Have you noticed that some plumbing problems tend to arise in conjunction with summer? This is no coincidence. We examine some common summer plumbing problems: why they occur and what homeowners in Mukilteo can do about them.

Shower Drain Backups

Why are backups such a common plumbing problem in the summer? Hot weather means sweaty bodies, which means more showers. Naturally, more hair and other debris get into and block the drain. One effective way to limit solids getting down the drain is by using a mesh cover.

Toilet Backup

Our plumbing service responds more often to toilet backups in the summer. With school out and people staying inside to avoid the heat, more people are in the home more often. This means increased toilet usage; ultimately, this also leads to more backups. Remind your children to use only as much toilet paper as necessary.

Clogged Garbage Disposal

With summer comes outdoor barbecues and delicious food—lots of it. Food scraps, such as corn cobs, fruit seeds and bones end up in the garbage disposal when they belong in a regular garbage bin. The same goes for oil and grease.

Sprinkler Problems

Grass and plants can lose water and dehydrate under high temperatures. The sprinkler keeps the foliage nicely hydrated. However, the increased use also leads to more breakage of the hose and sprinkler heads. Small leaks in the sprinklers can also lead to water waste.

Summer Plumbing Problems in Mukilteo?

This is the season to address heating and plumbing problems since water usage increases dramatically. Take advantage of our special offers for big savings. Contact us at Plumbing and Heating Specialist to address common summer plumbing problems.

We Fix Summer Residential Plumbing Problems for Mukilteo Homeowners

Serving Customers in Snohomish, King & Pierce Counties, including Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Bothell, Snohomish, Shoreline, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Maltby, Lake Forest Park, Everett, Marysville, Lake Stevens & Woodway

Posted on May 17, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Ever wonder if it’s okay to flush a tampon down the toilet? Many women believe that if they don’t have a septic system, they can flush all the tampons they want. Septic systems aren’t designed for dealing with large amounts of sanitary waste, so it’s important that you don’t flush tampons down the toilet. But, even if you’re part of a regular sewer system, flushing your tampons is still a bad idea. 

Why Flushing a Tampon Down the Toilet Is Bad for Plumbing

What makes flushing a tampon especially bad? Tampons are bad for two reasons: they’re not biodegradable, and they can swell to 10 times their size when they’re soaked. This makes them a common cause of toilet backups. If you’re still tempted to flush used tampons out of habit, then consider this warning from Tampax: According to the popular tampon maker, users should never flush the tampons, the applicator, or wrapper down the toilet.

Can You Flush a Tampon That’s Biodegradable?

Some tampon brands claim their product is biodegradable. Even when that’s the case, we still recommend erring on the side of caution. Products have to pass the Brunelle Flushability Test to be considered flushable. To pass the test, the item has to be able to pass a drain’s U-bend pipe.

Here’s the problem: Even if a tampon manages to pass the U-bend it still has a series of other pipes it must negotiate. This presents plenty of other opportunities for the tampon to become stuck.

We’ll Clear a Tampon-Induced Backup

Contact us at Plumbing & Heating Specialist for plumbing maintenance or heating services. We especially recommend the latter now that winter is approaching. Our special offers make both services affordable.

Never Flush a Tampon: Plumbing Advice for Lynnwood

Serving Customers in Snohomish, King & Pierce Counties, including Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Bothell, Snohomish, Shoreline, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Maltby, Lake Forest Park, Everett, Marysville, Lake Stevens & Woodway

Posted on April 18, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Showers are refreshing, especially at the beginning or end of a long day. However, the way you bathe could adversely impact your shower’s drainage system. Let’s consider together some shower habits that can harm your shower’s plumbing.

Allowing Hair to Go Down the Drain

Letting hair go directly into your drain will eventually result in a major clog. You can prevent this from happening by using a drain cover. After you shower, remove the cover and dispose of the hair. Reinsert the cover, and you won’t need to worry about hair blocking up your plumbing system.

Taking Long Hot Showers

A hot shower can be as relaxing as a spa. However, lengthy hot showers are bad for several reasons. First, a hot shower leaves behind hot vapors that create an ideal breeding ground for mildew and mold. Limit hot showers to 10 minutes. If you have a ceiling vent, be sure to turn it on while you shower, and leave it running for a few minutes after you finish.

Using Drain Cleaner

During a shower, you might notice your drain is slow. To speed up the process, you might reach for a chemical drain cleaner. This is one of the worst things you can do for your bathroom plumbing.  Store products contain harsh chemicals and can weaken your pipes over time.

Eliminate Bad Shower Habits; Improve Your Plumbing

Many everyday actions you perform at home may inadvertently affect your plumbing or heating system. Contact us at Plumbing and Heating Specialist for special offers. Change your shower habits in Bothell; your bathroom plumbing will thank you for it.

Change Your Shower Habits to Protect Your Plumbing and Fixtures in Bothell 

Serving Customers in Snohomish, King & Pierce Counties, including Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Bothell, Snohomish, Shoreline, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Maltby, Lake Forest Park, Everett, Marysville, Lake Stevens & Woodway

Posted on March 21, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

While many people don’t drink tap water from the faucet, the water is generally safe. However, at times, you may notice a strange odor in your tap water. Is this normal and should you be concerned?

Metallic Odor in Your Tap Water

You may notice a metallic smell in the H2O. This usually emanates from mineral deposits of iron, manganese, or zinc. These might be deposits that occur naturally in most water sources. They might also come from metal particulates from the pipes or water heater. In either scenario, this is no cause for serious alarm.

However, the metallic tap water smell could also be an indication of lead. Older pipes made before 1986 contain lead, which may leach into the water as the metal corrodes. This is a safety hazard and requires immediate attention from a plumber.

Musty Odor

A musty odor isn’t as serious a concern as most people think. City aquafers acquire water from a source that contains algae blooms. While a filter prevents the algae from reaching the water supply, the algae’s residual smell may still linger. The odor isn’t harmful, but if you want to minimize the smell, try refrigerating the water before use.

Rotten Eggs

A smell of eggs gone bad is due to hydrogen sulfide gas. The gas may build up inside heaters. This is certainly the case if the smell is only present in warm tap water. We suggest flushing the heater. If the smell is present in both hot and cold water, then the odor may stem from the water softener.

We Can Eliminate Most Water Odors

Our special offers include heater and water softener cleaning and flushing. This may remove the cause of unpleasant smells. In any case, if smells accompany the tap water, give Plumbing & Heating Specialist a call. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Odor in Your Tap Water? Your Pipe & Heater Maintenance Experts in Snohomish

Serving Customers in Snohomish, King & Pierce Counties, including Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Bothell, Snohomish, Shoreline, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Maltby, Lake Forest Park, Everett, Marysville, Lake Stevens & Woodway

Posted on February 16, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Plumbers putty is like the Play-Doh you played with as a kid. It’s also a wonder item for DIYers. Indeed, the putty can temporarily fix a lot of problems. The keyword here is “temporary.” We’ll outline where and how you can fix common plumbing issues using plumbers putty in Bothell.

What Is Plumbers Putty?

Plumbers putty is a clay-like substance that plumbers and homeowners use as a quick-fix for sealing a leaky pipe. The putty is made mostly from clay with additional additives, such as fish oil, limestone, talc, and linseed oil. While the substance is non-toxic, please do not give it to a child as a toy.

Plumbers Putty Common Uses

Pipes  Have a leaky pipe? Use the putty for a watertight seal. This isn’t a foolproof solution, however, as the putty may be ineffective against high-pressure leaks.

Sinks  Use putty to create a seal around the edges of a sink for a watertight barrier. Be careful, however, not to apply putty too close to countertops. Some putties contain additives that may lead to staining.

Drains  When repairing a sink or shower drain, use putty at the bottom of the drain to create a seal and prevent leaks.

Toilets  Leaks may occur where the base of the toilet meets the tile floor. Be careful, though, not to apply the putty around the entire perimeter. This traps the water, which rots the floor.

Call a Plumber for a Permanent Fix in Bothell

Remember, plumbers putty is only intended for short-term fixes. Putty just temporarily patches up an opening while you await plumbing repairs. Our special offers include a free diagnosis, so call Plumbing & Heating Specialist to determine the source of a leak. While we love the putty and its many uses, it’s not a universal fix-it solution. We’re also ready to help you with all your heating needs. Contact us today!

Leak Repairs & Plumbers Putty for Bothell Residences

Serving Customers in Snohomish, King & Pierce Counties, including Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Bothell, Snohomish, Shoreline, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Maltby, Lake Forest Park, Everett, Marysville, Lake Stevens & Woodway

Posted on January 16, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Maybe you’re planning on a home remodel as one of your New Year’s resolutions. If so, consider more than aesthetic changes. Make some plumbing resolutions as well. Here are three we suggest for Mill Creek homeowners in 2022.

Fix Your Drains

We like to compare the plumbing system to the human body. Bad things go into both and can cause problems over time. To better care for your drains, avoid using chemical cleaners. Replace standard colander-like strainers with mesh strainers. Also, insulate the pipes if you anticipate frigid weather. It doesn’t have to snow for water in the pipes to freeze.

Switch to Energy Efficient Plumbing

This actually relates more to energy efficiency than plumbing. Make the switch to low-flow faucets and showerheads. This enables waterflow at the same pressure while utilizing a fraction of H2O.  As for the toilet, invest in a low-flow unit. Newer models have dual flush options to adjust the water used per flush.

Check the Furnace

Don’t risk a week of cold showers in the winter. Bring in a professional for a water heater inspection. This not only ensures nice steamy baths but also saves you money in the long run. A typical heater inspection costs between $80 and $150. This is a lot more affordable than a preventable heater repair, which averages between $160 and $400.

We Help You Fulfill Plumbing New Year’s Resolutions in Mill Creek

This year, commit to caring for your plumbing. Our special offers make an inspection a worthwhile investment that saves you both money and hassle. Contact us at Plumbing & Heating Specialist as part of your New Year resolves.

Mill Creek Winter Plumbing Resolutions for 2022

Serving Customers in Snohomish, King & Pierce Counties, including Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Bothell, Snohomish, Shoreline, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Maltby, Lake Forest Park, Everett, Marysville, Lake Stevens & Woodway

Posted on December 16, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Aside from hearty food, Thanksgiving is about being thankful for all the good fortunes people normally take for granted. As a plumbing service, we encourage homeowners to be grateful for their indoor plumbing in Snohomish.

Life Without Indoor Plumbing

Disease would be rampant if not for the wonders of indoor plumbing. In the Middle Ages, people simply discarded their human waste out in the open. This invited scores of disease-ridden pests and vermin. This contributed to the Black Plague, a disease that wiped out a third of Europe’s population. In Victorian-era London, residents commonly threw human waste into the Thames River, which was also the city’s drinking water. This resulted in a cholera outbreak in 1854, where more than 500 people died within the span of a week.

Some parts of the world today, such as rural India, still lack sanitation. An estimated 780 million Indians don’t have access to a running toilet. Open defecation is commonplace. India also has an abnormally high rate of polio infection. This disease spreads through contact with human feces. Other diseases attributed to poor plumbing include dysentery, typhoid fever, and hepatitis A.

People Are Living Longer Because of It

The aforementioned diseases are extremely rare in modern developed nations. This is due to the intricate plumbing system that prevents human exposure to fecal matter. People are also living longer today. While this is the result of advances in medicine and dedicated doctors, indoor plumbing also plays a relevant role in human longevity.

Give Thanks for Your House Plumbing in Snohomish

Everyday amenities like running water and home heating are all conveniences to give thanks for. Plumbing & Heating Specialist is thankful for its customers, which is why we have special offers for the good residents of Snohomish. Before you pass the dinner rolls, remember to give thanks for your indoor plumbing.

House Plumbing and Heating Maintenance Specialists in Snohomish

Serving Customers in Snohomish, King & Pierce Counties, including Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Bothell, Snohomish, Shoreline, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Maltby, Lake Forest Park, Everett, Marysville, Lake Stevens & Woodway

Posted on November 10, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

If you can throw toilet paper into the toilet, why can’t you do the same for disposable wipes? What’s the harm? While convenient, flushing disposable wipes down the toilet in Edmonds is unwise, even if the wipes are labelled flushable.

What Does “Flushable” Mean?

Disposable wipes with the flushable label simply means the wipes are small enough to fit through the drain pipes. An accumulation of these wipes can still clog drains. As far as “disposable” goes, that means you discard them—in the trash—after a single use.

We can’t tell you the number of times our plumbers have cleared a toilet clog. Want to guess what the primary source of the clog was?

Other Problems with Flushing Disposable Wipes Down Toilet

Disposable wipes are also non-woven. This means the material consists of multiple natural and synthetic fiber types, such as cotton, rayon, and plastic resins. Some of these materials are non-biodegradable or they take an exceptionally long time to fully disintegrate. This contrasts with toilet paper, which manufacturers designed to disintegrate when the material comes into contact with water.

Due to the thick fibers, wipes can trap other smaller solid debris that would otherwise pass through the pipes. This includes grease and other oils that eventually turn into solids. In time, what started as a few wipes turns into a large mass of accumulated filth. An average toilet drain pipe, by the way, is only about four inches in diameter. The buildup of solids can easily cause a backup.

We Clear Toilet Drain Pipes in Edmonds

Perhaps you’ve already thrown a few wipes into the toilet and now notice slow draining. Contact us at Plumbing and Heating Specialist to clear the backup. We also repair heaters and provide special offers on select services. Flushing disposable wipes down the toilet is tempting, but it’s not worth the long-term consequences.

Help After Flushing Disposable Wipes: Residential Drain Clearing and Cleaning in Edmonds

Serving Customers in Snohomish, King & Pierce Counties, including Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Bothell, Snohomish, Shoreline, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Maltby, Lake Forest Park, Everett, Marysville, Lake Stevens & Woodway

Posted on October 19, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

A toilet can leak from multiple places. If you notice a puddle forming around the base, it could be the result of an opening at the base. Find out why you have a toilet base leak and what you can do about it.

Causes of a Toilet Base Leak in Mukilteo

Most modern toilets have a pair of white plastic cap coverings. These cover the tee bolts that secure the toilet in place. If the bolts become loose, the toilet base will pull away from the floor and create an opening.

Another cause of a toilet base leak is a worn or loose wax ring. This is a large O-shaped ring below the base of the toilet. It’s out of sight, and you have to lift the base to locate the wax ring. The ring can erode over the years and no longer provide a firm seal.

How to Fix It

Hopefully, all you have are two loose tee bolts. If that’s the case, just break out your toolbox and tighten them. If the bolts are already secured, then the problem is probably the wax ring. You’ll need to bring in a plumber to replace the ring. We don’t recommend DIY wax ring replacement. For one, wax rings differ depending on the toilet model. You also have to apply caulking and examine the base area for possible mold growth.

You’ll also need to call a plumber if the tee bolts are rusted in place. The same applies if the bolts don’t tighten and just keep spinning with every wrench turn.

We Repair Toilet Leaks

Both new and old toilet models are capable of leaking. Fortunately, we provide special offers for toilet repairs and reinstallations. Contact us at Plumbing and Heating Specialist if you have a water intrusion of any kind. We fix all leaks, from heater leaks to toilet base leaks.

Toilet Base Leak Repair in Mukilteo

Serving Customers in Snohomish, King & Pierce Counties, including Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Bothell, Snohomish, Shoreline, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Maltby, Lake Forest Park, Everett, Marysville, Lake Stevens & Woodway

Posted on September 21, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Do you live in an older home? By older, we mean homes built in the mid-1900s and earlier. Construction methods have vastly improved since then. The same goes for the plumbing. Here are some of the common plumbing problems older homes  in Lynnwood experience and what to do about them.

1. Galvanized Pipes

Homes built prior to 1970 contain galvanized iron pipes. The surface contains zinc, which is prone to corrosion. As the pipe corrodes, it affects the water pressure and could also cause water discoloration. We recommend replacing galvanized pipes with modern PEX pipes.

2. Bad Sewer Lines

Older homes have a plumbing system that has remained connected to the sewer line for at least half a century. The long timeframe means that soil shifting and root intrusion has probably occurred. This can adversely impact the pipes’ connection to the city sewer line.

3. Pipe Bellies

Soil shifting can also cause pipes to bend out of shape. This is called a pipe belly. The bend creates a dip that can cause water to settle at the sagging point. Eventually, this leads to a backup.

4. Lead Service Lines

A lead service line connects the residential pipes to the municipal sewer lines. As suggested in its name, older lead service lines contain lead, which can leach into the water. If an inspector confirms the presence of lead, you’ll probably need to install a filtration system or a new line.

We Repair Plumbing Problems in Older Homes

We recommend periodic inspections if you reside in an older residence. Contact us at Plumbing and Heating Specialists for special offers. Plumbing problems in older homes occur quite frequently and require professional intervention.

Repairing Plumbing Problems in Older Homes in Lynnwood

Serving Customers in Snohomish, King & Pierce Counties, including Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Bothell, Snohomish, Shoreline, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Maltby, Lake Forest Park, Everett, Marysville, Lake Stevens & Woodway