Drain cleaners – can they cause long-term damage?

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There’s nothing worse that turning on your sink, only to notice that it’s filling up faster than it’s draining. Or worse, to find out it’s not draining at all.

We’ve heard a lot of wives tales about how to clear this up, and we’ve also heard a lot of horror stories. So, what do you do? Are drain cleaners safe? Do you call a plumber?

Drain cleaners in general are made of a chemical or enzyme based formula - which work to eat away at clogs. In the process these clearing formulas often sit against your pipes, creating heat and gases and possible eating away at them too.

There isn’t a one-size fits all approach to at home drain cleaners because not every home, pipe system or clog is the same. The majority of problems occur when homeowners use drain cleaners repeatedly or frequently on a reoccurring issue.

We recommend trying natural methods to clear out any simple clogs (good ‘ol baking soda and vinegar can sometimes do the trick), if it’s your first time and you’re confident your pipes are in good condition, go ahead and try a drain cleaner. If you’re still experiencing problems after that – it’s time to give us a call at (970) 221-1274. You can also visit our website at http://www.apexrooterandplumbing.com/. />
*Image source:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/17534006@N00/3294300940

Does your septic tank need to be checked?

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We get a lot of questions about knowing when it’s time to get your septic tank checked. What are signs that you’ve pushed the limit? Here’s a quick guide:

Signs that your septic tank needs a check-up:

Waste water seeping into the field – when your septic tank isn’t serviced, the sludge level rises allowing waste water to discharge into your yard or the field. Be mindful of excess water in or around your home.

Foul odor – often times, as your septic tank beings to back up, you’ll notice a sour, or putrid odor.

Waste water backups – finding waste backup in toilets, sinks or other places around the home is a sure sign that something isn’t functioning correctly.

Water bubbles – discovering the presence of bubbles in your toilets – bubbling back after a flush means something could be off. Also, take notice of sinks that begin to make a gurgling sound as they drain.

These are the four main signs that your septic system is due for a check-up. Your septic system may not be the most glamorous part of your home, but it’s definitely one you want keep in good working health.

*Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833876@N00/5227436224

Protect your family by maintaining your sprinkler systems backflow preventer!

Did you know that your sprinkler system in most places,  is required by law to have a backflow device that is maintained and checked by a professional every year?  And even if it isn’t required by law, the only smart choice is to do an annual test to ensure you are protecting your family and pets from cross-contamination.

Your landscape has all sorts of nasty things in it that can make you and your family very sick if you were to drink them.  Things such as chemicals used on your lawns such as fertilizers, pesticides and even animal waste.  All of these harmful things can come back up in your irrigation pipes into your families’ drinking water if you do not stop them by using a backflow preventer.  The backflow preventer is used to protect you when the valve breaks or leaks, which eventually will happen over time.

And remember that if your backflow preventer is not installed correctly it will not work!  Having a professional installation is worth the extra cost to make sure it is done right.  Also, have your backflow preventer checked annually to make sure it is operating properly; it is recommended early spring as you are getting your irrigation system ready for the season.

So protect your families’ health and by maintaining your backflow preventer on your sprinkler system.  It is the only choice!

If you would like more information or to schedule your backflow preventer installation, testing and certification, call Apex and talk to one of our technicians about how we can help.  (970)221-1274 or visit www.apexrooter andplumbing.com

Perks of being an APEX Plumbing Technician!

Most people may perceive that the job of a plumber might not have as many perks as some occupations.  Some days I would have to agree, however if you service areas located in the beautiful mountains of Colorado you might agree that there are a few perks to our job.

During any service call, it isn’t rare to see the most majestic of views and the most beautiful of creatures big and small roaming through areas such as Red Feathers Lakes, Crystal Lakes and Livermore to name only a few. 

Our technicians have frequent sitings of the cow moose and her calf’s breaking through the trees  or experience a bull elk dart out in front of our service trucks knowing that impact would most likely damage the vehicle rather than the strong powerful animal.

It wouldn’t be fair if we kept these experiences to ourselves and not share with our customers and all of you that dream of experiencing the beauty of Colorado first hand.   We hope that you enjoy our photo gallery!

If you are interested in learning more about Apex Rooter and Plumbing, call (970) 221-1274 or visit www.apexrooterandplumbing.com.

 

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Our Truck Tanks are full of political promises!

As a small business owner, I listened to the campaign promises from both sides and like many Americans believed both candidates when they promised to preserve our small businesses. It is now a full year later and there hasn't been a change for the better. I think my plumbing company's trucks (that are filled daily with crap) say it best, and more importantly summarize how many American small business owners are feeling:

 

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