Worried About Your Plumbing this Holiday Season? Take Steps to Avoid These Headaches

Nothing can take the merriment out your holiday celebrations than having to deal with untimely plumbing mishaps. The holiday season creates an extra element of risk as temperatures can get much colder, creating the potential for frozen pipes.

The good news that simply taking a few minutes to do a little preventative maintenance, either before you hit the road for your holiday travels or before your holiday company arrives, can prevent a lot of plumbing problems from happening.

You Need a Working Sump Pump

You may not even think to maintain your sump pump, but rest assured that this is one piece of equipment that you need to be in tip-top shape. Make sure the area around the pump is free and clear of debris that would keep it from working properly. To test its functionality, pour a few buckets of water in the sump pit. If it’s working well, it should switch on automatically. If it doesn’t, get it fixed right away.

Mind the Thermostat

Although it is perfectly ok to turn down your thermostat if you are going to be away from your home for a period of time, never set it lower than 55°F. Any cooler will created potentially risky conditions for frozen pipes.

Double Check Faucets

After you’ve been on the road, it is recommended that you circulate through your home and check that water is flowing freely from all of your faucets.

If you should discover that there isn’t water coming out of any of them, you might be dealing with a water supply issue.

If a single one isn’t flowing, it could be the indication of pipe damage sustained from a frozen pipe. Get it looked at by your plumber.

Deal With Exterior Faucets

It is essential that hoses are removed from exterior faucets. You need to drain any remaining water. Any pooling water in hoses or faucets can freeze and then pose a threat of flooding inside your home. That’s why as an extra safety measure, turn the safety shut-off valve off inside, which will prevent water from entering that route.

Insulate Pipes with Foam

Pipes that are vulnerable to the cold are more susceptible to freezing. Prevent this from happening by wrapping them in simple, but effective foam insulation. Pay special attention to pipes that are installed in exterior walls and in areas of your home that are less insulated (like the basement, garage or crawl spaces). Leave cabinet doors open under sinks that are installed on outside walls.

Insulate the Water Heater with a Jacket

Part of keeping your pipes from freezing is making sure that you’ve got access to warm water all the time. Most new hot water tanks come insulated. If you have an older tank, or if you want to be extra energy efficient, invest in a water heater jacket.

For more help with your holiday plumbing preparations, call Peterson Plumbing today. Call (970) 399-7063 today for trustworthy service in Grand Junction, CO and the surrounding area.

Home Improvement Projects to Complete Before the 4th of July

Preparing Your Home

With the 4th of July weekend just around the corner, its time to get your home ready for the star-spangled celebration.

There is no better time for all those home improvements you have been dying to get done.

Your home should be up-to-date before you host your friends and family. So here are a few home improvements projects that you can tackle.

Clean the deck

A clean deck is the rich, inviting hallmark of your yard. A sparkling clean, well-maintained deck can be very inviting.

Other than the fresh look, cleaning your deck maintains the integrity of the wood and provides a longer deck life.

It is, therefore, important you make sure that your deck is safe and clean before the holiday weekend.

On that account, there is no better time to give your deck a thorough cleaning as the 4th of July weekend approaches. Here are simple steps to cleaning your deck.

Step 1 – Preparation

Prepare to clean your deck by getting rid of anything that could get in your way. Remove all the potted plants and the patio furniture. If you have fragile plants in the ground near your deck, cover them lightly to protect them from any potential disturbance.

Step 2 – Sweep your deck

Simply get rid of debris by sweeping them into a trash bag. Use a slender tool to remove any debris that is trapped in between the deck boards.

Step 3 – Hose off/power-wash your deck

Wash the surface of your deck using your garden hose with a spray attachment. Aim directly at the muddied spots using the highest setting on the sprayer to remove as much dirt as possible. Rince your deck, beginning at one end and continuing until the entire deck is rinsed.

Step 4 – Cleanse your deck

Use a solution of water and a laundry detergent or a commercial cleaner. Apply the solution to the deck and scrub it using a push broom or a long-handled brush with stiff bristles. Rince off the deck with plain water to remove the cleaning solution.

Step 5- Bleach

If your deck has algae or mildew growth bleach it with a solution of 1 part bleach to 4 parts water. Allow the bleach to sit for 10-15 minutes depending on how old the growth is. Scrub the area once again and rinse it clean.

Persistent areas will require a second bleach scrub. Allow the area to dry before treating it again. Allow your deck to dry completely before applying a sealant. It may take 2-3 full days to dry.

Step 6 – Reseal your deck

Purchase a wood sealer based on your preference and needs. A good sealer should include a waterproofing agent that offer your deck a year-round protection. Follow the directions on the sealant as you apply it.

Step 7- Redecorate

Once your sealer has dried off, go ahead and replace your furniture along with your potted flowers or any other items you wish to keep.

Clean Outdoor Grills

The memorial weekend offers the most pleasurable time to barbecue. But have you cleaned up your grill? To clean a gas grill, turn the heat to maximum, close the lid and leave it on for 25 minutes. Wait until it has cooled down to clean the racks with a grill brush. For the exterior, clean with warm water or a gentle cleanser.

To clean a charcoal grill, empty the old charcoal and ashes and wash the entire grill with hot water and dishwasher soap. Allow it to dry completely.

Clean your windows

Windows naturally light and brighten your home and have a significant effect on how people perceive your home. They also affect the overall heat efficiency of your home.

To self-clean your windows, invest in a good squeegee that has a long handle. You can use soapy water or glass cleaner, whatever you preference may be. You can also schedule a window cleaning service for a thorough and a convenient clean.

Check Your Outside Faucets

Winter is over! It’s time to turn your outside faucets on to wash and spray off the patio, clean your windows and run water for yard work purposes in the preparation for the 4th of July holiday.

As you enjoy this time in your yard, be sure to take all the necessary steps to guarantee you don’t end up with a flooded basement that could cause a costly mess. Outside faucets are prone to freeze damage, and it’s important to make sure that they are in good working conditions. Turn on the outside faucet and let it run while you go back inside the basement to check for any leaks.

Check Your Air Conditioning

Summer extends throughout the month of July. Therefore, The 4th of July celebrations are at the peak month of summer. Check to see that your air conditioning is cooling properly before your weekend holiday.

Schedule an inspection for your home’s central A/C system. Remove debris on your window units and clean the filters before turning them on. Also, clean the blades of your ceiling fans with a damp piece of cloth.

Lawn Care Tips

During the 4th of July celebrations, the weather is usually nice and sunny. At this time of the year, you need to prepare your lawn for the fun and traffic of the holiday weekend. Here are a few care tips that will get your lawn in shape for the holiday.

• Lawns love the sun: clean all leaves, debris or branches from your yard.
• Fill up all bare spots with an early germinating seed after raking up all the dead grass.
• Test your soil for nutrients, PH, and mineral levels to learn what your soil is deprived oand add the recommended amount.
• Core aerate your lawn to open the soil for healthier plants.
• Apply fertilizer to enhance plant growth.
• Have your sprinkler system up and working.

The staff here at Peterson Plumbing in Grand Junction, CO has the experience you can count on, so call us today at (970)-399-7063 to receive the expertise you need before making one of the largest investments in your life.

Garbage Disposal Smelling Funky? Release the Odor with These Five Tips!

Do you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen sink? Are you noticing a smell that you just can’t get rid of? Is that odor growing to the point that you don’t like to be in your kitchen and your family members are beginning to complain? Are you wondering if your kitchen will ever return to normal? If you’ll be able to walk in without holding your nose?

If you are having garbage disposal odor issues, you certainly are not alone. Garbage disposal odor is a common problem for many homeowners across the country – and it has to do with the natural collection of different foods and materials in your garbage disposal.

The good news is that every garbage disposal can get that fresh smell once again with a few simple, inexpensive tricks. Best of all, the odors often can be addressed with natural home remedies. Continue reading our quick guide of the top five tips for getting rid of odor in your garbage disposal, and begin smelling freshness once again!

Tip #1: Release Odors with H20

Before you run out to the store to spend money you could save on a garbage disposal cleaner, try a few natural remedies that just might do the trick.

Sometimes food particles are caught in the disposal, and they just need a little loosening. To do this, run hot water down your drain for a few minutes while the disposal is on. Leave the kitchen for about 15 minutes and return to test the air with your nose.

Tip #2: Throw in a Few Cubes

Fill your disposal with ice cubes. Turn on the cool water and then the disposal. The crushing of the ice in the disposal acts with an abrasive force and helps to freeze food particles that are lingering in the disposal.

Continue this process for a few cycles. Leave the kitchen for about 15 minutes, and then return to take a whiff. If needed, you can repeat this process again.

Tip #3: Whip up a Kitchen Concoction

You also can try the home remedy of using baking soda and vinegar in your disposal. Measure about a half cup of baking soda, and dump it into your disposal. Follow with about a half cup of vinegar. Let your concoction sit in your garbage disposal for a few minutes, and then turn on the hot water to flush it away.

With these three natural home remedies for combating odor in your garbage disposal, you’re also naturally cleaning your disposal and protecting it from any corrosive commercial cleaners that may damage your disposal over time.

Tip #4: Don’t Underestimate the Power of Citrus

If water and ice aren’t doing the trick, you can deploy the power of citrus in your drain. Chop up a lemon or an orange into small chunks. It is Okay to leave the peel on these fruits, but the key is to chop the fruit into small chunks so your disposal does not get overwhelmed.

Turn on the water once again, as you never want to run your garbage disposal without the water running, and then drop the fruit chunks into the disposal, one piece a time until all of the pieces have been ground. If after you’ve tried these tips, you still have a smell lingering in your disposable, then you may want to consider a biodegradable disposal cleaner that is made for garbage disposals.

Never use drain cleaning products such as Drano in your garbage disposal. These products are made for drains, and the chemicals used in them may quickly corrode the garbage disposal’s parts.

Tip #5: Avoid Putting These Objects in Your Disposal

Sometimes education about your garbage disposal is everything. Some people don’t know that certain foods have a way of naturally clogging your garbage disposal and getting stuck. When enough of those food particles get caught in your disposal not only do you have a clogged disposal and likely clogged pipes connected to the disposal – but you all have trapped food particles that begin to rot and to smell.

Before you flush something down your disposal, think twice. Avoid foods such as potatoes, bananas, rice, pasta and beans. These foods have the tendency to expand when grounded up in a disposal, creating a clog that is difficult to overcome. Also, avoid stuffing into your disposal any kinds of fibrous foods – such as onion skins, celery, asparagus, corn husks, artichokes, lettuce, and carrots. These foods have a tendency to get wrapped around the blades of your disposal.

You also should avoid pouring grease, oils and fats into your disposal, as these liquids solidify and not only start to smell but will begin clogging your drains. Finally, egg shells and any non-food items are an absolute no-no. A garbage disposal is a powerful appliance –- but it’s not a landfill for your kitchen. Use wisdom and know what you can and cannot put down your disposal to avoid a clog and a resulting odor that fills your beautiful kitchen and makes it an unpleasant place to be.

Ready to take on those pesky odors in your kitchen? Remember these five top tips as you are working in your kitchen and trying to understand how your garbage disposal works and should be maintained over time.

With a little know-how and a few simple tricks, you’ll be able to keep your garbage disposal in working order and you’ll be able to keep your kitchen smelling fresh for weeks to come. The power is in your hands – literally – and you’ll feel great knowing you fixed the problem at hand. For the tougher plumbing issues, call in the experts to help you solve your garbage disposal problems.

Learn more about how the experts at Peterson Plumbing in Grand Junction, Colorado can help you with your plumbing issues by calling (970)-255-8430.

As the popularity of adult wipes grows by the day, so does the price of plumbing repairs across the country. Though adults consciously buy wipes labeled as flushable, the reality is that these wipes are anything but biodegradable.

Millions of dollars worth of sewer issues result in flushing these wipes. In fact, cities are fighting back by trying to pass bills that the wipe companies must label their products as harmful to pipes, drains, and sewers.

The wipe industry is a 13.2 billion dollar a year industry. These wipes were not only created as a means to clean yourself after using the bathroom, but are marketed as makeup removers, hand sanitizers, and household cleaners.

Wipes are part of an expensive business and the producers will stop at nothing to get you to buy their products.

These non-woven cloths get stuck in pipes and sewer machinery. The cost of toilet repair and drain cleaning has resulted in countless individuals suing the wipe industry. Cities have partaken in these lawsuits as well. Why do these wipes clog so many drains, though?

Why have people realized the problems with flushing baby wipes, but not by flushing adult wipes? There is a multitude of reasons as to why these products clog drains, why people are more inclined to flush these, and how DIY wet wipes are better solutions than the other marketed wipes.

Why Not Throw Them in the Trash?

People adapted to throwing baby wipes in the trash because of the warnings on the labels and simply because it is part of the parenting process. Though babies produce the same type of waste as adults, there is a taboo placed on adult waste. In fact, grown people are appalled at the thought of throwing their own wipes in the trash. Actually, adults rarely keep a pail for wipes in the bathroom.

Of course, all of the blame cannot be placed on the people who use these wipes. The products are marketed to be safe, and the wipe companies market their products as making people cleaner, healthier, and less inclined to contract illnesses. These false advertisements clearly result in huge consequences for the plumbing industry.

Why These Wipes Do Not Flush

It is no secret that when a piece of toilet paper becomes the least bit wet, it begins to break down. Regardless of toilet paper thickness, the product was designed to biodegrade simply because failure to breakdown would result in astronomical plumbing issues. Wipes, on the other hand, are entirely too thick to be thrown in a toilet.

The chemicals on wipes are designed to handle messier situations, but the same chemicals make the wipes less biodegradable. Yes, the wipes breakdown, but not quick enough to avoid clogs. Even if your household does not need a toilet repair or a drain cleaning, the sewer system of cities most certainly will as a result of flushing these products.

It is important to note that even toilet paper can clog a drain. If this specially designed product can do this, what are these wipes really doing?

Wipes are usually advertised as being very durable. The conclusion to be drawn from this, though, is that they are harder to break down. Of course, one cannot see into a drain by just flushing the toilet, so they are unaware of the growing problem and continue to flush. The clog grows bigger in size and collects anything else that gets flushed.

DIY Wet Wipes

Making your own wet wipes can be done in many ways and are far safer for the plumbing system in your house and in the city. The most common way to make this product is by taking a roll of toilet paper, and soaking them in a container of baby shampoo and baby oil. The regular thickness of toilet paper is present and results in fewer clogs as the product is easily biodegradable.

If you are making your own wet wipes for cleaning, swapping out the toilet paper for paper towels is okay. Soaking them in miscellaneous, natural cleaning fluids results in a safe cleaning product. It is still not recommended that these products are flushed, but the material of paper towels is more biodegradable than traditional wipes.

In conclusion, the cheap price put on certain household objects is not worth the underlying cost that they entail. Millions of dollars are spent each year to clean sewer machinery and household drains. Environmental issues are associated with flushing nontraditional items like wipes as well.

DIY projects are cost effective and safer in circumstances such as these. Local senators have been in the process of passing bills to ensure that the public knows the dangers of flushing wipes disguised as being safe.

We provide drain cleaning and toilet repair services in the Grand Junction, CO area. Call Peterson Plumbing at (970) 399-7063 today.

Plumbing problems are very common in many Grand Junction homes. You are likely to call the plumber more times that you would call any other professional for repairs. Any plumbing problem, however small it may seem, could mess your life. You can fix some minor problems. However, get a professional plumbing contractor to handle complex and small problems that keep recurring.

The quality of the work done depends on professionalism and other qualities as stated below.

Make Sure Your Plumber is Licensed Bonded and Insured

You should hire a plumber who is licensed to work in your town. The license is a confirmation that the plumber is genuine and is qualified to work on plumbing problems. The license number is conspicuously printed in the advertisements on the vehicle and in all formal communications that you shall have with the plumber.

Plumbers have access to your private life as they work at systems deep into the house. You need a guarantee that your possessions, as well as you, are safe with the plumber in the house. A bonded company guarantees that you are safe as well as your possessions.

Plumbing is a risky job that may lead to injuries and damage to the property. You do not want to be held responsible when a worker gets injured while repairing your water systems. Thus, only hire plumbers that have valid liability insurance. The policy pays for damages and repairs to your home that arises from the actions of the plumber as well as medical bills and related costs arising from injury to the worker or any other resident.

Experience is Essential for Quality

Apart from the license, the experience possessed by a plumber matters a great deal when it comes to the quality of work. Experienced plumbers have most likely than not tackled all the common plumbing problems at home at some point in their career. Thus, they are more likely to give a lasting solution. On the other hand, an inexperienced plumber may be using trial and error method while looking for solutions that could apply to your plumbing problems. An experienced plumber may be a little expensive, but he is worth the added cost.

It is important to ask for a few references to ascertain the experience of a firm. Request for a list of a few clients that have been served by the firm in the recent past. You may call one or two clients to get firsthand information on the quality of work. Expect to hear a few complaints on the way. It is okay to have one or two complaints. However, ask if the problems were resolved. A test of competency is to address customer complaints promptly.

If you have large projects, consider asking for the technical team credentials along with copies of the professional organizations that they belong with the quotation. Ask the plumbing firms to bid for the projects and include the relevant information. This way, you will be able to vet every single plumber that will be working on your project.

Understand Your Plumbers’ Pricing Structures

Different plumbing firms have different pricing structures. Some charge a flat rate (that does not increase with extended time). Others charge an hourly rate and some may add a contingency fee. An hourly rate may be expensive if the repair work goes beyond the expected number of hours. Request a breakdown of the costs into areas such as the materials, and labor among others.

A professional plumber must come to your home and conduct a survey of the job at hand before giving you quote. This helps avoid cutting corners should the cost of the repair go over and above the estimated costs.

Request to know the terms of pay. There are plumbers that request for pay beforehand. Others will set milestone before asking for pay especially if they are working on a large project. A large number would accept to be paid on completion. Consider all the points along with the final cost and select the best.

Response Time is the Difference Between a Good Plumber and a Great One

Sometimes you will need a plumber to fix emergency problems such as pipe bursts and blocked toilets. Consider having a phone number of an emergency plumber who you can reach at any time when there is a plumbing emergency. It is recommended that you hire plumbers within your locality to reduce the distance covered to your home. Besides, you may look at the customer reviews on a reputable plumbing contractor in your area. Pick firms that have positive reviews on timeliness. Quick service may save you from a lot more damage that may be caused burst sewerage or water piping system.

Pay Attention to Guarantees and Warranty

Many professional plumbers in Grand Junctions guarantee their work, but not all. A plumber may guarantee for the hardware or/and the workmanship, so it’s important to be clear on the details before making your choice. Ask if the selected plumbers offer a written guarantee agreement for the work done. It is much easier to follow up if something happens during the warranty period with a written agreement that the verbal agreement.

Material guarantees mostly come from the manufacturers and passed over to you. An authorized parts dealer many get such a warranty for you.

Be keen on the guarantees provided by the plumber. He or she may guarantee the labor but not the hardware or vice versa. This means that you will be forced to pay for either labor or materials in case of a breakdown.

If you have a plumbing problem in your Grand Junction home, consider hiring a professional plumber rather than attempting repairs by yourself.

For professional, quality plumbing services in Grand Junction, CO contact Peterson Plumbing at any time of the day or night. You can reach us at 970-399-7063!

Your water delivery and drainage systems are constantly relied upon to keep your Grand Junction home fully functional. Drinking, bathing, washing dishes, doing laundry, washing your hands, washing the floor, and sending waste water out of the house as sewage all depends on your plumbing working correctly.

Most of the time, few even think about their pipes, connections, and fixtures, but when plumbing problems suddenly arise, it is almost always urgent.

The specialized knowledge necessary to fix malfunctioning pipes often merits calling in the professionals, and most people who call the plumber meet him with at least a question or two about the cause of their problem or how to prevent it in the future. Ten of the most common questions plumbers hear from their customers, along with a corresponding answer, are listed below:

1. What Causes Drains to Clog?

The answer to this can vary. In the kitchen, it is often a matter of major food particles getting stuck in the drain. In the bathroom, it is frequently a slower buildup of oily residues from soaps and shampoos, mixed in with hair.

If your drain is severely clogged, it is a good idea to call in a plumber who can thoroughly remove the obstruction. To prevent future clogs, you simply need to be careful what you let go down your drains.

2. Why Do Faucets Drip?

A dripping faucet is often caused by a simple washer wearing out, which can be slowed down by closing the faucet gently instead of hard. Other times, the internal mechanisms have broken down or rusted and may need to be repaired or replaced.

A dripping faucet is both a nuisance and, in the long run, a major waste of water. While it is tempting to neglect their repair, it is wiser to attend to it promptly.

3. Why Do Pipes Leak?

Some of the most common reasons for pipes to leak include

• The house’s foundation shifts
• Frequent or severe temperature changes
• Uneven water pressure
• Clogs obstructing the water pathDeteriorating fixtures at the joints

If you see rust or lime deposits on your pipes, it is likely a leak is developing. It may be best to have your pipes inspected to prevent a minor problem from growing into a major one. Water damage from leaky pipes can be quite costly.

4. Should I Be Concerned About a Running Toilet?

The simple answer is “yes.” A running toilet will waste a lot of water, costing up to a hundred dollars a year. A toilet runs because some working part has broken or been moved out of position. It could even be that the whole flush mechanism needs to be replaced.

5. What Should I Do About a Jammed Garbage Disposal?

If your Grand Junction home garbage disposal is stubbornly jammed, you should call in the professional to inspect and fix it. It is very easy to damage the motor or to hurt yourself when trying to tackle this project as an amateur. In most cases, the jam can be eliminated quickly with the right tools and expertise, but there are times when internal damage requires parts or the whole unit to be replaced.

6. Why Does My Faucet Bang When I Turn It Off?

Usually, hearing a banging noise every time you shut off the faucet indicates a bad washer is allowing too much pressure to jolt the pipes. Sometimes, this can be easily fixed. Other times, it may take an expert to make the necessary adjustments.

7. What Causes Sump Pumps to Fail?

The most common cause of sump pump failure is the switch breaking down or getting stuck out of position. It may be that the float that moves the switch has gotten jammed on its side and will not rise. It could also be that debris has gotten inside the basin and stopped the switch from moving freely. Finally, sump pumps do not last forever. It may just be an old, worn unit that needs to be replaced.

8. What Can I Do About a Low-Pressure Problem?

You will need to contact a plumber to solve a low water pressure problem. If your neighbors have normal water pressure, you have a local problem. The cause may be any of the following:

• Your water shut-off valve may be closed.
• A water line may have gotten pinched.
• Old, galvanized pipes may have heavy deposits in them.

9. Does It Matter If I Have Hard Water or Soft Water?

In fact, hard water can cause a multitude of problems, which is why many opt to have a plumber come install a water softener. Some of the most common hard water issues include:

• Clothing permanently damaged in the wash
• Faucets and fixtures prematurely wearing out
• Water impurities building up as “scales” inside of pipes
• Water with an unpleasant smell and taste

10. Why Does My Dishwasher Not Drain Fully?

It is normal for a small quantity of water to remain at the bottom of your dishwasher after use. This prevents the heating element from overheating. However, if too much is left over or the water will not drain at all, you have a real problem.

It could be the motor is failing, a clog is in the drain line, or a wiring problem. Dishwasher are very difficult to work on, so it is best to get the help of a specialist.

There are many questions that you may have for your plumber, and we cannot hope to have listed them all here. However, these 10 are among the most common and may be helpful to many. If you have further questions or need help with your Grand Junction home plumbing, do not hesitate to contact a local professional plumber.

For a top-tier plumber in the Grand Junction, CO area, call Peterson Plumbing at (970) 399-7063 today. We will waste no time in attending to your call and addressing your needs.

When you think plumbing, technology probably doesn’t come to mind. However, the reality is technology is at the center of the industry. Technology is constantly changing allowing us to provide you with better products that can also save you money in the end.

Many of the technological advances are “green based”. They’re not only good for your wallet, but they’re also good for the environment. For example, there are now dishwashers that recycle rinse water for the wash water. They’ve been predicted to save the average family roughly 700 gallons of water per year.

Lastly, have you heard about sprinkler systems that automatically shut off based on the weather report? There’s no reason to water your lawn on a rainy day. Let Mother Nature save you a few bucks!