Spring Plumbing Services That Are Often Forgotten

Male worker in professional outfit with wrench and tool belt for home services by The Meridian Company in Lansing, MI.

Spring Plumbing Services Homeowners Should Embrace

Spring is here and people can feel it! It’s always a long-awaited season, and most people are excited about springing into the new season. They want to get outside, embrace the weather, soak up the sun, host a backyard BBQ, or go for a morning run.

The spring to-do list seems to go on forever with all of the fun activities people now get to do. But hold on a second! There’s something that’s missing from that list: spring cleaning.

Spring cleaning isn’t just about decluttering the house or cleaning the windows. It also means taking preventative maintenance steps for the plumbing system, because as seasons change, new plumbing problems come along with them.

Leaking Pipes to Fix

Leaking chrome plumbing pipe with water dripping, highlighting common spring plumbing issues and maintenance needs for homeowners.Leaking pipes are one of the most common plumbing problems that homeowners will experience, and there are many things that can cause pipes to leak. During the winter, pipes can freeze and crack.

So when spring rolls around and things start to thaw, those cracked and leaking pipes become a lot more visible. Also during the start of spring, heavy rains are common. The high volume of water flowing through pipes can add pressure and cause them to crack.

Luckily, professionals have all the gadgets and technology needed to identify the precise location of a leak, so they can repair or replace that specific piping while minimizing the damage to the rest of the home, an expert way to fix a leaking pipe.

Rising Waters Cause Flooding

Flooding seems to be a catastrophe that hits a lot of cities and a lot of homes every spring. Lakes and rivers start to rise and wash over the roads, sidewalks, and backyards or basements of peoples’ homes. Flooding can damage the floors, the baseboards, the walls, the cabinets, the furniture, and more. On top of all that, it can also lead to mold growth if the water is not cleaned up quickly.

Sump pump designed to prevent flooding by collecting excess water, relevant to plumbing solutions for homeowners.

One of the best ways to prevent water from flooding into the basement or other levels of the house is to install a sump pump. The job of a sump pump is to collect excess water from the ground and around the home. When the basin fills with water, the sump pump will pump that water out. Most of these devices also come with a backup generator to keep the sump pump working and avoid flooding in the house.

Watch out for Clogged Drains

Hand holding a red plumbing wrench above a stainless steel sink, illustrating tools used for addressing clogged drains and plumbing issues.Clogged drains are another nemesis for homeowners, just like leaking pipes, and there are several outdoor factors that can cause drains to clog. The biggest cause of outdoor clogs are roots. Roots love water and will grow underground while reaching towards the plumbing pipes.

When a pipe is cracked or punctured, the roots will enter into the pipe, continue to grow in that pipe, and form a clog. Whether the clog is in an indoor pipe or an outdoor pipe, there are a few tactics that professionals will use to clear a clogged drain.

One method is to use a plumbing snake. They’ll insert the snake into the pipes and pull out the clog. Another common method is hydrojetting, which uses high-pressure water to push out any existing clogs or buildup in the pipes.

Clogged drains can quickly turn into bigger plumbing problems where water doesn’t just drain slowly but actually backs up into the sinks, showers, or bathtubs. So, even if the clog seems to be small, it’s better to take care of the situation sooner rather than later.

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical provides top-notch plumbing services in Lansing, MI. They cater to the plumbing, heating, and cooling needs of their neighbors. Their team specializes in remodeling solutions, particularly accessibility remodeling, and they understand the unique needs of the community, no matter what they need when it comes to their home comfort.

The Most Unique (And Unknown) Toilet Plumbing Tips For Homeowners

Smiling technician in blue overalls holds a red pipe wrench in a bright bathroom, representing The Meridian Company.

Are You Staying Up to Date on Toilet Plumbing?

While your plumbing system is likely something that you don’t think about too much, it’s one of the most important systems in your home and one that you rely on every day. While it’s easy to ignore your plumbing when everything is working properly, try to avoid falling into this habit. Instead, stay on top of preventative maintenance and make sure that you’re working to take care of your pipes and plumbing.

When you know how to properly take care of and use your plumbing system, it will help it to last longer. With that goal in mind, here are some tips from local plumbers to help you take better care of your bathroom and toilet plumbing.

Should You Use Toilet Cleaning Tablets?

Hand placing blue toilet cleaning tablet into toilet tank, illustrating potential plumbing issues and maintenance concerns discussed in plumbing tips.Toilet cleaning tablets can be tempting to use, as they seem like an easy way to keep your toilet clean. The reality, however, is that these aren’t great for your plumbing and can cause a number of problems. Used consistently over time, blue toilet tablets can break down essential parts of the toilet tank.

In addition, they can get stuck in the flush valve and keep your toilet from flushing properly. Finally, they give off chemicals that can impact the air quality in your bathroom and home.

To help avoid plumbing and toilet issues, it’s best to avoid blue tablets and to stick to traditional cleaners. Better yet, try using natural cleaning substances to further protect your toilet and pipes!

Remember to Only Flush Toilet Paper

One of the best things you can do to protect your toilet and plumbing systems is to only flush toilet paper. There are more and more products available that are advertised as “flushable,” yet the reality is that even these products are not good to flush, for your toilet. The same can be said for items like floss, q-tips, and even cat litter!

Man in green gloves cleaning a toilet with a plunger, emphasizing plumbing maintenance and the importance of only flushing toilet paper.

To avoid clogs in your piping system, buildups in your pipes, or a clog in your main sewer line, only flush toilet paper. This will keep your pipes running smoothly and will help to avoid any clogs or backups. It’s always a good idea to schedule a family meeting so everyone knows the best etiquette for your plumbing system.

Clear a Clog With a Bucket of Water

Bucket of water for unclogging toilets, plumbing maintenance tip, effective water flush method.This might sound like an odd tip. After all, if your toilet is clogged, the last thing you want to do is add more water and risk the toilet overflowing. However, an old plumber’s tip is to use a bucket full of water to unclog a toilet with a water bucket flush.

Simply fill a bucket with water and pour it into the toilet as quickly as possible. The rush and pressure of the water will often help to clear out the clog and enable the toilet to flush. While it might not work on the toughest of clogs, it’s generally an effective way to clear out a clogged toilet.

Hopefully, these tips will help you to take good care of your home’s plumbing systems and bathroom plumbing. If you have any concerns or plumbing issues, it’s always a good idea to contact a plumbing professional.

Work With a Plumbing Pro

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical provides high-quality HVAC and plumbing solutions for the Lansing and East Lansing communities. Their team of experienced professionals is committed to providing superior workmanship and service to every customer. Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is available 24/7 to meet all of your plumbing and HVAC needs.

Avoid Becoming a Clown By Falling For Common DIY Plumbing Mistakes

Distressed red warning sign about sewer backups from The Meridian Company, emphasizing plumbing maintenance.

Stay Away From These DIY Plumbing Mistakes

The only clown any person wants to see around their house in October is someone trick-or-treating. Homeowners that clown around with trying to fix plumbing mistakes can lead to big problems.

To avoid looking like a clown, this article will cover the three common mistakes many homeowners make when trying their hand at DIY plumbing system repairs. Not only are they easy to avoid, but there are also better alternatives that work.

Spooky Drain Cleaners

Warning sign emphasizing caution against using drain cleaners for plumbing issues, highlighting potential risks and damage to plumbing systems.Many homeowners make the mistake of immediately purchasing drain cleaners when there seems to be a clog. Drain cleaners can often cause more problems than the homeowner initially anticipated. If the liquid cleaner doesn't solve the clogging issue, there is a good chance that the trap arm will be filled with caustic, corrosive drain cleaner.

The metal traps and pipes can be damaged by too much drain cleaner, which will lead to leaks. Drain cleaners also can destroy the rubber gasket in drain line couplings. This will also lead to a leak, which will cost the homeowner a lot more money.

The easiest way to take care of a sink clog is to use a snake or a drain cleaning tool. If the homeowner is confident in their skills, they can remove the P-trap and pour out the clog themselves. Or, consider having someone look at it before making any decisions.

Over-Tightening Bolt Nightmares

Another prevalent mistake DIY homeowners make is over-tightening bolts. If the bolt is cranked too tight on a pipe, coupling, elbow or tee, the fitting is at serious risk of being cracked.

What is more frightening is that the crack may not happen right away. The excessive force will build up pressure and break the fitting weeks causing a stunning flood. No one wants to see an entire valve system break!

Pile of metal bolts emphasizing the risk of over-tightening in plumbing projects, highlighting common DIY mistakes related to plumbing fittings.

The same can be said for tightening plastic fittings on the toilet and faucet supply tubes. A supply tube can be tightened relatively easily. Homeowners are urged to be gentle with this tightening.

Results may not be shown right away, but a water leak will burst once the pressure builds up too much. The porcelain on your toilet could also be destroyed by over-tightening.

Plumbing Tape Terrors

Person applying plumbing tape to a pipe fitting, demonstrating proper technique for DIY plumbing projects related to avoiding leaks and ensuring secure seals.Many DIY homeowners make catastrophic mistakes with plumbing tape. They tend to wrap the tape counterclockwise, which is incorrect. By doing so, the tape unwinds from the thread as they tighten the fitting. The tape won't be able to seal because it won't be embedded in the threads.

It is also essential to make sure that homeowners are using the proper kind of tape. PTFE thread tape, which is commonly referred to as Teflon tape, should be used in plumbing situations. Thin white or thick pink thread should be used for fittings that carry water.

When wrapping, DIYers should wrap three times around the threads. The last wrap should face to the left as they screw the pipe into the fitting. The last wrap should never be pointing to the right. If so, it will need to be redone.

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

The most trusted name in-home services, Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical prides itself in connecting with their community through Lansing, East Lansing, and surrounding Ingham County. They believe in open communication and are transparent and honest with their customers.

Their team specializes in plumbing, heating, and cooling while always being committed to providing the best services that reach beyond their customers' expectations.