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How Do You Unclog A Toilet Without A Plunger

10/18/2017

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by April Paul, Staff Writer at Brand Shamans Content Community
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If your toilet is clogged, you want to remedy that as soon as possible. What if you don't have a plunger or it’s not working? How do you unclog a toilet without a plunger?

Stop!

The first thing you should do is stop and assess the situation. How bad is the clog? If your toilet is clogging up and a simple plunge doesn’t solve it, there may be a deeper issue that requires a professional plumber. If you don’t have a good plunger, go buy one. If the plunger doesn’t work, read on.

What NOT To Do

Don’t use a chemical drain cleaner.

It may seem a good idea to use a liquid drain cleaner. But these products actually contain chemicals that can break down the porcelain and other materials in your toilet, causing an even worse issue. Never use drain cleaner or unclogger in your toilet.

Don’t stick foreign objects down your toilet.

Using the wrong tools can damage the lining and plumbing in your toilet, which can cause major issues that will likely cost more to repair than the original issue.

Don’t act without proper knowledge.

If you aren’t trained on properly unclogging the toilet, save yourself some grief by refraining from attempting things that may make it worse.

Things You Can Try:

If a good plunger didn’t work, there are a few other things you can try before contacting a plumber.

Water

Occasionally, dumping a gallon of water into the toilet bowl may cause the toilet to flush and unclog. If it makes things worse, you need a plumber.

Try a hand auger

Something may have accidentally gotten placed into the toilet, especially if you have kids. Toys, sanitary napkins, baby wipes, paper towels, and tampons are some of the most common culprits. A hand auger may help pull these out. You can purchase one of these online or at your local hardware, plumbing, or major indoor lumber retailer. If this doesn’t unclog the toilet, you need a plumber.

Signs Your Toilet Clog Needs a Plumber

If you are experiencing any of the following warning signs, you will save yourself time and money by contacting a plumber.

  • A simple plunge or use of the auger doesn’t do the trick
  • You think your child (or a clumsy adult) may have flushed a foreign object
  • The water isn’t draining properly
  • There’s a leak
  • There’s a crack in the bowl or tank
  • The bowl is wobbling or loose
  • The flushing action seems weak

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Quick Plumbing Fixes That Can Cost You Money

9/10/2016

 
by Lyn Lomasi; Owner of Intent-sive Nature & Brand Shamans Content Community
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Image in Public Domain
There are certain things you might think are quick that can actually cost you money when it comes to plumbing. Avoid the following quick fixes and call your plumber now before it costs you more later on.

Incorrectly using glue on your sink's p-trap - This is a huge no-no! P-traps need to be changed out at certain intervals and using glue in the wrong section can actually be very bad, as well as toxic. Remember that your water flows through these pipes. Therefore, they should be installed according to the proper city code. If you don't know what that is and don't know how to do it, it's always best to use a local licensed plumber. Otherwise, you could be risking your health and causing a huge cost down the road.

Using duct tape on leaks - While this might seem like a great way to solve an annoying leak, it can actually make it worse. Leaving the water running with an incorrect seal may cause further damage. If you have a leak, cut off the water source immediately and contact a plumber.

Using the wrong caulk or sealant for the project - This might be unhealthy, ineffective, and also a code violation. Please make sure to use the correct sealant or caulk for the project at hand. If you don't know what that is, you shouldn't be doing the job. Remember, some jobs also require a permit and a  licensed plumber who has been trained in the code.

Gluing or sealing areas that aren't normally glued or sealed - Certain areas of piping and other plumbing materials should be fit together but not necessarily sealed with glue or other sealants. For instance, as mentioned above, certain sections of the p-trap should be twisted together and never glued for multiple reasons. If there are holes, leaks, or other reasons for a sealant in an unusual place, the plumbing is likely not installed correctly and a licensed plumber should be contacted.

Using the wrong type of pipe for the project - Certain pipes are used for certain projects for a reason. There are specific pipes dedicated to carrying water, gas, and other materials. Not following the correct guidelines can actually be unsafe and against the city's code. Ask your local licensed plumber to get the job done correctly or you could be spending the money more than once if it's done wrong the first time. Also again, certain jobs require a permit and a properly licensed plumber.

Luxury Electronic Bath Additions

11/28/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi; Owner of Intent-sive Nature & Brand Shamans Content Community
PictureDigital Shower Control
Bathtubs and spas with electronic controls are among some of the latest technology involving bath additions. Spas have been considered a bathtub luxury for quite some time. But now consumers can make additions to that old bathtub or spa with electronic controls for even more customized comfort and luxury in their bathrooms. Electronic bath faucets are great luxury bath additions for households with children. Luxury steam showers and saunas can be very relaxing, as well as add value to your home.


Electronic Bathtubs and Spas

Prices for these luxury electronic bathtubs can vary, depending on desired features and bathtub type and size. Some bathtubs and spas with electronic controls are in the same price range as traditional ones. Yet, some are in a higher price range. The varying styles, features and sizes can contribute to the pricing options. Also, remember to factor in any extra costs associated with making the actual addition. A luxury electronic bathtub is one of several bath additions that can raise the resale value of a home.


Electronic Bath Faucets

Electronic bath faucets are recommended as a great luxury bath addition for families with children. These faucets can be installed to most any bathroom sink. Kids and parents both can benefit from installing electronic faucets. Parents don't have to worry about water being wasted by kids leaving on running water. Kids don't have to get frustrated by faucet handles that are hard to turn. Even those without children will appreciate this small but very useful luxury bath addition.

Steam Showers

Prefer showers instead of baths? That's just fine. Luxury options are available for showers as well. Consider steam showers. Luxury electronic steam showers offer a variety of options including computer control panels, remote control, FM radio, jacuzzi and even underwater lighting. A steam shower as a luxury electronic bath addition could be a great choice for many reasons. Steam is useful for allergies and colds and also can be very relaxing after a long day.

Saunas

Perhaps you prefer your luxury bath addition to come in the form of a sauna. A sauna in itself is luxurious. However, don't stop there if you can help it. Luxury saunas can also come equipped with ceiling lighting, a telephone, a ceiling shower, comfy seating, FM radio, LCD computerized controls, a temperature sensor and much more. Extra time in the sauna can be great for the skin and where better to get that sauna treatment than in the comfort of your own home.

Remember that not everyone can install something like this themselves. If you don't have the proper experience, it's best to hire a licensed professional.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network


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How Denver Plumbers Can Help Prepare Your Basement for a Tornado

10/31/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi; Owner of Intent-sive Nature & Brand Shamans Content Community
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Image by State Farm via Flickr.com
Denver often has severe weather, including tornadoes, which means Denver residents should have a safe location for when a storm hits. Statistics show that the basement is the safest place to be during a tornado. If there is no basement, the next safest place is the bathroom. Better still is a bathroom in a basement. Plumbers in Denver can help you get that unfinished (or never started) basement bathroom up to code, especially in homes with older plumbing. Many newer homes are being built with unfinished basements. Both scenarios call for the work of licensed plumbers.

Basements and Plumbers

Licensed Denver plumbers will have the know-how to install the proper plumbing in your basement bathroom. Your family can enjoy a basement bathroom on a regular basis, and the basement bathroom will also offer a safe haven during a tornado. A basement is the safest place to be during a tornado due to the fact that a heavy object (the house) can help shield people from strong winds. Plumbing fixtures, such as the bathtub and toilet, often are the sturdiest features of a house. Depending on the severity of the tornado, plumbing may even hold the walls together. Hiring licensed plumbers in Denver will ensure that all bathroom plumbing is sturdy and up to code.

Requirements of Denver Plumbers


Because plumbing codes are occasionally amended, it is important to work only with Denver licensed plumbers. All licensed plumbers in Denver must stay up to date with current Denver and international plumbing codes and are required to prove this knowledge. This is done through training and certification in International Plumbing Code (IPC). Training and licensing for Denver plumbers involves a combination of hands-on work, plumbers' continuing education courses and plumbers' exams. No plumbers can be issued a license without going through the proper procedures and keeping up with the required plumbers' continuing education courses. This process ensures that all Denver plumbers are doing work that is up to code.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network
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Plumbers in Boulder

10/30/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi; Owner of Intent-sive Nature & Brand Shamans Content Community
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Image by Sergio Fabara via Flickr.com
Plumbers in Boulder may find themselves installing plenty of eco-friendly low-flow plumbing fixtures. Why? Boulder is known for being environmentally conscious in as many life aspects as possible. Why not plumbing as well? In fact, eco-friendly plumbing fixtures are becoming popular in Boulder.

Low-flow plumbing fixtures, such as faucets and toilets, use less water. That reduced usage could save quite a bit of water. It can also save a ton on that water bill, which is a plus for homeowners in Boulder. Any savings is a plus in most households and households with college students might appreciate that savings even more.

Energy Star-rated options have many benefits for homeowners as well. In plumbing, there are a variety of products that have the Energy Star rating, such as water heaters and faucets. Due to the widespread popularity of green living in Boulder, plumbers in Boulder may find themselves installing more Energy Star-certified fixtures than ever before.

Apparently, the EPA states that each person uses at least 50 gallons of water per day. For a family of four, that's 200 gallons per day! By choosing more eco-friendly options, that number can be reduced. Plumbers in Boulder may choose to benefit their clients by mentioning this factor.

Before installing these eco-friendly options, plumbers in Boulder may first want to check the plumbing code and be sure they are compliant. This is routine practice that a plumber goes through before making any installs or replacements.

Also to factor in is the building permit required to do the job. Plumbers in Boulder will need a permit in order to do any installs. Putting in new plumbing fixtures is considered to be an install. Plumbers in Boulder should also have the necessary plumbing license.

A master plumber must apply for the building permit, as well as supervise the work. However, any licensed plumbers in Boulder can perform the job. Rest assured, plumbers in Boulder are required to pass written and mechanical tests on their skills before the license is issued. This is to ensure that plumbers in Boulder perform all duties according to the plumbing code set forth.

Plumbers in Boulder follow the Colorado Plumbing Code under the International Plumbing Code. There also are revisions to that code specific to plumbers in Boulder. To ensure quality plumbing, these procedures are made known to plumbers in Boulder.

Plumbers in Boulder must renew their licenses at frequent intervals so that they may stay up to date with any revisions in the plumbing code, as well as continue to be tested on plumbing knowledge.

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Asking an Expert Plumber for Help Doesn't Make You Weak

4/1/2012

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by Lyn Lomasi; Owner of Intent-sive Nature & Brand Shamans Content Community
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Image © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved
Oh no! You've got a tough problem with your plumbing. What to do? Sure, you may want to fix it yourself. But what if you can't? What will your friends think? Asking an expert plumber for help doesn't make you weak. It makes you smart.

Confidence in a job well done

While you may certainly be able to do a superb job yourself, what if you can't? Will you know if you got it wrong? Have you studied the code? A licensed plumber in your area has. That same plumber should also be able to provide quality work.

Some jobs require a permit

Can you pull a plumbing permit? Unless you are a licensed plumber in your area, the answer to that will be no. Did you know that it's a violation to do some plumbing without a permit? To avoid violations, it's always best to work with a licensed expert plumber for anything but very minor repairs.

What if you make the problem worse?

If you are not a plumbing expert yourself, there's always the chance that you may make matters worse. That small leak in the bathroom that you thought you fixed with a simple tightening of the pipes might have a bigger problem lurking in areas you can't see. Only an expert plumber will know how to properly and completely resolve certain plumbing issues.

If you are confident that you know what you are doing and can get the necessary permits required, go right ahead. It takes a strong person to admit when they are not the right one for the job.
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