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Plumbing Help Is Just a Call Away

Plumbing emergencies never happen at a convenient time. They often strike early in the morning, late at night, or right before a big event.

Don't let burst pipes, sewer blockages, clogged drains, or water heater issues catch you off guard. Trust the experts at Charlotte Plumbing Repair—we have the tools and expertise to fix the problem fast.

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Do you like it scorching hot or refreshingly cool?

Whatever your preference, our plumbing experts ensure your water heater keeps up!

If your water heater isn't delivering the perfect shower, it's time for a check-up. Let Charlotte Plumbing Repair handle it so you can enjoy your ideal shower temperature daily.

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Do you notice signs that you need bathroom plumbing repair service? If you've decided on an upgrade, reach out to our bathroom plumbing professionals at Charlotte Plumbing Repair for fast, affordable service! Visit our website to learn more.

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Steps to Protect Your Home from Freezing 

 Turn off the main water valve: The main water valve is usually located in the garage, downstairs closet or in the mechanical room. Turning off the water supply and opening all faucets will help the water flow. In multi-story buildings, the flow starts at the lowest level, while in single-story homes,  the flow starts at the faucet closest to the main valve.

 Adjust the water heater:

Turn the water heater to the lowest setting, or standby to prevent the tank from freezing. This step eliminates the need to Have a plumber come and relight it when the host returns.

 Flush and disinfect toilets:

After shutting off and draining the

to remove excess water from tanks. It is also recommended to pour an environmentally friendly antibacterial solution into the toilet and back tank to lubricate the flap/seal and prevent dry rot.50/51 Antifreeze is a ready-to-use, 55% pure propylene glycol formula designed for hydronic heating and cooling closed-loop systems and general piping requiring freeze protection. It can be added to all products to help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. It also prevents freezing in air conditioners, recreational vehicles, seasonal homes, mobile homes, vehicles, boats, and commercial applications.

 Prepare Antifreeze for Drains:

Apply antifreeze to showers, tubs, floors, and water lines to prevent freezing and keep traps closed. This step ensures that water in the trap does not freeze or evaporate.

Maintain heat and airflow:

Set your heat source to at least 50°F to prevent damage to your plumbing.

Customers are also encouraged to have their heating systems checked and adjusted for proper operation.

It is recommended that doors be cracked at the bottom of bathrooms and kitchens to allow warm air to reach the p-trap.

 Insulated Exposed Pipe:

Pipe with an insulated jacket or non-insulated coating and exterior walls. This protects the pipes from freezing.

 Enclosed Garage:

Homeowners are advised to close their garage doors to prevent cold air from reaching pipes in adjacent walls. It is recommended that you add vinyl or rubber strips to the bottom of your garage door to further insulate cold air and prevent mold growth.

 Steps to Winterize Exterior Pipes

 Locate and seal the opening in the water line leading to an exterior wall (usually in the basement, entryway, or mechanical room). Turn on all faucets until water comes out of the outside hose bib. Disconnect Garden Hoses:

To prevent freezing, Home owners are advised to disconnect garden hoses and fittings from hose bibs. When water freezes, it expands and can damage the pipe. To prevent valve damage, we recommend blowing out any remaining water in the outside lines using an air compressor.

 Clear gutters and drainpipes:

Homeowners are advised to clear gutters and drainpipes to maintain water flow and prevent freezing, which can lead to costly repairs.

 Sealing cracks and gaps:

Check for visible cracks or gaps in doors, windows, or gates. Fill exterior and interior cracks with sealant to effectively prevent pipes from freezing, a process that can lead to increased bills.  Preventing pipes from freezing in winter is essential to maintaining the quality of the interior and exterior of your home. Following the steps outlined in this guide will help you protect your plumbing and save from potential problems and expensive repairs.

Charlotte, NC

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Why You Shouldn’t Pour Cooking Grease Down the Drain

Pouring cooking grease down the drain might seem like a harmless and convenient way to dispose of leftover fats, but it can lead to serious plumbing and environmental problems. Grease disposal is a common issue in many households, yet the consequences of improper disposal can be far-reaching and costly. Here's why you should avoid pouring cooking grease down the drain and how to dispose of it properly.

Clogged Pipes and Plumbing Issues

One of the most immediate and obvious reasons not to pour grease down the drain is the potential for clogged pipes. When hot grease is poured into the sink, it may flow down the drain easily, but as it cools, it solidifies. This solidified grease can stick to the insides of pipes, gradually building up over time. This accumulation narrows the diameter of the pipes, restricting water flow and leading to clogs.

These clogs can cause:

Slow Draining: Initially, you might notice your sink draining more slowly than usual. This is often the first sign of grease buildup. Complete Blockages: As the grease solidifies and more debris gets trapped, it can cause a complete blockage, stopping water flow entirely. Costly Repairs: Fixing clogged pipes often requires professional plumbers, who may need to use specialized equipment to remove the blockage. In severe cases, pipe replacement may be necessary, leading to expensive repair bills.

Main Sewer Backups and Overflows

The problem with grease doesn’t stop at your kitchen sink. Once it enters the main sewer line, it can cause even more significant issues:

Sewer Line Clogs: Just like in your home's pipes, grease can solidify in the sewer lines, leading to blockages. These blockages can cause sewage to back up into homes, basements, and streets. Public Health Risks: Sewer overflows can create unsanitary conditions, spreading harmful bacteria and pathogens. This poses serious health risks to the community. Environmental Damage: Overflowing sewage can contaminate local waterways, harming wildlife and ecosystems. It can also lead to pollution of drinking water sources, affecting public health.

Fatbergs: A Growing Urban Issue

In cities and towns around the world like Charlotte NC, the combination of grease, oil, and other non-biodegradable items like wet wipes has led to the formation of "fatbergs." Fatbergs are massive, solid conglomerations that form in sewers and are extremely difficult to remove. They can weigh several tons and extend for hundreds of feet.

Infrastructure Damage: Fatbergs can cause extensive damage to sewer infrastructure, leading to costly repairs and replacements. Increased Maintenance Costs: Municipalities must spend significant amounts of money and resources to clear fatbergs from sewers, costs that are often passed on to taxpayers.

Environmental Impact

Pouring grease down the drain can have significant environmental impacts:

Water Pollution: Grease can enter Charlotte waterways through sewer overflows, affecting aquatic life and water quality. The grease can deplete oxygen levels in the water, harming fish and other marine organisms. Soil Contamination: When sewer systems overflow, they can deposit grease and other contaminants into the soil, affecting plant life and potentially contaminating food crops.

How to Properly Dispose of Cooking Grease

Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to dispose of cooking grease without harming your plumbing or the environment:

Cool and Solidify: Allow the grease to cool and solidify in the pan or a disposable container. Once it has solidified, scrape it into the trash. Use a Grease Container: Keep a designated container for grease disposal. Pour cooled grease into the container, seal it, and throw it away with your regular trash once it's full. Recycle: Some communities have recycling programs that accept used cooking oil. Check with local recycling centers in Charlotte NC or waste disposal facilities to see if they accept grease and oil for recycling. Composting (For Small Amounts): Small amounts of vegetable oil can be composted, but this should be done sparingly. Avoid composting animal fats, as they can attract pests and create odors.

Preventive Measures for Homeowners

To protect your plumbing and the environment, here are some preventive measures to consider:

Use Sink Strainers: Place strainers in your kitchen sink to catch food scraps and prevent them from entering the drain. Avoid Garbage Disposals for Grease: While garbage disposals can grind up food waste, they do not handle grease effectively. Grease can still congeal and cause clogs. Regular Pipe Maintenance: Consider having your pipes professionally cleaned periodically to remove buildup and prevent clogs.

Conclusion

Pouring cooking grease down the drain may seem like a quick and easy solution, but it can lead to a host of problems, from clogged pipes and costly repairs to environmental damage and public health risks. By properly disposing of grease, you can protect your home’s plumbing, reduce your impact on the environment, and help maintain the health of your community’s sewer systems. Taking the time to dispose of grease responsibly is a small step that can make a big difference.