How to Determine the Right Size Air Conditioner for Your Home

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Steps to Determining the Right Sized AC System for Your Home

Whether spending the evening in the air conditioning after work is one of your favorite summer activities or you simply like to turn on the unit when the temperatures are really soaring, you need the right air conditioner for your home. Part of purchasing a unit involves selecting one that is the appropriate size.

Evaluate Square Footage

When buying an air conditioning unit for your home, you typically need to consider the square footage that you want the device to cover. In other words, you may be on the search for a window unit for the bedroom or a wall unit that will cool down the kitchen, living room, and dining room.

In order to select the proper size unit, you need to know how large these spaces are. Typically, when you purchase an air conditioner, the details will include how many square feet the unit can cool down.

Don’t Buy Too Much or Too Little

Once you have the square footage calculated, temptations to avoid buying the right size can sneak in. For example, you might think that a unit designed for more square footage will do a better job of cooling the space.

However, buying too powerful of a unit could mean that you and your family members are far too cold. On the other hand, you might want to save some money by purchasing a unit that covers a lower square footage.

This decision could mean that the living space is not properly cooled during the hot summer.

Measure the Window or Wall

Ensuring that the unit is in an accessible space for you to reach and for Spartan Plumbing to access in the event that you need AC repair is crucial.

Select a window that is easily accessible. You may also decide that you want a wall unit. Regardless of where the unit will go, you must ensure that space and the air conditioner are the right fit for one another.

Failure to do so could mean that the unit has to be returned because it is too large or because dangerous gaps exist because the air conditioner is too small.

Consider the Entranceway

Most air conditioners that go into the window or wall are small enough to fit inside a standard door.

Which is good, because the delivery team will need to be able to get it into your home. In the event that your home has particularly narrow entranceways or if the air conditioner unit is extremely large, you should certainly measure the door.

You don’t want to discover on delivery day that the brand new air conditioner is too large to fit into the home.

Calculate the Costs

The price is also typically a factor when shoppers are looking for new air conditioning units.

In addition to the actual cost of the unit that you’re purchasing, think about how energy-efficient the air conditioner is. Also, take into account the costs that may come with air conditioner repair in the future.

Looking at the full picture in terms of price can help you make the right decision. When costs are a concern, consider purchasing a unit during the off-season or during a sale.

Buying an air conditioner in the early winter months might leave you with a lower price tag than if you go shopping just as temperatures are starting to rise in the spring.

Selecting an appropriate air conditioner for your home involves evaluating a few different elements. In addition to ensuring that you can properly afford the air conditioner, you also want to make certain that the unit will keep your home nice and cool on those hot days.

What Causes Sewer Line Damage?

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What are the Common Causes of Sewer Line Damage?

All plumbing fixtures, pipes, and drains in a house are connected to the main sewer line. This is the largest and most vital component to plumbing in the entire house. Then there is also the line where wastewater from the house travels to the sewer in the street.

Just like everything else, this sewer line will eventually deteriorate due to normal wear and tear and other outside factors. Damages to the sewer line can result in leaks and flooding. In order to avoid major repair and replacement, it’s best to identify and understand the causes of sewer line damages and the red flags to watch out for.

If you are a resident of Tucson and suspect there is any problem with your sewer line, you may contact the professional plumbing technicians of Spartan Plumbing, Inc. at 520-617-1000.

Typical Causes of Damage Lines

1. Grease

Grease and other oily products are some of the major perpetrators when it comes to clogging sewer lines. These items should not be poured down the drain because, even though they dissolve in high temperatures, they harden and solidify in cool temperatures.

Running hot water after pouring the grease into the sink is not effective in completely washing it away.  For this reason, grease can quickly accumulate in sewer pipes and eventually cause blockages. In order to avoid this problem, the grease must always be put into a covered container and disposed of in the trash once it solidifies.

2. Tree Roots

Another common cause of sewer line problems is the infiltration of tree roots. In times of drought, the roots search for water by spreading throughout the ground. In their search, they often break into sewer lines. This causes sewer line damage and backups. Generally, it is not advised to plant trees near water pipes in the first place to be able to prevent costly plumbing problems, though, if you buy a home with trees already in the yard, it may not be up to you.

When this cannot be avoided, it is best to seek help from professional plumbing companies such as Spartan Plumbing. They utilize equipment that can eliminate some of the roots, but a substantial amount will likely remain. Just like pruning a hedge, this technique may actually promote more growth.

Many times, the roots could be sprayed with a herbicide that kills existing roots and suppresses future growth for around three to five years.  In severe cases of root infiltration, repair or replacement of the sewer line system may be required. However, remaining roots will still cultivate and apply pressure at the joint or crack and may result in sewer line breakdown.

3. Rust

Rust begins to appear in sewer lines as a result of constant contact with water after some time. This is not good at all. Rust can hamper the drainage of water through the pipes. It can also feed on the exterior of the pipe, which results in crack and leaks. To avoid the development of rust in sewer lines, house owners should hire an experienced plumber to conduct a sewer line system inspection once a year.

Do you smell an unusual odor in your house? Do you suspect any damage in your sewer line? It is highly recommended that you seek out the help of a professional plumbing team to ensure quality and lasting repairs for any problems that are found.

Spartan Plumbing in Tucson can help repair any sewer line damage quickly and efficiently, whether it’s caused by grease deposits, rust, or tree root infiltration.

They are a family-owned plumbing team, with almost three decades of experience in the industry. To find out more about their plumbing services, you may check out their website or contact them at (520) 617-1000.

How Long Should an Air Conditioner Last?

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How Many Years Should Your AC Unit Last?

If you’re in the market for a new air conditioning unit before summer sets in, you’ve probably been bombarded with a few questions in the process.

“How long should a standard central air conditioner last?” is a common question among most potential buyers. Most experts will give an estimate to this answer that is an average lifespan of between 10 to 15 years.

However, this is just a general answer, as many factors make an air conditioning unit durable.

Here are some various factors which can make your AC unit last up to 20 years.

The size of the unit

Experts recommend choosing the perfect size of an AC unit for your house. An undersized or oversized air conditioning unit reduces its efficiency significantly, forcing it to work more than it should. Oversized units may short cycle and fail to dehumidify your house.

Undersized units work too much to cool your home, causing them to wear out before they reach their expected lifespan. With the right size of unit for your home, your AC should last the anticipated lifespan of between 10 to 20 years.

Untimely repairs and maintenance practices

One of the best ways to ensure that your AC lives its expected lifespan is through regular, preventative maintenance and timely AC repair.

These services help to keep your air conditioning unit running smoothly and extend its life. If you overlook these services, you will find yourself frequently calling in an HVAC contractor to do repairs, spending a lot on these visits, and needing to replace the air conditioning unit sooner that you expected.

Quality of AC and installation services

You don’t have to put all your money into purchasing the most expensive air conditioning unit on the market. Quality doesn’t always mean it has to be costly.

It’s vital to take the time to research the ratings and reputation of a particular AC manufacturer and the AC model you want. Suitable air conditioning units should give satisfactory service for the intended 10 to 20 years.

On the other hand, your choice of HVAC contractor plays an instrumental role in determining the lifespan of your AC unit as well. Experts ensure a quality installation that maximizes energy efficiency so that your unit won’t wear out trying to cool your home.

These two factors go hand in hand if you want your AC to outlive its life expectancy.

Energy efficiency

Unknown to a majority of AC owners and potential buyers, the energy efficiency of an air conditioning system plays a significant role in determining how long your system will last. Older systems weren’t built to conserve energy and could be the reason why you are constantly complaining of increased energy bills.

If you invest in an inefficient system, over time these energy bills will take a toll on your finances, forcing you to look for other alternatives, like replacing the unit early.

Poor operating conditions

Where are you planning to place your air conditioning unit? The location of your unit plays an instrumental role in your system’s lifespan.

Extended exposure to harsh weather and debris leads to rapid wear and tear on the unit. Air conditioning units placed outside are vulnerable to clogs, which forces them to work harder to maintain cool temperatures in your home.

This increases the chances of damage and the likelihood that you will need AC repairs. If this occurs often, it shouldn’t be a surprise if your HVAC contractor says you need to replace your system just a few years into its service.

If you’ve been looking for air conditioning services that you can trust, Spartan Plumbing is here for you. Call us today to book an appointment and have a professional HVAC technician at your doorstep for all your AC needs.

Choosing the Right Air Conditioner Size for Your House

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Choosing the Right Air Conditioner Size for Your House

While debunking the most common myths revolving around air conditioners, experts touch on going bigger, which is often misunderstood as the better choice. Contrary to common belief, undersized or oversized air conditioning units are both detrimental to your unit’s efficiency, life expectancy, and overall performance.

So, are you looking to replace or install a new AC? What size should you go for? And what is this HVAC sizing that technicians keep mentioning?

What is HVAC sizing?

Proper system sizing involves a lot of science and calculations that HVAC technicians use to select the right AC for your home. Proper system sizing ensures optimal unit performance.

What factors determine the right size of AC for your home?

Knowing your home’s size is paramount

This is probably the most straightforward factor. Experts will suggest that you calculate the amount of square footage in your home, which helps determine the right air conditioner size that best suits it. AC manufacturers use British Thermal Units (BTUs) as a measure for cooling capacity. On average, experts recommend about 5000 BTUs for rooms ranging from 0 to 150 square feet. 6000 BTUs will serve rooms measuring anywhere above 150 to 200 square feet, and so on. Most technicians recommend allocating 25 BTUs to every square foot to arrive at the minimum BTU AC unit you should buy.

Special and professional guidance from an expert will help you arrive at the perfect recommendation. You might get tempted and under-allocate or over-allocate the BTU units, but keep in mind; smaller BTU units will struggle to reach your home’s cooling needs, causing an increase in your electricity needs and insufficient cooling of your home. Larger BTU units run for short cycles causing inefficiency and energy wastage.

Do you have existing roof insulation?

Roof insulation has a huge impact on the size of the air conditioner you choose for your home’s needs. Houses with insulation require less cooling capacity compared to units with no insulation. Excellent insulation prevents air to escape, which improves your air conditioners cooling efforts. You can easily get away with a smaller AC and enjoy maximum cooling efforts when you have good roofing insulation.

Your current location

How’s the climate in your current location? If you live in a desert, you will probably use a bigger air conditioning unit compared to someone living in a relatively cooler place. But how do you arrive at the perfect size? Your technician will help you find the best location for the AC and determine the perfect size for your home’s cooling needs.

Extra pro tips for finding the right size of AC for your home

Make use of the Manual-J technique

For the average individual, this might sound a little technical. A good technician won’t just take a look at your house and say, “Yes, you need a 4-ton air conditioning unit.” It certainly doesn’t work like that. Ask your HVAC technician to conduct a comprehensive Manual-J for your house. Good technicians will ask about your insulation, dig their heads into the attic, count the number of windows in your house, and calculate the exact number of BTUs you need to cool your home sufficiently.

Consider SEER ratings

While focusing on the right AC size for your home, factor in energy efficiency for optimal results. The higher the SEER ratings, the better.

Maintenance is paramount

No amount of proper AC sizing outruns routine maintenance and timely AC repair. Don’t forget to take care of your air conditioning unit for extended services.

We hope that this piece shines a light on choosing the right size of the air conditioning unit. For more information, Contact Spartan Plumbing to talk to an experienced HVAC technician. We are here to help you!

Ways to Lower Your Air Conditioning Bill in Tucson AZ

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How to Save on Your Air Conditioning Bill During the Summer

Summer seasons allow us to roam outdoors for beach trips, barbecue with family and friends, and don those beautiful sundresses and shorts. Unfortunately, this year, you may be limited due to the pandemic forcing you to spend more time indoors.

Spending more time indoors during the hot afternoons and nights could prompt you to use your ac unit more often, which translates into increased energy bills.

So, what do you do to lower your air conditioning energy bills? We’ve compiled some insightful tips to help you out.

Clean or replace your AC filters

Your AC unit has an air filter that sieves dirt and other impurities from moving through the air vents into your home’s circulation. Failing to replace or clean your air filters eventually causes an accumulation of dirt in the vents that will force your air conditioner to work harder.

This translates into higher energy bills. Consider replacing your air filters after a few months and cleaning them regularly to prevent rising costs from running your unit.

Change your window treatments and/or windows

Your windows and window treatments could be the root source of all your problems. Consider changing your window systems to energy-efficient pieces that allow air circulation without turning on the air conditioner.

Also, be aware of poorly sealed windows that leak air, again forcing your air conditioner to work harder to cool your home. Energy-efficient windows and curtains will prevent cool air from sneaking out and allow cool air to flow into your home.

Install a programmable thermostat

Smart thermostats are devices used to cut energy usage by automatically reducing or increasing temperatures depending on your house’s atmosphere when you are asleep or away.

You don’t have to waste energy cooling your home because you left the furnace system on during the night. Nowadays, you can even set up your preferred room temperatures using an app away from your house.

Timely maintenance

We understand that it’s easy to overlook seasonal air conditioning tune-ups and preventative maintenance. It may not be known to a majority of homeowners, but professional AC service increases your chances of detecting problems early, timely AC repair, enhancing your unit’s lifespan, and mostly ensuring it is energy-efficient.

Your contractor should inspect your air conditioner, repair and replace things that are amiss, and ensure you are set for the summer. A properly functioning air conditioner should not create any energy problems.

Only cool rooms that are occupied

The air conditioner could be overworked from cooling all the rooms in your home, including those that are never in use. For instance, your guest room or storage room don’t require the services of an air conditioner.

You could block and shut off the registers from these unused rooms and only cool rooms that are occupied. You might be surprised at how economical this tip really is.

Avoid building up heat in your home during the day

Activities such as indoor cooking, bathing in hot water, boiling water, or using the clothes dryer may generate excess heat in your home.

By nightfall, you will have a lot of heat built up in your home, forcing the air conditioner to work harder and use more energy to bring down the temperature.

On hot days, avoid heat build-up by air-drying your clothes in the sun, cooking or grilling food outside, or you could cook indoors or run the clothes dryer at night when it is generally cooler anyway.

While it’s impossible to cut energy consumption to zero when using your air conditioner, these above-discussed tips will help you slash your costs.

Have you been looking for a professional HVAC contractor to help you with your air conditioning repair, service, installation, or maintenance? Reach us at Spartan Plumbing, Heating and Cooling to book an appointment. We are your friends in time of cooling needs and we are here to help get your air conditioner running again.

Have a Sewer Line Problem or Issues? Our Experts Can Help

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When you need to hire a plumber for sewer line problems, make sure you call a company that has proven themselves able to provide excellent customer service. Make sure also, that they have experienced staff who will have your plumbing issues fixed and get your life back to normal again – FAST.

Sewer Line Problem

Signs You Need Sewer Line Repair

Check for the following: 

Inconsistent Toilet Bowl Water Level:

The toilet bowl is full of water one day; the next day, there is barely any water there. This is evidence that something might be blocking wastewater flow from your house to the city’s sanitary sewer and could lead to a backup, so you should act immediately.

Presence of Pests:

Rats and insects thrive in subterranean passages for two reasons: shelter and food. If these animals have the faintest smell of rotting food items, they will never stop coming – until you get the sewer problem fixed.

Soggy Yard:

Water pooling in your backyard tells you to check your sewer line. Tell the plumber the different locations where you saw puddles along the sewer line.

Slow Drains:

The buildup that naturally happens over time reduces the size of the drain, effectively impeding the progress of draining water.  Pouring table salt, baking soda, and vinegar down the drain would be the first step to unclog it, but if these remedies don’t work the next step is to inspect the sewer line and get your drains cleaned.

How They Will Check the Exact Problem?

Two common methods for inspection are: 

Video Pipe Inspection:

This entails pushing a miniature camera through the sewer system. As the camera travels through the pipes, the footage is displayed on a monitor. The inspection is recorded in digital format.

This method is non-destructive, as the plumber need not resort to excavation to find the issue. The information gathered will be used to identify the best approach for repair and minimize required exaction should the plumber tell you there is a need to pull out a pipe.

Electronic Pipe Locating:

Using a pipe locator, the plumber can locate underground objects by scanning the area of interest. The radio waves from the device can penetrate the surface as deep as 50 inches, depending on the ground’s composition. The device will indicate if the pipe has been found by activating an audio signal.

What are the advantages of these approaches? Simply put, knowing what the issues are – before the actual repair – will save you time and money, and eliminate the guesswork that goes with the trial-and-error approach.

How to Choose a Plumbing Service

First, check with your friends if they know an excellent plumber close by. It would be someone they highly recommend.

Also, check the internet for services that are near your location – say, within 10 miles. You don’t need one that is located far away.

After this, you want to check their rating. Don’t settle for something less than 4.5. If they are really good, you will find many favourable reviews about them. This may override their distance if they cover your area, or a referral from a friend if no one you know nearby has had major issues with their plumbing.

Is the plumber licensed and insured? If they are licensed, ask how long their license has been active. Has their license been suspended? To check this, go to the State Contractors Board. Check also with the BBB for customer complaints.

You should aim to get at least three estimates for big jobs and compare them side by side. This is not to say you should settle with the cheapest. Rather, it’s a way to see who will do the job for a fair price.

Spartan Plumbing, Inc.

One good choice for a plumber located in Tucson, AZ is Spartan Plumbing. We are plumbers who care about our craft and will give the effort required to solve your problem. With our professionals, you can be certain we will not leave until the problem is completely fixed, leaving you with nothing to worry about.

Why Use Natural Gas in My Home?

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A lot of people only consider natural gas for heating their home, especially during the cold months when energy consumption is usually high. The truth is that there are numerous uses for natural gas – all year round – that will allow households to realize significant savings on power costs. Because the commodity is generally cheaper than electricity, it is a cost-effective alternative for a households’ energy requirements.

water heater installation in Tucson by Spartan PlumbingThe US Energy Information Administration reports that over 66 million households use natural gas for their daily energy needs.

Following are 5 of the ways that these residents use natural gas in powering their home.

Cooking with Natural Gas

Many avid cooks prefer natural gas-powered ovens over electric models. This is because natural gas units offer better temperature control that allows for precise cooking.

But, accuracy is not only the factor that makes natural gas stovetops the better option. They also consume considerably less energy compared to electric ovens.

This is because natural gas heats and cools faster. Plus, newer models that eliminate the ever-burning pilots also consume around 40% less natural gas.

Heating Water

Natural gas-using households usually have a water heater. A lot of people prefer natural gas water heaters because they are more economical. For one, the price of natural gas is much more affordable than electricity.

Thus, using natural gas for your energy-consuming devices will result in energy bill savings. Natural gas-powered water heaters have a capacity of 20 to 100 gallons, which is sufficient for most households.

In addition, natural gas heats water more quickly than electricity. This may allow you to install a unit with a smaller capacity.

Cooling Your Home

While natural gas is commonly used for heating homes, natural gas can also power your AC unit. The system may initially be more expensive, preventing a lot of households from shifting to using natural gas-powered air conditioners.

However, with the massive supply of natural gas and its much lower price, gas AC units are now gaining in popularity at a steady pace.

These air conditioning units typically run at a much lower cost compared to electric-powered ACs. They will ultimately pay for themselves with the energy savings you will enjoy.

Using natural gas cooling systems would likewise lower your reliance on the grid. In case of a power outage, you can still enjoy the convenience of a cool home.

Lighting a Fire

If you want to warm up with a nice fire, without the high cost, you don’t need to gather firewood, deal with sparks, or clean out the ashes later. Instead, you can use a natural gas fireplace that is efficient and comes with none of the hassle that comes with a wood-burning furnace.

You can simply switch off the fire if you need to leave and re-light the fire when you come back. Just turn the switch on, and you can enjoy the warmth right away.

If renovating your existing fireplace to make room for a natural gas model isn’t an option, you could choose instead to buy a gas insert. You can put it in an old-style fireplace to improve efficiency while optimizing the benefits you get from using natural gas.

Drying Your Clothes

Clothes dryers powered by natural gas can save you as much as 50% in energy consumption. The units are efficient enough to allow you to finish two laundry loads for the cost of a single laundry load in an electric model. You can also finish doing your laundry faster.

Natural gas-powered dryers use a larger amount of absorbent, dry air that goes through your clothes, drying them at a much faster pace. You also have automatic shut-off and lifetime burner options, making a natural gas dryer the perfect option if you have a busy household.

There are many uses of natural gas in your home, aside from heating. If you need one installed in your home, or if you have other plumbing concerns, call Spartan Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today.

A Guide to Fix Leaky Water Heaters

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Leaky Water Heater Guide to Finding the Leak

A hot water heater is essential to your home. It makes water hot for washing hands, washing dishes, and taking showers. However, sometimes these appliances develop leaks and it’s important for you to know how to deal with this when it happens.

If you notice a leak, it’s important to look for the cause. There are rare instances in which it could be something else causing the leak and knowing what you’re looking for can help you save money.

Condensation

Condensation is a common cause of excess water in basements. You can test if this is the source of your water problem by wiping the surface of the appliance with a paper towel or your hand to see if there is water present on the outside of the appliance. If so, you may be able to fix the issue by simply putting a dehumidifier near the appliance, slightly changing the temperature it is set at, or insulating it.

Leaking Pipes

Check for leaks under the joints in the piping. Leave something to see if water catches in it under a joint. If so, you need to call a plumber at Spartan Plumbing to handle the leaky pipe.

Appliance Leaks

A leak may be coming from another close by appliance. This could be caused by water running towards your heater. If this is the case, you can fix the issue with that appliance or call a plumber to check it for you.

How to Repair the Leak

If you determine that the hot water heater has a leak, you’ll need to make sure it is repaired. This water heater repair can be done by Spartan Plumbing or you can do it yourself if you have the experience. Make sure you follow the best safety steps first though.

Turn Off Power

The first step is to turn the power to the appliance off. Switch the electrical breaker for the water heater and/or turn the gas valve off. This will prevent electrocution and other more costly problems.

Turn Off Water

Make sure you turn off the water that goes to the heater as well. Pull the shut-off switch near the heater. If you cannot access this or you aren’t certain where it is, you can turn off the main water switch.

Leaks from the Top of the Appliance

Loose Piping

If you have loose piping, there may be water on top of the appliance. This likely indicates that the fittings need to be tightened where they connect to the appliance. If there is corrosion, it will need to be replaced.

T&P Valve Problems

If your T&P valve is leaking, there will be water on the side of your appliance. The water will need to be drained from the valve. From there, investigate the locks and fittings to ensure there is no corrosion.

Leaks Coming from the Bottom of the Appliance

Drain Valve Leak

The drain valve is supposed to be watertight. If it is not, it may need to be replaced.

Tank

If there is damage to the tank itself, there will be a large leak. This is one of the most common problems for this type of appliance. In this case, the entire tank will probably need to be replaced.

T&P Discharge Pipe

The T&P valve pulls hot water and pressure from the tank. The discharge pipe is what actually removes it. If this becomes damaged, it will need to be replaced, and the valve may need to be replaced as well.

Water Heater Repairs Services in Tuscon, TX

Yearly Maintenance Tips

Checks

You can inspect your appliance every 60 days by looking at the pipes and listening for unusual noises. Make sure everything is working properly, including the valve system. After your appliance is at least three years old, you or a professional should inspect the anode rod every year and look for chipping.

Flushing

Your appliance should be flushed every six months. Check the flushed water for sediment. Continue flushing the tank until you notice no more sediment.

If you notice a problem with a leak in any of your appliances, it is best to call a plumbing expert, like Spartan Plumbing. They can located the source of the problem quickly and also address the problem right away. Call today for a consultation.

Common Causes of Toilet Clogs

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What are Some of the Reasons a Toilet Gets Clogged

Clogged toilets can result in expensive plumbing repairs. Because of this, it’s important to avoid flushing certain items down the toilet. People should also perform routine maintenance on a toilet to prevent malfunction. Learn more about issues which may cause problems with your toilet and discover how you can avoid an expensive plumbing repair.

Toilet Base Leaking

Feminine Hygiene Products

Feminine hygiene products are one of the worst items to flush down the toilet. Women should avoid flushing sanitary pads and tampons. Tampons soak up the moisture and inflate in the trap, creating a blockage. Sanitary pads are too large to fit through the trap. The best way to fix this type of toilet clog is to snake the drain. Call Spartan Plumbing at your earliest convenience if you are unable to operate a snake on your own.

Too Much Toilet Paper

Toilet paper is one of the most common reasons for a clogged toilet. Flushing too much toilet paper can prevent the material from passing through the trap. Plumbers recommend flushing the waste before the toilet paper. People should also fold the toilet paper instead of rolling it in a ball. Tissue paper rolled in a ball is often too large to fit through the trap. Many people use a plunger to fix this type of clog. Snake the drain if plunging does not work or research plumbing contractors to find professionals in your area.

Random Objects

People flush random objects down the toilet more often than you think. It’s common for people to accidentally flush objects down the toilet such as toys or jewelry, either because they don’t notice they have fallen in or because children will be children. Avoid placing objects on top of your toilets such as a toothbrush or razor. Some items might appear to flush down the toilet, but these objects often get stuck in the pipe, just out of sight, causing a clog. The best way to prevent this type of clog is to remove the object before the toilet is flushed. These types of clogs require a snake to resolve the problem.

Damaged and Old Pipes

Damaged or old pipes might be the cause of recurrent toilet clogs. Cracked or broken pipes require repair or replacement. There are a variety of things that cause a broken pipe such as wear and tear, heavy use, and severe temperature changes. Damaged pipes can decrease the flow of the drain and cause clogs. A plunger or snake is a temporary fix for the problem but the pipes need to be examined and repaired by a plumber. Broken pipes escalate into larger problems when the issue is not resolved quickly.

Unproductive Flapper

A flapper is a round gasket made of rubber that sits at the bottom of the toilet. The gasket is opened after the toilet is flushed and water enters the tank. A clog can occur if the flapper does not fully open, and waste is not pushed down the drain. If this happens, you can open the back of the toilet lid and shorten the chain link on the flush arm. The replacement of the flapper and flush arm is normal maintenance for toilets. The parts are inexpensive and easy to install.

Clogged Toilet Vent

Many toilet vents are installed on the roof. This allows the plumbing system to be filled with fresh air and replaces the vacuum of air after the water is drained. Toilets can become clogged when debris becomes stuck in the vent. Contact a plumber to remove the debris from the vent. An attempt to fix the problem on your own could result in injury or escalate into a more severe problem.

Clogged toilets require immediate attention to prevent the issue from escalating into a major problem. Many toilets can be unclogged with a plunger or snake but broken pipes and clogged toilet vents should be repaired by a plumber. Contact Spartan Plumbing today to resolve your plumbing issues.

The True Cost of Plumbing Leaks

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What is the True Cost of a Leaking Pipe in Your Home?

If you have been ignoring small leaks in any part of your plumbing system, you should go back and fix them now. Untreated plumbing issues could lead to more costly repairs later on, which may be even more expensive than the increase in your water bill.

Tucson Slab Leaks

Minor Plumbing Leaks Cost

It’s not just the big leaks you have to worry about. Even seemingly small leaks can lead to an incredible increase in your water bill.

Faucet leaks bother most people, and for good reason. The sound of dripping water is a warning that you’re wasting water and money. You probably had no idea that a drip of water per second can mean you’re paying for 9 extra gallons of water a day.

The American Water Works Association states that toilets consume 45% of the water in an ordinary household. A faulty flush valve or tank stopper causes most cases of running toilets. In this situation, the water will flow from the tank to the toilet continuously. Properly adjusting the ballcock (the round floating device that tells your toilet tank that it is full) is an easy fix in most cases of toilet leaks. A running toilet can cost you about 1 gallon per hour and up to 26 gallons a day.

Tiny pinholes in your water heater are another cause of small leaks. However, aside from the leaks they cause, it can mean you need to pay for repairs or possibly even replace a damaged water heater, as well as causing a surge in your water bill.

Copper is a durable pipe material. However, problems may occur when the velocity of water goes above 8 feet per second for cold water and 5 feet per second for warm water. Another cause of issues with copper pipes is improper pipe fitting. Fixing any of these issues early on may mean you can avoid more costly repairs later.

Major Leaks Cost

The leaks hidden beneath a wall or underground are the most serious leaks that often go unnoticed. They can either be broken or cracked. The pipes corrode or react from oxidation. Other compounds should not remain on any part of it.

Common causes also include high chlorine levels in the water, corroded rusts from the water heater, or high pH levels in the water.

These leaks can lead to repair costs for your roof, ceiling, basement, drywall, floors, and bathroom apart from the plumbing repairs.

Too much? Yes. Let’s break that down.

Shower leaks are unnoticeable. The water goes up in heightened pressure. You can lose about 10 drips per minute or 1.4 gallons of water a day from shower leaks alone. That’s a small amount.

Water quality issues damage fixtures like showers or sink taps. Replacing fixtures can cost you from $150 to $350 depending on the materials used.

But when shower leaks come with bathtub leaks leaving cracked and molded grout and caulk, you should be alarmed. It can develop mold. Mold and splashed water go into the cracks in between tiles. Mold that damages your walls may require a full renovation. It can damage dry wall from the other side and the wood behind it. You may need to get your bathroom remodeled.

Let’s get down to your drainage. Drain leaks lead to more repairs. The cracked or broken pipes in your drainage can rot your ceilings underneath the floors. It can wet, rot, and soften the wooden joists and dry wall that is attached to it.

You will have to replace your ceiling with drywall. Drywall costs $400 for a hundred square feet. A repair in the subfloor will ask you to pay around $45 per hour of labor. The joist can cost from $100 to $300 per piece.

If the bathroom flood has reached the walls, you may have to replace your walls as well.

Those repair estimates do not even include your plumbing repair costs which will vary depending on the work that is needed to be completed. Spartan Plumbing can help you deal with all plumbing leaks leaks, minor to major leaks.