Avoiding Drain Flies: A Guide

 Have you noticed little flies buzzing around the sinks in your kitchen or bathroom? These are most likely drain flies. As annoying as they are, they’re extremely common and most of us will deal with a drain fly infestation at some point in time. Drain flies take up residence in septic tanks, sewers, and drains, and they often come up through your piping systems. The good news is there are several steps you can take to banish them from your home. 

Clean Your Drains

Think about how much waste and debris you put down your drains on a daily basis. So it’s no surprise that drain flies are attracted to the build-up of gunk in your drains. One way to keep drain flies away is to regularly clean your drains with a snake, which is a long metal tool used to remove clogs and eliminate build-up in your pipes. 

Flush The Drain With Boiling Water

Boiling water kills drain flies and any larvae that are waiting to hatch. Pouring boiling water down your drains can also dislodge any clogs or build-up in your pipes. If you start to notice drain flies in your home, we recommend immediately pouring boiling water down your pipes once or twice a day for a week – and then see if the problem persists. 

Use Enzyme Cleaners From A Plumbing Store

If boiling water isn’t doing the trick, visit your local plumbing store for something stronger. Plumbing stores will have enzyme cleaners that won’t damage or corrode your pipes, but will be effective in removing debris and build-up from your plumbing system. We don’t recommend using store-bought drain de-cloggers unless you know for sure they won’t harm your pipes. 

Don’t Let Water Stay Stagnant

Drain flies are attracted to pooling water. Which means if your sinks are clogged or you leave stagnant water in your sinks often, you’re creating an easy attraction for drain flies. Some easy steps you can take is to rinse your dishes out right away after using them, and don’t let them sit too long in your kitchen sink with pooling water. 

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/avoiding-drain-flies-a-guide/

Choosing The Right Type Of Valve

 Are you trying to select the right type of valve for your plumbing application? Whether it’s for your shower, dishwasher or perhaps something a little bit bigger like your sprinkler system,  there are many factors to consider. If you’re unsure, we recommend consulting with a plumbing professional to discuss valve features and recommend what’s best. In this article, our team explains the various types of plumbing valves and important things to consider when making your choice. If you have any questions along the way, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help. 

What Are The Types Of Valves?

Some of the most common types of valves include:

• Ball valves
• Metering valves
• Needle valves
• Toggle valves
• Pinch valves
• Relief valves
• Regulators 
• Check valves
• Butterfly valves

Be Sure Of The Size

Selecting the properly sized valve is critical. Undersized and oversized valves can cause operating problems in your plumbing system. For example, a valve that is too small can cause a build-up of pressure, while a valve that is too large doesn’t properly regulate the flow in the transfer system. If you would like a second opinion, we recommend checking with a trusted local plumber to ensure your valves are properly sized. 

What Does The Valve Need To Do?

Valves have two basic functions: shut-off and regulation. The action you need the valve to perform will determine which type is right for you. Ball valves are used to stop fluids from circulating, butterfly valves control the flow rate of fluids, and needle valves are used to regulate low-flow gases or liquids, just to name a few. 

Consider What The Valve Is Made Of

Valves come in a range of different materials, including plastic, brass, stainless steel, and PVC. If your valves will be coming into contact with extremely hot water or gases, you’ll need to use a material that doesn’t corrode or slowly melt from the high temperatures. Valves used in applications for restaurants and other food suppliers must also adhere to certain regulations, so please seek guidance from a professional who can ensure you’re also selecting the safest option for your patrons. 

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/choosing-the-right-type-of-valve/

Top 3 Drain Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs!

 A clogged drain can really disrupt your day, especially if it’s a shower drain and you only have one bathroom in your home. Whether it’s a kitchen sink, a bathroom sink, or a shower, drain cleaning is a regular part of home ownership, and unfortunately we see many common drain cleaning mistakes that can make the problems worse. Our team at Cross Town Plumbing explains the top three mistakes you should avoid when cleaning your drains. Please contact us with any questions. 

Improper Plunger Use

A plunger seems like a simple tool and not one that can be used improperly, but we’ve seen it many times. There are two types of plungers – a sink plunger and a toilet plunger – and we recommend you have one of each on hand at all times. When trying to fix a clogged toilet, people often plunge in an up-and-down motion really quickly, which can cause dirty water to splash on themselves and the floor around the toilet.

Instead, make sure the toilet plunger has completely covered the drain, then plunge slowly up and down, never lifting the plunger from the drain. Slow and steady, wins the race and the clog should come loose. 

Don’t Use Liquid Drain Cleaner

You can buy a variety of liquid drain cleaners at any grocery store, and it seems like a quick fix for a clogged drain, but these cleaners contain harmful and corrosive chemicals that can end up causing a lot of damage in the long run. It’s especially important to avoid liquid drain cleaners if you have PVC or older metal pipes because these cleaners can lead to rust and corrosion. Call a professional if you have a stubborn clog you can’t get to come loose. 

Using A Drain Snake Incorrectly

A drain snake is a great tool if it’s used correctly. If you force the drain snake through bends and corners in the pipes, you can cause damage to the lining of your plumbing system, and we’ve seen this happen frequently with the added assistance of power tools. If the drain stake you’re using still isn’t solving the problem, give a professional a call.

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/drain-cleaning-mistakes-to-avoid/

3 Tips for Choosing the Best Plumber

 Are you in need of a good plumber? Maybe you’ve just moved to a new area, or you are a new home owner. The plumbing systems in your house  need regular care and maintenance just like everything else, and investing in a trusted plumber is absolutely worth it. Our team at Cross Town Plumbing is happy to share our top three tips for choosing a good plumber, and if you have any questions please contact us. 

Proper Licensing

Your plumber should be licensed, insured, and certified by whichever state you live in. Each state has different requirements and some states do not require licensing, so if this is the case where you live, we recommend you check to see if any formal complaints have been filed against the plumbing company you are considering hiring. Most plumbers have their license, insurance, and certification information available for you to see on their website. 

Business Experience

You want to hire a plumber who has been in business for at least several years, and who has experience working on properties that are similar to yours. Check and see how long your potential plumber has been in business, and also check that they regularly work on homes or businesses with similar plumbing systems to yours. If in doubt, you can always call and ask what their particular specialties are. 

References

A reliable plumber will happily provide you with references from past and current clients. Whether you obtain the references from the plumber themselves, or you do some internet searching before making your decision, checking references is a must. One thing to note about online reviews is that people are more likely to leave negative reviews than positive ones, so if a certain plumber has numerous positive reviews and only a small number of negative ones, don’t put too much emphasis on the not-so-great reviews. 

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/choosing-the-best-plumber/

4 Plumbing Issues to Check Before You Buy a House

 Buying a house is an exciting yet stressful time. We’ve heard from many homeowners that it ended up costing them more time and money than originally intended due to existing plumbing issues they weren’t aware of when purchasing the home. To be sure you know exactly what you’re getting into before buying, we recommend always checking for some common plumbing issues before signing any final contracts. Here’s what to look for when checking plumbing in your potential new home: 

Faucets, Sinks and Toilets

Testing the sinks and toilets throughout the house will give you an understanding of the water pressure, and the general health of the plumbing. You should:

• Check underneath all sinks for signs of leaks
• Turn on all faucets and flush all the toilets
• Watch how quickly the water drains down the sinks
• Check around the base of each toilet for signs of leakage or rust

Main Sewer Drain

There are several issues you might encounter with the main sewer drain, like tree roots growing into it, or breakdown due to age. Unfortunately checking the main sewer drain isn’t as simple as flushing a toilet. You’ll need a licensed plumber to conduct an inspection and verify that there aren’t any issues or signs of damage. A damaged sewer drain can be very costly to repair, so it’s critical that you have this checked before buying a house. 

Water Heater

Your water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home, and one you’ll rely on every day. When it comes to the water heater in your potential new home, check for the following:

• Any unusual noises coming from the tank when you switch it on
• Discolored water, or water with particles coming out of the hot water tap
• The age of the hot water heater. If it’s more than 12 years old, chances are it will need replacing soon
• Rust or corrosion on the tank

Water Meter and Supply

Looking at the water meter is a telltale way to check for leaks. Shut off all of the faucets throughout the home and take a look at the water meter. Is it still turning? That means the plumbing system has sprung a leak somewhere. 

If you’d like more information about how to check out any potential plumbing issues before you buy a house, please contact our team at Crosstown Plumbing today and visit our website at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/check-for-these-plumbing-issues/

Signs Your Hot Water Heater Needs to be Repaired or Replaced

 Your hot water heater is an essential appliance in your home, but because it’s out of sight, it’s easy to forget it exists until something goes wrong. Most homeowners are not in the habit of regularly checking on their hot water heater, so when it breaks or malfunctions it can quickly become an urgent situation. Here are three of the most common signs that your hot water heater needs to be repaired or replaced. 

Irregular Water Temperature

You’re enjoying a relaxing, hot shower after a long day, when suddenly the water starts running cold. It’s happened to most of us before and it’s definitely not a pleasant experience. If you notice your water temperature is fluctuating often from hot to warm or cold, there might be an issue with your hot water heater. Mineral deposits build up over time and can cause irregular water temperatures, so the best thing to do is ask a professional to inspect your hot water heater. 

Discoloration of Water

If you’re getting yourself a glass of water from your kitchen sink and notice the water has small dark particles floating in it, or the water is brownish in color, it’s time to have your hot water heater checked. Sediment leaking into your drinking water can be a health hazard if it goes untreated. Your tank will need cleaning as soon as possible if you’re encountering this issue. 

Running Out of Hot Water Too Fast

It’s possible that one of the heating elements in your hot water heater is malfunctioning if your water only stays hot or warm for a short amount of time.  Most new models of hot water heaters are able to provide homes with a steady and lengthy supply of hot water, but it can be a big inconvenience when the heater stops working in your time of need.

If you’d like more information about hot water heater repair, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Crosstown Plumbing today and visit our website at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/hot-water-heater-repair/

Silent Signs Your House Has a Plumbing Issue

 All too often, you probably had no idea that your house had plumbing issues until it was too late. However, common plumbing problems are easy to spot, provided you know what to look for. Once you are able to recognize the signs, you can do the repairs before problems get out of control and more expensive. Here are four of the most common silent signs to look out for.    

Discolored Pipes

It is a good idea to check the pipes under your sinks and in your basement. Look for any discoloration, especially around the joints. This is a strong sign that there is moisture present and that you might have a leak that will probably worsen over time if you leave it. If you spot any discoloration, get a plumber to take a look at the joints as soon as possible.

Sewer Odor

If you start to pick up a sewer smell in your home, it probably means, either that one of your traps has run dry, or one of your vents has cracked. Vents and traps prevent sewer gases from entering your home. When they are not working properly, those gases cannot be released and start to build up inside the home. Traps can be repaired by refilling them with water, but vents can be a little more difficult to find and fix, as they are usually enclosed inside a wall. We recommend calling a plumber if it’s the latter of the two issues. 

Weak Water Flow in Multiple Locations

Low water pressure usually indicates a distribution issue. If it occurs in one location, you may just need to fix a faucet aerator, which is usually easy to deal with. If it happens in several locations, there is probably an issue with the water main or supply line. If you are seeing low water pressure in addition to any signs of leaking, you should take action immediately.  

Slow Drain

A drain that is slow to clear could be a result of blockage near to the drain itself, or something deeper in the pipes. If the problem is farther down the line, it might require a fair amount of snaking to clear it. If more than one of your drains is slow, it is a sure sign that you have a deeper problem. 

No matter what plumbing issues you may have to deal with in your home, get your tools, parts and accessories at Crosstown Plumbing Supply. Contact us for more information.

This blog was originally published at https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/plumbing-issue/