Do You Need a Plumber to Install a Garbage Disposal?

If you want to add a garbage disposal to your kitchen sink or need to replace your existing equipment, you may want to hire a plumber. While garbage disposals are simple in design, they do require electricity and must be installed into your plumbing. There are some DIY homeowners that can tackle this job, but considering the possible problems that can occur, most people are better off hiring a professional.

Consequences of Poor Garbage Disposal Installation

Garbage disposal installation is not overly complicated, but it does require meticulous observance of each step of the process. If one aspect is not completed correctly, you could be facing problems down the road. Some of the consequences of poor installation of your garbage disposal include:

  • Improper or failed function
  • Clogs in your plumbing
  • Leaks that can cause extensive water damage
  • Electrical shock

Unless you are confident of your plumbing and mechanical skills, it is best to leave installation of a new or replacement garbage disposal to a plumber. They can ensure you get the right type of disposal for your needs and perform a professional installation. This can ensure that the equipment is properly fitted within your plumbing to prevent leaks and function as needed to help reduce clogs from food debris.

If you are ready to install a new garbage disposal, contact a local plumber to discuss the best options for your needs. They can help you choose the right horsepower, design and model for your kitchen, then install it professionally to ensure that you get the best performance. It can save you time and trouble in the future, a worthwhile investment to prevent plumbing problems.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.
106-M Oakgrove Road
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441

When Does a Clogged Sink Require a Plumber?

Clogged sinks or drains are a common problem, and many can be a DIY fix. Grease, hair, soap and food are common causes of sink drain clogs, creating a blockage in your pipes. While you should try to avoid clogs by limiting what goes down your drains and using drain strainers to catch common clog-culprits, most households experience some sink clogs. When you are facing a tough drain clog, you need to know when to call in a plumber to fix your problem.

DIY Clogs Fixes

A slow draining sink usually occurs before a complete clog. This is the best time to try to fix your sink yourself. Often, you can use a plunger to loosen the clog if it is close to the sink drain and effectively clear the pipe. Another safe solution is to use baking soda and vinegar to clear the clog – pour a pot of boiling water down the drain then a ½ cup of baking soda. Wait a few minutes, then pour a cup of vinegar and a cup of hot water down the drain and cover it. Wait about 10 minutes and then flush the drain with a pot of boiling water.

When a plunger or the vinegar/baking soda trick does not work, you may need the drain “snaked.” This is best performed by a professional plumber that has the right equipment and can carefully remove the clog without harming your plumbing. In some cases, the clog may be too far down the pipe, even in your sewer line, and may need to be removed with hydro-jetting. Contact your local plumber if you experience a tough clog to have it inspected and removed.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

Excessive Mold In the Bathroom? Check for Leaks

Bathrooms are prone to mold, with most bathrooms having three or more water fixtures creating moisture. However, most mold can be easily controlled with regular cleaning and an exhaust fan when running a shower or bath. If you are constantly fighting pink, black or other molds growing in your shower, walls or behind your toilet, you may have a plumbing problem. When mold becomes excessive in your bathroom, it can be a sign of a plumbing leak.

Where to Look for Bathroom Plumbing Leaks

Most bathrooms are fairly small, so finding a plumbing leak should not be too difficult. However, you may be surprised that a leak can occur, but still is not obvious. Here are some common places leaks can form, creating excessive moisture and mold:

  • Under the sink. A small drip under the sink may not be enough to pool or puddle, but it can evaporate and cause humidity in your bathroom. Look for condensation on your sink’s pipes and any signs of water or moisture damage under your sink.
  • Toilet sweating or leaking. Does the tank of your toilet “sweat” or have condensation? You may have a toilet that has a slow leak or needs tank hardware replaced. Water around the base can mean the seal needs to be replaced.
  • Drips in the shower. Even a mild drip in your shower or bathtub can cause enough excess moisture to excel mold growth. Fix drips and leaky faucets with a call to your local plumber.

If you cannot find a leak, it is possible there is a slow leak in a wet wall that is not visible. Contact a plumber to find and fix any leaks to help protect your home and minimize your mold problem in your bathroom.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

Avoiding Electrical Shock During Plumbing Problems

When a pipe bursts, your drains backup or a major leak occurs with your plumbing, it can cause serious risks to your home. Water and mold damage can cause extensive damage to your home, but there is a more pressing risk to your health. Plumbing leaks can put you and your family at risk for electrical shock. Know how to handle plumbing problems to protect your family from risk of injury caused by electrical shock.

Everyone knows electricity and water are a dangerous combination. When a plumbing problem leaks water into your home, it is important to understand the risk for electrical shock. Even a small leak can create a electrical shock risk that can cause serious injury and even death. If the floor is wet, or water gets inside an electrical fixture like a ceiling fan or outlet, it can pose a risk of shock.

What to Do if You Have a Plumbing Leak

It is best not to risk the chance of electrical shock if you have a plumbing leak in your home. Even touching a light switch that has been affected by the water leak can cause a shock. If you can access your fuse box, shut off power to the rooms affected to protect against shock. Also shut off the main water valve to your home to prevent further water leaks in your home. Then, make a call to your local plumber company for an emergency plumbing repair.

Never try to remedy a major plumbing leak yourself. Electrical shock is a real danger whenever water is leaking into your home. Call a professional to protect yourself from injury and your home from additional damage when you have a plumbing problem.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(404) 973-2471