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Remember, a man is only as good as the tools he uses. Before I tell you how to unclog your Toilet with a Plunger, lets first discuss the correct Plunger to use. The Plungers with a cup or bowl in the end are to be used only in a Sink or Shower; it should lay flat on the surface over the drain in order to properly Plunge the Sink or Shower Clog. Many people use the wrong Plunger for their Toilet Clog with little to no success and end up calling a Plumber for something they could have easily fixed themselves. Toilet Plunger A Toilet Plunger is also called a Flange/Ball Plunger or Force Cup Plunger, it is shaped like a bell at the bottom. The shape is designed in order to fit perfectly inside the Toilet Bowl and make a good tight seal. (See the one in the picture.) Now that we know which tool to use lets discuss the correct steps to take. How to Unclog a Toilet Clog with a Toilet Plunger?
In the case that the Plunger techniques above do not work, you might have a bigger problem then just organic matter logged within your Pipes and it’s time to get help from the Professionals Plumbers at Blue Drop. With Plumbing Knowledge and Professional Plumbing Equipment, Blue Drop Plumbers will have your Toilet up and running again in no time. Related: Los Angeles Plumbing Services for your toilet Clogged Toilet Emergency Plumbing in Los Angeles Drain Cleaning Service in Los Angeles Video Camera Inspection Service in Los Angeles Clean-Out Installation Service in Los Angeles Hydro-jetting Service in Los Angeles
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Imagine for a second, you just come home from a long hard days work and jump in the Shower or Bathtub to relax & freshen up. But instead of feeling relaxed and fresh, you are standing in dirty water up to your ankles... What Causes your Bathtub Drain to Clog?Most of the time a Slow Draining Bathtub is from hair or debris that have been caught around the Drain grate underneath the stopper. Remove the Drain Stopper with a pair of pliers and then use a pair of thongs or some sort of hook to remove the hair and debris that are causing the Drain Clog. If the Drain is still clogged or running slowly, chances are you have Blocked Pipes and you will need to get help from a professional Plumber. Blue Drop Plumbing Services is here for you 24 Hours a day call us if you need Bathtub Drain Cleaning. ** Liquid Drain Cleaner looks innocent but ...Please keep in mind, Blue Drop professional do not recommend using liquid Drain Cleaner chemicals for Clearing your Drains. These solutions can be tough on the Drain Pipes, causing them to Leak and Break especially when used on a fully blocked Pipe lines, making matters worse. ** Please advice your Plumbing Technician if you have used a harmful liquid cleaner before they start to clear your clogged drain. Related: Bathroom Plumbing Services including Bathtub and Shower Drain Cleaning Hydro Jetting Service in Los Angeles Drain Cleaning Service in Los Angeles I'm pretty sure most of the time you don’t think about your Toilet. The only time you do is because your either cleaning it or having problems with it. The only person I can think of who constantly thinks about Toilets are Plumbers! If your Toilet is loose, it is defiantly Leaking.One of the most common and annoying Toilet Plumbing problems our Los Angeles clients face is a loose or shaky Toilet. An unstable Toilet is bound to become a Leaky Toilet quickly. Leaky Toilets can cause a lot of damage to the Bathroom flooring and into the foundation or room below. Remember, as soon as the Toilet wobble or shake is noticed, the wax seal is damaged and should be fixed immediately to prevent further damage to your Los Angeles property. Got an unstable Toilet? Follow these steps to fix it. Tools you will need:
Steps:
Related:After our article on Plumbing Inspections Before Closing Escrow, many of you wrote us wanting to know more about what Plumbing issues to look for before closing the deal on your LA Property. DIY Basic Home Plumbing Inspection.We made a simple #7 step check list to assess if your dream Los Angeles property is really a dream or a nightmare. Remember if there is any sort of Plumbing Problem, you will need to address these to the Seller/Realtor prior to closing Escrow. Tools you will need to perform a Basic Home Plumbing Inspection yourself.
1. Locate the Water meter and Shut Off Valve. Shut off the water using the Shut Off Valve, check to see that there is no water coming out of the Faucets in the Kitchen, Bathroom, Utility room and other areas of the Los Angeles Property. 2. Find out if your home/building was built before 1986, most homes that age have lead or galvanized Plumbing. Lead is an environmental toxin and you may not want to live in a home that has lead Pipes. 3. Locate the Los Angeles home's Hot Water Heater. Look to see if it is big enough to accommodate your family’s needs (a family of four should have at least a 40 gallon tank), look to see where the Hot Water Heater is located, how old the Hot Water Heater is, and if it is in need of any kind of Repair. 4. Determine the type of sewage system the Los Angeles home has, does the Waste go to a Municipal Sewer System or a Septic Tank. If the Los Angeles home has a Septic Tank, ask the Owner/Seller to provide you the following: a. A map with paper work that shows the Septic Tank and where it is installed on the Los Angeles Property, how much the Septic Tank holds and where the Pipe Lines to the Septic Tank are located. b. Ask when the Septic Tank was last emptied and/or serviced. c. Inspect the Septic Tank; look for signs of seepage around the area where the Septic Tank is located. Make sure there is no standing water or noticeable odors 5. Inside the Los Angeles Home, check the Kitchen Faucets and Bathroom Faucets for Water Leaks or Water Drips. Check underneath the Kitchen Sink and Bathroom Sink for any Leaking Pipes. 6. Flush the Toilet in each Bathroom, make sure they empty and refill properly. 7. Turn on the Shower or Bath that is located farthest from the Hot Water Heater. Check the temperature of the Water and the Water Pressure. Los Angeles Property Plumbing Inspection Service.Of course there are many other things to look for besides the #7 Plumbing Issues we addressed above. Purchasing a Los Angeles Property is a big step so do all the necessary homework or you will pay much more in the long run. It is always a good idea to contact Blue Drop the most trusted Los Angeles Plumbing Contractors to perform a Plumbing Inspection in Los Angeles. Related:
Vinegar; so much more than just an ingredient for a tasty salad. Soup, salads, chips, yogurt, you name it and I put vinegar on it, in it, around it. You get what I'm saying, I love Vinegar! But did you know you can use it for other household uses besides cooking? I use it sometimes to make my floors spotless but there are a lot more uses, here is 7 that I find helpful! 1. Unclog and Deodorize Drains.
2. Shine your Silver; Jewelry, silverware etc.
3. Deodorize your Garbage Disposal.
4. Wash out your Dishwasher.
5. Freshen your Bad Breath.
6. Clean Sinks and Bathtubs in Los Angeles.
7. Stop Reds from Running in your Washing Machine.
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There are two main reasons our clients in Los Angeles call us for a Sewer Camera Inspections. 1) They are buying a home and want to know what kind of condition the main Sewer Pipes are in. 2) They have a Sewer Backup or Sewer Clog and want to know the extent of the damage. Pipe Video Camera Inspection | Los Angeles Real EstateIf you are purchasing a Property in Los Angeles it is always a wise idea to have Blue Drop Plumbers perform a Sewer Video Camera Inspection before you close Escrow. Our Local Plumbers can determine if your ‘dream’ home is really a nightmare in disguise. A Video Camera Inspection can bring the following Plumbing issues to light: The Main Sewer has Orange-burg Pipes/Old Sewer Pipes.This type of pipes can disintegrate and Collapse over time, at which you will need to Replace the Sewer Line ASAP. The Main Sewer has Roots within the Sewer Pipes.There are Chemicals that often claim to kill the Roots within the Pipes but most often the Roots return and leave the Pipes with damages that eventually lead to bigger Plumbing problems. If your buying a Property in Los Angeles or just have a Main Sewer Line Clog/Blockage contact Blue Drop Plumbers ; Call 1-855-673-9777 Today! Related:On the list of household Plumbing problems, having a Backed up or Clogged Sewer/Water Pipe Line in your home is among the most frustrating and aggravating; especially if you aren't familiar with a Plumbing company that can help you with Sewer Repair. If the main Sewer Line is Backed up and cannot be cleared you may need your system to be inspected by a Blue Drop Plumbers. One of the frequent reasons that we see homes in Los Angeles with bad sewer lines is because of Root Invasion from large trees. Our Drain Cleaning Technicians can often clear the Roots in a Sewer main. But If the Pipe Line is damaged from the Roots you will need to Replace the Broken or Cracked pipes. If you need Sewer Repair or Sewer Replacement in Los Angeles, call 1-855-673-9777. Related:
When any room in your home (bathroom, kitchen or utility room) smells like sewage you should be concerned. Sewage systems that smell suggest the presence of deadly Sewage gases within your home. Rather than dismissing the odor you need to call Blue Drop right away. They can assess your Home Plumbing to determine if you are in danger or if it is as simple as biological slime that has grown over time within your Sink Pipes, Bath Tub Pipes and Bath Drains. This biological slime can also induce an odor that can be much like Sewer Gases. The slime with in your Pipes are caused by soap, hair shampoo, skin oils and hair that gets stuck to the sides of the Drain Pipe and builds up over time. Solutions to Sewage Odor within Drains are: Drain Cleaning, Hydro-Jetting and Replace old Pipes with New ones. What causes the Sewage Smell and how can you prevent it?Not using your Plumbing Fixtures often.If you have a bathtub, shower, sink or toilet nobody uses on a regular basis, try to run water down the drain every two or three weeks. Broken Sewer Pipes & Clogged Pipes.Periodic maintenance and Quickly Repairing your Pipes are Key Steps you can take to insure a little problem doesn't turn into a huge disaster. Outdoor Broken or Clogged Vent Pipes.Check for Blockages from your roof and spray water down your Vent Pipes to get rid of any Blockages. If your Vent Pipes are broken call Blue Drop, we have unique tools that will discover and fix broken parts without ever tearing into your home floor and walls. Related:
Your Garbage Disposal is one of the most important tools you have in your Kitchen so make sure to regularly maintain it. Put as little grease down the Drain as you can; the grease can harden and give you a lot of problems in the long run; not to mention the nasty odor it can give off. Garbage Disposal | Clean it Regularly
Haven't Cleaned the Garbage Disposer in a while? Do you have a not so good Smell coming out of your Kitchen Drain?
Garbage Disposal | Don't forget to Clean the Blades too
** NOTE: Don’t place your hands in the Garbage Disposal until you have disconnected the power to it. Related: Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation
Residential Plumbing Services Kitchen Plumbing & Drain Cleaning Services I don’t know about you but I love having big trees in my neighborhood. They make me happy when I see them, the oxygen and the lovely shade they provide. I can go on and on as to why I love trees; but their roots not so much... Are the Tree Roots in your LA property causing havoc to your Plumbing Pipes? Roots love pipes; they love the water and all the nutrients that are inside the Pipes and for this very reason they can cause a lot of problems to your Sewer Line. But the Roots alone aren't to blame; they get help from the inside. Old Pipes, Cracked Pipes and bad joints are all culprits that allow the Roots to break inside the Pipes. Even if your home is new, the Tree Roots love the condensation or vapor that forms and releases outside the Pipe. No Trees in your LA Property?You might say I’m glad I don’t have trees in front of my house, but take a look around. Does your neighbor next door have any? How about the house several houses down the street? If the answer is yes then you might still have a problem. Just because the tree isn't in your property doesn't mean the Roots aren't under your property. Root Infested Pipes | Warning Signs and What to doSo now that the Roots are inside your Pipes they begin to act as a net, catching all the household waste - oils, grease, tissue paper, and other debris discharged from your house and soon there will be a Blockage. You’ll begin to hear gurgling sounds from your Toilet, and you’ll have slow flowing Drains throughout the house. If you take no actions to remove the Roots and Blockage, it will continue to grow until all that pressure causes a total collapse of the Pipe which will then need to be Replaced. Root Infested Pipes | How to Prevent it?1. Be aware of the location of your Sewer Line and plant at least 10 feet away to minimize the problem. 2. Only plant small or slow growing tree species that have a less destructive Root system; if they get too large replace them. 3. Schedule a regular cleaning of your Sewer Line; just like cutting your hair, the roots will always continue to grow so maintenance is key. Blue Drop is always here to help, whether you need a Video Camera Inspection or need help maintaining your Pipes we have knowledge, experience and top-rate Technology to fix your plumbing related problems successfully. Related:
Our Earth is made of 80% Water but did you know that only 1% is actual drinkable Water?! (97% is salt water and 3% is fresh water; of that 3%, 2% is frozen and the rest, 1% we can use). That being said, an average household uses about 400 gallons of Water a day. 94.7% of the 400 gallons of Water we use isn't even for drinking or eating. Shocking right ?! Water Waste in Los Angeles | What can you do?
A Clogged Drain can happen at any time, sometimes with no warning and especially if you don’t follow a regular Drain Cleaning routine. Why do Drains get Clogged?Each Drain in your house is used for different purposes, so why it’s Clogged depends on your use. For example, Kitchen Sinks and Bathroom Drains usually Clog with soap, hair, grease and/or food. Toilets Clog with waste, toilet paper and/or things that are not supposed to be there (Blue Drop technicians have seen it all from toys to jewelry). Prevent Bathroom ClogsIt’s important to stay vigilant in keeping hair from going down any Drains; use tweezers and your fingers to remove any visible hair in a Drain. Invest in a Drain screen or strainer; it will collect the hair that is trying to create a Clog in your Drains. Regularly clean the slime and soap scum inside the Drain. First use your fingers (while wearing gloves) or a toothbrush to scrub it away. Next wipe with a rag or sponge and then run HOT Water for 5 to 10 minutes. Prevent Kitchen ClogsJust like in the Bathroom, you will need to be vigilant in keeping food or oil from going down this Drain; invest in a strainer. On a regular base do the following: Run HOT Water down the Drain and then immediately add one tablespoon of baking soda and a ¼ cup of vinegar into the Drain. Let this sit for one hour, again run HOT water through the Drain to finish the cleansing; just to be sure you got everything pour some salt water for a finishing cleansing touch. What should I do if my Drain is Clogged?Before you reach for those harsh chemicals, try this instead. Mix a solution of ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of vinegar and pour into the Clogged Drain, let it stand for a couple hours and then pour HOT Water down the Drain, for 10 to 15 minutes. Tools you need to remove the Clog or Blockage:
Clogged Drain | Bathroom
Clogged Drain | Kitchen
* Please exercise caution, a Drain Snake/Auger can cause Pipe Cracks or Breaks if not used correctly, unless you are trained in using this Plumbing Tool there is a great chance of damaging your Drain Pipes (those damages will not be discover-able until the Leaking Pipe has damaged your floors, walls, and/or home). Related:
If your hot Water Heater is overheating, making strange noises or performing unusually, it's very important that you don't let the problem continue if you do you might be fixing bigger problems like Water Leakage or flooding. Whether you use an Electric or Gas Water Heater, follow these steps in order to shut off your Hot Water Heater. Follow these steps:1. Turn off the Gas or Electricity.
2. Turn off Water Supply.Turn the handle on the Water valve clockwise until it stops. If the Water does not stop, turn off the main Water Valve for the entire house. 3. Drain the Water Heater.Attach a hose to the Drain valve at the bottom of the Water Tank. Run the other end of the hose to a lower place where you can drain rusty, hot Water without causing damage. Open a Hot Water Faucet in the house to let air into the Water Tank. 4. Open the Relief Valve.Flip handle so it is sticking straight out or up. CAUTION: Scalding hot Water. Related:
SAVES 0-25 GALLONS OF WATER A DAY!
SAVES 25-50 GALLONS OF WATER A DAY!
SAVES 50+ GALLONS OF WATER A DAY!
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