Category: Plumbing Tips

If you own a pet, you probably don’t need to be reminded that it is our responsibility to maintain order and tranquility in our homes. It is something that you already know as a pet owner. It is not rare to discover that pets have chewed on a piece of furniture or another item of the home or that they have torn a piece of clothing to tears because they have been bored of staying inside for too long. 

It is natural to keep an eye out for such occurrences, and you likely have strategies to avoid them. Have you ever thought about the potential effects of owning a pet on the plumbing in your home?

1.Bathing Time Reminders

Your pet in the tub? Pet hair can clog drains, so use a stopper or filter, especially if your pet sheds a lot. Brushing your pet before bathing them can lessen drain strain. Depending on your pet’s coat, you may remove dirt, grass burrs, and other yard surprises. Wipe off the tub after the bath to remove hair. A pressure-balancing valve can prevent scalding water if someone flushes the toilet while you’re bathing your pet.

2.Pay Attention If Your Pet Enjoys Digging

Sometimes, a water or sewer line may be situated at a depth of fewer than two feet below the ground’s surface. Maintain vigilance and pay attention to what your pet is up to, especially if it is a persistent and forceful dirt excavator. It can punch a hole in a water or sewer pipe, although the likelihood of this happening is not very high. If you remember to follow these instructions, there is a good chance that you, your animals, and your plumbing system will get along just nicely. 

3.Safe Water Pressure

Your pets won’t guarantee they experience the same level of contentment at the same temperature as you. A lot of the time, people who own pets unknowingly give their animals water that is either too hot or too cold. The levels of water pressure are almost always the source of the issue. Either by putting in a balancing valve or by giving the ones you currently have a thorough inspection, you can ensure that your home’s water pressure is safe. Before getting into the bath, you should always perform a temperature test. If you find the temperature uncomfortable, then your pet probably will also.

4.Always Leave Plenty Of Waters For Them

When thirsty, your pet will do anything to find water. Pets may turn on faucets. This could be especially harmful if you’ve transformed a sink into your cat’s bed. If your pet covers the drain and turns on the tap, your home might overflow, or your water bill might skyrocket. Leave fresh water for your pets so they don’t have to search for it. Keep bathroom doors closed when you’re away.

5.Guard Pipes That Are Exposed

If you notice exposed pipes in your home, you should ensure that your pets can’t get to them. You may prevent furniture from becoming a scratching post or a chew toy for your cat by blocking access to it with everyday household items. Both your pipes and your animals will be safe from this.

Don’t worry if something unexpected happens; our skilled plumbing specialists at Gray Plumbing will manage it. We handle any project, so don’t hesitate to call us at (707) 600-2969 if you need help with your plumbing. 

Do you feel a bit uncomfortable about replacing an old toilet? We get it. But as long as you have the muscle to lift a toilet (they’re not as heavy as you may think), you can install a toilet on your own!

Whether replacing an old toilet during a renovation or putting in a new one, you’ll save time and effort by following these guidelines.

Removal Of The Old Toilet

Here is a guideline on removing it.

Shut off the water supply by twisting the valve that is usually mounted on the wall or floor next to the toilet you intend to remove.

It would help if you flushed the toilet to get rid of the water in the bowl. Then, if there is still water, use a plunger to remove it. With an adjustable wrench, disconnect the supply line.

Separate the tank by removing its bolts using an adjustable wrench. Lift the tank off the bowl.

Finally, raise the base bolt covers and use pliers or an adjustable wrench to extract the base Bolts.

Pull up the toilet base to remove it. Keep it upright to avoid spilling water when moving it. Keep sponges or clothes handy.

Here Is The Step-By-Step Guide To Installing A New Toilet

Step 1: Seal The Hole

If you don’t want sewage gas to seep into your home, plug the hole with a cloth. You’ll need to take it out before you can set up the new toilet.

Step 2: Take Off Your Old Wax Ring

Utilize a putty knife to cut away the worn-out wax ring. It’s filthy, so please protect your hands.

Step 3: Check The Flange

Examine the flange, the one that connects the toilet to the floor. If it’s good-looking and not cracked, use that. BUT if not, replace the old bolts with the new ones that came with your new toilet.

Cracked flange? If so, don’t worry. Flange repair rings are available. Make sure it fits your floor flange.

Step 4: Put On A New Wax Ring

Install your wax ring. Utilized a thick wax ring for cement tile, flipped the toilet bowl, and affixed the wax ring to the bottom. This is preferable to placing the wax ring on the floor before lowering the bowl since you can be sure it’s in the right spot.

Step 5: Install The Bowl Onto The Flange

It’s time! Now you can install the toilet bowl. Align bolt holes with flange bolts. Press to seal it. Move or tilt the toilet carefully to avoid leaking wax seals.

Step 6: Secure The Bowl

Tighten washers and nuts on each toilet bowl bolt. Overtightening can break the porcelain. Hacksaw off the excess bolt.

Step 7: Attach The Tank

You can attach the tank if your toilet isn’t one part (many aren’t). Align tank bolts with bowl holes and lower tank. Bolt it down.

Step 8: Connect The Water Supply Line

Reattach the water supply line. After that, fill the tank slowly to test for leaks.

Step 9: Shim And Caulk The Toilet’s Base

If your toilet shakes, shim and caulk it. If your toilet is solid and still, you’re in good condition.

If you don’t have the necessary skills, getting some help is preferable. Let a professional handle the toilet installation to avoid problems like water leaks, mold development, or pipes that don’t meet building requirements. So, let Gray Plumbing handle all of that. We get things done as swiftly and effectively as possible. Contact us now!

Kitchens are the lifeblood of any home. It’s a place to cook for family, friends, or just yourself, but it’s so much more! Kitchens can be a regular gathering place for people to gather for a good conversation – a true refuge from busy lives. That includes keeping your plumbing in good working order so that clogs don’t appear all over your kitchen. Here are three things to know about kitchen plumbing services:

The Importance of Kitchen Plumbing

Having working plumbing in your kitchen ensures that you always have access to fresh water. In addition to handling the wastewater from the sink, the toilet, and the shower, the sink is also in charge of draining the water from the dishwasher and the garbage disposal. A flooded kitchen, or even worse, a sewage backup, is a direct result of faulty plumbing in the kitchen.

Maintaining a well-functioning plumbing system in a kitchen requires regular upkeep. An unclogged drain is less likely to develop leaks. Kitchen plumbing that isn’t maintained can lead to expensive repairs down the road. Don’t hesitate to contact a plumber at the first sign of trouble, whether it be a leak or a blockage.

Common Kitchen Plumbing Services

Some common kitchen plumbing services that you may require on a daily basis are as follows:

Drain Cleaning

Is your kitchen sink not draining as quickly as it once did? Then it’s time to have your drain cleaned. This is a very common problem, and every kitchen will encounter it at some point. It causes your sink to become clogged over time as a result of food debris, mineral deposits, and other issues. We will clear your clogs and restore your sink to its former glory.

Leak Repair

The kitchen is packed with valves, pipes, and fixtures, and if even one of them leaks, you waste not only water but also money. Do you have a leak in your kitchen? Our expert will not only locate it but will also repair it for you.

Faucet Repair

Is your faucet broken, damaged, or leaking? Remove your concerns because our technicians are here to repair any type of faucet. It is made up of a ceramic disk, a ball, a cartridge, and compression. We do everything from repairing a small part to completely replacing it.

When To Call A Plumber

When attempting to unclog a sink or appliance, the homeowner must turn off the water supply at the main water and sewer valve. However, a plumber should be called in without delay if any do-it-yourself approach fails.

Fixing the plumbing in your kitchen is not an enjoyable weekend activity. You might flood your house or break your appliances if you don’t know what you’re doing. The best choice is to call in experts to avoid paying for an expensive emergency repair when you notice a problem.

Don’t hesitate to contact Gray Plumbing for all your plumbing needs. Whether it’s a minor leak or a huge burst pipe, our team is well-equipped to fix the issue quickly and effectively.

Whether you saw an advertisement for a local plumbing company and the jingle stayed in your head for more than a few days, or you noticed an ad on trucks and vans that seems to get your attention, finding a local plumber that you can trust is an essential part of having a home.

It’s never good to have plumbing issues in your house. In fact, you might even be consciously ignoring a few underlying problems right now. Try to find the right one for you before anything goes wrong. Don’t wait until a disaster forces you to make a wrong decision. Do you know who to call when things go wrong?

Here are some things to watch out for the next time your plumbing troubles you.

License Workers

You need a professional to handle your plumbing when it needs to be done. There are many things at risk; a poor repair could result in water damage, a sewer leak, or other serious problems. When doing your survey, confirm the reputation of any potential contractors.

However, you can always call them and inquire. Most businesses list their credentials on their websites. Usually, you can check city or state licenses in a database to ensure the numbers are correct.

Insurance Is Present

If you let an uninsured company or person work on your plumbing, there are several problems. First, you can file a claim with their insurance company for compensation if a plumber gets it wrong and damages your home. An uninsured business, however, might escape having to cover the damage. Second, they might sustain an injury at work. The worker can pursue the homeowner for costs if there is no insurance. You might be responsible for the medical expenses and the plumbing repair.

Wide Range Of Services

A wide variety of plumbing services should be available from your area plumber. After all, renovating a bathroom shouldn’t require contacting six different service providers. On their websites, plumbers typically list the services they offer. You can call for more information or inquire about particulars, such as whether they service tankless water heaters.

Affordably Priced Plumbing Services

Finding reasonably priced plumbing is one of the most important criteria for selecting a local plumber. They should never add extra services or fees without asking you first. Find affordable plumbing for your needs by asking them what they will do, how much it will cost, and requesting a quotation before the work is started. Asking about estimates is essential when selecting a local plumbing company for the job; some businesses even provide them free of charge.

It’ll be too late when you realize your plumbing company didn’t live up to your expectations. An incorrect repair or a skipped service call could be the problem. Luckily, by selecting the correct plumber, you can avoid this. Gray Plumbing is a group of knowledgeable, insured, and licensed plumbers who stay true to deadlines. We ensure that clients are pleased with the work we do. Call us right away to learn more.

If you’re reading this, your old garbage disposal probably has used its useful life. A classic garbage disposal unit lasts for roughly 12 years, so if you have one in your kitchen, you will almost surely need to replace it at some point.

Setting up new garbage disposal is simple if you have the proper tools and materials. Check to see if you have the correct type of disposal for your plumbing, then follow these steps to get your disposal up and running in no time.

Step 1: Safety First

Your safety should be your top priority. You should turn off your garbage disposal’s power. While installing the new unit and removing the old one, cover the switch with tape to prevent anyone from accidentally turning it on. Ensure no electricity goes to the appliance using your circuit tester while working. 

Step 2: Get Rid Of The Old Disposal

Follow this sequence:

• Use a screwdriver to remove the access hole cover and disconnect the electrical cable from the old garbage disposal’s underside.
• Remove and unplug the wires from the access hole. Make sure to clear the metal cable that serves as the system’s ground. Remove the drainpipe’s bolt from the disposal’s side. To remove the two nuts, use your adjustable wrench. 
• To unlock the disposal, loosen the locking ring, insert a flathead screwdriver into the lower mounting ring and turn it about a quarter-turn counterclockwise. Maintain a tight grip as the disposal should now fall from where it was attached to the mounting assembly. Remove the mounting ring from the sink’s base entirely by unscrewing it. Push the sink flange up from the sink drain after removing the locking ring with a screwdriver.
• Remove any leftover putty from the plumbing. After that, generously spread the plumber’s putty around the flange to serve as a gasket. Replace the sink flange in the drain hole. Reattach the mounting ring, tighten the mounting screws with a screwdriver, and clean any excess putty from the top and bottom of the sink flange.

Step 3: Set Up Your Brand-New Garbage Disposal

Carry out the following instructions:

• Before installing the new garbage disposal, reconnect the electrical wires and ground wire. Next, open the access hole cover on your new appliance and grab the wires inside. By using twist-on wire connectors, join the two wires (one from the garbage disposal and the other from the wall). After that, join the coloured wires.
• Return the wires to the access hole and replace the cover once all the electrical connections have been made. Join the locking ring with the replacement disposal. Turn the lower mounting rings clockwise after inserting the mounting gasket into the mounting assembly until the mounting tabs feel secure and the removal feels stable. 
• Attach the rubber gasket from your drain line to the disposal’s tailpiece, then turn on the power to test it.

At Gray Plumbing, we can install your garbage disposal if you think installing it yourself would be difficult. No mistakes, no surprises—we do it right the first time. Contact us for professional garbage disposal installation.

 

If you don’t own a water softener, you must use more detergent to keep your clothes from looking dirty. Your dishes will have streaks and stains when they come out of the dishwasher. Your shower curtains will get slimy, and your soap and shampoo won’t do any good. When you take a bath in hard water, your skin gets itchy and dry, and your hair loses volume and sticks together. It’s hard to believe how much time, energy, and money it takes to clean up the problems caused by hard water. Water that is too hard can be fixed with a whole-house water softener. So what is a water softener?

Water Softener

Hard water results from excessive levels of calcium and magnesium in the water, both of which may be filtered out using a filtering system known as a water softener. A water softening system filters out the hard water minerals as the water passes through it, and the softer water then exits the system and continues on its way through the plumbing.

How Do Water Softeners Work?

If you can believe it, water softeners are pretty similar to magnets. A conventional bar magnet has one “positive” and one “negative” end. For example, assume you are attempting to link the positive ends of two bar magnets. And what occurs, exactly? One is trying to avoid the other; thus, naturally, they are repelling each other. It’s impossible to bond them regardless of how hard you try. But what would happen if you try to link the positive end to the opposing end of the other? They click together instantly!

To put it simply, Water Softeners rely on the law of attraction to neutralize the effects of hard water.

Calcium and magnesium, the two main minerals responsible for hard water, have a positive charge. A filter made of negatively charged resin beads is also used in the softening process, and the hard water is pumped through the system as the hard water passes through the resin beads, like magnets they attract.

This concept is also similar during system cleanups or regenerations. Water and salt (both positively charged) wash through the resin beads during regeneration. As with the magnet, the positive charges in the salt, calcium, and magnesium are repelled by each other. The saline water causes the calcium and magnesium to separate from the resin beads and flow out.

Can You Drink Softened Water?

There are no known health threats associated with drinking soft water. The resin beads release sodium into the water during the ion exchange when they bind to the hardness minerals. However, contrary to popular belief, softened water does not contain excessive amounts of salt. 

If your water is somewhat hard, say 5 grains per gallon (approximately 86 ppm), you need to add just 37 milligrams of salt every quart. There goes your salt consumption goal for the day. Sodium content varies widely across different foods, with white bread having roughly 170 milligrams per slice and pizza having about 640 mg. Therefore, water softeners provide a tiny quantity of salt to the water supply.

Professional methods of testing for hard water are available. For additional details, contact us at Gray Plumbing to learn more about water softeners and other services.

The only things that people should flush down the toilets are toilet paper and human waste. Still, far too many people consider bathrooms as clean waste bins where they can wash their troubles away! Undoubtedly, we’ve all had our fair share of close encounters and actual scares at the toilet bowl, whether by accident or cunning planning.

Plumbers worldwide can confirm a range of bizarre claims during their course of work. It took them longer hours removing blocked pipes, digging through who knows what to locate the cause of leaky pipes and toilets, including several additional problems. Most people have flushed small items such as coins or knick-knacks down the toilet. Still, you’ll be intrigued or disgusted by some of the weirdest things that actual plumbers’ watched flushed down toilets.

Read to know about a few of the weirdest things people flushed down the toilet accidentally and on purpose!

Dentures

Surprisingly, a set of dentures is frequently flushed down the toilet at least once or twice. One instance is when a gentleman became distressed after losing his dentures down the toilet. He kept insisting he would clean his dentures and put them back on.

In a completely different situation, an airport company called a plumber into an overflowing men’s room only to discover the source of the problem: a set of dentures beaming at him in the pipes. Nobody tried to claim the dentures, possibly because they had no plans to use them again after their final expedition.

Animals

We’ve all remembered flushing dead goldfishes in the toilet. Still, many living animals have also been down the drain.

You’ll be stunned to discover that a young boy decided to bathe his puppy on the toilet. Unfortunately, the youngster flushed the puppy down the bathroom while washing him off! Fortunately for them, a plumber was able to find the puppy in the drainage pipes using special camera gear, allowing for a quick rescue.

Many also discovered a squirrel, puppy, snake, shark, an iguana, and an opossum in toilets, both flushed and unflushed.

Expensive Jewelry

An unfortunate victim of auto flush was a woman who had to call a plumber after her $10,000 bracelet fell off her arm while on the toilet. Fortunately, the plumber was apt to remove the toilet and retrieve it from the pipes for her.

In another case, a discovery of a $70,000 wedding ring down a toilet and other findings included a hairpin worn in the 1500s. Plumbers found the hairpin in a dig site with ancient toilets. Having old bathrooms can sometimes be favorable.

Money

A janitor started his regular activities, cleaning the bathrooms at his workplace, when he discovered that one of the toilets had more than $90,000. When a plumber arrived, he found over $1,000 in the pipes. Nobody came forth to recover the money. Hence, a judicial officer ruled in 2014 that most of the money should go to the honest janitor who discovered it.

If you are experiencing a plumbing problem, Gray Plumbing is always available to assist you! Over a decade in the industry, we have perfected the hassle-free plumbing expertise. Ensuring that we know what’s happening with your toilet and how to solve any problems, no matter how bizarre. To schedule a service appointment, contact us today.

The most difficult thing in any commercial kitchen is keeping the FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) at bay. Many restaurant owners across the world have grease traps installed in their kitchens to address this issue because of the technology employed in these grease removal units. It captures FOG from wastewater from kitchen drains, dishwashers, and sinks, allowing it to flow freely into the sewer system. However, grease traps, like many other kitchen appliances, require regular maintenance in order to continue to execute their function consistently and efficiently. So, here are some plausible explanations for why you should maintain and properly clean your grease trap.

Remove Offensive Odor

A grease trap accumulates FOG in its tank, which decomposes over time and emits a rotten odor. If this is not addressed, the smell may become unbearable, even if the interceptor is underground. This could reduce the number of consumers that visit the restaurant, eventually jeopardizing the company’s reputation.

Avoid Expensive Tank Replacement 

Chemical components are present in solid food waste and FOG caught in the grease trap. If the tank is not cleaned, the contained waste degrades, producing hydrogen sulfur gas, which converts to sulphuric acid. The very corrosive sulphuric acid can corrode the steel and the walls of the interceptor, necessitating an expensive replacement.

Assist in Cleaning 

When a grease trap collects FOG, the solid food particles settle at the tank’s bottom. If this solid waste is not eliminated on a regular basis, it hardens into a thick, hard mass that forms an immovable barrier that appears to be impossible to clean.

Prevent Drainage System Blockage

A grease interceptor keeps running by continuously collecting grease from above and solid food waste from below in the tank. If the tank is not cleaned on a regular basis, waste will accumulate in the tank, causing extra food waste and FOG to go down the sewer system from the kitchen sink or dishwasher. This will eventually develop serious obstructions in the pipeline, preventing wastewater flow. The end outcome would be backups and overflow, which would cause costly damage.

Avoid Penalties

Almost every municipality in the world has specific fines for improper FOG treatment in commercial kitchens. Some include fines for failing to install a grease trap and others for failing to properly maintain the equipment. Because the municipality will notice the high concentration of FOG in the sewers in both circumstances. As a result, you may face substantial fines, suspension of operations, or even cancellation of your operating license until the underlying issue is resolved.

Protect Your Business 

You would have realized from the facts described above that failing to install or maintain a grease trap in your restaurant will result in a significant loss of sales. It may become tough for you to establish consumer confidence and outperform your competitors in the long run, especially if your restaurant is located in a competitive environment.

In Conclusion

Rather than emptying your grease traps yourself, allow your grease trap cleaning and care needs to be handled by experts. Simply give us a call right now if you have any questions regarding the ways in which Gray Plumbing may assist your company in maintaining grease traps that are clean, compliant, and ecologically conscious. Our grease trap services are competitively priced and our track record for timely yet thorough appointments is unrivaled.

If you’re contemplating a bathroom remodels, there’s no need to go overboard. You can make your space more functional and beautiful without breaking the bank. Here are some tips for planning a budget-friendly bathroom renovation:

 

Don’t Move the Plumbing 

If you’re doing a complete gut renovation, it’s tempting to move all of the plumbing lines to be out of sight — but this is an expensive mistake. DIYers should leave them where they are and focus on designing around them rather than trying to move them.

Demolish the Space

If possible, remove everything from your existing bathroom before starting your project — including any tiling or cabinetry installed over time by previous owners or tenants. This will let you design your perfect bathroom.

Start From Scratch

It’s alluring to try and save money by using materials salvaged from other rooms in your house or by shopping at thrift stores and yard sales for used items. But when it comes to renovating bathrooms, it’s best to start with brand new materials that meet current construction codes and feature modern finishes (such as vanity tops with integrated sinks).

Expand the Room

The first thing to do is to expand the room. You can do this by removing the walls between two bathrooms or adding an extra barrier to make it larger. If you want to keep your price low, try to keep it simple by removing just one wall.

Add Storage

You can add more storage by installing cabinets in each corner of your bathroom and under the sink area. This way, you will have enough storage space for your personal items and toiletries.

Choose Every Fixture Yourself

When doing bathroom remodels, many homeowners find it challenging to choose the right fixtures because they don’t know what they need or if they’re getting quality products at an affordable price. The best way around this problem is to purchase all your fixtures yourself to know exactly what goes into every aspect of your new bathroom design concept before hiring a contractor or going ahead with any other work involved in the project itself.

Remain Resourceful and Creative 

Don’t let your budget limit you. If you’re seeking ideas on how to update your space without spending a fortune, take a look at Pinterest or Houzz. You’ll find all sorts of inspiration there.

Hire a Professional

If you’re unsure what direction to take, hiring a professional can help move things in the right direction. For example, if you’re not sure whether you need flooring or tiling, hiring someone who specializes in these locations will make it easier for them to make recommendations about what would work best for your space — and at what cost.

Remodeling your bathroom can be fun, rewarding, and even profitable if you do it right. Because we only want nothing but the best for our customers, we strongly recommend hiring a professional plumber to remodel your bathroom. The installation will be quick, easy, and without any last-minute surprises with the right guide. At Gray Plumbing, our team can be trusted and many individuals book us for the quickest and safest expert assistance. Call us now for all your bathroom remodel needs.

You’re finally getting that bathroom to remodel you’ve been pining for years. Do you have a Pinterest fever? We completely understand, and we realize how undecided you may be about which patterns and trends to follow. The concern with trends is that they are like love at first sight.

This could happen numerous times, so the key here is to avoid settling for a trend you’ll regret later. You need to locate something extraordinary that you will value in the long term and with whom you will have a lengthy connection. We will instead provide you with a list of the worst bathroom trends to avoid because there are so many to select from.

Avoid a Quick Design

Although fleeting designs are popular in the market, they are among the bathroom trends to avoid. You want something that will provide you joy for years to come, and you need a design that is both attractive and functional. Why not choose a safe transitional design instead of geometric angles, pattern tiles, bohemian decor, or vintage colors?

Transitional bathroom designs remain popular due to their charm and desire to merge with both traditional and contemporary styles. Your bathroom will combine the elegance and simplicity of a modern bathroom with the warmth of a classic one. 

Avoid Using Excessive Colors

The truth is, bathroom remodels aren’t something you can do every year, so make sure you do something you’ll be happy with for the next several years. Bold colors are one of those things that only last a short time before going out of style. Neutral colors, like white or grey, will give your bathroom the clean and fresh appearance you seek.

Avoid Cement Tiles and White Grout 

Tiles are an important aspect of a bathroom, and the ones you choose will affect its aesthetic. You want something strong, long-lasting, and eye-catching, but cement tiles might not be the way to go. Cement tiles are among the most popular bathroom tiles, and most people simply covet them.

If you fall into that category, you should reconsider your alternatives. They are pricey, difficult to maintain, and misused, despite being touted as having unsurpassed texture and depth. These tiles will discolor the first day they are used, and once they have patina, you may feel like they were a waste of money.

Avoid Dull Walls

White is a common bathroom hue, but white on white doesn’t work. Overdone, it looks sterile and dull. Add bright colors even if you favor white.

Patterns, colors, and materials give your area distinction and a striking aesthetic. Choose accessories you love because you can alter them whenever you want. Use carpets, plants, artwork, and anything else that offers you joy in your bathroom.

In Summary

There are many bathroom trends to select from, but these are the ones to avoid. Consider functionality, beauty, and longevity when making judgments, and choose colors, styles, and designs that will be timeless in a year or two.

Please contact Gray Plumbing for your bathroom remodeling needs. More bathroom remodeling ideas from our professionals may be of interest to you.