Rise Above The Rest: Learn How To Unclog Your Toilet

February 12th, 2013

It has happened to us all.  We use the restroom, press the lever to flush the toilet, and do not hear the reassuring flush we are accustomed to.   Instead, there is no flush and we begin to see water filling the bowl.  Before panic overtakes this potentially embarrassing situation, here are a few things you can try to immediately assess the situation.  By assessing how serious your toilet clog is, you will be able to decide if you need to call someone for a repair.

Before you begin any of the methods below, make sure to prep the area by doing a few easy actions.  First, cover the floor around the toilet (this is important if you are worried about overflow), put on rubber gloves, make sure the bathroom is well ventilated and get ready to try a few methods. Depending on the clog, you might decide to take the lid off of the tank and close the flapper or to shut off the water supply to the toilet.  Both are easy to do when attempting a fix.

1.  Tap the toilet bowl. Tap the backside of the bowl with your feet to try to dislodge the clog (you can wear shoes or do this with your bare feet).   A small clog has the possibility of passing through and solving the problem.

2.  Pour in some hot water.  Take a pot of boiling water and pour it into the bowl.  Wait for a few minutes to see if this is your fix.  The heat of the boiling water could help break up the clog.

3.  Squirt in some soap.  Just squirt in a drop or two of dishwashing soap.  Wait a few minutes and then add hot water.  The dishwashing soap can act as a lubricant to help clear the clog through the pipes.

4. Take the plunge.  Use a plunger to clear the clog by placing the plunger directly over the opening in the bottom of the toilet bowl.  Use forceful motions in both directions making sure that there is enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger.  If there is too much water, take a bucket or cup and remove the water to avoid making a mess.

At times, these methods may not work. If you find you have tried various methods with no success or other areas of your home are backing up (such as tubs, showers or sinks), it is time to call a professional immediately.  A plumber will be able to diagnose where the clog is and make the repair promptly.

If you live in the Dallas area and find that you are flushed with panic over a toilet clog or blockage, contact Levy and Son today!

Levy & Son
11024 Indian Trail Dallas, TX, 75229 USA 
 • 972-241-8655
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The Effects of Fat, Oil and Grease on your drains

December 11th, 2012

The holidays bring families together for large meals that usually result in greasy pots and pans, and excess cooking oil.  Where do you dispose of the fat, oil, and grease when you’re done cooking?  Do you pour it down your drain? Before you head to the kitchen to whip up your next meal, give some thought to what that fat, oil and grease may be doing to your plumbing.

It makes very little difference if you pour fat, oil and grease (FOG) down your drain in small increments or once in a blue moon. The fat, oil, and grease will stick to the inside of the pipes. It is a long believed myth that running hot water while pouring grease/fat down the drain helps prevent a clog.  The hot water only alleviates the problem temporarily. Eventually the grease and fat will cool and still stick itself to the inside of your pipes.

What are some signs of a clogged drain due to FOG?

  • Slow water drainage
  • Gurgling sounds when running water
  • A bad smell coming from your drain

To properly dispose of FOG place small amounts in jars after cooling and place them in the trash. Take large amounts to your local landfill. If you suspect that you already have a clog, call Levy & Son for a diagnosis of the clog, and a friendly affordable fix.

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Prepare Your Home’s Plumbing for Vacation

November 5th, 2012

As November arrives, so has the holiday season!  For many of us, we are ready to head out for an upcoming vacation. But before you grab your suitcases and head out the front door, Levy and Son wants you to run through a quick plumbing checklist for your home.  By completing this checklist, it will ensure the last thing you come home to is a serious leak or the need of a repair.  In order to prepare your house for your upcoming vacation, follow these simple plumbing tips:

  1.  Turn off the water supply valve to the water heater.
  2. If you have natural gas heater, turn the thermostat control to the “vacation” or “pilot” setting.
  3. Turn off the hot and cold water supply valves to the washing machine.
  4. Drain pipes by turning on the faucet and letting water flow out as this will keep the pipes from freezing.
  5. Flush your toilets to drain any leftover water from the bowl.
  6. Turn off sprinkler systems and disconnect any outdoor hoses.
  7. If your stay will keep you away for a long period of time, have a neighbor check on your home for any detection of leaks or other issues.

A few simple actions before your departure can make sure your arrival back home will be a positive experience.  If you have any questions about how to prepare your home for an upcoming vacation, contact Levy & Son today!

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