Plumbing Repair

January 9, 2023 by Warren Lentz

What to Expect During a Plumbing Repipe?

What to expect during a Repipe?

Damaged or old plumbing pipes may need to be replaced entirely. As daunting as it may seem, it can be a positive thing in your daily life. Imagine better water pressure, less worry about leaks, and better multi-device efficiency. The process of replacing your entire plumbing supply system can seem overwhelming to most homeowners. This guide tells you what to expect when re-piping your home.

Let’s start with what a repipe is. A repipe replaces all plumbing in a home. This includes running any new water supply lines in your home. An exception to this is the sewage system.

Consultation

Every medicine cabinet begins with a consultation. During this conversation, your re-piping consultant will inspect your home’s plumbing system and estimate the length of pipe you will need and the cost. They will explore your new tube options with you. The transplanting process will be explained to you and all questions will be answered in detail. We determine if there are areas in your home that are particularly important to you that you would prefer not to disturb when transplanting. Where possible, we plan a custom workaround for your home. We will provide you with a full estimate explaining the type of pipe we will install in your home and the total cost to you. You can expect a quote and a work proposal. Financing options are being examined.

Repipe Day – Prep work

Every medicine cabinet begins with a consultation. During this conversation, your re-piping consultant will inspect your home’s plumbing system and estimate the length of pipe you will need and the cost. They will explore your new tube options with you. The re-piping process will be explained to you and all questions will be answered in detail. We determine if there are areas in your home that are particularly important to you that you would prefer not to disturb when re-piping. Where possible, we plan a custom workaround for your home. We will provide you with a full estimate explaining the type of pipe we will install in your home and the total cost to you. You can expect a quote and a work proposal. Financing options are being examined.

Repipe

Repiping is the process of installing a new water pipe plumbing system. This process usually involves removing easily accessible old pipes and installing the new plumbing system. Standard re-piping projects include installing all new hot water and cold water lines from the water source to all existing faucets and fixtures. Drain replacement and accessories are not included unless specifically stated in the listing.

Installation

Now it’s time for our plumbers to remove your old broken plumbing system and replace it with new PEX or copper tubing. This in most cases includes access to rooms where you have plumbing, the kitchen, bathrooms, bar areas and the attic. In some cases, it’s better to access your lines from another room. Wisler Plumbing & Air will always make sure you move around your home with care and let you know your pipetting plan in advance.

Do you have any more questions? Call today and speak to an expert at (540) 402-9785

Finishing work

Once the new plumbing is installed and the inspection is complete, the re-piping portion of your project is complete. At this point, the expert crew makes sure that everything is working properly. The integrity of your plumbing system is tested and all connections are checked. The water is restored and the plumbing system is pressure tested and then flushed.

A professional site inspection is essential for a successful re-pipe. Once the plumbing system has been inspected and approved, it’s time to clean up the mess. It’s time to patch and repaint the holes in the wall.

You will discover all the advantages of your new sanitary facilities. Your water no longer flows through old rusty pipes, leaving you with clean, clear water. You’ll likely notice an increase in your water pressure and better regulate water temperature throughout the home. All the old plumbing that is still in your home is no longer supplying your water, they are inactive.

The re-piping process takes 1-3 days to install the new piping system. After replacing the plumbing, wall repairs are required. Unless you chose to do your own drywall repair, this would be done at the final stage of your re-piping. Touching up drywall and matching colors is an art. Our plumbers don’t patch your walls, that’s not their specialty. Usually wall repair will be done another day by our professional drywall experts after all inspections are completed. They leave your house as if we were never there. They repair the walls and adjust their color.

Most homeowners at this point breathe a sigh of relief because their house looks great and they no longer have to worry about a major leak from their old plumbing. You no longer have to use rusty water for cooking, washing and bathing.

You can enjoy your new whistles that will last for years. The PEX-a uponor comes with a 25 year manufacturer warranty. We also guarantee all work. Ask your advisor. A full re-piping may seem like a chore, but it’s a great investment in your home’s value and enjoyment.

Call (540) 402-9785 to find out how we can help you today! Wisler Plumbing & Air serves all of Roanoke and the surrounding area. We offer financing for every budget. We guarantee all work. For a starting price and unparalleled re-piping service, call us today – (540) 402-9785

December 19, 2022 by Warren Lentz

What Causes the Overflow in My Toilet?

Haven’t we all been in this situation before? You expect the bowl to empty after you flush the toilet, as has happened many times before. This time the water does not flow completely. Nothing can stop its upward movement. Your toilet overflows out of nowhere, leaving a mess on the bathroom floor.

Plumbing problems can be a big problem for any household. However, it can be a nightmare when you have to deal with an overflowing toilet. The most used object in our homes is the toilet. Although they don’t usually act, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent major water damage to your property and damage to drain pipes.

What Causes of a Toilet Overflow?

If your toilet is overflowing, you probably have a drain clog. A clog usually causes a sudden overflow when the toilet is flushed. You can sometimes spot a clog before you flush by noticing how quickly water enters the toilet bowl after you flush. If your toilet tends to clog, it’s best to keep an eye on it after each flush and listen for gurgling noises.

Typical causes for a toilet clog include:

Too much rubbish and/or toilet paper thrown out at once.
Using the toilet to dispose of bathroom waste that cannot be flushed away, including towels, tampons, cotton balls, paper, dental floss, or diapers.
Flush kitchen waste such as cooking oil, fruit and vegetable peelings, leftover meat, etc. down the toilet.
Get rid of pet waste like dog poop bags and clumps of cat litter. Even items marketed as flushable can have problems given the right circumstances.
Constipation can develop and worsen over time due to inadequate or ineffective flushing. Toilets with float or flap problems in the tank, as well as older, low-flow toilets can be to blame in this case.
Leave small children unattended in the toilet. It remains to be seen what they enjoy doing the dishes.

Keep in mind that the clog may not just be in your toilet line. This can be the main sewer line to your home or building. Check the other toilets in the row to see if this is possible.

How can I quickly prevent a toilet from overflowing?

Whatever the cause of the seizure, there are certain quick steps you should take to get it under control.

Toilet Shutoff Valve

Start by cutting off the toilet’s water source. At the rear of the toilet, locate a silver knob in the shape of a football and counterclockwise turn it. This will prevent any further water from entering the toilet and worsening the condition. When water is seen dripping from a toilet and onto a floor, homeowners frequently become agitated. Just keep in mind that turning off the water supply will stop water from running into the toilet and all over your bathroom mat.

Toilet Tank Flapper

Shutoff valves can become stuck because they are routinely ignored and left open for long periods of time. The next option is inside the toilet tank if your valve is clogged or you can’t get there for some other reason. Find your flap by lifting the top of your toilet lid. The bottom of the tank hole is covered with a rubber washer. It is possible that even with the valve slightly open, water will still flow into the bowl. To prevent water from spilling, simply press the valve with your fingertips. More importantly, it’s not a long-term solution; you probably need to replace the valve. The toilets still need to be cleaned.

Toilet Tank Float Ball

If water is still flowing at this point, you need to locate the floating ball in the socket. The floating sphere appears in the toilet tank as a large sphere attached to a pole. This ball signals the toilet to stop filling with water after flushing if the water level in the tank is high. Raise the float ball as high as possible to trick your toilet into thinking the tank is full of water. As you clean the bathroom floor and unclog the drain, find something to support the rod and use it to levitate the ball.

Should I call a plumber if my toilet overflows?

If you can diagnose a problem with your tank valve or float yourself, you can usually fix them yourself by going to your local hardware store and buying replacement parts. If you suspect your drain pipe is clogged, try clearing the drain yourself with a plunger or drain spiral.

There can be other reasons for your toilet overflowing, which can be much more serious.

These are situations that are best left to a professional plumber who can clear the worst of the clogs and also check for less common causes of clogs, such as: If clogging is a common problem in your home, we may be able to recommend a solution, from installing a new toilet to video sewer inspection and pipe repair.

If you think your toilet or drain needs immediate repairs, locate Wisler Plumbing & Air location near you to book an appointment online right now!

December 15, 2022 by Warren Lentz

As you can imagine, a sewer leak at your residential or commercial property is no picnic. Not only is it hugely unhygienic, but it’s also downright unpleasant! Hidden sewer leaks can be expensive to repair and even more costly to ignore. Unfortunately, with hidden sewer leaks, you may not know there’s a problem until you get your water bill. A water bill for hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars is a good indication that you could be dealing with a hidden sewer leak.

Is there anything worse than a broken sewer pipe? A burst sewer pipe. After that, you’ll have to deal with even more cleaning and messing up. Luckily, there are a number of techniques to spot duct leaks before they happen.

In the following post, we look at 14 telltale signs that you might be dealing with a leaky sewer pipe. Remember, always watch out for these signs and don’t hesitate to seek professional help to confirm your suspicions. Doing it too late can make the problem worse and cost more to fix.

14 Signs You Could be Dealing with a Certain Leaky Sewer Pipes:

1. Unusual Sounds

A problem with the sewage system is indicated by the sound of continuously flowing water. Check that the taps are closed and inspect the toilets. If you constantly hear dripping on the ceiling or walls, leaks in the sewage pipes could be the cause of the continuous flow in your plumbing system.

2. Moist Floor

Spongy or wet floors underfoot are suggestive signs of a sewer leak. Your plumbing system snakes through the house with a system of connections to the main sewer. If water seeps around these joints, it will damage and discolor the interior floor. A wet stain on the carpet can also indicate that hidden sewer leaks mean water is seeping up.

3. Unpleasant Odors

Mold that grows in damp rooms often creates unpleasant odors behind walls. Bacterial growth near indoor drains is made possible by leaky sewer lines. If sewage seeps into the yard through defective pipes, you can smell it outside too.

4. Cracks in Your Residential Home

Cracks in your residential’s foundation can be the result of shifting ground caused by dripping sewer pipes. When water collects in areas around leaks, it saturates the soil and undermines the structural integrity of your foundation. Sewer leaks also warp concrete sidewalks, driveways, and patios.

5. Landscape Growth

Wet, sunken patches, indicating a sewer line failure, are often present along with unusual landscape growth. However, the unhealthy bacteria found in underground sewage ultimately ruin lawns and gardens. Leaks suddenly make the grass lush in concentrated areas.

6. Rat Problems

Rats are attracted to the smell of leaking sewers, and their keen sense of smell gets them to the spot before they spot a problem. Although you don’t want rodents in your yard, their sudden presence is often an indicator that your sewer pipes are leaking.

7. Increase of the Water Bill

As mentioned above, an unusual increase in your water bill is often a sure sign that a leak is lurking somewhere. It’s normal for costs to fluctuate slightly as the seasons change, but watch out for big jumps.

8. The Water Meter Keeps Running

If all of the faucets on your property are off and all of your appliances are off, your water meter should read zero, right? If your water meter needle keeps moving, it could actually be a sign of a leak in the sewer.

9. Excess Water Collects on the Outside

It’s normal for a puddle or two to form after a downpour, but if you notice a puddle when it’s not raining, it could indicate a hidden sewage leak or a problem with your drainage system. Also watch out for sudden changes in elevation – this too could indicate a collapsed sewer pipe.

10. Noticing of Discoloration on the Walls

Often a slow leak will go unnoticed for months if hidden behind a wall. However, wet patches, dark circles or discoloration can indicate a secret leak. Another possible sign of a drain leak can be peeling or bubbling paint, or new imperfections in your wallpaper. It could also be a sign of a hidden sewer pipe leak.

11. Water Pressure Drops Off

You may notice a drop in water pressure when showering or washing dishes. This could be due to your municipal water supply and does not necessarily indicate a leak. You could have a hidden leak in your main line, however, if your water pressure at each faucet is low and the water is flowing slower than normal.

12. Your Pipes Looks Old

Simple pipe inspections are one of the best ways to find hidden problems in your home. You can find evidence of a sewer leak by quickly examining hidden pipes or under the sink (regular monitoring of these pipes can help you spot a small problem before it becomes something big). Another potential hidden problem that can be a sign something is wrong is condensation.

13. Slow Drainage

As you know, the strange slow drain can be caused by a blockage. It’s common in our showers and kitchen sinks that things like hair and food can easily cause clogs. However, if every drain is slow and shaky, there may be a bigger problem at play.

14. Water Changes Color

Your tap water should be clear, but if you have hidden leaks, it might not be. Your hidden leak may become a little more noticeable when the clear water turns brown, yellow, or green. Colored water can be an indication of a leaking pipe or rust in your general plumbing system, although it doesn’t always indicate a hidden sewage problem.

Contact Us Today

If you suspect a sewer problem, contact our team here as soon as possible. Wisler Plumbing and Air are experts that perform an array of maintenance on existing sewer systems, drain line replacement, drain cleaning, underground plumbing repair, sewer drain pipe repair, and fixing leaking sewer mains, also specializes in residential plumbing services, commercial plumbing, and trenchless sewer repairs that save time and money. We don’t install alarms, but we provide the best plumbing services in Roanoke, VA, and its surrounding areas so give us a call for a FREE Quote today!

December 12, 2022 by Warren Lentz

A frozen pipe is more likely to occur when the temperature drops. Learn everything you need to know about thawing frozen pipes in the following paragraphs.

Winter is known for heavy snowfall, cool temperatures and strong winds. However, winter can also bring costly problems, such as frozen pipes.

Exterior piles and pipes within exterior walls, as well as exposed pipes passing through unheated or uninsulated spaces such as attics or basements, are typical locations at high risk of freezing. According to the Insurance Information Institute, water and freezing damage accounts for 29.4% of all home insurance claims in the United States.

The good news is that by paying attention to the warning signs of frozen pipes, you can protect your family from unnecessary trouble and unwanted expenses.

On This blog we will tackle about:

Signs of Frozen Pipes

What Should I Do If I See Signs Of Frozen Pipes?

How Long Do Pipes Freeze?

Do Frozen Pipes Always Burst?

Do the Pipes Defrost by themselves?

How to Thaw a Frozen Pipe

Avoid Frozen Pipes

Signs of Frozen Pipes

Limited water: Did your kitchen leak tap water while trying to make coffee this morning? The lack of running water is one of the first signs of frozen pipes that most people notice.

Bulging Pipes: When water freezes, the water molecules expand and create tremendous pressure that can cause a pipe to bulge noticeably.

Gurgling noises: If your pipes start to “talk”, making popping or gurgling noises, this could be a sign of ice flowing through your pipes.

Condensation and Cracks: If you notice that a pipe is covered with a layer of condensation or has small surface cracks, it may be frozen.

Smelly Water: A sewer smell emanating from your faucets usually accompanies a frozen outdoor sewer line.

What Should I Do If I See Signs Of Frozen Pipes?

If you think pipes may have frozen, turn off the water. You can turn off the water throughout the house or just the part with the frozen pipes, whichever is easier to access.

How Long Do Pipes Freeze?

Pipes can freeze in as little as six to eight hours or overnight. Your chances of a frozen pipe increase when the outside temperature is below 32 degrees F and your pipes aren’t covered. According to the International Code Council, inner pipes are best protected as freezing usually occurs at temperatures of

Do Frozen Pipes Always Burst?

I like to say no. The flow of unfrozen water is always impeded by ice forming in the pipes.

All types of pipe, including those made from copper, steel, PVC, PEX and other plastics, are prone to freezing, with copper being the material most likely to break. Other polymers like PEX and PVC can freeze without necessarily cracking.

Do the Pipes Defrost by themselves?

Technically, “wait and watch” is dangerous. Any water that collects between the faucet and the ice as it begins to melt can increase the pressure in the hose. This build-up of pressure can cause frozen pipes to burst.

How to Thaw a Frozen Pipe

First, get a mop, bucket, and any spare towels to wipe up the drips. Water bursts quickly when a frozen pipe thaws.

The frozen pipe should then slowly increase its temperature. Frozen pipes can be reheated using a variety of techniques, such as:

Portable heater: Move away from combustible materials if necessary;
Heating cable: attach it to the pipe and plug it into a nearby outlet;
Electric heating pad: wrap the frozen hose and plug it into a socket;
Hair dryer: Slowly oscillate along the frozen section of pipe;
Towels: Soak in warm water and wrap around the frozen pipe, change when the towel cools;
If you have an infrared lamp handy, you can use it in a pinch.

WARNING: Never use open flame devices like a propane or kerosene heater or a blowtorch to thaw your frozen pipes. Never leave heat sources unattended.

Avoid Frozen Pipes

Your pipes’ ability to avoid freezing this winter can be severely affected by even a little protection. Don’t let the pipes freeze by:

Remove water from external water lines to relieve pressure;
Insulation of water pipes in crawl space, basement and unheated exterior walls;
Insulate internal pipes with sleeves to keep them above 20F;
when temperatures drop below freezing, keep the taps open, even a trickle;
Use space heaters in poorly insulated rooms or during very cold periods. In order to keep rooms warm longer after a heater has been switched off, close the room doors if possible.
Ensure basements and crawl spaces are tightly closed

Frozen pipes can be difficult to deal with. You can solve your frozen pipe problem and protect your family by adopting some good heat source habits. Never leave heaters or other heat sources running unattended. Separate them when you leave the room or retire for the night. Also, never leave children or pets to play close by.

November 19, 2022 by Warren Lentz

A loose toilet handle can ruin your mind. It can be even worse if the affected toilet is not working. Is your toilet handle loose? If yes, you are not alone. Many people have this problem at some point. Fortunately, this is an easy fix.

If you’re unable to complete any of these steps on your own, remember we’re waiting. At Wisler Plumbing & Air, our fully qualified team is always at your disposal. Whatever the cause of your loose toilet handle, we’ll fix it in no time.

How to tighten a toilet handle

Close the toilet seat cover

This will prevent getting the lid in the way and parts or tools falling into the toilet bowl.

Remove the toilet tank cover

Do this task with both hands and place it on a flat surface. If your tank is porcelain, be careful not to drop it or it may break.

Turn off the water supply to the toilet

The shut off valve is usually located behind the toilet near the base. Turn the knob either handle clockwise to stop the water flow.

Flush the toilet to empty the tank

Do this so you can have easily access to the handle and see what you’re doing.

Locate the toilet handle nut

The toilet handle nut is either the cause of a loose toilet handle. It is usually located inside the tank under the handle.

Use a wrench to tighten the toilet handle nut

Using an adjustable wrench or pliers, turn the nut clockwise until tight. Be careful not to overtighten as this may damage the handle or reservoir.

If the grip is still loose, repeat steps 5-7 until it is snug. If it’s better, congratulations.

Open the toilet water supply

Refill the tank with water by turning the shut-off valve handle counterclockwise.

Flush the toilet to test the grip

If it works well, your job is done. If the grip is still loose, there may be another problem. Don’t be devastated, follow the instructions in the next section to replace your toilet handle or contact Wisler Plumbing & Air.

How to replace a toilet handle

Know the type of toilet handle you need

Check your toilet handle for brand name, model and make. If you can’t find the information, you should get a universal flush handle at your local hardware store.

Repeat steps 1-4 from the section above

Close the toilet seat cover, remove the tank cover, turn off the water supply and flush the toilet.

Release the chain clip

Inside the toilet tank you’ll see the handle’s flush and a chain or wire attached to it. The other end of the chain is connected to a flapper valve. The clip that holds the chain in place is called the “chain clip”. solve it

Remove the mounting nut

Do you remember the mother we told you about in the previous section? That’s it. Use a wrench to remove it by turning it counterclockwise. The flush handle and attached parts should release easily. Otherwise, pull firmly but gently.

Remove the old handle

If you were able to remove the chain and nut, the old handle should come off easily. If it sticks, you may need to tilt it or use pliers.

Unscrew the mounting nut from your new grip

Usually located on the underside of the handle. Unscrew it and keep it in a safe place so you don’t lose it.

Screw on the new fastening nut

Carefully screw on the new fastening nut by hand. Do not overtighten as this may damage the handle.

Insert the new handle into the tank hole

Gently push it in until it is snug. If it’s a universal grip, you may need to trim the shank to fit.

Reconnect the cord

Tie one end of the string or wire to the new handle and the other end to the flapper valve. Make sure the chain is slack so it isn’t too tight when flushing.

Open the water supply

Refill the tank with water by turning the shut-off valve handle counterclockwise.

Flush the toilet to test the new handle

If it works well, your job is done. Congratulations!

Contact your local plumbing service, if you cannot fix your loose toilet handle

If you have followed the instructions in this article and are still having trouble with your toilet handle, please contact us. Wisler Plumbing & Ait is happy to help you troubleshoot the issue and find a solution that works for you. Call us today at (540) 483-9382 to speak to one of our friendly team members.

August 4, 2022 by James Wisler

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | RSS

Those of us who have a garbage disposal unit rely on it. Even when we travel, we’re lost if our Airbnb doesn’t have one. But still, the mysteries behind these units escape a lot of us. Sometimes they simply quit working. That may lead you to believe they’re bad for your plumbing or septic system, but are they?

The truth is that garbage disposal units are fine, as long as you understand a few things.

How To Use Your Garbage Disposal Unit

First, you need to know how you can use your unit. Some people think that just because they have one, they can use it for everything— Even clearing out the fridge. However, that’s not what garbage disposal units do.

Especially in residential settings, units should be used to collect the occasional scraps lurking in the bottom of the sink after peeling a vegetable or rinsing a dinner plate— Nothing major.

When To Use Your Garbage Disposal Unit

You also need to know how often you should use your unit. If you’re not disposing of scraps in the trash or the occasional backyard toss and instead using your unit for anything and everything, you could create a blockage in the plumbing system behind it. In many cases, the garbage disposal unit could be fine.

However, the pipe behind it may not be large enough to pass a large volume of food. If you’re not sure whether your unit is powerful enough, here’s what you need to know.

Types of Units

There are generally three sizes of residential garbage disposal units.

Half-horsepower
Three-quarter horsepower
One-horsepower.

Understand Which You Need

Half-horsepower units are fine if you use them here and there, maybe once a week. Three-quarter horsepower units have enough power to support frequent use, around a few times every week. Full-horsepower units grant you just enough power to slice food daily.

Why is horsepower so important with garbage disposal units?

If you’re using the unit very often, having the power to cut the food up very fine will be much better for the system. But no matter how powerful your garbage disposal unit is, some maintenance is essential.

Maintenance Tips

We recommend putting some ice in the garbage disposal and turning it on. That ice will knock off a lot of food buildup that sticks to your unit’s blades. We also have a BioOne product that is micro-bacterial. It eats any oil and grease. We recommend using a product like that whether you have a garbage disposal or not.

It’s beneficial for your system if you ever clean off a greasy plate or pan in the sink.

Here’s a quick tip. When dealing with drain products, consider how much it costs per application. You can get drain maintenance products and pay anywhere from $5 to $15 per application. That’s $15 out of your pocket every time you pour it down the drain.

However, our preferred BioOne product equals out to about $1 to $2 per application.

Keep Your Disposal Unit Away From Some Foods

Some foods are especially bad for garbage disposal units. As a rule of thumb, stay away from eggshells, potato skins, celery and rice.

If you need help with your garbage disposal unit or you’d like to find our preferred BioOne product, give Wisler Plumbing and Air a call at (540) 483 – 9382.