Tips for Unclogging a Toilet without a Plunger

Friday, March 13th, 2020

A toilet plunger is a staple household tool. However, if you don’t have a toilet plunger and your toilet is clogged, all hope isn’t lost. There are ways to clear a shallow clog without this tool.

Follow these tips from the team at Gilbert Premier Plumbing & Drain:

Step 1 – Turn Off the Water to the Toilet

Before you do anything else, you want to stop the water from flowing into the toilet. You can do this by removing the tank’s lid and raising the float. This stops the water immediately, but you’re not done. Next, you want to shut the water off coming into the toilet. You’ll do this by locating the shut-off valve near the toilet’s base.

Step 2 – Pour Hot Water into the Toilet

This step should only be done if the water in the toilet hasn’t risen to a high level. If there’s too much water in the toilet, you need to remove the excess water. Do this using a cup or bucket. Once the water level is fairly low, warm up several cups of hot water. Do not boil the water because this can damage plastic pipes. Slowly, pour the cups of water in a little at a time and wait to see if the hot water breaks up the clog.

Step 3 – Use Surfactants

A surfactant is bar soap, dish soap, or shampoo. It’s another option for clearing clogs when hot water doesn’t work. For this to work, you want to squirt a good amount of soap into the toilet. If you’re using bar soap, break up the bar into small bits. Next, repeat the hot water method. The idea is that the soap will lubricate the clog and help it slide through the pipe.

Step 4 – Use a Wire Hanger

When the above methods don’t work, head to your closet and grab a wire hanger. Some people have success moving clogs using a wire hanger. The hanger acts similar to a drain snake. However, we do caution people to be careful using wire hangers. They can scratch up the bowl and leave behind unsightly marks.

Step 5 – Turn the Water Back On

Once you’re able to clear the clog enough for water to move freely through the drain, turn the water supply to the toilet back on. If you used surfactants to remove the the clog, you should flush the toilet several times in a row to make sure all the residue is washed away.

Plungers can clear most shallow toilet clogs, but sometimes even a plunger isn’t enough. So, while your home should have a toilet plunger, you should also know who to call for professional drain cleaning in Gilbert, AZ. When you’re stuck with a stubborn clog, call Gilbert Premier Plumbing & Drain 24/7!

Learn More About Water Heater Pans

Thursday, February 13th, 2020

Have you been told you need a water heater pan? Many people don’t have a clue what a water heater pan is or where to buy one. Luckily, we have these answers and more!

Here, at Gilbert Premier Plumbing & Drain, we know all about water heaters and what you need to do to keep your home protected from accidental leakage. In this post, we answer the most common questions about water heater pans.

What Is the Purpose of a Water Heater Pan?

The sole purpose of a water heater pan is to protect your home from water damage should the water heater leak or a pipe overflows. These pans are inexpensive and installed underneath the water heater. It’s a good investment to make to keep moisture problems from damaging your flooring.

Can I Install a Drain Pan Myself?

Installing a drain pan can get tricky. We don’t recommend DIY drain pan installation. The #1 reason we dissuade people from taking on this task is that the water heater has to be drained and set aside during the installation.

Water heaters are heavy. You don’t want to injure yourself or damage the heater during the process. It’s much better to purchase the drain pan and let a licensed plumber in Gilbert install it for you.

Is a Drip Pan Required?

It depends on city code. Some cities require residential properties to have a drip pan installed; whereas, it’s a choice in other municipalities. However, we also think it’s a good idea to install a drain pan to give you extra protection against water damage.

Should I Check on the Water Heater Often?

Although drain pans offer protection against water damage, they don’t replace regular inspections. You want to make sure you check on your water heater often to spot signs of moisture or other leakage. If a water heater is leaking, this is a plumbing problem that needs addressing right away. There could be a serious problem that requires plumbing repairs.

Schedule an Annual Water Heater Inspection

Whether you decide to install a drain pan or not, don’t forget to schedule your annual water heater inspection. Call us to schedule this service and let one of our plumbers in Gilbert come out to your home to give your water heater a thorough inspection. Stay ahead of problems and learn more about the condition of your water heater.

Call Gilbert Premier Plumbing & Drain to make that appointment today!

How Do I Find a Plumber Near Me for Emergency Repairs?

Thursday, January 26th, 2017

Find a plumber near me in Gilbert, AZ, today!While it’s possible to spend days or weeks searching for the best pediatrician or the real estate agent, when you need a Gilbert plumber for an emergency plumbing repair, you don’t have the same time to decide. You need to find someone fast who you can trust to do quality work and won’t take advantage of your situation by charging outrageous fees. At Gilbert Premier Plumbing & Drain, we’ve earned the reputation for being an honest plumbing service that is always looking out for our customers.

If you’re not in our service area and are looking for a plumber near you, consider the following when you need repairs right away.

Only Call a Licensed Plumber

It’s tempting to save few bucks and hire someone whose credentials may be uncertain. After all, they’re giving you a deal, right? The problem with hiring plumbers in Gilbert who are licensed is that you can’t trust that the work is up to industry standards or code. You also may find that the repairs don’t last, which means you’ll be paying double to fix the mistake.

Ask about Flat-rate Emergency Plumbing Repair Service

One of the problems that people run into when call for emergency plumbing service is that the company they call quotes them an hourly rate over the phone. While this may seem like a great way to choose a plumber, it’s not. Hourly rates can fluctuate, especially if you call after normal operating hours. It’s better to work with a flat-rate plumbing service that doesn’t charge by the hour or access a fee for emergency calls.

100% Guaranteed Repairs and Fast Service

The best plumbers in Gilbert stand behind the quality of their workmanship. These do this by guaranteeing their labor. If you’re not completely satisfied with the job, then it’s not a complete job. It’s that simple.

Also, when it comes to emergency repairs, you need plumbers near you who can get to your home fast. At Gilbert Premier Plumbing & Drain, we guarantee 90 minutes or less. The longer you have to wait for a problem, the worse the problem can get and that doesn’t do you any good.

If you need an emergency plumber in Gilbert, AZ, give us a call today!

 

Why Is My Garbage Disposal Leaking?

Thursday, January 12th, 2017

Garbage Disposal Repair in Gilbert, AZ, by your local plumbers.Is your kitchen garbage disposal leaking? A broken garbage disposal can make cleaning up after a meal difficult, but it is something that can easily be fixed. Garbage disposals typically leak for one of three reasons. A skilled plumber will be able to help you figure out what’s gone wrong and what you can do to fix it.

Broken Sink Flange

Are you experiencing leaking from the top of the disposal? This is most likely caused by a faulty sink flange. The flange is a seal that may loosen or corrode after years of usage. If your unit’s flange is sealed with putty, resealing with plumber’s putty should be a quick fix. Some garbage disposal flanges don’t use putty at all. These are tightened and compressed using screws. If your garbage disposal is constructed in this manner, the job is a bit more complicated. Call a Gilbert plumber to help you out.

Busted Interior Seals

Garbage disposals also have interior seals. When these break, the disposal will leak from the bottom. In this situation, we recommend buying a new unit. Luckily, garbage disposals are not too expensive and a good one can be bought for under $150.

Disconnected or Damaged Drain Lines

Sometimes a garbage disposal leaks not because the unit is broken, but the drain lines have come loose. You may experience the garbage disposal leaking from the side when this is the case. To fix this problem, take the drain lines off and reconnect them to make sure the connection is tight. If this doesn’t solve the problem, contact your licensed plumber in Gilbert, AZ, for professional plumbing repair service.

Need emergency plumbing repair service? Call Gilbert Premier Plumbing & Drain for quality workmanship and exceptional prices.

Why Worry About Sewer Line Repair and Maintenance?

Friday, October 28th, 2016

Buying a house can be a significant investment, which is why homeowners take various steps to ensure that the features of their homes are in the best condition. One of the most important elements of a house is the plumbing system. Our company specializes in providing effective plumbing solutions including sewer line repair services to residents of Gilbert, AZ. We have been in the business for many years and have gained the experience to handle any type of plumbing repair or maintenance project, whether big or small.

Sewer Line Repair by Area Plumbers in GilbertMany people realize the importance of their plumbing systems only when they develop a problem. It is important to undertake regular plumbing maintenance to prevent small plumbing problems from worsening. At Gilbert Premier Plumbing & Drain, we do not just provide plumbing repair and replacement services but we also advise our clients on plumbing maintenance.

Blocked sewer lines could be a sign of more serious plumbing problems. It is important to consider early repairs before the problem worsens; it would be more expensive and difficult to solve a plumbing problem once it worsens. Many people do not realize that even a small leak can waste significant amounts of water. Only 4000 drips make up one liter of water, which is quite a huge waste. Leaks in your plumbing system cause wastage of money and resources.

Plumbing maintenance involves checking for signs of leaks and other problems and calling a professional plumbing technician to fix the problem. It also involves inspecting and maintaining your septic system and servicing all your water-using appliances including dishwashers, waters heaters, and washing machines. Undetected leaks in a wall or under a sink can cause mold to grow, wood to rot, and pipes to corrode. These problems may cause structural damage and are a health hazard.

Call for Professional Plumbing Service!

Gilbert Premier Plumbing & Drain is a licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing company. Contact us today for sewer line repair services.