Questions to Ask Your Plumber

Pipe Wrench Plumbing

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Asking the right questions can help you better understand your upcoming plumbing project.  Here are a few questions to ask your plumber before any work begins.

Questions to ask:

1. How much will the project cost? – The cost of a plumbing project depends on the needed materials, the complexity of the job, and the time it will take to complete.  Always make sure you know how much your project is going to cost you.
2. How long will the job take to complete? – Aside from unforeseen difficulties, your plumber should be able to calculate a timetable for the completion of your project. 
3. Will the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room be useable if work continues over several days?  Many home improvement projects can be completed in a single visit.  However, you should always ask your plumber if you will need to have your water shut off for an extended period of time.
4. Is your plumber bonded, licensed, and insured?  You always want to make sure that your plumber is insured.  If you have a reoccurring problem, you want to make sure your plumber is bonded.  If you discover that you are going to need a permit to complete your project, you want them to be licensed as well.
5. Do you have any references?  This is a common question.  A good plumber will gladly supply you with references.

For more information on essential questions to ask your plumber, visit this website.  You can also contact our office with all of the questions you have about our plumbing technicians or the services that we offer.  The technicians at Pipe Wrench Plumbing are experienced in all aspects of plumbing repair and installation.  Call 865-583-3957 to contact Pipe Wrench Plumbing for service today!

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Check for Home Plumbing Leaks

Pipe Wrench Plumbing

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Even a small home plumbing leak can be costly.  Fortunately, there are a few simple techniques that can help you detect leaks at home and avoid a high utility bill.

Places to Check:

• Pressure Relief Valve – Check the pressure relief valve on the hot water tank.  Sometimes these valves are plumbed directly into a drain and may be leaking without you even realizing.  If you can’t remove the drain pipe, check for a hissing sound.
• Toilet Tank – Remove the top of the tank and listen for a hissing sound.  If you don’t notice any leaks, add some food coloring into the tank and wait several minutes.  If the color seeps into the bowl, you have a leak!
• Meter Line – Check the line running from the meter to the house by shutting off the valve to your house and checking to see if the dial on the meter turns.  If it is still turning, the leak is likely between your meter and the house.
• Hose Bibs – Hose-bibs are the pipes that hook your hoses on to.  Each house typically has one hose-bib in the front and one in the back.

Other common leaks include garden hoses, shower heads, and swimming pools.  If you aren’t sure where your leak is coming from, contact our office.  The technicians at Pipe Wrench Plumbing are experienced in all aspects of plumbing repair and installation.  Call 865-583-3957 to contact Pipe Wrench Plumbing for service today!

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Water Saving Tips for the Kitchen

Pipe Wrench Plumbing

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Looking for ways to reduce water use in your home?  Conserving water can help save you money on your utility bill and reduce your environmental impact.  Here are a few tips to help you limit everyday water use in your kitchen!

Kitchen Water Saving Tips:

• Wash dishes by hand in a wash basin or plugged up sink.
• Use the dishwasher only when it is fully loaded.
• Scrape the plate instead of rinsing it before putting it in the dishwasher.
• Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the fridge, rather than waiting for running water to get cold.
• Thaw food in the refrigerator overnight rather than letting the faucet run.
• Add food waste to a compost pile rather than the garbage disposal.

For more tips on how to save water in your home every day, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s website.  They offer tons of great tips!  You can also contact our office for all of your plumbing needs. Call 865-583-3957 to contact Pipe Wrench Plumbing for service today!

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Plunging Advice

Pipe Wrench Plumbing

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Want to master the art of plunging?  Here are a few tips to help you unclog the sink, toilet, or bathtub in your home.

Plunging Tips:

• Choosing Your Plunger – There are two main types of plungers.  A cup plunger works best for sinks, tubs, and shower clogs.  A flange plunger looks like a cup with a nozzle on the bottom.  This is a good option or older toilets.
• Mastering Your Technique – When you use your plunger, make sure that there is water all around it.  It may take five or six times before you get the suction you need. 
• Unclogging Toilets – Take off the tank lid to manually flush.  If the clog is not gone, you can stop the water before the toilet overflows.
• Understanding Parts Replacement – Sometimes, a toilet won’t flush because calcium deposits restrict water flow, rather than a clog.  Try pouring a bucket of water into the bowl.  If it flushes easily, clogs probably aren’t the problem.

If you are still having trouble unclogging your drains, contact our office!  The professionals at Pipe Wrench Plumbing can help you tackle any of your plumbing problems. Call 865-583-3957 to schedule an appointment with our professional plumbers or complete an online request form.

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What Can You Clean In Your Dishwasher?

Pipe Wrench Plumbing

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Your dishwasher can clean a lot more than just dishes!  It is a great way to clean a number of household items.  Some of the items you can clean in your dishwasher might even surprise you!

Things to Clean In Your Dishwasher:

• Exhaust Filter – Keep your kitchen exhaust filter clean by cleaning it in the dishwasher once a month!  Use a high temperature and good detergent to get read of the grease.
• Sponge – Your dish sponge can be a breeding ground for bacteria.  Use a heated dry setting to kill germs.
• Plastic Toys – Cleaning small toys in the dish washer can help kill germs fast.  You can wash pet toys too.
• Hairbrushes & Toothbrushes – Place plastic hairbrushes and toothbrushes in the top rack of your dishwasher and make sure they are secure before starting the cycle. Don’t forget to remove all the hair from the hairbrush first!
• Dish Racks – Wipe out any grimy buildup and place your dish rack in the dishwasher to get rid of any bacteria.

For more tips on what you can wash in your dishwasher, check out this Good Housekeeping article.

We offer dishwasher repair and installation services at our office.  Learn more about the plumbing repair services that we offer on our website.  We offer 24/7 emergency services for all of your plumbing needs.  Call 865-583-3957 to schedule an appointment with our professional plumbers or complete an online request form.

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Lost Jewelry? Here's How To Get It Back

Pipe Wrench Plumbing

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Have you ever lost a piece of jewelry down your sink?  This is a common plumbing problem!  Here are a  few tips to help you retrieve it.

Sink:

• Use a Magnet – See if you can capture your jewelry with a strong magnet.  Tie it to a string and lower the magnet into the drain.  If your jewelry is silver or gold – which aren’t magnetic – this will not work for you.
• Turn off Your Water – Turn off the shut-off valves under the sink for the hot and cold water, as well as the main water supply to your home.
• Take Apart the P-Trap – This u-shaped pipe under the sink generally has a drain plug.  Place a bucket under the p-track and remove the drain plug to release the water.  Take apart the trap by loosening the slip nuts and dumping out any remaining water.  You should be able to find your lost jewelry!

Garbage Disposal:

• Turn it Off – Always be careful when working with your garbage disposal!  Turn off the power before you try to retrieve anything.
• Retrieve the Item – If your jewelry is visible try retrieving it with tongs, wooden spoons, or even a magnet.
• Call a Plumber – If the item is caught in the grinder, it has likely damaged your garbage disposal.  Give us a call!

Shower Drain:

• Remove Drain Cover – Most drain covers should come off pretty easily.  After removing the cover, check to see if you can remove the jewelry with a flexible tool.
• Vacuum – Try sucking the jewelry out of the drain with a wet-dry vacuum!

For more tips, check out this Angieslist article.

As always, we are here to help you with all of your plumbing needs!  Give our office a call if you have lost a piece of jewelry or you are experiencing any plumbing problems. Learn more about the plumbing repair services that we offer on our website.  We offer 24/7 emergency services for all of your plumbing needs.  Call 865-583-3957 to schedule an appointment with our professional plumbers or complete an online request form.

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Common Bathroom Plumbing Problems

Pipe Wrench Plumbing

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Simple plumbing problems can be easy to overlook.  However, you should always repair plumbing problems early on, before they become an issue!  Are you experiencing any of these common bathroom plumbing problems?

Common Bathroom Plumbing Problems:

• Trap Blockage – Basin traps are one of the most common areas for blockages to occur.  You try using a snake, but the sink usually needs to be dismantled to remove the blockage.
• Clogged Sink Drain – Clogs in bathroom sinks are common and usually occur near the pop-up assembly of the drain.  Remove the spring tab, ball valve and pop-up plug to remove the debris clogging your sink.
• Stopped-Up Toilet – When your toilet trap or drain is blocked, water will rise to the rim and drain very slowly when flushed.  First, try using a plunger.  If this doesn’t work, try using a snake or calling our office for help!
• Low Water Pressure – Reduced shower water flow is usually due to limescale buildup.  Try removing the buildup with a descaling product.

Read this article for more information on how to fix common bathroom plumbing problems.

Learn more about the plumbing repair services that we offer on our website.  We offer 24/7 emergency services for all of your plumbing needs.  Call 865-583-3957 to schedule an appointment with our professional plumbers or complete an online request form.

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Troubleshooting Common Gas Grill Problems

Pipe Wrench Plumbing

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Gas grills take a lot of abuse from the rain and sun.  If you plan on doing a lot of outdoor BBQing this summer, you might find yourself stuck with one of these common gas grill problems.  Here are a few tips to help you get your grill back in working order.

Common Gas Grill Problems:

• Low Flame – A low flame will make it difficult for your grill to get hot enough to cook.  A sticky regulator might be the problem.  Try turning off and disconnecting the propane tank and turning the control valves to high.  Turn the control valves back off, reconnect the gas line, and slowly turn on the gas at the tank.  This should help you grill heat normally again.
• Uneven Heating – This could be a sign that your burner is clogged.  Use a wire brush to remove any deposits.
• Won’t Light – Most grills are either electric powered or battery powered.  Depending on what is generating the spark in your igniter, you may need to replace the part.

Read more about common gas grill problems and how to fix them here.  If you are still having trouble, Pipe Wrench Plumbing offers gas grill repair and installation services!

Learn more about the plumbing services that we offer on our website.  We offer 24/7 emergency services for all of your plumbing needs.  Call 865-583-3957 to schedule an appointment with our professional plumbers or complete an online request form.

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Why Are You Having Problems with Your Ice Maker?

Pipe Wrench Plumbing

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Image Source: Kitchenaid

Having trouble with your ice maker?  This can be problematic on hot summer days!  Here are a few reasons why your ice maker might be acting up.

Common Ice Maker Problems:

• Not Making Ice – There are a few reasons why your ice maker may not be doing its job.  The water supply line might be kinked, the fill tube might be frozen, or there might be a blockage.
• Doesn’t Turn Off – If your icemaker keeps making ice, even when it’s full, lift the bail wire to shut it off.  You may need the machine repaired or replaced.
• Ice Maker Freezes – Thawing out your ice maker is easy. Simply unplug the refrigerator, remove the ice bin and warm the machine to melt away any ice.  Be careful not to melt any plastic parts!

Read more about how to fix common problems with your ice maker.  If you are still having trouble, Pipe Wrench Plumbing offers plumbing repair services to get your ice maker up and running this summer!

Learn more about the plumbing services that we offer on our website.  We offer 24/7 emergency services for all of your plumbing needs.  Call 865-583-3957 to schedule an appointment with our professional plumbers or complete an online request form.

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Employee Spotlight: Getting to Know Whitney

Pipe Wrench Plumbing

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Meet Whitney, the General Manager at Pipe Wrench Plumbing!

Originally from Raleigh, NC, Whitney grew up wanting to be a Marine Biologist.  She explains, "I loved the idea of finding hidden treasures in sunken ships."  

However, after going on a ride along with her dad, she discovered that she loved everything about the experience of working at Pipe Wrench Plumbing.  She loved the service, the customers, and the family friendly environment.

Now, Whitney has been with Pipe Wrench plumbing for 10 years!  She received all of her training from her father, the owner of Pipe Wrench, and loves working for the business.  When asked what her most memorable experience on the job was, she recalled the day she dug her first sewer line.

When she's not on the job, Whitney and her husband love to take mini road trips to see shows.  She also loves cooking and trying new recipes!

Call to learn more about how Whitney and Pipe Wrench Plumbing can help you with all of your home plumbing needs.

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How Often Should You Clean Your Faucet Aerator?

Pipe Wrench Plumbing

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The mesh screen at the tip of your kitchen faucet is constantly mixing air with water.  Occasionally, the aerator will become clogged from mineral deposits, sand, and rock particles.  This is especially true for those with hard water!  Here are a few signs it’s time to clean or replace your aerator.

When to clean your aerator:

• Low Water Pressure – Is your water pressure lower than normal?  This is often a sign that your aerator is clogged.  Check the other faucets in your house.  If they work fine, the problem is likely with your aerator.
• Uneven Water Flow – If the water sprays at an angle, rather than straight down, certain parts of the screen may be more clogged than others.

Cleaning your faucet’s aerator is simple.  Just loosen the screen by twisting it clockwise with your fingers.  Turn on the water to see if it flows normally now that the aerator is removed.  Clean the aerator and install it in the order in which you removed the components.  You can run water through the aerator for a simple cleaning or let it soak in vinegar overnight.  Learn more about how to clean faucet aerators here.

If you are having problems kitchen or bathroom faucet, contact Pipe Wrench Plumbing.   Our experienced Knoxville technicians can answer any questions that you may have about your gas line repair and installation needs.  Call 865-583-3957 for service today!

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Gas Grill Cleaning Tips for the Fourth of July

Pipe Wrench Plumbing

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Are you getting ready for your Fourth of July BBQ?  Make sure that your grill is working, clean and ready to go before your family and friends come over to celebrate!  Here are a few tips on how to clean your gas grill.

Grill Cleaning Tips:

• Disconnect the Gas – Before you clean you grill, always disconnect the gas first!  This is a safety precaution.
• Wire Brush – When the grill is cool, lift up the cooking grates and remove all of the grease and food particles with a wire brush.
• Wipe Down – Keep a rag just for your BBQ.  If you don’t have a rag that you want to use, try disposable paper towels.  Use these rags to wipe down the barrier and the cooking grates.  It’s also a great way to remove anything left stuck that the brush didn’t remove.
• Clean Setting – While this doesn’t really clean your grill, it will burn up loose food and make cleaning easier. This process can take a few hours to work.
• Clean After Each Use – A simple cleaning after you grill can help keep it clean.  Spray vegetable oil over the cooking grate and scrape with a BBQ spatula or brush.  Then just wipe it down with paper towels!

If you are having problems grill’s gas line, contact Pipe Wrench Plumbing.  We offer gas line installation services for BBQ grills!  Our experienced Knoxville technicians can answer any questions that you may have about your gas line repair and installation needs.  Call 865-583-3957 for service today!

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Employee Spotlight: Getting to Know Doug

Pipe Wrench Plumbing

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This week's employee spotlight is on Doug, one of our technicians at Pipe Wrench Plumbing!  Learn more about Doug and what makes him such a valuable member of our team!

1. Name & Occupation/ Title?

Doug / Technician

2. Where are you originally from? 

Jacksonville FL

3. From where did you receive your training?

I went college for Business Management. I Co-op for heating and air while in school. I loved the service field then decided to move into plumbing.

4. When did you first decide you wanted to be in this field?

I first decided while in college and when I did my first plumbing repairs.

5. When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

All I wanted to do was play sports (:

6. How long have you been working with Pipe Wrench Plumbing?  

8 years. 

7. What is your most memorable experience on the job?

We did free jobs for people in need in the community and it was such a blessing to be able to help people in need and see how thankful they were.  

8. What do you do for fun? 

Play with my kids, snapchat, going to the lake with my family, and snowboarding.

If you are having problems with any of your plumbing needs, contact Pipe Wrench Plumbing.  Our experienced Knoxville plumbing technicians can answer any questions that you may have about your plumbing system.  Call 865-583-3957 for service today!

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Check Your Sprinkler Valves for the Summer

Pipe Wrench Plumbing

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Will you be using a sprinkler system to keep your lawn green this summer?  Make sure your backflow valve is in good shape!  These valves help protect your drinking water by preventing backflow. 

While some anti-siphon valves have built-in backflow prevention, others need to be installed alongside a backflow preventer.  Here are a few backflow preventers that will help you prevent back-siphonage and/or back-pressure backflow.

Types of Backflow Preventers:

• Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker – This breaker opens a vent to allow air into the system.  This is an economical choice for many homeowners.
• Double Check Backflow Preventer – This prevents backflow if water pressure temporarily drops.  This can happen if pressure drops in your main city water line.
• Pressure Vacuum Breaker – This is installed on the pressure side of an emergency shutoff valve to prevent back siphonage.
• Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer – Although this requires a larger up-front investment, it features two check valves and a pressure differential relief valve that operate automatically.

Backflow prevention devices are often damaged from freezing winter temperatures.  Learn more about irrigation sprinkler valves here or here. 

If you are having problems with any of your plumbing needs, contact Pipe Wrench Plumbing.  Our experienced Knoxville plumbers can answer any questions that you may have about your plumbing system.  Call 865-583-3957 for service today!

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