How to Avoid Clogged Drains in Your Home

Clogged drains are one of the most common reasons that plumbers are called. Fortunately, you can prevent most clogs simply by paying a little attention to what you put down your drain. Read on to learn how to cut down on the number of emergency plumbing calls you have to make for drain clogs.

Take Care with Food Waste
Food is the culprit behind many clogged drains. When you’re rinsing dishes, don’t let food scraps fall into the sink. Scrape your food waste into the trashcan before rinsing. If you have a garbage disposal, you should still use your trash for large pieces of food, rice, pasta, bones, and coffee grounds, which will all clog the disposal. Place a mesh screen over your drain to catch any scraps you missed and rinse it out right away. Never put grease down your drain—it will solidify and cause clogs. Instead, put it in a plastic container to throw away.

Keep Shower and Sinks Clear
If you have a clog in a bathroom drain, then chances are that hair is to blame. Use a mesh screen on your shower drain to catch hair and clean it out regularly. If you dry your hair or brush your hair while standing over your sink, make sure to remove hair from the drain afterwards. If you don’t have a screen and see hair in the drain, pull out as much as you can and call your plumber.

Flush Wisely
Don’t use your toilet to dispose of anything other than toilet paper and sewage. Anything else you flush could clog the pipes. In addition to clogs, flushing inappropriate things can lead to toilet overflows.
If your drain is clogged, don’t use chemical clearing products, which damage pipes and won’t resolve the whole clog. Instead, call Beacon Plumbing, Heating, & Mechanical today. We offer commercial and residential plumbing services, as well as heating and furnace repair. You can learn about all of our services by calling (206) 452-4363.

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Benefits of Working with Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical

Here at Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical, we understand the importance of receiving prompt, professional service for your home or business. Plumbing issues such as leaky pipes and sewage backups are not only an inconvenience; they can also cause severe water damage and contaminate your property. That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency services all year long. We can generally have an expert dispatched to your home or business in less than 90 minutes!

Since 1999, Beacon has built its reputation as a leading plumber in Seattle and the surrounding areas by employing a team of highly trained and licensed plumbers, offering the latest plumbing techniques such as trenchless repair, and ensuring total customer satisfaction with a 1-year guarantee on all parts and labor. As a locally owned and operated plumbing company, we’re committed to building long-lasting relationships with Seattle residents based on trust and integrity.

The difference is clear with Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical. Contact us at (206) 452-4363 to receive an estimate from our plumbing experts, and be sure to follow us online to receive more home maintenance tips for saving money!

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Tips for Choosing the Right Plumber

Hiring a contractor for your home involves more than just picking up the phone book or contacting the first result from a search engine. Inviting a contractor into your home to perform major repairs can be daunting, particularly when it involves something as important as plumbing issues. Protect your home and your wallet and look for these qualities when searching for a reliable Seattle plumber:

Credentials
Above all, it is important to verify that a professional plumbing company has the appropriate licensure and insurance to protect you from any liability. Also, make sure that the company employs experienced professionals with the proper certifications. Does an “expert” plumber mean someone who has completed or is currently completing a license, or does it refer to anyone with more than two weeks of experience?
 
Experience
Any company can advertise, but an established plumbing company with a local reputation is more likely to have a wide customer base with plenty of reviews. They are also more likely to have a working knowledge of local building codes, which can vary by municipality.
 
Reasonable Rates
Different plumbing companies may charge different rates for certain jobs. Some companies will charge a flat rate, while others will charge an hourly rate. However, don’t automatically choose a plumbing company with the lowest fees—beware of any equipment costs or surprise expenses. An expert should be able to provide an accurate written estimate for any necessary repairs.

Beacon Plumbing, Heating, & Mechanical has been serving the Puget Sound area for over 14 years. We employ a staff of licensed professionals, and we are available 24/7 to meet all of your plumbing needs. From appliance maintenance to emergency repairs, we’ll provide you with quick, courteous, and cost-effective services. Just follow the link to see our customer reviews and call (206) 452-4363 with any questions.

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Preventing Washing Machine Plumbing Problems

Your washing machine probably isn’t the first appliance that comes to mind when you consider your home’s plumbing, but they do provide a valuable function nonetheless. You may not encounter many washing machine issues beyond the occasional heavy load, but any leaks or overflows could cause significant water damage.

As this video shows, you can reduce the risk of major washing machine issues with a few simple plumbing appliances. Also, by replacing the hoses every three to five years, you can avoid unexpected leaks.

Follow Beacon Plumbing, Heating, and Mechanical online for more tips on protecting your Seattle home, and click on this link to receive an exclusive online discount for your next plumbing emergency. To schedule installation or repair services from our plumbing experts, call (206) 452-4363 today.

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How to Handle a Clogged Sink or Drain

A stubborn clog can be a big nuisance in your kitchen or bathroom, but without proper precautions it’s easy to compromise your home’s plumbing and create bigger problems. Take a look at this guide to learn when DIY techniques will work and when it’s appropriate to contact a professional plumber:

Learn the Limitations of a Plunger
Plungers loosen clogs by simply moving them back and forth inside the pipes through suction power. While this works perfectly fine for minor clogs, it doesn’t necessarily get rid of the obstruction in the pipes. It may only push it further down the pipes and create a deeper clog which will likely require a plumbing snake to dislodge.

Use Drain Cleaners Sparingly
There are several types of commercially available drain cleaners that are designed to dissolve organic materials. These cleaners are extremely caustic, and while they are effective at dissolving hair and food, the strong chemical reactions in the pipes can weaken PVC pipes or even destroy older pipes made out of lead or clay. Additionally, the chemicals may harm septic system bacteria. Take care to follow directions and only use these materials sparingly with plenty of ventilation, and try green alternatives to drain cleaners whenever possible.

Know When to Call a Plumber
There’s a limit to what DIY plumbing tools can accomplish, and a deep clog may well require specialized tools and chemicals that are not commercially available. Damaging your pipes with makeshift equipment or improper drain cleaner use will only cost you more in the long run. A specialist will quickly provide you with an accurate estimate of any necessary repairs.

Your home is one of your most valuable assets, and the specialists here at Beacon Plumbing, Heating, and Mechanical can help you keep your home running smoothly and efficiently all year long. We also offer 24-hour emergency plumbing service to provide you with professional assistance when you need it most. Just call (206) 452-4363 to schedule a plumbing service appointment for your home or business in the Puget Sound area.

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A Look at Residential Re-Piping

Every homeowner is bound to encounter plumbing disappointment or problems at some point or another. When these experiences occur, residential re-piping is almost always the recommended solution.

If you live in a community with potable tap water but the water from your faucets tastes metallic and foul or your existing plumbing infrastructure is prone to leaks, professional whole-house re-piping services can rectify these problems. If you have leaky pipes or backed up sewage on your property, then you may not have any choice but to have your home re-piped.

If you think that your home could benefit from re-piping, contact the experienced plumbers with Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical at (206) 452-4363. In addition to our re-piping services, we also offer 24-hour emergency plumbing services, so contact us whenever a problem presents itself. 

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