If there’s one thing every homeowner ought to know, it’s that grease and drains don’t mix. Even pouring a small amount of grease down a drain can result in a plumbing crisis. Grease and other oils contain fats that will harden and block your plumbing pipes. Eventually, you’ll have a backed-up drain on your hands, and you’ll need to phone for a plumber. If you have grease left over after cooking, you should let it cool and then throw it away in a garbage bin. Never wash a pot or pan until you have properly disposed of any grease.

 

If you’re dealing with a clogged drain in your San Jose home this winter, don’t hesitate to contact Mike Counsil Plumbing. Our experienced plumbers can provide you with the fast, dependable services you need, including hydro-jetting and video inspection. If you have any questions, you can reach us today by calling (408) 703-6111.
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Calling a plumber to your home as soon as you realize that you have a problem can end up sparing you expensive damage in the long run. While there are some basic issues, such as minor toilet clogs, that you may be able to fix yourself, it’s important to be able to tell when a plumbing problem warrants calling in a professional. Here are some situations that call for a plumber:

You’re not getting any hot water.

If you can’t get hot water from your kitchen or bathroom taps, it’s most likely because your water heater is malfunctioning. Rather than trying to repair the problem yourself—which can worsen the issue or even lead to an accident—it’s best to contact a plumber who works with water heaters. If the problem is severe enough, it may be time to replace your water heater.

You’re getting low water pressure.

Low water pressure is a common household complaint that can have any number of causes. It can be the result of an obstructed pipe, a problem with the water meter valve, or even an issue with the water supply. Whatever the underlying issue is, an experienced plumber will be the person best equipped to diagnose it.

You have a leaking pipe.

A rupture in one of your pipes is a serious plumbing emergency that should always be responded to immediately. Not only can a cracked or leaking pipe interfere with your water supply, but it can also flood your home and damage your property. If you suspect that you might have a leak, your plumber can track it to its source and decide how best to proceed.

When you’re looking for a dependable plumber in the San Jose area, it’s time to connect with Mike Counsil Plumbing. We take pride in providing our customers with friendly, capable service and the latest and best equipment for fixing plumbing problems. If you have any questions for our team, please contact us at 408-618-8002.
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Spring is upon us, and it’s time to think about all those homeowner chores that add up to spring maintenance. When you look at your list, you’ve probably got spring cleaning, lawn maintenance, and maybe even auto maintenance, but have you included spring plumbing maintenance? You should, and we can show you how, in a few simple steps.

- Check for leaks. Inspect your faucets, toilets, and pipes for leaks. Sometimes toilet leaks are inconspicuous, but you can check for leaks in the tank and bowl by putting several drops of food coloring in the tank. If the color shows up in the bowl, you have a leak. You can also look for hidden leaks by checking the water meter and watching to see if it moves when no water is turned on in the house. By fixing any leaks you find, you’ll save money on your water bill and avoid costly repairs.

- Tend to your drains. Make sure that all your drains have strainers to keep scraps and hair from clogging your pipes. If there are any drains in your house that aren’t used frequently, rinse them by pouring in a gallon of water. This can help ensure that odors won’t enter your home and the drains won’t be problematic. If you have a floor drain, make sure it’s not running slow. If it is, snake it.

- Flush your water heater. Once a year, empty the water heater and flush out any sediment. If your water heater is over ten years old or requires frequent repair, consider replacing it with a more energy efficient model. To keep your energy bills low, keep the water heater set no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

- Check your appliances. As part of your spring plumbing maintenance, inspect the water supply hoses of your dishwasher, ice maker, and washing machine to make sure they’re not bulging or leaking. If they have visible signs of damage or are over three years old, consider replacing them. Check the lint trap on your washing machine to keep debris from getting into your plumbing.

- Clean your fixtures. Especially if you have hard water, you’re likely to have mineral buildup on your shower heads and faucets. This can be prevented by installing a water softener, but in the meantime, you can clean your shower head by soaking it in vinegar overnight.

- Inspect your outdoor plumbing. Your spring plumbing maintenance shouldn’t be limited to the interior of your house. Clean out your gutters and downspouts and make sure your exterior faucets are working properly, with no leaks or damage from the winter.

No matter the season, you can count on Mike Counsil Plumbing and Rooter to provide stellar plumbing service with a smile. Since 1994, we’ve served San Jose, California, and the South Bay Area, building a reputation on excellent service and a 100 percent satisfaction rate. Our family-owned and -operated company is committed to exceeding our clients’ expectations, and our staff is kept up to date on all the latest advances in the industry. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, we’re available to take care of plumbing issues that can’t wait. Call 408.705.4820 or contact us through our website to learn more.
https://mcplumbing.com/blog/spring-plumbing-maintenance/