Practical Garbage Disposal Tips

If you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen, you know that it’s a great appliance that makes kitchen duties less demanding. If not operated or maintained properly, a garbage disposal can easily break down, block and clog the drains and cause a long list of expensive plumbing and drain nightmares. Good garbage disposal practices made today may prevent drainage & plumbing problems!

Clogged drains are a major inconvenience and garbage disposal repair can be a costly proposition. Fortunately, most garbage disposal issues are completely unnecessary and garbage disposal care and maintenance is extremely easy. Treat your garbage disposal well with proper maintenance and in return, your garbage disposal system will treat you well.

Here are some mistakes you should avoid, actions to take for your garbage disposal functioning efficiently for many years, and also tips to minimize the likelihood of having to replace your garbage disposal system.

Proper Maintenance Extends the Life of your Garbage Disposal System

Clogged drains are a major inconvenience and garbage disposal repair can be a costly proposition. Fortunately, most garbage disposal troubles are completely unnecessary, and garbage disposal care and maintenance is extremely easy. Treat your garbage disposal well, and it will treat you well, in return. Below, we describe the mistakes you should avoid and the actions you should take in order to keep your garbage disposal working smoothly for many years and minimize the likelihood that you’ll need to call for plumbing or drain cleaning services. Proper maintenance and operation will extend the life of your garbage disposal and prevent plumbing and drain mishaps.

Disposal Regular Usage

Conventional wisdom suggests that electrical appliances are best used sparingly so as not to be worn out, but this is not the case with your garbage disposal. Even if you have no intention of using the device, turn it on at least every few days and let the blades spin, running a little cold water over them for around thirty seconds.

This will prevent your garbage disposal from seizing up (think of it as a warm-up for the main usage that will follow in time), and will prevent the blades from experiencing any rust or corrosion. What’s more, regular running of your appliance will ensure that any food remnants that may be lingering out of sight will be flushed away and avoid solidifying and causing an unwelcome blockage.

Clean with Ice, Water & Citrus Fruits

Cleaning your garbage disposal is essential. It will not only prevent any unwelcome foul smells from filling your kitchen, but it will also sharpen the chopping blades and ensure that you enjoy a long and beneficial relationship with your appliance.

Bleach is certainly effective, but you’ll want to avoid constantly pouring harsh chemicals into your garbage disposal. Instead, simply use cold water, run at regular intervals, and toss in some ice cubes. Couple these with salt and baking soda and you have the makings of a very potent DIY method of cleaning the blades and pipes of your tool, or freeze a little vinegar within the ice cubes. This will sharpen the blades of your garbage disposal too – or you could also include some eggshells for the same purpose, provided they have not been hard-boiled.

Another hugely effective way of cleaning your garbage disposal is to chop up a citrus fruit, such as lemon, and feed this through. Make sure that you include the peel, as this contains the most acid, and you’ll find that your appliance retains optimum performance as well as smelling great.

To finish up the cleaning process, take an old toothbrush and clean around the rim. Use a little soap if necessary, or work with the domestic products that we have just discussed – vinegar, salt and baking soda are all very powerful weapons in the battle against a dirty garbage disposal.

Flush After Use – Avoid Using Hot Water

Once you have finished chopping your leftovers, don’t switch off the disposal immediately afterward – leave the water running for an extra fifteen to twenty seconds once you’ve finished. This will help flush away any stubborn food remnants that are clinging to the pipes of your garbage disposal system, just out of your sight. You may be used to washing up with warm or hot water, but cold water is the way to go with a garbage disposal. Hot water will melt down and soften up food remnants, which will help this waste cling to – and clog up – the pipes of your disposal system.

Chop Up Your Waste

It sounds obvious, but so many of us fall into the trap of expecting too much of our garbage disposal. Don’t just pour an entire plate of waste into the sink and switch on the device, expecting it to do all of the work for you – the blades are only so large and powerful, after all. Instead, sift through what you’re planning on using your garbage disposal for, and use a kitchen knife to chop these leftovers into the smallest possible pieces.

Have you ever tried to cram too many sheets of paper into a shredder at once, and found that they jam the blades of the device? The same will happen if you attempt to squeeze too much food into your garbage disposal – with the main differences being that paper will not begin to smell terrible after a day or two, and attempting to yank a rogue carrot from a garbage disposal is more likely to cost you a finger than wrestling paper from a shredder.

Don’t take any chances. Spend an extra minute or two getting your food waste as small as possible for a fast and efficient service from your appliance.

Keep All Utensils Away from the Grinder

When you have a sink filled with dishes following dinner, it’s easy for things to get mixed up and non-food items can land in the garbage disposal. This is potentially damaging if it’s a piece of silverware such as a fork or spoon, which will potentially blunt the blades as the continually clash with the utensil, or it could be increasingly dangerous if a glass or porcelain mug or cup ends up in there. Obviously you should also avoid grinding any non-food related item such as paper!

If you are concerned about the possibility of non-food related items ending up in your garbage disposal, consider leaving it switched off until you have cleared the kitchen sink.

Garbage Disposal System Don’ts

Utilize your garbage disposal system only for biodegradable food. Your garbage disposal may seem like an easy way to get rid of some things, but if you put any non-biodegradable item in your garbage disposal system, is a clog just waiting to happen.

Here are some of the items, materials, and foods – that you should never put within your garbage disposal system:

Never Attempt to Grind Up Non-Perishable Food

Don’t be tempted to throw the carcass or bones of your main course into the garbage disposal, though; they will lead to the blades of your appliance becoming dull, and potentially slide straight down the pipe and cause a blockage. Throw such remnants straight into the trashcan, along with tough pits or seeds from fruits. Your garbage disposal is tough but it’s not invincible, and it won’t be able to slice through anything too small to be captured.

No Fibrous or Starchy Foods!

Foods such as pasta or rice will expand once they get wet, so anything that is not sliced and diced by the garbage disposal will later end up blocking pipes. High fiber foods, such as lettuce, the skins of onions or potato peelings, are also to be avoided. These items can wrap around the blades of your garbage disposal, slowing it down in its work and eventually jamming the blades entirely. Picking them out by hand can be a dangerous business, so don’t put yourself in such a position where that becomes necessary.

Avoid Disposing of Oils or Fats

When cooking it may seem like an easy option to get rid of that extra grease, oil, and fat in your garbage disposal, but it will stick and make things that are supposed to go into your garbage disposal harder to pass through resulting in more clogs. Nobody enjoys disposing of hot oils and fats, and the idea of just tossing them into a traditional trash bag is hideous to many. For a start, there’s the smell to deal with, as well as the risk of younger family members burning tiny fingers on the liquid, or family pets being attracted by the strong scent and tearing the bag open.

All the same, throwing oil or fat down the drain is a surefire way of clogging up your garbage disposal. These liquids will solidify and congeal further down the pipes, and it’s likely that no amount of cleaning will deal with that. Wipe down the contents of your pots and pans with some kitchen towel before giving them a good hand wash, or invest in some airtight disposable Tupperware and throw away your grease and fat wastes this way. It’s the safest method in the longer term.

If you follow these steps, you should enjoy a long and fruitful relationship with your garbage disposal – and will understand just how useful these tools can be. Treat yours with the appropriate respect, and it will save you all kinds of effort and expense in the longer term.

Garbage Disposal Repair Services in Westmont, IL

For every positive step, however, there is an equally essential negative action that must be avoided at all costs. If you find yourself acting against these instructions, you could find yourself in all kinds of trouble with the maintenance of your garbage disposal. Regular maintenance and repairs on your garbage disposal system are common and often need fixing right away. If not, they can actually begin to damage your pipes and possibly affect your water system. For everyday repairs, you can rely on Arco Plumbing!

Contact Arco Plumbing in Westmont IL for Garbage Disposal Services in Chicagoland

If your current garbage disposal system can’t be saved or is not doing it’s job and needs a replacement, call Arco Plumbing today, we have you covered. We will analyze your old system wherever it is located and adapt to you provide an array of various options and make sure you are set with the perfect system. All you have to do is pick the garbage disposal you want, and we will handle the removal and installation of your new one. Get fast and efficient results with a company that you can trust. For all garbage disposal plumbing services, you can trust in Arco Plumbing. Contact us here today!

Best Plumbing Reviews in Chicagoland

We have served the community of Westmont, Illinois for many years, and after every customer, we keep improving our services. But don’t take our word for it; see here all of the things that people are saying about our services here.

Arco Plumbing Services – Yes, We Are Open!

For all plumbing issues, big or small, we are here for you. The health & safety of our clients is our number one priority. We are always available for any and all plumbing demands; at every moment you need us, we will be here for you with exceptional assistance.

Here are just a few plumbing services that we attend to on a daily basis:

✔️Blocked Drains & Toilets

✔️Cracked Plumbing Fixtures

✔️ Burst Pipes

✔️ Frozen Pipes

Safety First – Taking The Proper Measures To Protect You & Your Family

Our team at Arco Plumbing understands that plumbing problems can happen at any time and how they need to be solved right away or it can lead to various problems for home and business owners. We recognize the current situation and that is why every member of our team has been trained in proper techniques to ensure the health of each one of our customers by being very sensitive to the current pandemic and taking all the necessary precautions for our customers. We will abide by the social distancing mandate & take extra precaution for cleanliness & safety!

Proper hygiene is something that we all need to practice, and we make it a requirement that our staff practices each and every social distancing rule that we have. Not only do we discuss all of our hygiene practices with you like hand washing and the use of medically certified face masks, but before each service that we provide, we sanitize all of our equipment thoroughly.

Trust in our plumbing services, we will take all measures to ensure the health & safety of you home or commercial business! When a plumbing emergency may arise, we are ready & available to help you!  While providing excellent service to our customers, we assure you that Arco Plumbing is well positioned to keep our employees & communities safe.

Are you Experiencing Plumbing Problems?

Call Arco Plumbing for Fast & Reliable Plumbing Services Today!

We have served the Chicago area for over 40 years, and as a local company, we only want to serve our community by helping them when they need it the most. Our services are fast and reliable, so when you require help, we will always be available to make sure that your home and business plumbing is running properly and without a hitch.

Our plumbing services are something you can rely on and with our proven track record for high-quality service, you know that we are always here to serve you.

Superior Plumbing Services in Westmont IL

The unfortunate reality of this pandemic is that we don’t know exactly when it will end. We understand that not everyone has the confidence to welcome strangers into their houses, especially during these times. But we want you to know that we have only the health and safety of you and our staff in mind.

We are provide free quotes and information to all of our customers, both home and commercial business owners so that you can have the assurance you need before choosing Arco Plumbing services. Through these difficult times, it is important to know that we are here for you when you need us most.

For any and all plumbing needs, get in touch us today to receive the best & top-rated plumbing services in Westmont, IL – (Serving Chicagoland’s West Suburbs). Contact us & let’s go over your plumbing needs!

Due to current global events, people across the globe find themselves staying at home to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Still, unfortunately, common issues within houses and businesses do not take a break because of the pandemic, especially plumbing emergencies.

Emergency Plumbing Services in Westmont, IL – Serving Chicagoland

During this time, you should have someone in your corner that is able to attend to your needs when you need it. Those in Westmont, IL, and the greater Chicago area deserve to receive plumbing services when problems arise. It is essential, now more than ever, that wherever you are, whether it be in your business or home, you are in a safe, live-able, and comfortable environment.

If there is a time to stand together, it is now. Our team of plumbing service experts is assessing the current situation and being sensitive while delivering all services to our clients. That includes proper hygiene, advanced health protocols, and appropriate social distancing. We will stop at nothing to attend to any of your plumbing needs; you can put your trust in our hands.

Plumbing emergencies in Chicagoland can arise when you least expect them, and knowing the right plumbers to call is extremely important. At Arco Plumbing, we are an unbeatable option to those who need quick and easy installs, or repairs in  Westmont, IL and the greater Chicago area.

He are just a few reasons why we are a top option to choose if you are in need of emergency plumbing:

Quick response – PLUMBING SERVICES

One of the worst things that can happen while being faced with a plumbing issue is having to wait an extended period of time to get the help you need. Plumbing emergencies need to be addressed right away, and you shouldn’t have to wait hours or days to get a response. We pride ourselves in always putting our clients first, and you can expect nothing less than plumbing services in no time.

EFFICIENT & Affordable PLUMBING SERVICES

Especially now, any last-minute and unexpected expenses can be an unsettling thought. Not only are our emergency plumbing services affordable, but we also offer free plumbing estimates and online coupons to make your experience better and cheaper. Check out all of the coupons you are eligible to use here.

Free and easy quotes, consultations, and advice

Do you think you know what the problem may be? By calling Arco Plumbing, we can help you directly from the phone by giving you advice and quoting services. We want nothing more than what is best for you. While social distancing is something of great importance right now, we can troubleshoot plumbing problems you may be having with professional expertise and advice over the phone for free.

Reliable – Top Online Plumbing Reviews in WESTMONT IL

Serving the Westmont, IL and surrounding Chicagoland area since 1978, by developing an incredible reputation through every personalized plumbing experience of our past clients, it is easy to see why you should reach out to our team in the case of a plumbing emergency. See what our past clients are saying about us: https://www.arcoplumbing.com/reviews/

What to do if Faced with a Plumbing Emergency

If you suspect that you may have a plumbing emergency in your business or your home, first reach out to the experts at Arco Plumbing. Remember, if you are unsure, it can be extremely unsafe if you try to tackle the problem on your own.

During your first call with us, we will talk with you about all of your concerns and why you believe you may be having plumbing problems. Then we will give you expert advice based on any possible security and or health threats. We will provide you with a free quote on the services you may need, and then can come to your home or business to have a firsthand consultation, directly identify the problem, and attack it.

Some common homeowner plumbing emergencies consist of:

➢ No Hot Water

➢ Frozen Pipes

➢ Leaking Pipes

➢ Plugs and Clogs

➢ Toilet Troubles

➢ Gas Leak

Avoiding Plumbing Emergencies 

A lot of different plumbing emergencies can actually be prevented. Though these disasters arise without warning, there are a lot of steps that you can take to stop many problems from actually happening. When you spend a lot of time in places like your bathroom or kitchen, it can be easy to develop bad habits that don’t have immediate effects, but the long-term will come back to haunt you. Here are just a few things that you can do to stop plumbing emergencies in their tracks.

Learn your plumbing

If you think about it, you are the first one to notice a leak of any sort in your home; if you know where things like your main water and gas valve  and how to turn them off, this can prevent serious problems while you get the expert advice you need before the problem turns into one you can’t control.

Drains and toilets are not garbage cans.

Toilets and garbage disposals are meant for specific items and waste, but forcing any other objects, food, or liquids down them can cause a big disaster. If it isn’t designed to handle certain things, do not put them in.Though there are many more things you can do to help protect your home or businesses plumbing, nothing can be fully guaranteed or prevented. That is why if you have any severe problems don’t hesitate and contact our team of plumbing experts.

Contact Arco Plumbing Services

Through these difficult times, you can rely on us to help you when you need it the most. For us here at Arco Plumbing, no plumbing emergency is too big or too small, for all of your plumbing needs contact us here. We hope that each and every member of our community are, and continue to be, healthy and safe.

Proper Plumbing Can Protect The Health of You & Your Family

When it comes to thinking about plumbing in Westmont IL, the thought about family security and safety doesn’t usually come to mind straight away. We often think about immediate problems that arise in a particular moment, not about the silent plumbing disaster that can actually be very harmful, not knowing just how much plumbing can affect you and every member of your family’s health.

Long-Lasting Effects

Everyone appreciates plumbers during an emergency involving sinks, toilets, drains, and pipes. Still, there are certain things that you need to know that go beyond those underlying issues so that you can make a change before it can become a huge problem.

Getting Rid of Hazardous Materials

Certain piping can be prone to leaking hazardous chemicals into the water; these materials are usually used and found in older houses that have been built before 1990. Sometimes, there isn´t even a noticeable kind of discoloration or a difference in taste, but the effects of lead, zinc, and cadmium released from piping made out of materials like lead, Galvanized Steel, and CPVC, among others can lead to long-lasting health problems for the skin, hair, liver, and kidney.

If any of your pipes are made out of a dangerous material, possibly putting the health of you and your family at risk, you need to know. Book an appointment with Arco Plumbing in Westmont, IL, for a routine inspection of your pipes and get the answers you need!

Not Just The Water

Often when we hear plumbing, we think everything that has to do with water, the pipes, the water we drink, and the water we shower/bathe in. But it also has to do with the air that you breathe. That is why regular checkups from one of the most trusted plumbers in Westmont, IL, ARCO Plumbing.

Clogs & Blockage

One of the worst things homeowners can frequently come into contact with is clogs and blockages in your drains. Alongside being incredibly inconvenient, they can be very dangerous to your health if not dealt with in a timely manner. The unclean odor that arises from your pipes is caused by mold growth, polluting the air in your house. Stagnant water can also build up in your piping system, attracting insects and various diseases that they bring with them into your home.

There are a lot of things that plumbing protects you from, a lot that may go unnoticed. Whether it is from the moment you buy your house and not knowing exactly what kind of pipes you have, one of those annoying things that need to be fixed, or just a general check, the help of plumbers and proper plumbing can help you and your family stay safe.

A few things that proper plumbing protects you and your family from are: Waterborne diseases, lead poisoning, lacerations, scaldings, asphyxiation, and toxic gas exposure, electrocution, explosions, and building damage that may be caused by flooding. Proper plumbing is essential, and it is even more vital that you call the professionals for any plumbing needs!

Common Plumbing Regarding Health

What is the most dangerous water contaminant?

Though there are many, some of the most common and dangerous water contaminants are:

1. Lead, easily unnoticed, lead can enter drinking water from corroded pipes and plumbing fixtures that contain lead.
2. Copper, if you notice that your water has a tinted blueish green color, you may be experiencing high levels of copper in your water.
3. Chlorine, used as a water disinfectant by many municipal water systems to control microbes, if it mixes with other organic compounds, it has the potential to be dangerous.

Why are galvanized pipes bad?

Stopped being frequently used in households in the 1990s, they were lined with lead service lines, and through corrosion, the lead released as they corrode can be dangerous for your family.

What is yellow water, Why do I have it, and is it dangerous?

Yellow water is caused by small amounts of rust entering your water supply from your pipes. The yellow water is caused by a high volume of iron; it is not dangerous. It may taste bad, but it does not have a direct risk to your health. That being said, you should call Arco Plumbing to change your pipes so you can have clean and refreshing water!

The Importance of Proper Plumbing and Calling the Experts

A number of plumbing related issues can often go unnoticed to homeowners, and they can, unfortunately, be extremely dangerous if not detected. On a day to day basis, you probably aren’t checking your pipes inside and out to make sure that everything is okay, and we understand that you may not know what you are looking for and can put yourself in danger if you don´t know precisely what you are doing.

Regular checkups are essential to prevent and avoid costly, unpleasant, and unwanted home care and medical issues. Common health risks associated with plumbing can become a severe health risk before the plumbing issues are even noticed. That is why you should call the experts and get a professional to check the plumbing in your house

Family Plumbers in Westmont, IL

 The first part of keeping your family safe from plumbing disasters is contracting a company that you can trust! It´s not easy letting a stranger into your house, especially when the little ones may be running around! We at Arco Plumbing relieve any of those concerns from the moment you book your appointment with us! Our professional and experienced staff gives you and your family a personal plumbing touch making you feel calm and at ease while the services are being performed. Not totally convinced? Top Plumbing Company Online Reviews see for yourself how happy our clients are with our services!

Why Calling Arco Plumbing in Westmont, IL Is The Right Decision

Being a local family-owned plumbing company in Westmont, IL, we completely understand that your number one priority is the health and safety of your family, and we at Arco Plumbing cherish those same values. With the safety of our community in mind, we urge Chicagoland locals to think about the unknown harms that could be in your household plumbing and contact us today.

Arco Plumbing has been proudly serving Westmont, IL, since 1978 and is one of the most trusted plumbing services in Chicagoland. We want nothing less than to give you the personalized plumbing experience that you need and deserve at a reasonable price. We care about our customers, and no plumbing problem is too big or too small, contact us today for any of your plumbing inquiries, free estimate, troubleshooting advice, or appointments online  or by calling us at 1-630-581-2235.

Bad Shower Habits that Can Ruin Your Plumbing

Taking a shower is part of most people’s daily routine. A good shower can do wonders for your mind and body. Cold showers can increase alertness, help muscles to recover and even improve immunity, while hot showers can detox your body, repair cells and ease anxiety.

Showering may be beneficial for your well-being, but if you fall into a couple of common bad habits, it can take its toll on your plumbing. If you’re not careful, you may find that a relaxing shower quickly turns into a stressful morning where you have to deal with some rather serious plumbing problems!

Here are six bad shower habits you should try to avoid in order to keep your bathroom looking great and your plumbing in Chicagoland working properly:

Habit One: Leaving Puddles on the Floor

If you’re in a rush in the morning, then cleaning up the little puddle of water on your bathroom floor from your shower may be the last thing on your mind, but perhaps it shouldn’t be. You wouldn’t ignore a water leak, and you certainly shouldn’t ignore water spillage from the shower!

Leaving water on the floor of your bathroom is a recipe for disaster. That water could cause mold growth, ruin your floor and potentially cause much more widespread problems. Investing in a bath mat and cleaning up water spills after a shower will help to prevent serious water damage.

If you’re used to seeing a puddle of water next to your shower, then you may not notice immediately if you have a leak – which could result in a flooded bathroom, or worse!

Habit Two: Not Removing Calcium Deposits

Did you know that just turning the water on in your shower could be damaging to your plumbing? Hard water, like the water in Chicago, is often rich in certain minerals that can clog your showerhead.

When hard water dries, it leaves deposits. Over time, these deposits will block the showerhead nozzle and reduce water flow. Thankfully, this common problem has a very easy solution!

Just a little white vinegar is normally all that’s needed to remove calcium deposits, improving the appearance and function of your shower head in minutes.

Habit Three: Staying in the Shower Too Long

If you’re partial to taking long showers, then there’s a good reason to curb the habit – mold! All the steam that builds up in your bathroom during long showers can result in the development of mold, which is not good for your family’s health.

Mold will quickly spread to all the nooks and crannies in your bathroom if you don’t have good ventilation. Shower curtains and loofahs are also breeding grounds for mold and bacteria and may need regular cleaning if you’ve noticed signs of mold.

One way to prevent mold growth is by reducing the temperature and length of your shower. You can also increase ventilation and reduce mold by opening a window or installing an exhaust fan.

Habit Four: Letting Hair Clog the Drain

One of the worst shower habits for your plumbing is letting hair get into the drain. Over time, a few hairs can become a lot of hair and suddenly the drain is blocked and you’re making the call to an emergency plumber in Chicagoland to fix the problem.

Like most bad shower habits that can ruin your plumbing, this one has a simple solution – a drain stopper. Drain stoppers are an affordable and effective way to stop hair and other debris from clogging the drain.

Habit Five: Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

If you’ve noticed a clog in your drain – whether from hair or other debris – then one of the worst things you can do is reach for a chemical cleaner. Chemical cleaners may get rid of the clog, but they could potentially leave you with a more serious problem.

Not only are chemical cleaners bad for the environment, they’re also bad for your plumbing. Those harsh chemicals will corrode your pipes, which isn’t as easy or affordable to fix as a simple clog.

Plungers and plumber’s snakes are safer tools to remove blockages that won’t cause damage to your pipes in the process. If ever in doubt about how to unclog a drain, it’s always best to call a trained plumber in Chicagoland who’ll be able to assess and solve the problem quickly.

Habit Six: Ignoring Small Plumbing Problems

Many plumbing problems come with plenty of warning signs before true disaster strikes. This is especially the case in the bathroom, where your shower is likely to give you a fair bit of advanced warning if all is not well!

Constant dripping may not seem like a major problem, but it could be a sign that you need to adjust water pressure before you ruin the plumbing. Similarly, hot water not lasting as long as you hoped is not only annoying, but it may also be a sign of a serious problem with your water heater.

Faster running water, slower running water, oddly colored water, poor drainage and any other alterations to the way your shower works or how the water looks need addressing quickly. It’s always better to call a plumber as soon as you notice small problems than to ignore the problems and risk them escalating.

The Best Habit to Improve Your Plumbing in Chicagoland

Not all habits are bad habits. If you can get into the routine of booking regular plumbing inspections and start paying attention to warning signs, then you can enjoy healthier plumbing and a reduced risk of disasters occurring!

For advice and guidance in a plumbing emergency or for the answer to any questions you may have about your bathroom plumbing, simply get in touch with Arco Plumbing. Arco Plumbing is one of the most well-established and trusted plumbing services in the Chicagoland region, and the only experts you need to call for plumbing advice in Westmont and the surrounding areas. 

Plumbing Disaster Prevention Tips

There are many wonderful surprises to look forward to over the holiday season, from gifts you’ve been dreaming of all year to an abundance of festive family events. However, one surprise that you certainly don’t want to experience as a holiday guest visiting family or friends, is a plumbing disaster!

Nobody wants to deal with a plumbing problem during the holiday season, but it can be particularly bad having to handle a disaster when you’re a guest in someone else’s home. Thankfully, it’s easy to avoid the nightmare of burst pipes, overflowing toilets, clogged drains and all manner of other plumbing issues with a few simple prevention tips.

Our top plumbing disaster prevention tips for holiday guests will also come in handy when your holiday comes to an end and you return home – so it’s worth taking note! Without further ado, here are seven top tips and one bonus tip for avoiding plumbing disasters:

Tip One: Locate the Shutoff Valve Upon Arrival

Not every plumbing problem is serious enough to warrant calling it a disaster, but most problems can escalate into disasters if you don’t shut them down quickly. The way to do this is to locate the shutoff valve and make sure you know how to turn off the water supply. If a pipe does burst unexpectedly or a hose comes loose, switching off the water quickly will turn an almost-disaster into just a quick call to a local plumber.

Tip Two: Use the Drain Strainer

Taking care of the dishes after dinner is a great way to thank your host for inviting you into their home… unless you end up clogging the drain! If there’s a drain strainer to hand, make sure to use it and keep things like coffee grounds and oil/grease out of the drain. Pouring fats down the drain is one of the fastest ways to clog the pipes.

Tip Three: Keep Your Room Toasty Warm

If you’re lucky enough to have control over the heating in your room during your holiday, then it’s better for the plumbing to keep the house warm than to try and save your hosts some money on their heating bills. A cold house means cold pipes, which can quickly escalate to burst pipes if the temperature drops too low.

Tip Four: Don’t Overwhelm the Garbage Disposal

If you find yourself having to use a garbage disposal during your holiday, then bear in mind that it can’t handle everything you try to throw down it. Most garbage disposals can’t cope with bones, celery, fruit pits, potato peels, egg shells, coffee grounds and many other items. If it’s starchy, stringy or hard, then the safest bet is to pop it in the bin.

Tip Five: Be Careful What You Flush

Just as there are certain items to keep well away from the drain and garbage disposal, there are also many things that shouldn’t be flushed down your host’s toilet. Hair, diapers, cotton balls, wet wipes, swabs and feminine hygiene products should be disposed of in a bin, not the toilet. Too many of these items could cause the toilet to become clogged.

Tip Six: Create a Shower Schedule

The more people there are staying under the same roof, the more demand they’ll be to use the shower. Creating a shower schedule is a great idea to prevent potential plumbing disasters like clogged pipes and make sure that everyone gets time in the bathroom. Extra people will mean that more hair and water pass through the shower drains, so it’s best to leave around 10 minutes between each use.

Tip Seven: Don’t Dry Clothes on Pipes

If you need to dry any clothes while you’re away from home, it’s better to ask to use the dryer than to take a shortcut and try to dry your clothes on an exposed pipe. Exposed pipes may seem like the perfect place to hang your clothes for quick drying, but if you add too much weight to the pipes, your clothes may end up even damper because there’s a chance the pipe will burst!

Bonus Tip: Get Your Home Ready for Holiday Guests

If you’re planning to switch roles from holiday guest to holiday host, then you’ll need a whole new set of tips to keep your home free of plumbing disasters during the holiday season – and hopefully much longer!

Along with sharing some of the tips we’ve already covered with your guests, here are five more easy ways to prevent a plumbing disaster when entertaining guests:

• Inspect your toilet for signs of leaks, make sure there’s a bin nearby for items that shouldn’t be flushed and have a plunger to hand, just in case.

• Give your drains a thorough clean and remove clogs with a mixture of baking soda (1/2 cup), salt (1/2 cup) and white wine vinegar (1/4 cup).

• Call in a professional HVAC inspector to check your heater for clogs, broken parts and ventilation issues; schedule a tune-up before your guests arrive.

• Get your water heater professionally inspected for signs of sediment buildup, leaks, debris and damage.

• Check the hoses on your washing machine for signs of wear and tear or leaks. You should also check the faucets outside your house for leaks.

Just a few simple checks will help to keep your plumbing in excellent condition over the holidays and long into the new year.

Arco Plumbing – The Westmont Plumbing Experts

If the worst does happen and you experience a plumbing disaster, then Arco Plumbing are who you need to call for a fast response in Westmont, Illinois and the surrounding areas.

We’re always reliable in an emergency, so don’t hesitate to get in touch for advice and expert solutions, whether you have a water leak, broken fixtures, cracked pipe or flooding disaster. We can also take care of plumbing inspections, tune-ups and drain cleaning, to reduce the risk of plumbing problems ruining your holidays!

Replacing a Toilet Seat & Lid

Whether your existing toilet seat is old or broken and in need of replacement or you’ve just installed a new toilet, fitting a toilet seat & lid should only take a few minutes when you know what you’re doing. This quick and simple DIY project is an easy way to brighten up your bathroom without much effort or any professional tools.

Here are seven tips for replacing a toilet seat & lid and one ultimate trick to bear in mind to keep your bathroom plumbing in tip top condition:

Tip One: Check Whether You Need a New Toilet Seat

If you’re considering installing a new seat & lid on your toilet because your existing seat isn’t working properly, then you may not need a new seat at all! An unsteady or sliding toilet seat can often be fixed with just a simple hinge or bolt adjustment.

Tightening a loose hinge or bolt or replacing a broken bolt may be all that’s needed to make the seat steady. Adjustments to the hinge position will also prevent problems like the toilet seat falling down or the seat not covering the bowl properly.

Just replacing some or all of the fittings could save you some money and mean that you don’t need to spend time trying to find another toilet seat & lid that matches your bathroom design.

Tip Two: Take Accurate Measurements of Your Toilet Seat

One of the most important tips to bear in mind when replacing a toilet seat & lid is to take measurements. You’ll need to measure the existing toilet seat and take note of the shape to make sure that you buy a replacement that fits properly.

If your toilet doesn’t have a seat, then measure the width of the toilet bowl, the space between the holes, and the length of the bowl from the middle. The likelihood is you’ll either need a round or oval seat, as these are two of the most common toilet seat shapes.

Tip Three: Shop Around for Toilet Seats

While you’ll need to match your existing toilet seat for shape and size to get the correct fit, it doesn’t mean that you can’t upgrade your toilet seat in another way.

One thing to consider when replacing a toilet seat & lid is the option of a soft-close toilet seat. These can cost more than a traditional seat, but they close smoothly and quietly by themselves. Some soft-close seats also come with other advanced features like built-in night lights.

If you’re replacing your toilet seat anyway, it’s worth shopping around for an upgrade if you’re budget can stretch to it.

Tip Four: Make Sure You Have the Right Tools

As with any project, it’s best to start with the tools you need ready. Thankfully, replacing a toilet lid & seat doesn’t require much equipment, but you will need a:

• Tape measure

• Flathead screwdriver

• Wrench or pliers

• New toilet seat

You may also want to wear gloves while working on the toilet or clean it thoroughly first with an anti-bacterial spray. As you’ll likely need to kneel down when removing and replacing the seat, it may be easier to use knee pads or place a towel or soft rug on the floor.

Tip Five: Have Some WD-40 To Hand

On most toilets, there’s a bolt on either side that needs to be removed to take off the seat. You’ll need to remove the bolt caps and hold the nuts in place while you unscrew the bolts, or alternatively remove the nuts first and then the bolts.

For older toilet seats where the bolts don’t come off easily, you may need to spray them with WD-40. WD-40 will loosen the bolts and make it much easier to remove them.

If WD-40 doesn’t do the trick, then the other option is to cut the bolts using a hacksaw. Simply protect the toilet bowl with tape and saw off the bolts beneath the hinge.

Tip Six: Read the Instructions Carefully

Installing your new toilet seat & lid may be as simple as following the same process for removing the seat but in reverse. However, it’s always best to read the instructions carefully before attaching the new seat & lid.

Much like removing the toilet seat, the installation process will vary depending on the type of toilet seat you’re installing; different types and brands of toilet seat will also come with different hardware. The installation process will go much simpler when you know what you’re doing before you begin!

Tip Seven: Keep the Nuts Loose During Installation

To get the perfect fit for your new toilet seat & lid, make sure that you leave the nuts loose during the installation. Tightening the nuts too much while you’re still fitting the seat will limit the adjustments you can make. Only tighten the nuts fully when you’re 100% happy with the final position.

If you’re using plastic nuts, then you may not want to tighten them all the way. Plastic nuts that are too tight may break sooner and mean that you’ll need to replace the fittings again. Over-tightening metal nuts may also prove problematic at a later date if you need to remove or adjust your toilet seat.

The Ultimate Trick: Call in the Experts for a Home Plumbing Inspection

Much more can go wrong with your bathroom fixtures than an old or broken toilet seat. There are many problems that can affect your toilet, such as issues with the flush, constantly running water in the tank and moisture around the toilet fixtures.

For peace of mind over the health of your plumbing, booking a home plumbing inspection is a great idea. The inspection will cover everything from the pipes and lines in your home to toilets and sinks to give you the ultimate reassurance that your plumbing is in excellent condition.

Contact Arco Plumbing in Westmont IL for bathroom plumbing maintenance, installations and replacements as well as repairs, or give us a call for advice about any aspect of your plumbing.

Plumbing Camera Inspections

Hidden inside your walls and under your garden, is a maze of piping that’s responsible for carrying water and waste into and away from your home. When something goes wrong with your plumbing, it’s a race against time to get to the bottom of the issue and find a solution.

However, finding a solution to a problem you can’t see the cause of can be as difficult as it sounds. Much of what goes on inside your pipes is a complete and utter mystery and will remain so until you take a look.

A hose-mounted camera is the ultimate solution to unraveling the mystery of your plumbing and discovering what’s lurking inside the pipes that’s causing problems. Here are the five key benefits of hiring a professional plumbing contractor in Chicagoland to perform a plumbing camera inspection:

Fast Diagnosis

Sometimes it’s as clear as day what the problem with your plumbing is, and sometimes it’s not. There are an extraordinary number of things that can go wrong with plumbing, a large number of which have the same or very similar outward results.

Without using a plumbing camera inspection, plumbers have to rely almost solely on experience and expertise as their primary tools to diagnose a problem. This could mean that a lot of guesswork is involved in the diagnosis, possibly leading to a misdiagnosis and greater expense and disruption.

Plumbing camera inspections take all the guesswork out of diagnosing problems. Inserting the camera is easy and the plumber will have a live view of what’s going on in seconds. The plumber may be able to discover the cause of a problem in minutes, where without the camera it could have taken a lot of trial and error and a significant amount of time.

When you opt for a plumbing camera inspection, the accurate diagnosis will eliminate common mistakes and costly errors.

Condition Overview

Can you say for certain what condition your pipes are in? Much of a property’s plumbing is not visible, which means that it can be very difficult to identify problems, let alone monitor them. A massive water leak may be on the horizon, without any evidence that something is wrong.

After a camera inspection, you’ll be able to say for sure what condition your plumbing is in. Everything could be looking great or there may be a stray tree root starting to grow through cracks in a sewage line, but at least you’ll know about it.

Plumbing camera inspections are a particularly beneficial service when purchasing a new house. Just as you’d check a new property for damp, structural problems, and insulation quality, it’s important to check the condition of the plumbing. Nobody wants to discover pipe deterioration after they purchase a property and then have to pay a fortune for repairs on top of other moving costs – it pays to know what you’re buying!

No Disruptions

Plumbing camera inspections are normally a much better choice than the alternative. Why choose to have your garden upturned or holes cut into your walls, when you could have a small camera inserted into your drain instead!

Even if you choose the alternative, there’s no guarantee that the new hole in your garden or wall is going to be in the right spot. You may end up with a dozen more holes or an enormous hole before the plumber finds the source of the problem.

A camera inspection is faster, more accurate, and much less disruptive than digging a hole! The whole process is safe and non-invasive, so it’s going to cause less disruption to your home and your day – plumbing problems can be disruptive enough without your home being taken apart to solve them.

Disaster Prevention

Prevention is perhaps the greatest benefit of plumbing camera inspections. During the inspection, the camera may reveal a number of small problems that have the potential to escalate into much bigger issues. This way, problems like clogs and corrosion can be fixed early before they have chance to become a disaster. After identifying problems, the plumber will formulate a plan for the best and most cost-effective solution – saving you time, money and stress!

The added prevention benefit of a plumbing camera inspection is highlighting things that you might be doing that are causing problems. Sometimes, the simplest of plumbing tips – like not putting grease down the sink or using a drain grate – can prevent massive problems from occurring. Your plumber can give you advice on what habits to change, so you can prevent plumbing problems in the future.

Great Savings

A plumbing camera inspection could end up saving you a considerable amount of money, firstly by preventing problems. If you have a pipe that’s at the end of its lifespan, then an inspection will highlight the problem before it starts leaking and your water bills skyrocket.

Speed and accuracy are two further ways that plumbing camera inspections can save you money. Not only will the inspection reduce the time it takes to diagnose a problem and eliminate the need for multiple inspections, but it prevents a misdiagnosis costing you a significant sum on unneeded work.

You’ll also get the reassurance that the problems you’re paying to fix actually exist. You’ll be able to view the live video feed of the camera in action and get an insurance report after the inspection if required.

Contact Arco Plumbing for Camera Inspection Services in Chicagoland

If you want to know with absolute certainty want’s going on inside your plumbing, then Arco Plumbing are the local contractors to call. We can give you peace of mind about the condition of your pipes, get to the bottom of problems quickly to save you time and money, and provide you with plumbing tips based on any problems we discover.

Don’t let the inside of your pipes remain a mystery, Contact Arco Plumbing today, and see what a camera inspection can reveal about your plumbing!

Prevent Sump Pump Disasters

In areas where basements are at risk of flooding or serious damp problems, sump pump installation can be essential. A sump pump is designed to reduce the chances of flooding, water damage, and problems with mold, mildew, damp, and musty odors caused by excess water getting into basements. Sump pumps are installed in sump pits, which are holes dug into the lowest part of a property. The pumps are only small but are often responsible for moving large volumes of groundwater or rain.

You may have a larger pump installed if your home is at serious risk of flooding, or a smaller one if the risk is lower. The pump may be a pedestal sump pump, where the motor is located above the water level, or a submersible sump pump, which is submerged under water.

Knowing how to identify and prevent problems with your sump pump is crucial. By understanding what can go wrong with the pump, you can ensure that it continues to function properly, and your basement doesn’t experience the problems that the pump is in place to prevent!

 Here are eight common sump pump disasters and how to prevent them: 

Disaster One: Power Lost to Sump Pump

When a sump pump loses power, flooding can be quick to follow, especially if the power outage occurs during a storm. Thankfully, this potential disaster is quite easy to prevent!

If you have a home backup generator, then the sump pump should continue working normally once the generator kicks in. If you don’t have a home backup generator and don’t want to install one, then you could install a battery backup sump pump or a water-powered backup sump pump.

Battery backup pumps are the most versatile of the two options, but if your home has the right plumbing system, water-powered backup pumps can last much longer, and you won’t need to monitor the battery.

Disaster Two: Electrical Sump Pump Failure

Power surges caused by problems like lightning storms and damage to utility poles, may result in your sump pump experiencing an electrical failure. If this occurs, then having a backup power source isn’t going to be enough to get the pump working again.

To prevent electrical failures caused by power surges, you can contact your local plumber and ask them to install a service entrance surge protection device.

Disaster Three: Sump Pump Runs Continuously

A sump pump running continuously may not sound like a disaster, but there’s a chance that pump will overheat and eventually burn out if there isn’t any water to cool the system down.

This problem is often the result of the float switch on the pump becoming jammed in the ‘on’ position, instead of lowering as the water does and turning the system off. To fix the problem and help to stop it happening again, simply free the switch and replace it if damaged. You can then attach it to the pump, making sure there are no obstructions.

If the float switch isn’t jammed, then the pump may have a defective check valve, the pump could be the incorrect size or in the wrong location, there could be a sewer leak beneath your basement, or your home could be higher than the water table line. If you’re unsure of the exact problem, it’s best to contact a plumber, who’ll be able to inspect the check valve and assess the pump.

Disaster Four: Drain Pipe Clogging

If your sump pump is no longer removing water effectively, then dirt or debris may be blocking the drain pipe. The blockage should be fairly easy to remove using a plumber’s snake and a high-powered hose pipe. Once the drain pipe is clear, you can reduce the chances of clogging by installing a grate.

Disaster Five: Sump Pump Overwhelmed & Requires Replacement

An overwhelmed sump pump is a serious flood risk! To prevent flooding in your basement, you may require a replacement pump that has enough power to keep up with the volume of water coming in. If you’re concerned that your sump pump is overwhelmed, a plumber will be able to design a suitable system for your home that can handle typical water volumes for your area.

Disaster Six: Improper Sump Pump Maintenance

The best way to prevent the many disasters that can arise from a poorly maintained sump pump is to stay on top of pump maintenance or call in an expert to inspect the system every year.

Inspecting the pump for signs of abnormalities, damage, and debris, and testing the system regularly to make sure that everything is working, are simple ways to prevent maintenance problems. Installing a backup pump and a high water alarm will also help to keep you informed of problems.

Disaster Seven: Too Much Water in Sump Pump, Causing Basement Flooding

If your basement is being flooded because there’s too much water in the sump pump, then the chances are, you either live in an area with a high water table or your home is on top of a spring. In these instances, there are two common solutions: call a plumber to install a second pump or raise the existing sump pit.

Disaster Eight: No Water in Sump Pit

The common cause of a lack of water in a sump pit is a fault with the drain tile. The drainage system channels water into the sump pit, so if no water is in the pit, there may be a clog in the system, or it may not have been installed properly. An effective way to fix and prevent this problem is to make sure the system is installed correctly and is in good working order.

Arco Plumbing Solves Sump Pump Problems

If you’re ever in doubt about the health of your sump pump and whether it’s working properly, it’s important to contact Arco Plumbing as soon as possible. Problems with sump pumps can spell disaster for your basement and the rest of your home, so never delay in calling for help if you think that there’s a problem or a way to improve the system!

Main Sewer Clogs

When you run the faucet, take a shower or flush the toilet you probably don’t consider where all the plumbing in your home is hooked up to. All of your pipes and drains hook up the main sewer line which is located outside your house.

The main sewer takes a pounding from daily use and there are many things which can gradually start to impair how effectively it operates. You may not realize this, but the sewer line that runs from your home to the main sewer in the street is your responsibility. This means that if things go wrong, it’s important to find an experienced plumber to provide plumbing solutions, especially when it comes to main sewer clogging.

Clogged Sewer Warning Signs

 If your sewer becomes completely blocked, it will be very obvious to everyone and you’ll need our emergency plumbing service. However, if you’re vigilant you could spot the warning signs and call us out before things escalate.

 These are some of the most common warning signs that you could have a fault developing with your main line sewer: 

Drains that regularly back up – a backed-up drain should always be seen as a warning, particularly when it occurs in the lower levels in your home. Don’t simply pour drain unblocking fluids down the plughole and hope for the best; you could cause more damage especially if the substance is too abrasive. Call Arco Plumbing out and we can get your drains running properly once more.

Multiple drain clogs – if multiple plumbing appliances are affected all around your home, it’s a sign that there’s a problem with the main sewer rather than an individual pipe.

Gurgling toilets and other plumbing malfunctions – if your plumbing fixtures are acting strangely, it could be a sign that your main sewer is developing a problem. Along with unusual noises coming from your toilet after flushing, look out for bubbling or water rising back out of the drain.

Changes in your lawn surface – main sewer lines typically run from your house and under your lawn before joining the street. If you take a close look at your lawn you may be able to spot a depression where a pipe has broken or ruptured. Providing the weather has been dry, you should also see soggy patches where the sewage is flowing out from the pipe under the ground. Not seeing either of these signs doesn’t mean there isn’t a problem.

What Usually Causes a Clogged Sewer Line?

 Although the effect is the same, there are many different things which can lead to a clogged sewer line. Some of the most usual culprits include: 

• Broken pipes – if pipes become broken, they will become misaligned and allow dirt to enter. This quickly causes a total blockage.
• Debris – over time, it’s possible for debris to start building up within the main sewer. This can be made up of many things including toilet paper, soap scum and foreign objects which accumulate and block the main line.
• Grease and fat– grease is a frequent problem for main line sewers and quickly cause a clog. Running hot water from a faucet won’t swill the grease away; it will line your pipe and as it cools it will solidify and harden.
• Tree roots –you don’t need to have a tree planted close to your main line sewer to have a problem with roots. Tree roots can grow to become many meters in length and seek out moisture and water. This can lead to them infiltrating cracked main line sewers, creating a total blockage.
• Sagging sewer lines – sewer lines can gradually begin to sag due to age, shifting soil or sinkholes leaving wastewater collecting in pools in the lower parts. This prevents the water from draining away, leaving the pipe backed up.

 Any of the above problems will be sufficient to cause problems throughout the entire sewer system serving your home. 

Sewer Line Clog Solutions

Whether your main line is just starting to develop problems or if it’s a full-blown emergency, we have the solutions you need. The action we take depends on the cause of the clog and how severe the problem is.  Some of the options include: 

• Diagnostics via cameras fed down into the sewer lines
• Sewer rodding
• Main line cleaning
• Main line repair (if necessary)
• Outdoor sewer repair without digging up the ground (where possible)
• Complete sewer line replacement (as a last resort)

At Arco Plumbing, our aim is always to return your main sewer to full functionality in the quickest possible time and for the lowest cost. We’ll give you a quote before carrying out the work and consult you at every step of the job.

Drain Problem Prevention Tips

You can’t eliminate every single clog but by following good drain hygiene rules you can dramatically cut your chances of a blockage from occurring.

 Here are a few tips which can help keep your main line sewer in the best possible condition: 

• Never throw any grease, fats or coffee
• grounds down the sink, or anything else that could harden and clump. Instead, pour it into a can while still warm, wait for it to solidify and then dispose of it via alternative means.
• Make sure you clean pop-up stoppers and strainers frequently
• Make sure anything you put down the toilet is flushable. Avoid flushing heavy paper products even if they are labeled as flushable.
• Always use plenty of cold water to flush food remnants away when using a disposal.

Contact Arco Plumbing for Main Sewer Clogs

Sewer plumbing repair isn’t a fun job to undertake without the proper equipment and expertise, as it can be extremely messy and dirty. This is especially the case where the pipes aren’t just clogged but also damaged If you suspect there might be a problem developing with your sewer, give the friendly team at Arco Plumbing a call.

It’s better if we come out sooner rather than later as we could help to prevent expensive repairs from being carried out. Ignore a main sewer problem and you could end up with a total collapse and an emergency situation, which is a situation that no-one wants to be in. If your home is in the west suburbs of Chicagoland and you’ve got clogged drains, give Arco Plumbing in Westmont, IL a call for a swift, competitively priced service you can trust.