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Updates & tips

Pumpkin Pulp: Not Plumbing-Friendly!

How to Avoid Halloween Havoc Every year, over one billion pounds of pumpkins are produced in America – many of which are carved into jack-o’-lanterns each Halloween. That’s a lot of leftover pulp! In addition to creating their own jack-o’-lanterns this year, Roto-Rooter plumbers from Death Valley, California to Salem, Massachusetts will spend many brisk fall days removing gobs of pulp and seeds from clogged drains before the end of the Halloween season.  Local Roto-Rooter plumbers have become as common a Halloween visitor as little vampires or ghosts thanks to sticky pumpkin pulp and seeds. In the two weeks leading up to Halloween, calls from frantic homeowners struggling with pulp-clogged garbage disposals and stopped up kitchen sink drains ring in to local Roto-Rooter offices faster than the Halloween candy dishes empty. Roto-Rooter, America's largest provider of plumbing repair and sewer&drain cleaning services, reminds jack-o'-lantern carvers that pumpkin pulp should never be put down drains or into garbage disposals. The slimy gunk is ideal for clogging sink drains. "People think that it’s safe for disposals because it’s soft, stringy and mushy. The problem is that pulp will dry and harden, choking off drainpipes and garbage disposals and creating all sorts of havoc," said Larry Rothman, plumbing director for Cincinnati-based Roto-Rooter Plumbing and Drain Service. "For several years we've spread the word that carving pumpkins in the sink is a very bad idea," he added. "People assume when they shove the pulp down kitchen sink drain that it's gone, but in a little while the sink usually stops draining altogether." Rothman says it's also worth noting that Roto-Rooter gets several calls about pumpkin guts flushed down the toilet, usually with similar clog-causing results. "The toilet is not a better option. It just means the clog forms deeper into the pipe." To prevent Halloween drain disasters, Roto-Rooter suggests carving pumpkins on a bed of newspaper. Then carvers should wrap up the mess and throw all pumpkin-related materials into the garbage can or a compost pile. (Carving pumpkins are generally not recommended for eating, as they don’t have the same flavor as smaller varieties grown for pies). The seeds can be separated and roasted for a tasty treat or they can be air-dried and planted in the spring after the last frost to grow next year's Halloween pumpkin. Call Roto-Rooter Today! If you have questions about garbage disposal do's and don'ts or general questions or concerns about your plumbing, call Roto-Rooter today at 908-756-8110.  Looking for more tips and savings on service?  Sign up for our Roto-Rooter newsletter byclicking here!

All About Sump Pumps

All About Sump Pumps Curious about sump pumps?  Sump pumps will solve most basement flooding and leaking issues as they are designed to remove water from basements and crawlspaces. What is a Sump Pump? A sump pump is a submersible pump that sits at the bottom of a sump pit, which is typically installed at the lowest point in your basement or crawl space. Ground water surrounding your home's foundation is channeled into a perimeter drain system installed at the base of the foundation. Water finds its way into the perforated drainpipes and is quickly diverted to the sump pit. The sump pump, which is triggered by a float switch, removes the water by pumping it to the nearest storm drain, dry well or detention pond. A sump pump turns on only when water inside the sump pit reaches a pre-determined level. Most new homes are equipped with sump pumps but older homes can be retrofitted with a sump system to prevent basement flooding. Sump pumps can be hard-wired into a home’s electrical system or be plugged into an outlet. Many sump pumps are equipped with a battery backup to ensure that the pump will work when the power is out, such as during a severe storm when it’s especially important that water is pumped away from your home. Test Your Sump Pump Regularly Test your sump pump regularly to make sure it will operate when the next big downpour occurs. Test it by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit. The pump should turn on, remove the water from the pit and shut itself off in a matter of seconds. Ensure that the float and the check valve move freely. Cleaning and Replacement To clean your sump pit, remove any dirt, sand, gravel and other debris to increase the pump’s efficiency and prolong its life. Ensure that the discharge line opening is free of obstructions so that water can be pumped through the line and out of your basement or crawlspace. Like any equipment with moving parts, sump pumps will wear out over time and will need to be replaced. There is no general rule on how often a sump pump should be replaced since it depends on how often the pump operates. Consider a Battery Backup If your home experiences a power outage for an extended period, frequent power outages or if your primary sump pump fails, a battery backup sump pump or one of many water powered backup systems (that use your home's water supply pressure to remove water from the sump pit) will protect your basement from water damage. A Roto-Rooter plumber can present several backup options. Call Roto-Rooter Today! If you have questions about your sump pump or general questions or concerns about your plumbing, call Roto-Rooter today at 908-756-8110.  Looking for more tips and savings on service?  Sign up for our Roto-Rooter newsletter byclicking here!

Seasonal Plumbing Tips for Fall, Part 2

The increasingly colorful leaves and chilly mornings remind us that when winter arrives it can be sudden, often leaving homeowners unprepared for the troubles associated with extreme cold. In Part 2 of our Fall Plumbing Tips, we offer a few more simple preparations that will help to ensure hassle-free plumbing throughout the winter months: Your water heater works harder during winter months. Flush it out and remove sediment buildup, which causes corrosion, shortens life span and reduces heating efficiency. Drain several gallons from the faucet near the bottom of the tank. Connect a hose to the faucet and direct water into a nearby drain. Check your water heater manufacturer 's website for specific instructions concerning your make and model. Carefully test the water heater's pressure relief valve (Danger: water is very hot!) by lifting up on the lever and letting it snap back. The valve should allow a burst of hot water into the drainpipe. If not, call a professional to have a new valve installed. Caution: if your water heater is more than five years old and the pressure relief valve has never been tested, you can actually cause a leak by testing older valves that have corroded or stuck seals. A plumber should be consulted. Check the temperature setting on your water heater's thermostat. Set at 120°F for optimum performance. Clear leaves and debris from outside gutters and downspouts to ensure easy drainage when water freezes and thaws throughout the winter season. Inspect and clean sump pump and pit. Pumps exposed to extreme cold can freeze, preventing the pump from operating. When leaving home for extended periods, shut off the main water valve and drain the system by opening faucets at the highest and lowest points of the house. Make sure the heat is left on and set no lower than 55°F. Call Roto-Rooter Today! Colder days will be here before you know it!  If you would like advice about cold-weather preparation for your home appliances and pipes or about your plumbing in general, call Roto-Rooter today at 908-756-8110.  Looking for more tips and savings on service?  Sign up for our Roto-Rooter newsletter byclicking here!