Recent Requests
We have some pipes that are shaking in the basement when we turn off water, flush the toilet, use the dishwasher, etc. They shake quite violently when we flush the one toilet (it's a bit old and seems to use a lot of water pressure). It shaking seems to be the cold water pipes coming in from the main water pipe and that continue up the wall and over to our hot water tank. There is also shaking when we turn off a hot water tap--this time the hot water pipe going into the hot water tank. It is mostly minor shaking--except for when the toilet stops flushing--that is, again--some pretty major shaking! Our house was built back in '59--so we weren't sure if this might be water hammer and the house just doesn't have any arrestors or anything? Also, my husband is interested in having a shut-off valve put onto a toilet that doesn't seem to have one (the toilet causing the major shaking) and some shut-off valves replaced on our kitchen sink (the ones that are there do not seem to work).
I had a "shade-tree" plumber do some work on my bathroom faucets and now my faucets are still leaking into the basement, I'm having trouble washing because only my hot water works with the washer now, and i have a stopped up commode prior to the horrible plumbing job.
Dahn B
Buffalo, New York
ATM Plumbing & Sewer, Inc.
Marty Hall's Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
Modern Plumbing, Inc.
John W. Danforth Co.
Garbage Disposal Plumbing
A garbage disposal can offer several years of service with proper maintenance and care. Reduce the need for garbage disposal repairs by following these few simple steps. Never stuff the disposal more than its capacity. Avoid pouring grease, and shoving metal, glass or bones down the unit. While the unit is in motion, pour cold water down the unit -- hot water can melt grease, which can later harden to clog the unit. Never pour drain cleaners or household bleach down the unit, and run water through the unit before and after every use. If you do put something in your unit that doesn't belong there, use a pair of tongs to remove the object, not your hands. To keep foul food smells out the unit, cut up a few pieces of lemon rind and grind them into the unit. To clean your kitchen garbage disposal, run some ice cubes mixed with rock salt for about 5 seconds in your garbage disposer.
To avoid the need for garbage disposal repairs, take care never to shove large objects, like bones down the unit. Never pour grease or coffee grounds down the garbage disposal. Your manufacturer's manual will provide a list of items that have no place in the disposal. Always run water before and after using the unit, and run cold water when the unit is in operation. Don't run hot water when the unit is in use, because the heat can melt any grease causing clog formations. Never overfill your garbage disposal unit. Simple garbage disposal repairs can be done at home. If the unit doesn't run even when the motor hums, it could be a sign of a hard object stuck. Switch off the disposer, and if you can see an object like a bone, rubber or metal, pull it out using tongs. Don't put your hands inside the unit. If this doesn't help, call a garbage disposal plumber. In case of a leak in your unit, simply find the source, and tighten the connection.
In case of a garbage disposal that is switched on but doesn't run, press the reset button at the bottom of the disposer. Make sure that your unit has been plugged into a functioning power outlet. If you still have problems, the cause may be a defective garbage disposal switch or stopper that has to be replaced. In case of a garbage disposal leak, look for the source, and tighten the loose connection. If your disposal makes a lot of noise, check to see if any hard object has entered the unit. If not, call a garbage disposal plumber to replace the blade and motor. We have established this unique resource to help you find licensed and certified garbage disposal plumbers in Buffalo.