How to Prevent Halloween Plumbing Nightmares

Have you carved your pumpkin yet?  Make sure you keep the pulp away from your drains!

Pumpkin pulp is one of the biggest causes of plumbing problems during this time of year.  Here are a few tips on how to keep you drains clear while carving your pumpkin.

Tips:

• Carve Pumpkin Neatly - Carve your pumpkin over old newspapers.  If you can, try carving outdoors to prevent your kitchen from getting messy.
• Careful Disposal  - Don't let pumpkin pulp go down your drain!  Carefully dispose of it in the trash.  Pumpkin pulp can can clog sink drains, toilets and even your garbage disposal.
• Toast Seeds - Instead of disposing of your pumpkin seeds, try toasting them!  Baking them in the oven with olive oil and cinnamon can make a great snack.

For more tips on how to prevent plumbing problems this Halloween, check out this article on how to handle your pumpkin.  You can also contact our professional plumbing technicians if you experience any plumbing problems in your home.  Call 585-216-3058 to contact our office today.

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How to Prevent Flooding from Pipe Leaks and Bursts

Knowing where the shutoff valves in your home are located can help you stop a flood before your home is damaged.  Here are a few of the valves you should be able to locate in your home or apartment.

Home Water Valves:

• Main Valve - If you have metered water, the shutoff valve will be on either side of the meter.  If your home has a well, the shutoff valve will be located on the house side of the pressure tank. 
• Hot Water - Your water heater should have a valve that controls all of the hot water in your house.  
• Toilet - This valve turns off the water specifically to your toilet.  They are typically located under the toilet tank.
• Sink - The shutoff valve for your sink is usually beneath the sink or within the cabinet or vanity.  There may be one valve for the hot water and separate one for cold water.
• Dishwasher - There may be a shutoff valve under your sink or in your basement.
• Washing Machine - The valve for your clothes washer is most likely located where the house-supply line meets your washer hose.

Read more about how to prevent flooding in your home in This Old House.  You can also contact our professional plumbing technicians if you experience any plumbing problems in your home.  Call 585-216-3058 to contact our office today.

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Tankless Water Heater Benefits

Photo Source: Wikimedia

Thinking of switching to a tankless water heater?  Here are a few of the many benefits they have to offer!

Tankless Water Heater Benefits:

• Space Saver - One of the biggest draws of a tankless water heater is that they take up much less room than traditional water heaters.  
• Energy Efficient - While tankless water heaters often require a larger upfront cost, your operating costs make up for it down the line.  It costs significantly less to heat your water.  
• On Demand Water - You don't need to wait for the tank to heat the water.  Tankless systems provide hot water on demand.  You don't need to waste energy heating unused water.
• Longer Lifespan - Tankless hot water heaters last much longer than water heater tanks.  Even if you plan on moving, they may be a good investment for your home!

Read more about the pros and cons of tankless water heaters on Apartment Therapy.  You can also contact our professional plumbing technicians for more information on tankless water heaters and whether or not they are the right choice for your home.  Call 585-216-3058 to contact our office today.

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Tips to Prevent Tree Roots from Damaging Your Sewer Line

Trees are beautiful to look at, especially as their leaves change in the fall.  Unfortunately, their roots can be problematic for some homeowners.  Even a small sewer line crack can attract nearby roots that are seeking out sources of water and nutrients.  With these prevention tips, you can avoid frustration and keep tree roots from damaging your sewer line.

Damage Prevention Tips:

• Plant Small Trees - If you want to plant near your sewer line, choose small, slow-growing trees and bushes.  These plants are less likely to have roots that grow deep and puncture the sewer pipe.  
• Update Trees - If you love having fast-growing trees around your home, consider replacing them every ten years.  This will help keep the roots from growing too deep.
• Plan Your Landscape - If you are updating your sewer lines or redoing your yard, take the time to plan your landscape.  Place plants with deep roots away from your sewer lines and smaller shrubs and plants nearby.  

Check out this Angies List article for more information on how to keep roots from invading your sewer line.  

You can also contact our professional plumbing technicians if you are experiencing any problems with your sewer line in the Rochester, NY area.  We have the equipment necessary to take care of any root intrusion and also offer "No Dig" pipe lining solutions that avoid disturbing the surrounding lawn and landscape.  Call 585-216-3058 to contact our office today.

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How To Choose The Right Shower Fixture For Your Bathroom

Planning a bathroom remodel?  There are so many ways to customize your shower to create a bathroom that is both beautiful and functional.  Here are a few of the options you can choose from when picking your new shower head.

Shower Fixture Types:

• Wall Mount - This is the standard design for many showers.  They range from simple shower heads to more elaborate designs with multiple spray modes.  
• Top Mount - These shower heads are mounted directly to your ceiling.  This isa great choice if you want your shower to fall from above.
• Handheld - Removable shower heads are a popular option that performs well when washing pets and kids.  
• Shower Panels - Shower panels are highly customizable.  They deliver water pressure where you want it, whether overhead, chest-level, or knee-high.  
• Aerating - These shower heads use less water than regular fixtures.  They mix air and water to improve water pressure.

For more information on the types of the shower head choices available to you, check out this article.  

If you are looking to remodel your bathroom or you want to upgrade your shower head, contact our office.  Our professional technicians can help you create the perfect bathroom remodel by helping with all of your plumbing installation needs.  Call 585-216-3058 to contact our office today.

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Managing Common Toilet Problems

Are you experiencing any bathroom plumbing problems?  Here are a few of the most common plumbing problems that affect your bathroom toilet.

Common Problems:

• Toilet is Running - If the life chain wire is kinked or binding, it can leave your toilet running.  Your toilet may also be running if the water level in the tank is too high or the flush valve is not sealing.
• Toilet Handle is Loose - Reconnect the life wire from the handle and adjust the handle mounting nut inside the tank.  Since it has reverse threads, rotate it counterclockwise to tighten.
• Water on the Floor - The water connection to your tank may be loose.  Tighten the connection and tank bolts.  This can also be caused by condensation on the tank during the summer months.  If you see condensation, consider insulating the inside of the tank or running warm water to the toilet.
• Clogged Toilet - This plumbing problems requires either a ball or flange plunger to fix.

If you experience any plumbing problems at home or at your business, let our professional technicians take care of it for you.  We can help you diagnose and fix the problem properly the first time.  Read more about common plumbing problems here and contact our office to learn more about the services we offer.  Call 585-216-3058 to contact our office today.

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How to Handle Plumbing Emergencies

Plumbing emergencies happen when you least expect them and a fast response can make all the difference in minimizing water damage and getting your plumbing system back up and running.  Here are a few tips to help you manage plumbing problems at your home or business as you wait for our plumbing technicians to arrive.

Plumbing Emergencies:

• Flooded Basement - Basement floods are commonly caused by burst pipes or heavy rainfall.  If a pipe bursts, turn off the water valve and remove any personal items.  Repair your pipes and dry out the basement.  You should also remove any damaged sections of wall coverings, including drywall, paneling, and insulation.
• Frozen Pipes - Frozen pipes are prone to bursting.  If this happens, shut off the water and move any iced over items to a warm and dry location.  Then you can replace the section of pipe that has burst.
• Water Heater Burst - When a water heater bursts it can cause a lot of damage because the tank will constantly try to refill itself.  The first thing you should do is shut off the breaker to your water heater.  If it is gas, turn off the valve located near the heater.  Then you can shut off the water valve.  Remove any water-damaged items and dry the area.  
• Tree Roots Grow Into Sewer Line - Trees can be a great addition to your yard, but make sure that deep rooted trees stay away from your sewer lines.  Deep roots seek out water and nutrients that may leak out of cracks in your sewer line.  There are treatments that can help keep the roots away from your lines, but the only permanent solution is to keep trees planted away from the line.

Read this article from DIY Network for more tips and tricks on how to deal with home emergencies.  If you experience any plumbing problems in your home, whether it be a burst pipe or a problem with your water heater, contact AP Plumbing!  Our expert technicians can help you with all of your emergency plumbing needs.  Call 585-216-3058 to contact our office today.

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Out of the Darkness Community Walk Raised Over $69k

A big thank you to everyone who participated in the Out of the Darkness Walk this past Sunday!  We are excited that so many of you participated.  There were 706 registered participants at the Rochester event.

The Out of the Darkness Community Walks are the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's signature fundraising campaign.  The walks serve to raise awareness and funds to prevent suicide - a serious public health problem in the United States.

We are proud to have sponsored the Out of the Darkness walk in Rochester, bringing together family, friends, colleagues and supporters.  The event surpassed it's original donation goal and raised $69,054!

However, if you would still like to donate to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Rochester community event, you can do so on their website before midnight tonight.  They are also accepting walk donations until December 31st.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is the leading national not-for-profit organization dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide.  They work to prevent suicide through research, education and advocacy.  They also reach out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide.  If you are in a crisis, call 1-800-273-TALK to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Read more about the event and donate to the cause on the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website.

Don't forget to call 585-216-3058 to contact our office with any questions you have.  Like us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and Connect with us on Google+ to keep up with the latest remodeling trends and geothermal energy advances.