Your Toilet Bowl Parts: How Do They Work?

Leone Plumbing Toilet Bowl Parts Maintenance ServiceThe toilet is one of the busiest appliances in a home and business. A toilet gets multiple uses every single day which makes it a heavy-duty appliance. As a household or a business owner, it is very important to keep your toilet clean and working. Speaking of maintenance, how well do you know the toilet bowl parts?

The Importance Of Knowing The Different Toilet Bowl Parts

Knowing the different parts of your toilet will help you diagnose issues such as leaks, clogs, and running toilets. Sometimes, waiting for a plumber is not necessary. Thus, it is important for you to know the different toilet bowl parts and their functions. Toilet Bowl Parts Diagram By Leone Plumbing

The Toilet Bowl Parts And Their Functions

Toilet Bowl
It is a large vessel below the toilet seat that holds the water and is connected to the drain for waste disposal.  
Tank
The toilet tank is found behind the bowl which holds the water that is used for flushing. The water gets released when the toilet is flushed.
Handle
Also known as a “flush handle”, it is a lever that can be found on the upper left or right side of the tank. It triggers the water to be released when flushing.
Floor Flange
This is a pipe fitting that attaches the toilet to the floor. The job of the floor flange is not only to connect but to secure the toilet to the drain pipe.
Float
It is a device that permits the water to fill the tank and also prevents the water from overflowing.
Chain
Is a metal chain that connects the toilet lever to the toilet flapper. It allows the flapper to remain open a bit longer to allow more water to get in the bowl for better flushing.
Flapper
The toilet flapper is made of rubber which controls the volume of the water released. It also serves as a seal for the flush valve.
Wax Seal
It is a sticky wax ring that helps to form a watertight seal between the bottom of the toilet bowl and the sewer pipe.
Refill Tube
The refill tube manages the water going into the bowl. When the toilet is refilling, it trickles the water into the bowl.
Water Supply Shut-off Valve
This is a part of the toilet that controls and directs the water into the toilet. It helps to isolate and repair toilet leaks without shutting off the water supply.
Tank O-Ring Seal
It is a rubber gasket that fits between the toilet tank and bowl. It serves as a seal to prevent leaks.

Are You Having Issues With Any Of These Parts?

Fixing a toilet can be tough. When in doubt, a professional plumber can help. Contact us today for your urgent toilet maintenance needs.
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Toilet Flapper Replacement

Replacement Of Toilet Flapper by Leone PlumbingEvery household needs a well-functioning toilet. Just imagine the trouble it would bring if the toilet malfunctions! Each part of the toilet plays an important role to keep everything running smoothly. However, some parts may be left unnoticed just like the toilet flapper. The only time that it gets attention is when there are signs that are telling you that it needs replacement. So what are the signs, and how do you go about dealing with toilet flapper replacement?

What causes a toilet flapper to malfunction?

Before we talk about toilet flapper replacement, let’s first discuss what causes a toilet flapper to malfunction. Over time, a toilet flapper may wear out and can cause problems. Aside from age, flappers may deteriorate because of mold or mildew, bacterial growth, and some drop-in bowl cleaners that contain harsh chemicals.

How would you know if the toilet flapper is wearing out?

1. Through Sound
If there is something wrong with your toilet flapper, you will hear the water running continuously in the toilet tank.
2. Slow-Filling Toilet
If the water tank takes a while to fill, then it can be an indication that the flapper is deteriorating.
3. Ghost Flushing
This may sound spooky but there is nothing to be scared of. If the toilet flushes on its own or ghost flushing, it can be a result of a worn-out toilet flapper.

The impact of a failing toilet flapper on a toilet

The toilet flapper regulates the flow of water out of the tank into the bowl whenever you flush. A deteriorating flapper causes water to leak from the tank which in turn can prevent the toilet from flushing properly due to lower water pressure. Less water pressure will cause leaking or running toilets. In effect, this results in wastage of water that increases your water bill. If the signs are evident, don’t wait for the issue to get worse. This calls for a toilet flapper replacement.

Things to look at when doing a toilet flapper replacement

If the flapper is more than 5 years old, then we recommend replacing or keeping an eye on it. If you are going to do the toilet flapper replacement by yourself, make sure that you pick the correct size. If it is less than 5 years old, a simple wiping will slow down the deterioration process. Check the rubber surface and wipe out slime and debris from the bottom and flush valve seat using a clean cloth.

When to seek professional help?

Nowadays, everyone can look at the internet and do the toilet flapper replacement by themselves (DIY). For some, however, it can be uncomfortable and may lead to other toilet issues if the replacement is done improperly. If you are unsure of what to do, contact a professional to do the job! And speaking of professional help, we are here for you. For more details or help with any of your plumbing concerns, contact us today!        

Image Credit | Image by Hatice EROL from Pixabay

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The Importance of A Clean Shower Drain

Importance of A Clean Shower Drain By Leone Plumbing A clean shower drain is important for a healthy and efficient plumbing system. If you disregard any small clogs or pile up such as hair, it will accumulate and can become a serious plumbing concern to deal with. A clogged shower drain can disrupt the balance of the pressure in your plumbing system which causes the pipes to rupture. The obvious sign of a clogged shower drain is the presence of murky standing water pooling on your ankles. To maintain a clean shower drain, you need to identify the culprits that can clog your drain.

The Culprits That Causes Shower Drain Clogs

There are many culprits that can clog your shower drain. Hair is the most common cause of drain clog. Normally, people may shed 50 to 100 strands of hair per day. Hair can wrap itself with other items that can intensify the clog issue. When you shower, it produces soap scum which flows to the shower drain. Soap scum is a binder that holds together hair and other items in the drain. Aside from hair, other causes are loose towel thread, plastic fibers, and small toys (this can happen if you have a toddler) that could be washed down the drain and cause a clog.

Simple Preventive Methods For A Clean Shower Drain

Achieving that goal of having a clean shower drain is easy with preventive measures. Here are the suggested methods to prevent your shower drain from getting clogged.
  1. A Drain Cover Can Help
Small items and hair can easily get through your drain every time you shower. A drain cover can stop small items and hair to enter your drain. Leone Plumbing Clean Shower Drain Tips
  1. Minimize Oil And Grease Usage
Most shower and bath products contain oil and grease that can cause clogs. The residues from oil and grease every time you shower can build up on your drain over time. We suggest using these occasionally to avoid oil or grease getting into your drain.
  1. Routine Rinsing
If you see visible small items and hair, clear them out immediately and don’t wait for them to accumulate. Once you are done showering, you can let the hot shower water run for a few minutes.
  1. Baking Soda And Vinegar
These are natural alternatives that are less corrosive than chemical cleaners. They contain properties that can dissolve clogs. Regularly pour vinegar into the drain and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. After that, flush the drain with hot water. It’s also the same with baking soda. Pour some baking soda into the drain with hot running water. This can help clear the drain and stop odors.

For Persisting Shower Drain Clog Concerns, Consult An Expert

Do not tolerate a slowly draining shower. This can be a sign of serious plumbing concern. Call us for professional help! Contact us today.      

| Photo Credits: From FreeImages – Csaba J. Szabo, PexelsKsenia Chernaya

 
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AO Smith Hot Water Heater Proper Care And Maintenance

  AO Smith Hot Water Heater Proper Care And Maintenance Water heaters are one of the important appliances in your home that you need to maintain. As a certified AO Smith Hot Water Heater technician, we know very well how to maintain the unit. If you own an AO Smith Hot Water Heater or planning to have one, this article will help you how to maintain the unit safely on your own.

Maintaining your AO Smith Hot Water Heater

You can do the unit maintenance by yourself. But before you get your hands working, make sure that you turn off the unit before touching it. In your home’s breaker box, switch off the circuit breaker for the water heater first. After you have turned off the unit, you are good to go. Maintaining your AO Smith Hot Water Heater can be performed with these easy steps.
Check the temperature and pressure relief valve.
This should be done once a year. Annually test the temperature-pressure relief valve by discharging it quickly at least three times. While doing this, keep an eye for small leaks from the valve. If you see any drips, you need to repair the leaks or tighten the connections.
Watch out for leaks.
One of the culprits of water heater leaks is high water pressure or thermal expansion. You can control water pressure by installing a thermal expansion tank. To monitor the water pressure, you will need a water pressure gauge attached to the water heater drain valve or an outside faucet. If you find the water pressure reaches above 80 PSI, we recommend installing a pressure-reducing valve. We recommend setting the home’s water pressure to 50-60 PSI. Higher water pressure can damage your water heater and your plumbing system. Also, check the water heater flue pipe for any leaks that could result in carbon monoxide leaks. Inspection for leaks should be done every month. Do immediate repair if you find any leaks.
Check the anode rod.
This aluminum or magnesium rod should be checked from time to time and needs to be replaced if worn out. The anode rod helps in protecting the tank from leaks. To remove the anode rod, follow the instructions in your owner’s manual. You will know that you need to replace the rod if it looks slightly “chewed up” or most of the metal is gone.
Drain and Flush
Drain and flush the tank at least once a year. The first thing to do is you need to connect a garden hose to the drain valve and place the other end on a drain or outside. Using a screwdriver, open the drain valve and drain a few gallons of water. If the water looks cloudy, drain the tank until the water is clear.

Additional Maintenance and Safety Tips

Aside from routine maintenance, make sure that your water heater is not near any flammable materials such as gasoline, paint, and chemicals. Remove any combustible materials close by the unit to avoid incidents of fire. If you need urgent maintenance assistance, please feel free to contact us.
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Common Problems With Kitchen Sink Drains

  Kitchen Sink Plumbing Service by Leone Plumbing The kitchen sink drain is one of the most essential parts of your kitchen. For your kitchen to perform efficiently and smoothly, it needs to have a well-functioning plumbing system. Many homeowners are still intimidated by kitchen sink plumbing issues. It is not only inconvenient to deal with, but it can also cause serious damage to your home!

Can I fix kitchen plumbing issues by myself or call a professional?

It is important to know when to pick up the phone to call a professional and when to fix the issue by yourself. Regardless, any of these common kitchen sink drain problems can bring you much stress:
Clogged Kitchen Sink Drain
This is a common issue with any kitchen sink drain. Food and other debris may cause a buildup on your sink drain which causes foul odor and may attract insects. One way to deal with this issue is to simply pull out food waste or blockage from the drain. Using a plunger can help to pull the clog out by yourself. You can also use (non-acid-based) chemicals to dissolve clogs.  If these tactics don’t work, you need to call a professional plumber.
Leaking Kitchen Faucet
Before calling a professional, you may attempt to fix it on your own. If the leakage is coming from the base of the spout, the O-ring seal might have been worn out. Before you dismantle the faucet, turn off the water source. To locate the O-ring, pull out the coupling nut and gently coax the spout from its socket.  You can then replace the O-ring seal if it’s worn out.
Leak Under The Sink
The possible reason why there is water beneath your sink is because of a leaking drain basket. It is the area underneath the drain where water should flow into the plumbing. Leaking may happen if there is a bad connection or it is not sealed properly. This kitchen sink plumbing issue is very easy to fix by replacing the part.
Clogged Faucets
This is a kitchen sink plumbing concern that is mostly overlooked. To determine if your faucet is clogged, you need to unscrew it to the very end. You then need to pull out the strainer and check if there is any debris that is causing the obstruction. Clogs can happen when there is a build-up of mineral deposits or sediments in the internal faucet parts. You may attempt to investigate prior to calling in a professional. If not, leave it to us and we will take care of everything!

Kitchen Sink Plumbing Tips

Avoid using acid cleaner products for your kitchen sink drain that can erode the pipes. Go for an enzyme-based cleaner instead. Kitchen sink drain clogs are usually resolved using a small snake machine. Using a plunger might help, but it can be challenging due to several openings that don’t allow the plunger to get good suction.

Trust The Kitchen Sink Plumbing Experts

If the issue is out of your control, leave it to us. Contact us today and we are here to help!   | Photo Credits: Pixabay, Canva  
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How Are Sewer Cameras Used In Sewer Line Inspection?

Sewer Camera Inspection By Leone Plumbing Before the advent of sewer cameras, excavation was the only option to determine the sewer lines’ condition. Digging may leave a big mess and causes inconvenience not only to you but also with nearby residences or establishment. Today, the job becomes easy with sewer cameras. Doing sewer line inspection with a camera only needs a small entry point. The sewer camera is connected to a flexible cable, and the plumber can watch through a monitor as the gadget travels through the sewer line. Our licensed plumbers now have the ability to see the undetected problems within the sewage pipe.

Common Findings Of Sewer Camera Inspection

The sewer camera findings can help us pinpoint unseen sewer line problems such as:
Tree Roots Invasion
A single undetected crack in your sewer pipe can allow tree roots to invade your sewer line and grow into it. This will cause serious damage to your sewer line if not prevented.
Damaged Pipes
With the help of a sewer camera, unseen damaged pipes can be detected.
Bellied Sewer Line
When the sewer line starts to crumple, waste gets trapped which causes multiple blockages.
Accumulated Blockages
Over time, there can be a build-up of blockages in your sewer line. Items such as towels, feminine bathroom products, and dips in the underground plumbing due to settling dirt over the years can be detected by sewer cameras.

Types of Sewer Cameras

There are many types of sewer cameras available in the market. You can find a wide range of sewer cameras from RIDGID. We have been using RIDGID cameras for our sewer inspection. Here are some of the camera types you can find. Sewer Cameras Used By Leone Plumbing
Manual Feed Black and White Camera
This is the most basic sewer pipe camera. You will only see things black and white. But if your purpose is to only look for blockages in the line, then this is useful.
Power Feed with Either Color or Black and White Camera
This camera type automatically snakes its way through the drain and pipes whenever you press a button and put the camera down the pipe to get it started. It stops when it hits a blockage. You have the option to choose a black and white or full-color video to identify what the blockage is.
Power Feed with Color Camera and Recording Features
The camera system has a recording feature that records what the camera sees in the pipe. With this type of camera, we can further study and find a better solution to solve sewer line issues. This camera has an SD memory card that plugs into a special slot inside the main compartment of the camera’s handheld monitor.

Get Your Sewer Line Inspected

If you are experiencing sewer line issues but the cause of the problem is puzzling you, then you need to get your sewer line inspected. Contact us today to schedule a sewer line inspection. | Photo Credits: Leone Plumbing photos, Canva Actual Sewer Camera Inspection By Leone Plumbing
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