How to Repair Your Washing Machine When it Over Flows

When your washing machine stops working correctly, it can put a serious crimp in your laundry routine.

Doing laundry isn't exactly a fun activity (well, not for most people, anyway), but it's a necessary household chore. That's why, when your washing machine stops working correctly, it can put a serious crimp in your laundry routine. Most of us depend on our washers and dryers to do the heavy lifting for us - it's not really feasible to wash everything by hand. So, if your washer is over flowing, here's what you can do to fix it:

1. Turn off the electricity

Remember that any time water starts flooding in your home - especially when it involves something electrical - it can be very dangerous for you, not to mention any kids or pets that could be running around. The first thing you should do is turn off the electricity that runs to your washing machine directly from the fuse box. It's not a good idea to touch or unplug the machine's power cord when there's water everywhere.

2. Troubleshoot

There are a few common reasons your washing machine may be overflowing. Here are some things you can check:

Pressure switch: The pressure switch is what's responsible for sensing when the machine is full enough, and it can become clogged, which makes it stop working. Remove the electrical panel to see if your pressure switch needs to be cleaned or repaired.

A kinked drain hose: If the flexible hose behind your washing machine is folded, it could cause water to back up. Keep your washing machine about 4 to 6 inches away from your wall to keep this from happening.

A clog: Clogs in the drain pipe or pressure tube may be the culprit - a drain snake can fix the problem.

3. Fix the issue

Many washer overflow issues are easily fixed, but if you aren't sure what the problem is or how to repair it, don't worry. Give Triangle Plumbing & Backflow a call and we'll send a plumbing professional your way.

Pet Owners: 4 Plumbing Tips To Keep Drains & Pipes Clean

If you have a furry friend or two, you may have experienced the unique plumbing issues that come with them. All that hair can clog drains during bath time, and you've probably found Fido sipping from the toilet at some point. Here are some plumbing-related tips that are helpful to know as a pet owner:

Use a drain strainer

When your dog or cat needs a bath, it's a good idea to use a drain strainer to keep their hair from causing a clog. Even if you don't think they're shedding at the time that they hop in the tub, you may be surprised just how much fur comes off once you start scrubbing.

Be careful what you flush

"A 'flushable​' label doesn't mean a product's good for your toilet."

Some cat litters may say "flushable" on the label, but it's best to scoop used litter into a bag and toss it into the trash. Cats sometimes eat things they cannot fully digest, like bones. These items will likely cause issues with your plumbing system. Avoid this entirely by not flushing your cat's litter.

Replace pets' water often

If your pup or kitty is turning to the toilet for water to drink, you may need to refresh their water dish. ASPCA recommends washing your pets' water bowls and refilling them twice a day. It's important to keep an eye on their water levels, especially when it's hot out, as you may need to give them more water during higher temperatures.

Hide exposed pipes and drains

Animals love to chew, and an exposed pipe or drain may seem like the perfect toy. Prevent unnecessary pet-related plumbing emergencies by moving furniture or other items so your canine and feline friends cannot access pipes or open drains. You can also purchase drain covers that make it difficult to get to them.

Tips on How to Retrieve a Valuable Item Down the Sink

Tips For Removing a Valuable or Personal Item From Your Drain

We've all had that "Oh no!" moment after dropping something down the drain. Earrings, contact lenses and even toothbrushes sometimes manage to make their way into the pipes. When this happens, what do you do? Here are some tips:

Try a coat hanger

It seems silly, but if you are able to remove the drain catch, try and feel around in the pipe with a bent coat hanger. For smaller items, this may not work, but you can remove toothbrushes and other larger things with this method.

Take the sink apart

Anyone can take their sink apart to find a lost ring or earring. The first thing to do is turn off the water. Then, put something under the sink plug (what keeps gunk from going into the pipes) so it doesn't close. Place a bucket under your sink plumbing (usually under the sink cabinet) so water will fall into it. Unscrew the J​-pipe from the end near the sink and the side closest to the wall. Dump the water (and hopefully your lost item) into your bucket.

If you don't see your item, it may be stuck in the P-trap (J-shaped pipe). This means you'll have to reach into the drain from the top. The best device for the job? A magnetic retrieval tool (if what you are trying to retrieve is not silver or gold) or a pronged retrieval tool. These tiny lifesavers look like the antennae on your radio and often telescope so they can be made longer or shorter as necessary. You can purchase one at a hardware or plumbing store. Just slip it into your drain and use a flashlight to spot the item and grip it with the magnet or tongs. Pull the item out and give it a good scrub.

Call a plumber

If the above methods don't work, call Triangle Plumbing & Backflow. Don't use the sink, or your item may be swept away into your water system. Instead, keep the water off and let a professional do the job.

Have a Clogged Drain? 3 Tips to Unclog Your Drain Today

A lot of stuff makes its way down the drains in your home. Bits of food in the kitchen sink and hairs in the bathroom, all combine with soap and can clog your drains. The good news is there are easy ways to fix this problem. Here are a few tips:

1. Try boiling water

Commercial products for bathroom clogs often have harsh smells. If you'd rather go the natural route when unclogging a drain, break out your teapot. Boil a full kettle of water and slowly pour it down the problem drain. The heat will break up any residue that is causing the clog, allowing you to get back to business as usual.

2. Use a wet vacuum

If you have a wet/dry vacuum, you have a great tool for unclogging drains. Simply turn it to the wet setting and cover the drain. Wearing a rubber glove, you can use your hand to make a good seal by creating an "O" shape over the drain and placing the vacuum wand on the other end. Try not to let any air escape. This will suck up whatever is causing the clog and you'll be using the sink again in no time.

3. Break out the plunger

No, not the toilet plunger. These devices have different shapes for various plumbing needs. Sink plungers have a flat head, whereas ones for the toilet have a smaller opening and a more mushroom-like shape. Simply place the plunger over the sink and push down on the handle until the clog has been forced out. Sometimes the mess comes up with the plunger and on other occasions it goes down the pipe and dissolves. Either way, you'll be able to clean up the area and use it normally.

If your Clogged drain isn't giving in with these tips, call Triangle Plumbing today!

Common Mistake

Never store flammables in the vicinity of a furnace, boiler, or water heater, especially one with a standing pilot light. This is a more common mistake than you may think, because basements and utility rooms are commonly used as storage areas as well. Some combustibles that people often don’t recognize are swimming pool chemicals and many household cleaners.