leave residue and deposits on hair and skin. This can strip away natural oils and moisture, leading to dryness. Hair may become frizzy and brittle, while the skin may become flaky and itchy. In contrast, soft water eliminates these harsh minerals, making hair and skin feel softer and more hydrated.

With a water softener, people can enjoy the benefits of healthier-looking hair and skin with added moisture and fewer dry patches. Additionally, less residue left on the skin means it’s easier to remove dirt and makeup for a smoother complexion overall. Soft water can also be gentler on soaps and shampoos, allowing for a more moisturizing cleanse. With these benefits, it’s easy to see why investing in a water softener is the key to improved skin and hair health.

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing has nearly 30 years of experience serving West Salem, WI, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, emergency services, and prompt arrivals. Call them today for water softener installation or repair in West Salem, WI.

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The Most Likely Reasons Your Faucet is Leaking

Fix Leaks Right Away

A leaking or dripping faucet can have several consequences in terms of cost and environmental damage. Firstly, constantly running water can cause an increase in monthly water bills due to wasted resources. It adds up over time, leading to thousands of gallons of water being wasted each year. Finally, a leaking faucet can also damage a home due to continued exposure to moisture and dampness, resulting in water damage, mold, and mildew growth.

It’s essential to regularly check for any leaking or dripping faucets and get them repaired by a plumber promptly. The good news is that it’s easy to fix a leaky faucet. Especially when knowing what the problem is. This blog post will share three of the most common causes of a leaking or dripping tap.

O-Rings Have Worn Out

A faucet leaking from the handle most likely has a worn-out O-ring. The O-ring is a ring-shaped mechanical gasket designed to form a seal between two connecting parts and is usually found in a cartridge faucet. This kind of faucet has two handles on either side of a spout, with each handle housing a valve that controls the flow of hot and cold water.

As homeowners repeatedly turn these valves on and off over time, the O-ring that seals the joint between the valve and the pipe can wear down or loosen and eventually causes a leak. If the O-ring is the cause of the faucet leak, replacing the O-ring should be able to fix the problem handily.

Washers Have Corroded or Worn Out

The handle isn’t the only place where water can leak out of a faucet. Leaks can also occur at the spout, where water drips even though the handle has been shut completely. One possible reason for this kind of leak is a worn-out or corroded washer. The washer is part of the assembly that connects the faucet to the spout, and friction can cause it to wear out.

Over time, washers in faucets can also become worn out or corroded due to the constant water flow and the varying water temperatures, resulting in leaks. It’s also possible that the leak was caused by an ill-fitting washer or by using the wrong kind. Either way, the washer can be replaced to remedy the leak.

Valve Seats Have Corroded

Another possible cause of a faucet leaking or dripping from the spout is a corroded valve seat. The valve seat is crucial as it regulates water flow through the pipes. It‘s a circular disk with an opening in its center that allows water to pass through when open and shuts off the water flow when closed. The valve seat rests next to the washer, so when trying to figure out the cause of a leak coming from the faucet’s spout, it is essential to distinguish between the washer and the valve seat.

Corrosion typically occurs when oxygen, minerals, and water come into contact with the metal of the valve seat, causing a chemical reaction that wears away the surface of the valve seat. This can create tiny pits and jagged edges that ruin the water-tight seal and cause leaks when water flows through them.

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing is a family-owned company serving West Salem, WI, and the surrounding areas since 1994. They provide straightforward pricing, 24-hour service availability, and financing. Call them today for faucet repair or replacement in West Salem, WI.

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Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning

The Importance of Regularly Cleaning Drains

Professional drain cleaning carries numerous advantages. Experienced plumbers can quickly assess blockages, restore proper functioning to the plumbing, and prevent clogs from forming. This blog will discuss why routine professional drain cleaning is important for homeowners.

Address and Prevent Clogs and Buildup

Drain cleaning from a professional plumber not only helps to solve existing clogs and buildup in the pipes but can also help prevent future clogs as well. Using powerful equipment to remove blockages, such as hydro jets and augers, plumbers can ensure that drains are thoroughly cleared of any debris that could lead to clogs.

Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water jets that shoot out of a special nozzle that blasts through clogs and cleans the buildup off pipe walls. Hiring a professional plumber for regular drain cleaning is the best way to keep a home’s plumbing system running smoothly and clog-free.

Prevent Flooding

By having regular drain cleaning done, homeowners can save money in the long run by avoiding more costly repairs due to extensive pipe damage caused by clogs. Clogged drains can cause severe damage to a home’s pipes without the proper attention.

Clogging is a common issue that can lead to leaks and pipe bursts, causing water flooding and water damage. Moist environments, like the ones caused by leaks, can also cause mold and mildew growth. Avoid clogs with routine drain cleaning to prevent one common cause of burst pipes and leaks.

Fewer Cleanups and Repairs

By proactively clearing out the drain lines, homeowners can save themselves time and money that would have been spent on repairs or cleanups caused by plumbing emergencies. This is especially important in homes with older or complicated plumbing systems, where clogs and backups can quickly cause expensive damage if left untreated.

In addition, regular drain cleaning can help reduce the chances of contamination due to sewage backups, protecting both the home and its occupants from potential health risks. Regular drain cleanings also help to extend the life of pipes and ensure that they remain in good condition for years to come.

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing has nearly three decades of experience serving West Salem and LaCrosse County. They provide flat rate pricing, 24-hour services, and the latest technology. Call them today for drain cleaning services in West Salem, WI.

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Relax At Home With These Self Care Tips

Turning a Bathroom Into a Luxury Home Spa

While Valentine’s day is often about celebrating couples, one should never forget the importance of caring for oneself. Bathroom remodeling might be considered self-care if a homeowner is doing it to create an oasis for themselves. Even if they cannot invest in a complete remodel, there are ways to create a relaxing space with just a few additions to the room. It is incredible how much better people can feel when they take the time to do something for themselves.

Self-Care Tip #1: Take Baths

One of the easiest ways to relax in a bathroom is to take a warm bath. Baths are not only a stress reliever but can also benefit a person’s overall health. There is evidence that baths can be helpful in the following ways:

Reduces blood pressure
Increases circulation
Reduces nasal congestion
Eases coughing and sore throat
Relaxes the muscles
Eases joint pain

Using essential oils or bath bombs can enhance these benefits and help create an even more relaxing atmosphere. Aromatherapy can increase the feeling of relaxation and can add to the pleasant warmth of the bath. So fill up that bathtub and take time for self-care.

Self-Care Tip #2: Add Some Color in the Form of LED Lights

Another way to enhance a home’s bath or shower experience is with chromotherapy or color therapy using colored LED lights. Color-changing LEDs are popular, easy to come by, and fairly inexpensive. They allow homeowners to change the color of the lights according to the benefit they want.

It has been demonstrated that different colors affect mood, so homeowners should consider upgrading their lighting to include something that can help set the mood for relaxation or romance, depending on the focus of their goals. It is a simple addition that can deliver big results.

Self-Care Tip #3: Invest in a Rain Showerhead

Rain showerheads may be the next best thing to a full bathtub for relaxation. They deliver water in a gentle stream, much like rainfall, and have a larger surface area than the typical shower head. The benefits of a rain shower head are listed below.

Aesthetically Pleasing: Rain showerheads give a very sophisticated look to a bathroom. They can be a central focal point around which decor can be planned.

Full Coverage: One of the main complaints people tend to have with showerheads is that one side of their body is warm, and the other is cold. Rain showerheads have a wider coverage area and can warm the whole body.

Fully Equipped: Some versions of this shower head incorporate Bluetooth speakers and LED color-changing lights.

Versatile: The rain shower head is typically on an arm that can adjust the height and volume of the spray.

Water Conservation: It might seem that such a large showerhead would use more water, but that is not the case. They typically use approximately the same amount as their smaller counterparts and can use less.

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing is a family-owned company serving West Salem, WI, and the surrounding areas since 1994. They offer straightforward pricing, 24/7 services available, and financing. Call them today for bathroom remodeling services in West Salem, WI.

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Get a New Water Heater and Start the New Year Off Right

The Benefits of a New Water Heater Installation

Nothing beats a hot shower to drive away the cold of the winter, and despite the excitement of the new year, there is still plenty of winter left to make it through. Year after year, the water heater provides reliable and comfortable hot water but eventually, it will leave the family out in the cold. The winter time is not the season to take that risk, so homeowners should consider water heater replacements during the cold season.

Replacing the water heater is a decision that should be carefully considered to make sure it’s the right time. Here is some advice from local experts regarding water heater replacement that can ensure that homeowners make the right decision at the right time. Read on to learn the benefits of upgrading the water heater in the coming year.

Efficiency and Water Heating Cost

It’s no secret that energy bills are on the rise. Whether a water heater is powered by fossil fuels or electricity, chances are that it is costing more money than ever to heat water for the home. Another fact that is less well known is that water heaters lose efficiency every year they are in service. This means that over the course of five years, a water heater can cost more to heat the same amount of water.

A new water heater restores lost efficiency and thus lowers utility bills. Instead of struggling to keep up with bills, consider a water heater an investment. A new water heater will likely pay for itself during its lifetime in saved energy.

Get Hot Water Faster

Every water heater manufacturer is constantly striving to put new innovations out on the market. This results in better and better water heaters every time homeowners need to upgrade. Generally, homeowners will only need to install a new water heater around every 10 years, so each time this occurs, homeowners will have more options to choose from.

When shopping for a new water heater, homeowners may come across the term ‘hot water recovery rate.’ This refers to a water heater’s ability to replenish its supply of hot water after it has been depleted. A higher recovery rate indicates the appliance can produce more hot water in shorter periods and with fewer interruptions compared to a water heater with a lower rating.

Investing in a new water heater with a higher hot water recovery rate means a family can enjoy consistent access to hot showers or baths without worrying about running out of hot water. This benefit is especially important in households with multiple bathrooms since hot water usage is typically higher, and the recovery rate will be heavily relied upon.

Save Space With a Tankless Water Heater

In many homes, space is an issue. Today’s water heaters are more efficient than their predecessors and can save a great deal of space. This is especially true for tankless water heaters, which require far less real estate than traditional units. These highly compact units can be mounted to a wall, freeing up valuable storage space that would have otherwise been taken up by a bulky hot water tank. This makes them ideal for tight spaces such as garages, basements, and closets.

Additionally, since these units are only activated when hot water is required, they will not only save space but also help reduce energy bills. With all these advantages, it is no wonder why more and more people are turning to tankless water heaters as their go-to solution. For homeowners that need to save space and are conscious of their water heating bills, a tankless water heater is a great choice.

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing has nearly three decades of experience serving West Salem, WI, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, 24-hour emergency services, and the latest technology. Call them today for water heater and tankless water heater services in West Salem, WI.

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Burst Pipes: Causes and Prevention Strategies

Prevent Burst Pipes This Winter

When the freezing temperatures arrive, plumbers can almost guarantee they will get calls about burst pipes. This is because frozen pipes can seriously strain a home’s plumbing system and lead to a burst pipe. However, several other common issues can also lead to pipe bursts. This blog will cover some common causes of burst pipes and how to prevent them from becoming an issue in one’s home.

Preventing Pipes Freezing

Since water expands as it freezes, water freezing in the pipes is one of the most well-known causes of burst pipes. All types of pipes can be affected by freezing, whether it is an old cast iron pipe, copper pipe, or PVC pipe. Exposed pipes in unfinished basement areas and behind sinks are particularly vulnerable to changes in temperature. That is why pipe insulation is a must for preventing frozen pipes during the harsh Wisconsin winters. There are two common kinds of pipe insulation that are typically used including:

Fiberglass Pipe Insulation: This insulation comes on a roll and is backed by metallic tape. It’s basically the same type of insulation that goes in the walls and ceilings of a home, only in a much narrower form. It’s often used to insulate the curving pipes under sinks because it’s applied by wrapping it around the pipes rather than having to find the proper insulation for the pipe size.
Foam Pipe Insulation: Foam insulation looks like a long foam tube with a hole in the middle and a slit down the side. The diameter of the hole in the middle indicates the size of the pipe it is made to insulate. It’s installed by sliding it over the line like a hotdog goes into a bun. Then, a special tape is used to cover the seam.

Preventing Pipe Corrosion

Another cause of burst pipes is corrosion. Corrosion is a form of decay that usually occurs in metals due to a reaction to their environment. Corrosion in pipes can be caused or worsened by several different factors, including:

Age or wear and tear
Chemical drain cleaners
Hard water minerals
Loose fittings
Metal-to-metal contact
Oxidation

Some of these factors cannot be prevented entirely, but some can be. Homeowners should avoid using chemical drain openers to solve a clog problem. While these corrosive chemicals can sometimes break up clogs, they can also eat away at protective linings on the interior of pipes and the pipes themselves, exposing them to further damage from minerals that may be present in the water. Homeowners should also be sure that any fittings that attach their pipes to the wall are properly tightened, so the pipes are not moving around and causing additional damage.

Preventing a Clogged Pipe

Pipe bursts can also occur when clogs form in the pipes. A buildup of debris such as dirt, hair, grease, soap scum, food waste, and non-flushable materials can cause clogs. The clog blocks the flow of water in the pipe and leads to an increase in pressure. Over time this pressure can cause the line to burst, leading to serious water damage in the home.

The way to prevent these deep clogs that can disrupt a whole home’s plumbing system is to have regular drain cleaning done by a professional. They will likely use a method called hydrojetting, which cleans drain pipes quickly and efficiently and does not cause the damage that chemical drain cleaners leave behind. Additionally, household items that can cause clogs should be disposed of properly, so they don’t end up in the pipes.

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing has nearly 30 years of experience serving West Salem, WI, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, financing, and the latest technology. Call them today for drain cleaning or burst pipe services in West Salem, WI.

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Prevent a Plumbing Disaster This Thanksgiving

Don’t Let Plumbing Problems Ruin Thanksgiving Dinner!

This Thanksgiving, homeowners can take steps to prepare their plumbing for guests and avoid a plumbing disaster. A clogged toilet should not ruin Thanksgiving dinner! Get the home ready for hosting a family get-together by doing plumbing maintenance before the big day.

In this blog post, we share three tips from professional plumbers for how to get the plumbing ready for Thanksgiving. The kitchen and the bathroom will likely receive extra strain during the Thanksgiving holiday as families gather to feast and give thanks. Homeowners can be thankful for plumbers this Thanksgiving because they will be there to save the day if something goes wrong.

Prevent Clogged Toilets

Homeowners should make sure to unclog toilets and prevent future clogs before Thanksgiving. Guests will expect a functional bathroom to use during the holiday. Frequent clogs could signify a more serious problem, such as a clog deep in the sewer pipes, so plumbers should be called to fix this.

One of the best ways to prevent clogged toilets is to flush only toilet paper down a toilet. Trash, wipes, and menstrual products should never be flushed down the toilet, even if the toilet does not clog the first time. Nonflushable materials can build up in the sewer line over time, leading to deep clogs in the system.

Another way to prevent a toilet clog when someone needs to use a larger amount of toilet paper is to flush more than once while using the bathroom, instead of once at the end. This way, the amount of toilet paper is broken up, and the toilet does not clog. Homeowners and guests should speak to children about flushing best practices and remind them not to use too much toilet paper or flush trash down the toilet.

Fix and Prevent Clogged Sewer Lines Before the Holidays

The sewer line disposes of water from the home’s drains and toilet to the main city sewer line. There could be a clog deep in the sewer line preventing toilets from flushing. Slow draining in the sinks and shower is a warning sign that the sewer line may be backed up. In extreme cases, wastewater may backflow through the drains into the home, causing a sanitation hazard.

Homeowners may need to contact a plumbing company for sewer line cleaning to get the plumbing system ready for Thanksgiving day. Clogs in the sewer line can occur for a variety of reasons. In some cases, tree roots may grow into the sewer line and cause a blockage. Other times, cooking grease or other debris may build up on the walls of the sewer line and cause a clog. Clogs can also occur if there is a break in the sewer line.

There are several ways to prevent clogs in the sewer line. Regular maintenance, such as drain cleaning, can help remove debris that could cause a clog. Also, being careful about what is put down drains can help prevent clogs from forming in the first place. Grease, for example, should never be put down a drain as it can solidify and cause a blockage.

If homeowners suspect their sewer line is clogged, it’s important to contact a professional plumber to diagnose and repair the problem. Attempting to fix a clog themselves could make the problem worse and lead to costly repairs.

Benefits of Drain Cleaning and Maintenance Services

Hiring a professional plumber for drain cleaning and maintenance before Thanksgiving can be the most effective way to ensure everything is running smoothly. Homeowners can use professional drain cleaning services to prevent clogs and other plumbing disasters. During maintenance visits, technicians can catch and fix leaks and other issues that could have become plumbing disasters.

Another benefit of having a professional plumber perform maintenance on the plumbing system is that they can offer the homeowners personalized advice on how to care for their plumbing system. Getting an expert opinion on how to maintain the plumbing system can help homeowners to get the most out of their plumbing system and prevent future issues.

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing is proud to offer West Salem, WI, and the surrounding areas outstanding plumbing services from expert plumbers. They provide flat rate pricing, financing, and 24-hour emergency services are available. Call them today for plumbing and drain cleaning services in West Salem, WI.

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Don’t Be Haunted By the Idea of Bathroom Remodeling

Why Should Homeowners Hire a Professional?

It can be scary or intimidating to consider a home renovation. People may be concerned about the cost or the time it may take and finding the right tile and tools. Many think doing a project themselves is the least expensive way to do it. But as this article will show, employing bathroom remodeling contractors save homeowners time and money while keeping them safe.

Reason #1: More Safety, Less Injury

One of the hazards of DIY work is that someone can injure themselves or others while in the middle of renovations. This can be detrimental to the health of the individual in question and delay the project. Injuries can take time away from the people and activities someone loves and be very expensive to deal with.

The average cost of an emergency room visit in Wisconsin without insurance is nearly $1500, not to mention the physical cost of pain and mobility. Who has the time and money for that? Instead of putting themselves at risk, homeowners should hire a local plumber for bathroom remodels. Here are a few of the ways qualified professionals avoid injury:

Safety Equipment: Proper safety goggles, gloves, hats, and boots protect against injury.
Training: Professionals have the proper training for their job and know what safety precautions to take.
Proper tools: Using the wrong tools or using them incorrectly can lead to injury. A professional knows the right tools to use and how to use them.
Insurance: The plumbing company will have an insurance policy that covers injuries on the job.

Reason #2: Save Money

When people undertake a renovation themselves, it’s usually because they believe they can save money by not having labor costs and buying the pipes and fixtures themselves. However, hiring professionals for bathroom renovations can save homeowners money in several ways.

Unfortunately, if homeowners don’t have the proper knowledge and training in this sort of work, they will have to figure things out through trial and error. This can involve purchasing the wrong part and tools or making costly mistakes. If a homeowner makes a mistake that causes significant collateral damage, they will have to hire a professional anyway to fix the damages.

Professionals also have insurance to cover the cost of any mistakes they might make. This protects homeowners from having to foot the bill if something goes wrong during the remodel. Plumbers have access to high-quality materials at wholesale prices, meaning they can often get better deals on things like tiles, fixtures, and appliances than homeowners could on their own. Lastly, professionals have the experience and expertise to get the job done right the first time. This can save homeowners a lot of time and money in the long run, as they won’t have to worry about mistakes or having to redo any work.

Reason #3: Save Time

Not only does hiring a professional prevent injury and can save homeowners money, but it also saves plenty of time. There is no learning curve for a trained plumbing technician like there is for a homeowner attempting DIY work. Also, homeowners keep their free time while a plumber works on bathroom remodels.

Hiring a professional saves time because an experienced contractor will already have a good understanding of the necessary steps involved in completing the project. They’ll also be familiar with the most common mistakes that homeowners make and how to avoid them. This means that the homeowner can rest assured knowing that their project is in good hands. In addition, a professional plumber can get the job done faster than a homeowner could on their own because they have access to better tools and resources.

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing is a family-owned company serving West Salem, WI, and the surrounding areas since 1994. They offer straightforward pricing, 24-hour emergency services, and financing. Call them today for bathroom remodeling services in West Salem, WI.

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How the Pros Unclog a Drain: Tools and Tech

Clearing Clogged Drains With Modern Drain Cleaning Methods

Drain clogs are one of the most common plumbing issues. Therefore, plumbing professionals encounter it often. Because it happens so often, the plumbing industry has developed more and more advanced technology to fix it. This article will discuss the various tools professionals use to keep homes free of drain clogs by helping clear them.

The Auger or Drain Snake

Snaking a drain is second only to the plunger in the frequency of use. It is a deceptively simple tool that uses a long cylindrical cable and a rotating head. This head is made to spin, break up, or grab onto a clog. The clog will either be broken into small enough pieces that it can continue down the pipes or be dragged back up and out of the drain pipe.

The drain snake, also called a router or auger, can be used to clean and clear slow-draining pipes. Augers can come in several sizes and types for different pipes and clogs. They come in motorized or manual models and can range from very short to over 50 feet long for clogs deep in the plumbing system.

The Power of Water With Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting is like power washing for drain pipes. This method uses a high-pressure stream of water to scour the pipes and break up stubborn clogs. This tool has a silicone balloon with a high-pressure nozzle that blasts the clog apart and cleans the pipe walls. It can also be used as a preventative measure against clogs. The advantages of using hydro jetting include:

No Collateral Damage: Water is the stuff that is supposed to go through the pipes. Hydro jetting is perhaps the least likely to damage a home’s drainage pipes. Chemical drain openers may eliminate the clog, but they can also eat away at the pipes, causing weakness and corrosion.

Efficient: This method is fast-working and uses no electrical energy, only the power of water pressure. And it also prevents future clogs.

Non-Invasive: This method clears clogged drains but does not cause disruptions through digging and more hands-on solutions.

Eyes on the Clog With Cameras

Another plumbing tool that can help plumbers clear drains is video inspection equipment. As cameras have decreased in size, the number of uses has increased. Plumbers can use small cameras in plumbing to explore pipes non-invasively and accurately pinpoint where a problem area is and its cause without tearing out walls or jackhammering through a concrete foundation. It makes the work much easier for the plumbing technician, who can find issues like clogs much quicker without all the mess. Then they can more accurately determine the best solution.

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing has over 25 years of experience serving the West Salem, WI community and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward pricing, financing, and 24-hour services are available. Call them today for drain cleaning services in West Salem, WI.

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Learn the Basics: Septic Systems 101

Septic System Basics

When a toilet is flushed in most cities, the water goes into a sewage treatment plant. The plant cleans the water and gets rid of the waste. The leftover waste is either disposed of or turned into fertilizer.

Septic systems work similarly to sewage treatment plants but on a smaller scale. When wastewater leaves home, it goes into an underground tank. This tank should be over 20 feet away from the house.

Components of a Septic System

A home’s main sewage line connects to a bigger sewer pipe. This pipe goes in the direction of the septic tank. When the toilet is flushed, the shower is run, or the dishes are washed, wastewater enters the sewer through the main sewage line.

Liquid leaves the septic tank through an outlet pipe that goes to either a drain field or an advanced treatment system after entering the septic tank. Pollutants are eliminated during wastewater treatment’s last stage before it trickles through the drain field or soil absorption field. The treated wastewater then percolates back down to the groundwater.

Ominous Signs for a Septic System

The main line from the house to the drain is the most common reason for a septic systems repair. A service provider can typically clear it of obstructions using a drain snake or hydrojetting. By only flushing human waste and toilet paper down the drain and having the system inspected regularly, homeowners can avoid a clogged line.

Sewage may back up into the home when the drain field malfunctions or is overloaded with water. If this happens, it’s possible the system was run incorrectly, allowing too much solid debris to enter the storm drain field and triggering failure. Another sign of issues with the system is if the vegetation near the tank or drain field has puddles or is spongy and overgrown, and there might also be odors.

If there is a chance that the drain field will fail, connecting to the local sewer system should be considered; otherwise, a new drain field may have to be set up. Homeowners should call a professional to assess the situation if any signs are noticed.

Septic System Maintenance

A septic service expert should evaluate the typical household septic system at least once every three years. Alternative systems containing electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical parts may require more frequent inspections. The technician should mention the tank condition and any completed repairs in the service report.

By using less water, homeowners may assist with septic tank maintenance. Every drop of water a homeowner sends via its plumbing ends up in their septic system. When a homeowner conserves more water, less water enters the septic system. Water conservation enhances septic system performance and lowers the risk of failure. Homeowners can also help by monitoring what goes down the toilet or any other household drain because everything that goes down the drain ends up in the septic system.

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Founded in 1994, Maxwell-White Plumbing is a family-owned business serving its neighbors in West Salem, WI, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, 24-hour services, and the latest technology. Call them today for septic system services in West Salem, WI.