Dealing With Sewage Water Backing Up Into The Bathtub

Experiencing sewage water backing up through your bathtub is a terrible issue to deal with! It is one of the dreaded plumbing concerns for any homeowners. Sewage coming up through the bathtub not only brings unpleasant odors but also health hazards due to harmful organisms and contaminants present in the dirty water. It is important not to touch or directly have contact with the sewage water as it may cause serious illness. How do you deal with this trouble and why is it happening?

Reasons for Sewage Water To Backup

A clogged sewer line is the main culprit for sewage backing up through your tub. Your bathtub, sinks, and toilets are all connected to a single sewer line. This line carries the wastewater from your residence down to the main sewage system of the city. If this sewer line is clogged, the wastewater would back up through your drains, shower, and bathtub. There are no other passages where the wastewater would flow but back to your home! Many items can block your sewer line like: What causes sewage water backing up into the bathtub by Leone Plumbing
  • Cooking oil, grease, and fats
  • Small items, kid’s toys, and jewelry
  • Refuse or litter
  • Food waste
  • Tree roots invasion
  • Rodents
  • Hair

How to Prevent Sewage Water From Backing Up?

Early detection and treatment of clogs on the sewer line is one way to avoid sewage water backup. By taking heed of the following common signs, you can intercept the problem.
Recurring Clogs
If things get out of hand despite home remedies, it is better to leave it to the professionals than take a chance that it gets worse. Frequent clogging of drains calls for a professional plumber to work on the issue. Keep small items (kid’s toys, jewelry, and the like) away from your sink or shower drains so they won’t shoot accidentally into the drains causing clog. Simple home garbage management can also help. 
Slow Draining of Water
If the water is draining slower than expected, it’s a sign that something is clogging your sewer line. You can unclog the pipe by snaking it to break whatever is causing the blockage. If the wastewater drains smoothly, then you have successfully gotten rid of the clog. If not, then it’s time to contact a professional plumber to handle the problem.
Gurgling Noise While Draining Water
If you hear an unusual gurgling noise from your sink or shower drain when you shower, it can tell you that the sewer line is clogged. You can try using simple home remedies like pouring baking soda and vinegar or hot water to unclog the pipe. If the DIY remedies won’t work, a plumber knows what to do.

Hire A Professional Plumber To Deal With Sewage Water Backup

Free yourself from the stress of sewage water backing up into your bathtub. If simple home DIY remedies or solutions do not go well, then contact a professional plumber! At the early signs of sewer line clogs, contact Rochester, New York’s best plumbers to schedule an appointment. We are here at your service!
Read More

Fixing Low Water Pressure In Your Home

Fixing Low Water Pressure In Your Home By Leone PlumbingEnding the day with a refreshing shower is satisfying and it relieves all the day’s stress. But this moment can be spoiled with a trickle of water coming out from your shower due to low pressure. This issue does not only affect your shower but also the kitchen and the toilet. If you are getting a few drips of drinking water from your kitchen faucet or your toilet tank is slowly filling up after you flush, then it’s telling you that the water pressure has dropped.

Why Are We Having Low Water Pressure?

The most common reasons for your water pressure to drop are:
  • Clogged pipes (due to mineral deposits).
  • Corroded pipes.
  • Blocked water meter valve or damaged main city water supply pipe.
  • High water demand.
  • Malfunctioning pressure regulator.
  • Tree roots invasion on pipes.
There are practical solutions to address the issue. Let’s look at some of the ways to remedy the problem. Leone plumbing low water pressure service solution

How to Increase Your Home’s Water Pressure

Test the city water pressure. 
First, perform a test by using a water pressure gauge connected to the hose. What you will do is screw the gauge to the hose faucet. For an accurate reading, make sure that your home’s water supply and (water-using) appliances are all turned off. Normal results should be between 40 and 80 psi for residential use. If you are getting below the normal psi reading, then it’s relatively low. If you find similar results with your neighbors, then it’s a citywide issue. Contact your city’s municipal water supply to inspect and fix the problem.
Installing a pressure booster pump.
You can boost the pressure by installing a booster pump. This is ideal if you are on a public water supply and frequently experiencing low pressure.
Adjusting the pressure-reducing valve.
If your home’s main water supply has a pressure-reducing valve, then it may need a bit of adjustment. Simply loosen the locknut on the valve so it can increase the pressure.
Check your faucet and shower head for clogs.
Mineral deposits may build up over time that clog your faucet and shower head. These clogs can decrease the pressure. You can fix the issue by using simple home remedies. You can detach the shower head and faucet then soak them in a container of white vinegar for a few hours and rinse them with water. This process will naturally dissolve the mineral deposits.
Replace corroded pipes. 
The inside of the pipes becomes narrow due to pipe corrosion which prevents normal pressure. You can tell if your pipes are extremely corroded if the water coming out from the faucet is red and rusty. The best way to deal with this issue is pipe replacement.

Leave Your Low Water Pressure Concern To Us!

We understand how frustrating it can be. But we got you! Contact us right away to make an appointment.
Read More

Bubbles In The Toilet: Is There Something Wrong?

Fixing Bubbles In The Toilet by Leone PlumbingYour toilet can show unusual signs if there is something wrong with it. One sign that you should be concerned about is when you see bubbles in the toilet. If the toilet is bubbling with an unusual gurgling sound after you flush, it could indicate that there is a problem. You should not ignore these signs! Today, let’s discuss why this could be happening and potential solutions.

Why Do I See Bubbles In The Toilet?

There are reasons why you see bubbles in the toilet. If you see this initial sign with unusual rumbling and gurgling noise, then it can be for the following reasons.
Clogged Drains
If the toilet drains or the overflow openings of the toilet are clogged, air won’t flow properly. This occurs because there is no other outlet in addition to the toilet bowl, pressurized gas created by the trapped air comes out as bubbles every time you flush. This issue calls for a service of a professional plumber. A professional plumber can find and remove any objects (large or small) that are clogging the main drain pipe and the overflow openings of your toilet.
Obstruction On The Vent Stack
The vent stack is designed to be open at all times. It regulates air pressure in the plumbing system and releases exhaust gas. If the vent stack is blocked, it will release negative pressure that slows down the draining system. The common obstructions are leaves, twigs, and birds’ nests. You need to contact a professional plumber to inspect and fix the issue.
Clogged Mainline
A clogged mainline can also cause negative air pressure in the pipes which causes the odd toilet bubbling and gurgling. If the clog is in the municipal sewer line, then it is your town’s responsibility and you should not do the repair yourself.
Too Much Air In The Water Tank
If you hear your toilet gurgling every time you fill up your water tank, then it means there is excess air. You will also see bubbles in the toilet because of it. To fix this, you need to open your toilet’s filler valve and let the water drain, then refill it again. In this way, you can get rid of any excess gas inside. If the issue still persists, contact a professional plumber to avoid further complications.

Get Rid Of That Toilet Bubbling And Gurgling!

Do not let yourself be bothered by the gurgling sound and bubbles in the toilet. If your toilet is starting to bubble with a gurgling noise, call us and allow our licensed plumber to help you. Leone Plumbing Professional Fixing Bubbles In The Toilet Conern  
Read More

DIY Emergency Solutions: How To Unclog A Toilet Without A Plunger?

how to unclog a toilet without a plunger by Leone plumbingUnexpected situations can happen anytime. It may stress us but also push us to become resourceful in resolving a problem. Take it as an example if you deal with a clogged toilet without a plunger. Dealing with a clogged toilet without any tool on hand can be a nightmare! So how to unclog a toilet without a plunger? In this article, we will discuss other resources you can find at home which you can use to deal with a clogged toilet.

How To Unclog A Toilet Without A Plunger Using These 5 DIY Solutions Found At Home

Pour Hot Water
If you have a bucket (or any large containers), fill it up with hot water. Do not use boiling water or else it may crack the porcelain toilet. From the waist level, pour the hot water into the toilet bowl. As you pour the hot water, its pressure and heat can dislodge whatever is clogging your toilet.
Use A Dish Soap
Your kitchen has an available solution on how to unclog a toilet without a plunger. You can use dish soap as a quick remedy! If pouring hot water doesn’t work, add about half-cup of dish soap into the toilet. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes then flush it again with hot water. Its lubricating property can help the clogged debris to flow down easily.
Baking Soda And Vinegar
Another popular DIY solution is using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar in the clogged toilet. What you need to do is add a cup of baking soda to the toilet bowl. Next, slowly pour the vinegar into the toilet until it bubbles. The fizz may dissipate the clog through the pipe as you flush.
DIY Drain Snake Using A Wire Hanger
You can turn a wire hanger into a DIY drain snake. To do so, straighten out the wire hanger. Then, push it down and prob whatever is clogging the toilet. Though this can be effective, we do not recommend this approach as it may scratch the porcelain (do this approach at your own risk).
Use A 2-Liter Plastic Bottle
Fill the plastic bottle with warm water. You should wear rubber hand gloves when doing this since you’ll get your hands into the bowl. Once you fit the top end of the bottle into the toilet bowl, place your thumb over it and squeeze to shoot out warm water. The water pressure that it makes should displace the clog.

What To Do If The Toilet Is Still Clogged?

There are many resourceful ways how to unclog a toilet without a plunger. But there are times when DIY solutions may not do well in our favor. There might be a serious clogged issue on your toilet that needs to be dealt with by a professional. If this happens, contact us and we will be glad to help you!
Read More

Choosing The Right Water Piping Materials For Your Home

Leone Plumbing Water Piping SolutionWater piping connections are the most vulnerable part of the plumbing system. That is why you must pick the right piping materials for your home. There are many options to choose from and choosing the right pipe can be confusing. Today, let us look at the different types of pipes to find out what is best for your home plumbing system.

Different Types of Pipes For Your Residential Plumbing System

PVC Pipes
PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride pipes are mostly used for sinks, toilet drains, or waste lines. This type of water piping material is lightweight and more convenient to work with than traditional galvanized steel pipe. However, using PVC pipes is not permitted everywhere. It is better to review your local regulations before installing PVCs.
PEX Pipes
PEX pipes are best used for water supply lines. This plastic piping material is known to withstand the high pressures of your water supply. Professional plumbers are drawn in using PEX pipes since they are flexible to weave through walls, ceilings, basements, and crawl spaces. Like PVC pipes though, they are not permitted everywhere and you have to check your local regulations before installing PEX pipes.
ABS Pipes
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) pipes should not be confused with PVC pipes. They are much alike except that the ABS pipe is black and much softer. It is mostly used for drain and vent lines. This pipe is easy to install, durable, and cost-effective. The only downside is it can easily warp when exposed to direct sunlight.
Copper Pipes
Copper pipes are best used for residential water supply lines. This water piping material is durable and safer to use than other pipe materials like plastics that leach chemicals. Though it’s costly, it is fairly durable for your residential plumbing.
Galvanized Steel Pipes and Cast Iron
Cast iron pipe and galvanized steel pipe are mostly found in older homes. These types of water piping materials are best used for water supply lines, drains, and vent lines. They are known to be very durable and can last for a long time until such time it rusts. These pipes are heavyweight and are difficult to cut through. To this day, they are mostly used in commercial buildings. Water Piping Materials By Leone Plumbing

How Do I Know If I Pick the Right Pipe?

Deciding on the right pipe for your residential plumbing has many factors to consider. First, you need to know the function that the pipe has to perform and also the area where it will be installed. You also have to look at your budget. The cost of the material may affect your decision. In addition, you have to check your local building codes to ensure that the type of pipe you choose is permitted. If you come to a point where you don’t know which options to choose, you can speak to a professional plumber or contractor. Contact us right now and our team of experts can help you decide!  
Read More

When Should I Be Worried About Pipes Freezing?

Pipes Freezing Solution By Leone PlumbingPipes freezing during the winter season can bring trouble to your plumbing system. How long can your pipes stand the freezing temperature and when should you be worried about pipes freezing? Let’s talk about the issue that freezing pipes can bring and the precautions that everyone can take.

Why Do Water Pipes Freeze And Burst During The Winter?

One plumbing issue to watch out for during the winter season is the bursting of pipes. A pipe may burst if it is not able to handle the pressure that arises from freezing water. During winter, the water inside the line expands as it slowly freezes. While it gets close to freezing, the pressure inside the pipe increases. If the water pressure gets too high for the pipe to handle, it will indeed rupture! The freezing water causes the lines to contract and the weak areas of the pipe may burst. It is recommended that you get your pipes checked and repaired before the winter season.

Should I Be Worried About Pipes Freezing?

If the outside temperature is at less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit, then you should be worried about pipes freezing! Water begins to freeze as the temperature drops which causes the pipes to freeze. Cold winds can also freeze the pipes. Pipes with cracks or holes allow the cold air from the outside to blow in and may cause ice formation. Once the pipe is freezing, it is at risk of bursting, resulting in leaks and unexpected flooding. But don’t let these scenarios worry you. There are precautions that you can take to prevent your pipes from bursting.

Precautions To Prevent Pipes From Freezing And Bursting

The contraction of pipes caused by the cold weather is something that we cannot control which may cause leaks. However, there is something you can do to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Here are some of the precautions you can follow:
  • Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
  • When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe (even at a trickle) helps prevent pipes from freezing.
  • Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
  • If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, and set it to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

Protect Your Pipes From Bursting This Winter

The winter season can be fun without being worried about your plumbing system. Preventive measures can alleviate the concern you have with pipes freezing. If you’re dealing with a burst pipe or water leak this winter, just contact us and we are here to help you!
Read More