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

865-583-3957
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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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