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Common Plumbing Issues in the Summer & How to Fix Them

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As the summer season arrives, homeowners often find themselves facing unique plumbing challenges. From increased water usage to the impact of high temperatures, several common plumbing issues can arise during this time. In this blog post, we will explore the most frequently encountered plumbing problems in the summer and provide practical tips on how to fix them. While some homeowners may prefer to tackle these issues themselves, it is important to emphasize the benefits of seeking professional assistance when needed. If you’re in Caseyville, IL, Morrison Plumbing is here to provide reliable plumbing services and expert solutions for all your summer plumbing problems.

Clogged Garbage Disposal 

With summer comes an abundance of outdoor barbecues and cooking, leading to an increased load on your garbage disposal. To fix a clogged disposal, start by turning off the power, then carefully remove any visible debris using tongs or pliers. Use a plunger or an Allen wrench to manually rotate the disposal to dislodge any remaining blockages. If the problem persists, it’s best to reach out to Morrison Plumbing for further assistance.

Burst Pipes

During the summer, extreme heat or sudden temperature changes can wreak havoc on plumbing systems. As temperatures rise, the intense heat can cause pipes to expand and contract. Over time, this can weaken the integrity of the pipes, making them more susceptible to cracks and eventually bursts. Burst pipes can result in significant water damage, leading to costly repairs and inconveniences. To fix burst pipes, it is essential to shut off the water supply immediately to prevent further damage. Then, you need to locate the damage, drain the pipe, position the valve, and determine the placement of a new fitting before you add flux and connect the pipe. If you need help, contact a professional plumber.

Leaking Outdoor Faucets

The hot summer weather can cause outdoor faucets to develop leaks, leading to wasted water and potential damage to your property. To fix a leaking outdoor faucet, start by shutting off the water supply valve. Replace worn-out washers or seals and ensure all connections are tight. If the leak persists, it may be due to a more complex issue that requires professional attention. For this issue or any other plumbing problem, consult with our experts at Morrison Plumbing for professional repair services.

Leaking outdoor faucet in Caseyville, IL.

Running Toilets

Running toilets can be a persistent problem during the summer months, often caused by worn-out flappers or faulty fill valves. To fix a running toilet, start by inspecting the flapper and replacing it if necessary. Adjust the float arm or replace the fill valve if the water level is too high. If DIY efforts don’t solve the issue, the expert plumbers at Morrison Plumbing can quickly identify and fix the underlying cause.

Sump Pump Failure

Summer storms can bring heavy rainfall, putting sump pumps to the test. To ensure your sump pump functions properly, start by checking the power source and making sure it’s plugged in. Clear any debris from the pump and ensure the float switch moves freely. If the pump still fails to operate or shows signs of malfunction, contacting Morrison Plumbingfor a thorough inspection and repair is recommended.

Sprinkler System Problems

With the arrival of summer, many households and businesses heavily rely on sprinkler systems to keep lawns and gardens lush and healthy. However, these systems are not immune to problems. Broken sprinkler heads, leaks, and inadequate water flow may arise if there are obstructions in the pipes or if the water pressure is insufficient. All these issues can result in uneven watering, wastage of water, and a decline in the overall effectiveness of the sprinkler system. To resolve these problems, start by checking for broken sprinkler heads and replacing them if necessary. Inspect the system for leaks and repair any damaged pipes or faulty valves. Make sure that the water supply valve is fully open and check for any clogs or obstructions in the pipes or nozzles that may need to be cleared.

Automatic sprinkler watering the garden in Caseyville, IL.

Low Water Pressure

As the summer months bring warmer weather, water usage patterns tend to change. Many households increase their water consumption for activities like filling up swimming pools, watering lawns, or washing cars. This surge in demand can strain the water supply infrastructure, leading to decreased water pressure. Low water pressure can manifest in various ways, such as weak flow from faucets, slow-filling toilets, or insufficient pressure for effective showering. Start by checking the pressure regulator valve, ensuring it is fully open. Remove any mineral deposits or sediment that may have accumulated in faucet aerators or showerheads. If the problem persists, it is advisable to contact the water utility provider to check for any infrastructure issues and consider installing a booster pump.

Sewer Line Backups

In the summer, tree roots tend to seek out water sources, including your sewer lines. This can result in clogs and backups, causing unpleasant odors and potential health hazards. To address sewer line backups, homeowners can try using a sewer snake or chemical drain cleaner, but these methods may provide only temporary relief. For a long-lasting solution, it’s advisable to rely on the expertise of Morrison Plumbing to thoroughly clear the clog and prevent future issues.

Save the Summer Season and Call Morrison Plumbing for Expert Service

As summer brings its fair share of plumbing challenges, it’s important for homeowners to address them promptly and effectively. While some minor issues can be resolved through DIY methods, it is crucial to recognize the value of professional plumbing services. Morrison Plumbing, serving Caseyville, IL, and the surrounding areas, is the trusted name in plumbing solutions. Our experienced plumbers have the skills and knowledge to accurately diagnose and efficiently repair a wide range of summer plumbing problems. Don’t let plumbing issues ruin your summer; call Morrison Plumbing today at (618) 230-3909 for reliable assistance.

What to Do If You Have Frozen Pipes

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Frozen faucet and pipes in Caseyville, IL, during the winter.

If you wake up one morning and you suddenly don’t have running water, it’s likely a sign that your pipes have frozen. We do not recommend waiting for the pipes to thaw on their own because the longer you wait to deal with the situation, the more likely it is that your pipes will burst. At Morrison Plumbing, we can help you with your frozen pipes, but you can also follow these tips before you call us. We’re always here to support you and ensure your home remains safe and functional, especially during the cold winter months.

How to Determine Where Pipes are Frozen

You can locate which pipes are frozen by checking what is no longer working. It could be your kitchen faucet that isn’t supplying water or a toilet that doesn’t refill. Identify the plumbing problem and then work backward from there. You can look for condensation or frost on your pipes and touch them to locate extremely cold spots. Try using a small tool and tapping the pipes to listen for a solid sound. Don’t forget to check the basement pipes, the water main, and the outside faucets. If the techniques we provide to thaw your pipes don’t work for you and you need professional frozen pipe repair, count on Morrison Plumbing for our excellent services.

How to Thaw a Drain Pipe

If a drain pipe is the problem, we have a few techniques you can try. Be sure to shut off the water supply to the plumbing section you’re working on before you start unfreezing any pipes. We’ve found these three techniques to be effective for thawing frozen drain pipes:

  • Thaw pipes using a space heater or heat lamp at least 3 feet away from any potentially flammable materials.
  • Direct warm air up and down frozen pipe lengths with a hair dryer.
  • Wrap the frozen pipe with an electric heat cable and monitor the process closely.

These thawing techniques are effective on any plumbing that is easily accessible, including pipes in basements and crawlspaces.

A young brunette woman holding a blue hairdryer in Caseyville, IL.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes in the Wall

Before attempting to thaw frozen pipes inside a wall, locate and turn off your home’s main water valve. Because your options are limited, this type of plumbing problem is more difficult to resolve than frozen drainpipes:

  • Increase the temperature of the furnace and open closets and cabinets near frozen pipes
  • Place a fan heater near frozen pipes to blow directly into wall vents
  • Make a hole in the wall to expose the pipes and use the techniques described in the previous paragraph

Most home plumbing systems run through difficult-to-reach areas. It is not always possible to reach a frozen pipe by opening a wall or working under the sink. If you have frozen pipes inside enclosed areas such as crawl spaces, it is best to call in the plumbing professionals.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes Outside

Stay safe when deciding how to thaw a frozen outdoor faucet or exterior pipes. Heat tape and hair dryers both work well, but use caution when using electrical equipment outside when it’s wet. Wrap the pipe or open the hose bib in towels if you’re not comfortable with your other options. You can warm a teakettle and gradually pour hot water over the towel wraps. It may take a few tries, but this method is safer than working with electricity while standing in the cold snow. If any of these techniques make you uncomfortable or you would prefer the practiced hands of professionals, contact our team of experts today and we’ll gladly pay you a home visit to assess and resolve the situation.

A black tea kettle emitting steam in Caseyville, IL.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Most people, especially in the Midwest, are concerned about how to deal with frozen water pipes this time of year. You can’t always prevent it, but these tips can help reduce the chances of your pipes freezing and bursting inside your home or business.

  1. Increase the thermostat temperature and leave interior doors open to circulate warm air throughout the house.
  2. Allow faucets to drip when temperatures drop to prevent both hot and cold water pipes from freezing.
  3. Use fans to circulate warm air through the kitchen and bathrooms, directing them toward open cabinet doors.
  4. Improve insulation and reseal window and door frames to prevent cold air from seeping into walls.
  5. Before the first freeze, disconnect and drain hoses, insulate outdoor pipes, and cover faucets.

 

If you need professional repair services for your frozen pipes, don’t hesitate to call our experts at Morrison Plumbing at (618) 226-8933. We’re always here to faithfully serve our community and any customer who needs our skilled services. Contact us today and let us ensure you get through the winter comfortably with properly working pipes.

Common Water Line Repair Problems

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As a homeowner, you should be aware of the common water line problems to look out for in case you ever need to call in professional help. When you need expert repair services, we hope you select our exceptional team at Morrison Plumbing in Caseyville, IL. Please read about the following problems and call us when you need repair services. We are available to you 24/7.

Leaky Pipes

If you’re experiencing leaky pipes, the problem could be caused by a number of factors, including expanding tree stumps, worn-out rubber seals, and corrosion. Untreated clogs can lead to a build-up of pressure in conduits and cause cracks or breaks in your piping system, which will lead to significant damage. To avoid those unnecessary expenses, we recommend investing in routine checkups and trusting our experts at Morrison Plumbing to perform inspections and handle any necessary repairs. We want your plumbing system to continue functioning properly and enjoy a long lifespan serving your home. We prioritize your family’s needs, so be sure to contact us when you have leaky pipes.

Noisy Pipes

A common source of stress for homeowners is noisy pipes. They could be indicative of a problem that needs attention; nevertheless, if the sound keeps disturbing you, that’s a problem in itself. The common causes for noisy pipes are restricted water flow, high water pressure, dirty air chambers, or waterlogged pipes. If you’re unsure of the source of the problem, it is best to consult the experts to examine your system. The earlier we can identify the issue and address it, the better. Depending on what your system needs, we can offer services such as covering tubes with insulation, securing your pipe system with bands, installing a pressure-reducing valve, or flushing your water heater.

A defective pipe leaking water in a home in Caseyville, IL.

 

Clogged Sinks and Toilets

Another common problem homeowners face is the dreaded clogs. They occur most often in your sinks and toilets and can be a considerable headache. There could be a variety of causes, depending on what you put down your drains, including oil, grease, debris, paper products, and food. You could also have undersized pipes. If you trust Morrison Plumbing to handle your system issues, you can be assured we will provide the most professional service available. Allow us to use our tools to unblock the drainage system and restore its function. If needed, we can also detach and clean the pipe. We recommend protecting yourself from future clogs by scheduling a routine drain cleaning service with our experts.

Low Water Pressure

If you have low water pressure, your problem could be caused by clogged pipes, failed pressure regulators, leaks, or corroded conduits. To increase the water pressure, consult with our water line repair experts and enlist their expertise. At Morrison Plumbing, we can handle any water line problems. We’ll clear any clogs, open your main water valves, install a pump to increase water pressure, and replace regulators and worn-out pipes. We understand that you need proper water pressure to perform your daily household tasks, which include cooking, cleaning, showering, and doing loads of dishes and laundry. If you don’t have enough water pressure, every job becomes that much harder. So, if you’re struggling with low water pressure in your home, enlist our help right away.

A professional plumber next to his toolbox and a sink, ready to administer any necessary water line repair services for this residential home in Caseyville, IL.

 

Overflowing Gutters

You may not think about your gutters when you are having water line problems. However, they are connected. When your gutters are clogged and overflowing, they can cause mold, damage to the roof, flooded floors, cracks in the foundation, and warped walls. For the overall safety and health of you and your family, we recommend letting our repair experts mount gutter guards to ensure your gutters don’t get clogged with dust, debris, and other substances. Then we can unclog the downspout flow, which will allow water to flow more easily. We can also position your gutters to manage overflows during heavy rainstorms. If you’re interested in additional ways to properly care for your gutters and water lines, our professionals recommend scheduling two gutter cleanings per year for maintenance.

Burst Pipes

A burst pipe is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Luckily, you can call the experts at Morrison Plumbing for fast and efficient same-day service. You don’t want to hesitate when experiencing a burst pipe, as that could quickly lead to flooding and damage to your walls, floors, and ceilings. Pipes can burst for a number of reasons. The most common occurrence is when water freezes and expands, causing the weak parts of the metal or plastic pipes to burst. It’s also possible that the water pressure was too high, corrosion occurred, valves were positioned incorrectly, or shifts occurred during earthquakes or tremors. Our professionals are trained to diagnose where the pipe has burst, give you a straightforward quote, and fix the problem to get your home back to functioning normally as soon as possible.

At Morrison Plumbing in Caseyville, IL, we have your best interests at heart, and we are invested in the safety of your home. If you are experiencing any problems with your water line, please call us today, so we can assist you with our exceptional professionalism and skills.

Columbia, IL Plumbing: FAQ about frozen & burst pipes

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Here’s what you should know about frozen & burst pipes

As the calendar turns to November, it’s time to start thinking about the extremely cold temperatures that will arrive when winter is in full swing. These cold temperatures put your home at risk of frozen pipes and burst pipes this winter. These problems can range from annoying to tiresome and expensive. It’s important to know a local plumber that provided 24-hour service when you need it most. Read on for some FAQ about frozen and burst pipes, and remember Morrison for fast, reliable service when your pipes freeze this winter!

How do pipes freeze?

Pipes freeze when water on the inside of the pipe gets cold enough to freeze. Usually, this happens in pipes that are located in areas of the home that aren’t insulated like crawlspaces, basements, attics or even the space underneath the sink.

How can I unfreeze my pipes?

You can use warm towels, a hairdryer, space heaters and even electric tape to unfreeze your pipes. However, it’s important to note that any method that uses electricity should be approached with extreme caution as precipitation from the melting pipes could cause a fire hazard or create the conditions for electrocution.

How can I prevent pipe freeze?

To prevent pipe freeze, add insulation to walls that aren’t insulated. Also, you can open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate throughout the entire home. The more effective thing you can do is to add foam pipe insulation to pipes at risk of freezing due to their placement in the house.

How do pipes burst?

Burst pipes are a problem that’s closely related to frozen pipes. When pipes freeze, the water on the inside of the pipe expands, which can damage the pipe. Once the pipe thaws, the damage created by the freeze lets water the pressurized water burst through, causing a serious plumbing problem.

How do I fix burst pipes?

In short, you don’t – a licensed plumber fixes your burst pipes. However, if you notice a burst pipe, you should turn off your water right away can call for service from a local plumber to ensure your system is back up and running fast.

How do I prevent burst pipes?

The best way to prevent pipes from bursting is to prevent them from freezing. See the answer to question number #3.

Got more questions? Call Morrison for the service you need this winter!