Between the extra cooking, cleaning and overnight guests, it’s no wonder that plumbing problems are more likely to occur over the holidays than any other time of year. Yet by keeping a few important plumbing tips in mind, you can help ensure that your holiday season is problem free.

Consider these tips to prevent any plumbing mishaps from happening in your home.

Scrape Leftovers in the Trash

When it’s time to clean up, scrape the leftovers off your dishes into the trash, not the drain, especially if you don’t have garbage disposal. One of the easiest ways to prevent unwanted leftovers from going down the drain is to use an inexpensive sink strainer. Once you’re done washing off your dishes, you can simply dump the collected waste in the garbage or compost bin.

Use the Disposal Wisely

There are many food items that can cause serious damage to a garbage disposal and clog the drains. Be sure to avoid putting the following foods down the drain:

• Fibrous or stringy foods, such as celery or string beans
• Rice, pasta, or bread-based products
• Animal bones
• Eggshells
• Coffee grounds
• Cooking oils, grease, and fat

Wait 10-15 Minutes Between Showers

If you’re hosting guests overnight, ask them to space out the time between showers to about 10 or 15 minutes. This not only allows your hot water supply to replenish but also gives your drains an opportunity to clear out. Also, use a strainer over the shower drain to catch hair and prevent a clog.

Don’t Treat Toilets Like Trash Pails

Your toilets are probably going to have to work a bit harder than usual over the holidays. Make sure your guests know not to flush bathroom items that commonly clog household toilets, such as:

• Sanitary napkins
• Feminine hygiene products
• Wipes (yes, even “flushable” ones)
• Paper towels
• Facial pads
• Cotton balls and swabs
• Cigarette butts

Dispose of F.O.G Properly

F.O.G. (fat, oil, grease) is one of the greatest threats to your plumbing. When hot, F.O.G may seem like any other liquid. But once cooled, it quickly congeals and solidifies in your drain, restricting the flow of water and catching other materials until it results in a major clog. Wipe as much F.O.G off pots and pans or pour it into a can that can be tossed into the garbage.

Run the Dishwasher Last

It can be tempting to run the dishwasher while you continue to clean other dishes. However, because the dishwasher and the garbage disposal typically share the same drain, running the disposal or pouring anything into the sink can push that waste back up into the dishwasher’s cleaning cycle. And if your drains become clogged, running the dishwasher could cause the water to back up and flood your kitchen.

Be Proactive

Avoid plumbing mishaps by scheduling a plumbing system inspection with Best Choice Plumbers. We’ll make sure your drains, toilets, water heater, and other parts of  your plumbing system are in good working order to help you avoid unexpected repairs. And should something go wrong, we’re standing by to handle your plumbing emergencies so you can get back to enjoying the holidays with your loved ones. Contact us today or anytime you need us.

And because we know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, we offer these tips to prevent your plumbing pipes from freezing and bursting this winter and save yourself the hassle with dealing with the aftermath.

Why Do Pipes Freeze and Burst?

When water freezes, it expands in volume with tremendous force. The pressure inside plumbing pipes can go from 40 pounds per square inch to 40,000. And because no pipe is constructed to hold that much force, it breaks open. Interestingly enough, the burst pipe may occur where water finds a weak spot in the pipe, which can be inches or even feet away from the frozen section of pipe. Uninsulated pipes that run through unheated parts of your home, like the garage or basement, as well as pipes in  exterior walls, are most susceptible to freezing.

Prevent Pipes from Freezing

It’s easy to keep an eye on temperatures throughout the winter months, so heed the warnings from the National Weather Service or your local weather reporter. When below-freezing temps threaten, take action with these easy steps:

Outside the house

• If you have a pool, drain it before cold weather arrives. And drain your sprinklers, too.
• Disconnect all garden hoses from outdoor faucets, including frost-proof outdoor faucets as they can burst if a hose is connected.
• Turn off the supply lines to all hose bibs inside the house and let the remaining water drain from the pipes leading to the outdoor faucets.

Inside the house

• Let the water run to prevent pipes from freezing. A tiny trickle from faucets makes freezing less likely. It prevents pressure from building up inside pipes and creates a constant flow of water through pipes.
• Open cabinet doors beneath kitchen and bathroom faucets to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing pipes.
• Reduced water flow is often the first sign ice is forming inside your pipes. If that happens, use a hairdryer to heat the most vulnerable pipes, usually in basements and crawl spaces or near exterior walls.
• Leave the faucet on while you apply heat. As you melt ice, the flow will increase.

Permanent Protection

Long-term prevention includes insulating crawl spaces, insulating exposed pipes in unheated areas of your home, replacing standard outdoor faucets with frost-proof models, and keeping the house warm through frigid temps.

Yet even with the best of ongoing care and maintenance, problems are bound to occur. And when they do, Best Choice Plumbers will be here, ready to assist with any issue large and small. From whole-house plumbing inspection to water heater service, repair, and installation, and everything in between, you can be certain that we’ll get the job done and to your complete satisfaction.

But all those extra people and all that extra cooking (and subsequently, cleaning) puts a lot of pressure on your home’s plumbing. And it’s on Black Friday that plumbers everywhere see a significant number of calls, up to 50 percent more than any other time of year. Fortunately, most homes can handle a little added usage once a year, but if any part of your plumbing system is already under strain, this one day could be the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back.

So, what can you do to avoid a Thanksgiving plumbing emergency? Follow these clog-prevention tips.

• Don’t pour FOG (fats, oils, grease) down the drain. Instead, pour any grease or drippings into an empty non-recyclable container and toss it in the garbage after the grease has solidified.
• As you’re putting food into the disposal (remember, a little bit at a time!), keep the water running and the disposal on. If you push all of the food into the drain and then turn it on, you’ll overwork the motor and could get it stuck.
• Stringy, starchy waste doesn’t belong in the garbage disposal. Toss things like fruit and vegetable peels, turkey skin, and bones in the compost pile or garbage.
• Reserve toilets for human waste and toilet paper only. Feminine products, bathroom wipes, cotton swabs, and tissues don’t break down in water and can lead to tough clogs.
• If any of the toilets in your home run slow, post a sign near the commode: “If it’s yellow; let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down.”
• If you’re hosting overnight guests, allow 15 minutes in between showers, especially if you have slow-running drains. This also allows your water heater to resupply its hot water.

If you’re planning to host a large gathering this holiday season, call Best Choice today to schedule a precautionary plumbing inspection so that you’re aware of any issues before you welcome a dozen (or more!) guests into your home. We’ll carefully examine your plumbing system so that you can focus on more important things, like perfecting Aunt Anne’s famous stuffing recipe.

The average water pressure at the inlet valve to a home should be about 40 to 50 psi, but your home may still experience lower than an ideal level of pressure for a number of reasons. For instance, low water pressure throughout your neighborhood is likely caused by some issue at or caused by your local water company. While low water pressure at a specific appliance can normally be traced back to a clogged aerator or a leaking water line that connects to the appliance.

Too many appliances and fixtures using water at once

Depending on the time of day that you experience low water pressure, there may be a higher than average need for water in your home. The more appliances that are using water at the same time, the lower the pressure for each.

To avoid that kind of aggravation, try to stagger water usage throughout the day. For example, don’t run your dish washer and washing machine at the same time. Or take two showers at the same time. Or wash your clothes while your lawn sprinkler is on. There are lots of ways to accomplish all your goals without sacrificing water pressure.

Main water valve isn’t fully open

The main water shutoff valve controls the flow of water into your home. If your valve has recently been used during a minor plumbing repair, perhaps it wasn’t fully re-opened. Less water coming in means less pressure.

Failing water pressure regulator

Homes located in areas with generally high water pressure tend to have pressure regulators installed to ensure water pressure does not exceed a certain level. Water pressure above the normal psi strains the water system’s fixtures and valves beyond their functionality and can cause the fixtures to break and cause water damage if not contained. If you have a regulator in your home, your low water pressure may be due to the regulator’s current setting, or the regulator may be broken, resulting in higher or lower water pressure than normal.

A water line is corroded

Certain water line materials will corrode from within, creating a gooey buildup that reduces water flow. Lead and galvanized steel water lines are notorious for internal corrosion – these can even collapse in on themselves if there is a rapid change in pressure, such as closing the main valve and opening it quickly.

The best possible solution, especially if you have lead water pipes which can leach into your drinking water, is to have your home re-piped. Simply put, you don’t want to be consuming lead.

Whatever the cause might be, the solution is right here – at Best Choice plumbers. We deal with and correct low and high water pressure issues routinely, and we’ll be happy to do the same for you. Contact us so we can set things right again.

Read on for tips on how to determine whether a hidden water leak has sprung so you can act swiftly to prevent serious damage.

Keep an eye on the water bill. Your monthly water bill should be consistent from month to month. Sure, you may see a spike during the summer months with the sprinkler system going or when guests come for an extended stay, but if you notice a sudden spike, you may have a leak.

Check the water meter. Suspect a hidden leak? Turn off all faucets and water-using fixtures/appliances. Check the meter and make note of the numbers. Don’t use any plumbing for an hour and check the meter again. Have the numbers gone up? If so, there’s a leak.

Is the grass greener on the other side? No, we don’t mean your neighbor’s. If an area of your lawn is noticeably greener and the grass seems to grow faster than in the rest of the area, it could be a sign that a buried water line is leaking. If severe enough, you may even notice puddling.

Check appliances and fixtures. If you suspect a leak inside your home, look under kitchen and bathroom sinks, around the base of tubs, toilets, and showers, beneath and around the water heater, washing machine, and dishwasher. If you see any puddles, shut off the water supply to that appliance or fixture and call a plumber or appliance repair technician.

Dye the toilet. Sounds like a fun arts and crafts project, doesn’t it? Toilets are among the most common plumbing fixtures to spring leaks. The flapper can become brittle over time and allow water to trickle into the bowl from the tank. To put that theory to the test, place a few drops of food coloring into the tank of every toilet in your home. If there is a leak, the color will soon appear in the bowl.

Watch for clues. A water leak can occur at any moment. Be on the look out for wall discoloration, bubbling or peeling wallpaper or paint, a dripping sound, or a musty smell. And keep in mind that not all leaks are plumbing leaks. Water can enter around a window, through the roof, or through a crack in a homes’ foundation. Whatever the source, address water leaks promptly to reduce the risk of damage and mold growth.

Let’s say you do have a hidden water leak – now what? Well, to make matters simple for you, one call to Best Choice Plumbers will get the problem solved, no matter what’s involved – including pipe repair or replacement. We not only repair leaking pipes, but we can also quickly spot the extent and location of each using specialized equipment. That means less damage to your home to get at the problem area, and a faster solution. Call today to a report a water leak or any other plumbing matter that requires professional attention.

Note location of shut-off valves. Shutting off your home’s main water supply in a pinch can mean the difference between a minor water spill – from a burst pipe or leaking water heater, for example – and an indoor “swimming pool.” Large water spills are messy and costly to clean up, and then there’s the potential for structural damage plus damaged or ruined personal belongings.

Don’t ignore minor leaks. It’s not uncommon for kitchen or bathroom faucets to start leaking after a few years. It usually begins with a drop every few seconds and gradually worsens over time. While it may not seem like a major problem, leaky faucets will seriously affect your water bill over the long run, not to mention wasting huge quantities of clean water. There’s also the possibility of a minor leak turning into a major one at a very bad time — when no one is home, for instance.

Locate pipes before drilling. Planning to drill holes into floors, ceilings, or walls? Make sure there are no plumbing pipes in the way – otherwise, you’re likely to puncture one or more of them.

Flush what’s truly flushable. Never use your toilet as a waste basket, and don’t flush so-called “flushable wipes”, either – no matter what the packaging promises, sooner or later they cling to pipes, then each other, and then you have a substantial drain clearing project to undertake. One that will likely require professional assistance.

Take care with the drain. Don’t pour FOG (fat, oil, grease) down a sink drain or garbage disposal as these ingredients will coat the inside of your pipes and cause a tough-to-remove clog.

Bring up the reserves. When trying to dislodge a toilet or sink clog caused by a child’s toy or other small, hard object, use a wet-dry vac vs. a plunger to suck the item out instead of pushing it deeper into the drain.

Don’t over-tighten fittings and connections. This can lead to stripped screws and broken bolts. As they say: “hand tight is just right.”

Keep plumber’s tape on hand. No, we don’t mean to stop a leak in progress. Instead, use plumber’s tape to prevent leaks around joints and fittings by wrapping it around the pipe thread three times before sealing.

A little knowledge and skill can do wonders to keep your plumbing running problem-free. Still, there will be times when it will take an experienced plumbing company to get the job done. If that time is now, contact Best Choice Plumbers for fast and effective service.

Here are a few tips so you’ll be better prepared for the unexpected:

Washing Machine

Washing machines generally work overtime in the summer with kids out of school, extra towels to wash after a day at the pool, and so on. Check the position of your washing machine to ensure the hose isn’t kinking and the connections aren’t leaking.

Blocked Toilets

With more people home during the day, your toilets are facing some serous overtime of their own. Which means now is a great time to reinforce good toilet behavior, especially with younger members of the family. You know, like “Go easy on the toilet paper” and “Keep your toys in your toy box!”  

Check Your Gas Grill

Your gas grill should be used only outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Visually check your gas connections for wear and tear, damage, or rust. Dispose of any old gas cylinders and hoses that have deteriorated with age.

Check for Leaks

During the winter, it’s common for pipe leaks to materialize, including those hidden behind walls and under cabinets. That’s why come spring and summer, be extra aware in case water pools up around the dishwasher, under sinks, and behind the fridge. Also, check walls and floors for damp spots – clear signs of a hidden leak.

Check Your Water Pressure

With all the activity that your shower, washer and other utilities will see in a summer season, it’s even more important to maintain good water pressure. You can check and measure the household water pressure with a store-bought gauge that you attach to an outside spigot. Generally, the household standard is 40-45 pounds per square (psi) inch and should not exceed 60 psi.

Test Your Sump Pump

If you have a sump pump, test it before summer storms arrive. First, be sure it has power and is turned on. Then, pour a bucket of water into it. The pump should turn on and begin to process the water, but you can shut it off and remove the water once you’re sure it’s working properly. Testing the sump pump helps ensure that you’re ready for summer thunderstorms and any extra water they send your way.

You know what else is a great way to ensure your plumbing is up to par for the summer and throughout the year?  Contact Best Choice Plumbers today to request a whole-house plumbing inspection. Your systems and fixtures will run better, last longer, and help save you money. And isn’t that the point?

Your plumbing, while always ready with a steady supply of water, doesn’t do so well when pressure mounts – like the type of pressure that occurs when there’s a sudden change in water velocity when a faucet is opened or closed. Or when a water-using appliance suddenly starts or stops. The result is called hydraulic shock, or “water hammer,” a condition that can cause serious plumbing issues.

What Is Water Hammer?

Water hammer can occur in any piping system that uses valves to control the flow of water. It occurs when a fluid in motion is forced to change direction or stop abruptly, typically characterized by a loud banging or knocking sound in the pipes after they’ve been shut off. Water hammer also can occur when a valve closes suddenly or pump shuts down, causing the moving water to slam against the valve or reverse direction.

Effects of Water Hammer

While it may sound harmless, even if annoying, water hammer shock waves can cause significant damage to your pipes – over time, or even from a single powerful event. Here are a few examples of water hammer damage:

• Damage to pumps, valves, and instruments, as well as gasket and expansion joint failure
• Leaks from damaged joints, connections, and fittings
• Ruptured pipes, which can be especially expensive to repair
• Water damage to electrical equipment, building materials, and personal belongings from unchecked leaks
• Downtime to repair piping and property damage

Preventing Water Hammer

Many piping systems are designed with air chambers – short segments of pipe with air-filled chambers that serve as shock absorbers, allowing water to expand when it suddenly changes course. Air chambers reduce the magnitude of the shock that would otherwise be directed at the pipes. Other prevention methods include:

• Flushing the system
• Installing soft-close water taps at all sinks
• Securing loose water pipes
• Install a pressure limiting valve on the water meter
• Installing water hammer arrestors

You know what all this means. It means that dealing with water hammer – its causes and consequences – is the job for a licensed and experienced plumber. And that’s exactly what you get each time you call Best Choice Plumbers. We live up to our name, one customer at a time.

If it happens once – it could be a fluke. Twice – something strange is going on around here. But every spring and other rainy time of the year? Hey, enough is enough.

And that’s precisely what we’re here for – to get water out of your basement as fast as it comes in to avoid flooding and all the collateral damage it can cause, like mold & mildew, rotted wood, damage to your personal belongings, and more.

Step One – Main Sump Pump

Electrically operated sump pumps are built to carry the bulk of the load when it comes to removing water from your basement. A good sump pump, in fact, can remove 40 – 50 gallons of water per minute. Plus, a high quality pump can keep up with water incursion for as long as it continues.

But what if a mechanical problem shuts it off or slows it down? Or you lose power, and the pump stays off until power returns. Once upon a time, this was a great big “Uh-oh!” But now there’s a Plan B to keep the water moving out, main sump pump or not.

Step two – Backup Sump Pump

With a water- or battery-powered back-up sump pump in place, you can afford to have the main pump shut down. As soon as it does, your back-up pump automatically engages and picks up where the other left off. While both types of back-up pumps have their merits, Best Choice recommends battery back-ups, unless you have well water – then you’ll need water powered.

Here’s just some of what you can expect from our preferred brand of battery back-up pumps:

• 12V battery removes up to two times more water per charge than competitive models
• Smart charging technology works up to five times faster while extending battery life
• Comes with a mobile App that alerts you when:
  • The backup pump is running
  • The battery can no longer keep up with water intake
  • Your basement is at risk of flooding
• Removes up to 7,000 gallons of water per hour for up to 3.5 days
• Pre-plumbed for ease of installation

One main sump pump – plus a battery back-up pump – equals no rain settling in your basement and no damage to your home or belongings. Perfect.

To learn more and for a free new sump pump quote, contact Best Choice Plumbers today.

There’s a traffic jam on the local Interstate? Take an alternate route. The grocery store is out of sweet sausage? Find a substitute, try a different store, or make something else for dinner. You temporarily lose your cable TV signal? Read a book.

See, it’s not always difficult to handle. Except, of course, when something goes wrong with your plumbing.  No hot water, a flooded basement, a clogged toilet that won’t budge…upsetting, concerning, and each of which requires prompt and professional attention.

If you already have a plumber you trust, you call them knowing that they’ll come to your rescue at their first opportunity. But what happens when you don’t already have a plumber in your corner? Now it’s time for fast and decisive decision making.

So, if you’re one of the unlucky homeowners around, here’s our best advice on how to choose a plumbing company in a crunch and you can ill afford to be wrong.

• Ask friends and family for a referral
• Even if you’re lucky enough to get one or more, check their websites, and check their reviews
• Scour their website for indications of the following:
  • Service where you live
  • After-hours service if your problem occurs outside of normal business hours
  • Better Business Bureau ranking
  • Are they licensed and insured?
  • Is their Master Plumber license clearly displayed?
  • Do they offer the range of services you need and want not just for now, but for future service needs?

Of course, if you really want the right fit with a plumbing company, don’t wait until an emergency arises before you conduct your search. Do so in calmer times when you have time to call and speak to an owner or other higher-up to satisfy yourself that on top of everything else, you feel a certain chemistry – that intangible thing that says “doing right by you is ultimately what matters.”

We might be “a little” biased, but we’re confident that when you take the time to locate and choose the right plumbing company for your home and family, Best Choice Plumbers will make the finals – and, who knows, maybe even win the honor of your trust.