Of all the things that can go wrong with your plumbing in Long Island, one of the most frustrating is a toilet that does not flush properly. Problems with flushing range from not flushing at all to continuous “running” after the flush. Here at Master Plumbing Heating and Cooling we want to break down the common culprits when it comes to an improperly flushing toilet. 

Not Flushing At All

If nothing happens when you press down the flusher, there are two common problems that may be happening inside your toilet. The first is that the tank may not have enough water in it. Without enough water, the tank will not flush. The valve for this is usually just behind your toilet, so ensure that it is open and the float inside the tank is unobstructed. The second most common problem with no flush at all is the chain connecting the flapper is loose or disconnected. If the chain is too loose, it will not activate the flush. Open the tank and ensure there is tension between the chain and your flusher. 

Bowl Does Not Empty

When you press the flusher, it should lift the flapper in your tank allowing water to rush quickly into the bowl for a smooth flush. When your toilet bowl does not empty all the way, this can be a sign of a couple different issues. One may be that the pipes are clogged. This can be solved by plunging it yourself or snaking the pipes by a professional. If you have snaked and plunged your toilet and are still experiencing slow flushes, it can be the chain. If the chain is too loose, it may be lifting the flapper slowly. This slow release does not give the water the momentum it needs to flush the bowl quickly. 

Continuous Flushing

Perhaps the most annoying problem of all is when the toilet continuously “runs” after you’ve flushed it. That running water sound is not only annoying, but it’s also wasting water. When the flapper lifts to let the water into the bowl, it should seal tightly over the drain once the flush is complete. If the flapper is bent or warped, it will not seal properly which allows a slow stream of water to trickle into the bowl. That is the culprit for the running water noises. The flapper should be replaced if you hear that noise for extended periods of time after each flush. If you find that your toilet is not flushing properly and these common culprits are not the solution, then you should call [Company Name]. Our trained plumbers are prepared for any issues and are ready to help you and your family. 

By zachadmachinescom

A damaged sewer is always an unpleasant surprise, but fortunately, oftentimes it’s possible to keep the costs down with trenchless sewer repair in Lake Zurich.

What Is Trenchless Sewer Repair?

Trenchless sewer repair is sewer repair that doesn’t require any excavation. Not too long ago, the only way a plumber could determine exactly where a sewer pipe was damaged was to dig up the ground above it—oftentimes the customer’s driveway or yard. Since there was no way of locating the damage without laying the pipe bare, a trench could be anywhere from a foot to a 100 feet long, depending on where the property’s sewer met the municipal main.

Fortunately, plumbing technology has progressed significantly. Nowadays, we use a drain camera to pinpoint where the damage is. The camera is inserted into the drain and sends the data back to the plumber, who can then analyze it to find out what the problem is and where it’s located.

Once the location of the problem is known, we can then use a technique called “slip lining” to repair the sewer without having to excavate. Basically, this involves inserting a smaller pipe into the existing, damaged one, effectively providing a new pipe. The space between the two pipes is grouted and the ends are sealed off. Though this process reduces the diameter of your sewer pipe by approximately a quarter of an inch, that won’t affect the flow of wastewater.

Is Trenchless Sewer Repair an Option?

It’s important to understand that all reputable plumbers will first try non-invasive methods like video camera inspection in order to locate the problem. Furthermore, they’ll also use slip lining to repair the sewer whenever possible. However, in some cases, video camera inspection won’t yield the desired results or slip lining isn’t an option. And that means your plumber will have to do some excavation. Your plumber won’t know ahead of time which of the two solutions he’ll use, but you can rest assured that every reputable plumber will always try to minimize the amount of digging needed.

To find out more about trenchless sewer repair in Lake Zurich, contact Lake Cook Plumbing today!

By zachadmachinescom

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month was founded in 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries — the latter of which is a pharmaceutical company that is now part of AstraZeneca and produces several anti-breast cancer drugs.  Since then, millions of Americans have shown their support not only by wearing pink but by competing in Charity 5ks, participating in various walks For the Cure, and donating to the host of non-profits that have banded together to rid the world of this disease, the second most common form of cancer found in women.

This year, you can contribute too by showing our $10 coupon on the day of your service: for every job we perform where the homeowner shows us that coupon, we take $10 from our service fee and donate it directly to the Fight Against Breast Cancer.

Why Do We Contribute?

As one of the most widespread and destructive diseases in America, breast cancer has indeed effected all of us.  This past year, owner of Lake Cook Plumbing Steve Shapiro lost his mother to breast cancer, and has since then resolutely decided to be a part of this fight.  Lake Cook Plumbing isn’t just a service provider: it’s a part of the Lake Cook Community, and as such we want to be the very best member of that community that we could ever be.

Why Should You Contribute?

Approximately 1 in 8 women will contract breast cancer over the course of their lifetime.  Nearly 3 million women who have either recovered or are still recovering from breast cancer live in America right now, and every year that number substantially grows.  The fight against cancer is a race against time.  Every donation counts, as does every chance to promote awareness! Catching cancer in its earlier stages can more than triple your chances of a successful recovery.  Middle aged women have the highest risk of contracting breast cancer, but they also have the cases that are generally the most treatable.  This is a long fight against a tough foe, but it’s a fight that can be won. 

So have the women in your family take time out of this month to schedule check-ups, and when you call Lake Cook for plumbing, make sure you remember your $10 donation coupon.  The donation will be in your name, and you’ll officially be a part of the fight when you order service from Lake Cook today!

By zachadmachinescom