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Author: Amanda Triolo

Is It Normal for a Water Heater to Make Popping Noises?

When your water heater tank starts making a popping, knocking, or banging sound, it’s definitely a cause for concern. What leads to a water heater making popping noise and what can you do about it? The licensed plumbers at Grasshopper Heating & Cooling have the answer in this brief guide.

Don’t Ignore Water Heater Maintenance

Just like any plumbing fixture, your hot water heater needs routine maintenance or it won’t work properly. Sediment buildup inside the steel tank prevents the bubbles in boiling water from escaping which results in a distinct popping noise.

Both gas and electric water heaters can experience this along with the following issues:

  • Tank leaks
  • Decrease in the water heater’s efficiency
  • Heating element damage

Discover how plumbers safeguard hot water systems by flushing the tank of sediment and mineral deposits.

How to Flush a Water Heater Making Popping Noise

Don’t hesitate to drain and flush a water heater making popping noises. You’ll enjoy a silent system that works efficiently when you perform the following steps.

Kill the Unit’s Power Supply

You must turn off the water heater before doing anything else. Cut off power to the heating element by either closing your gas valve or flipping the switch on your home’s circuit breaker, depending on which type of tank you have.

Turn the Tank’s Cold Water Supply Lever

Near the top of your tank, you should find a cold water lever that supplies the system with water. Turn this feature off to prevent the tank from filling up.

Once the cold water valve is off, start running a hot water faucet, such as your kitchen sink or shower faucet. Then locate your tank’s pressure relief valve and open it to prevent a vacuum from forming in your hot water pipes.

Connect a Hose and Drain the Tank

You’ll find the water heater’s drain valve located near the bottom of the tank. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve and turn the spigot to safely drain the tank’s contents. Make sure the other end of the hose flows into a bucket or basement drain.

The water supply that comes out of the hose may have an odd smell or appear discolored due to the sediment buildup. When the tank empties, toggle both the pressure relief and cold water valves. Let the water continue to run until all remaining sediment is going and the water comes out clear.

Restart Your Water Heater

To get your water heater working again, perform the following tasks:

  • Disconnect the hose and close the drain valve.
  • Shut off the running faucet.
  • Restore power to the system.
  • Wait a few minutes for the tank to heat up.

After all of this, you’ll have a water heater that works without issue.

Schedule Water Heater Repair and Maintenance Services Today – Contact Grasshopper Heating & Cooling

Is your water heater making popping noises? Let the experts at Grasshopper Heating & Cooling take care of your gas or electric water heater and flush it so you don’t experience any more strange sounds or unwanted water heater repairs. Give us a call at (518) 545-3271 to schedule a maintenance appointment.

Can I Flush My Water Heater Myself?

Homeowners often ask plumbers, “Can I flush my water heater myself?” Experts at Grasshopper Heating & Cooling are here to answer that question and explain how they maintain a hot water tank with annual flushing. Discover how you can tackle this project like a professional.

Importance of Water Heater Maintenance

Letting your hot water heater run without performing routine maintenance can lead to gunk and mineral deposits collecting inside the tank. Electric and gas water heaters need proper maintenance for optimum efficiency and performance. You can have a plumber flush a water heater or you can take on the entire flushing process yourself.

Steps for Flushing a Hot Water Heater

Performing gas or electric water heater maintenance requires precision. Ask an expert, “How can I flush my water heater myself?” and they’ll tell you to complete the following steps.

Shut off the Thermostat and Gas Supply

Powering off a hot water heater’s thermostat can be as simple as flipping a switch on the unit. For those with an electric hot water heater, this requires shutting off the power supply from the home’s breaker box.

Safely flushing a gas hot water heater requires you to also turn off the gas supply. Locate the gas pipe leading to the unit and turn the knob on the gas line to shut off the supply. Keep in mind that to use an older gas water heater after flushing, you’ll have to reignite the pilot light.

Turn off and Drain Your Hot and Cold Water Supply

You’ll then have to turn off your cold water valve. This prevents the tank from filling with water so you can effectively flush all of its contents. Turn on a hot water faucet and leave it running for the rest of the draining process.

Many plumbers recommend opening the water heater pressure relief valve as this facilitates draining and flushing the tank.

Connect Garden Hose to Your Drainage Spigot

Hook up a hose to your water heater drain valve and make sure that it extends either outside or inside a basin you can empty. This hot water spigot will dispense all of the tank’s water supply along with any sediment inside the tank. While draining the gas or electric heater, you might find discolored water because of the sediment and mineral deposits.

Flush the Tank

Once your tank empties, locate your cold water spigot leading to the hot water heater and switch it on. This will add water into the tank to flush out any remaining sediment. Experts recommend keeping the water running until it comes out of the hose clear.

To finish up this maintenance task, perform the following:

  • Remove the hose from your closed spigot.
  • Restore the relief valve and shut off your running faucet.
  • Restore power to your water heater.
  • Wait several minutes for the tank to heat up again.

Schedule Water Heater Maintenance With Grasshopper Heating & Cooling

After reading this guide, you no longer have to wonder, “Can I flush my water heater myself?” If you’d rather hire an expert, contact the licensed plumbers at Grasshopper Heating & Cooling. Call (518) 545-3271 to schedule a service today.

Air Filtration vs. Air Purification: Which Solution Is Right for Your Indoor Air Quality?

Trying to determine whether air filtration vs. air purification is the optimal route for your indoor health? Grasshopper Heating and Cooling can help you decide. Explore how each solution improves indoor air quality below. 

Air Filtration vs. Air Purification

Many home and business owners don’t know the differences between filtration and purification. Both options can help you achieve the same goal: cleaner, healthier air and less microscopic debris. However, they function differently and eliminate different types of particles. Learn more about what each does below. 

What Is Air Filtration?

Air filtration sets the status quo for indoor air quality. This solution involves a filter that circulating air passes through. As the air passes, the filter traps pollutants and particles that would otherwise stay in the environment. 

Types of Air Filtration

Since air filtration is your home’s first defense against pollutants, you likely already have a basic filtration system built into your HVAC equipment. Most modern units feature return registers that house the filters. You should change the filter every three months at a minimum to keep your air minimally clean. 

Some suppliers sell activated carbon filters, which offer more comprehensive particle removal. However, you must ensure that your HVAC system can accommodate these products without becoming overworked. 

You can also enhance your air filtration efforts with portable air filter technology. These units work much like space heaters. You can take them from room to room, plug them in, and set your filtration level. These units also require occasional filter replacements. 

What Is Air Purification?

Many people discuss air filtration vs. air purification as though they are one and the same. However, air purification differs from filtration in that purifiers remove even smaller molecules and can neutralize some pollutants. For example, your filter might simply remove dust mites and particles from circulation, while a purifier kills or renders these particulates completely harmless.  

Types of Air Purification

Diverse varieties of purification technology exist on the market, including:

  • Chemical purifiers destroy a pollutant’s cellular structure by dissolving the cell walls and killing the microorganism. 
  • Hydrogen peroxide purification systems release small quantities of hydrogen peroxide into the air as it circulates, neutralizing pathogens. 
  • UV purifiers feature ultraviolet light bulbs that eradicate organisms like infectious bacteria and viruses. 

The type of purifier you need depends on what contaminants your home contains. 

Which Solution Should You Pick?

As mentioned, most modern buildings already feature a variety of filtration systems. You can improve filtration capabilities by using high-efficiency particulate air filters, otherwise known as HEPA filters. Alternatively, you can purchase portable filter machines and move them throughout your home. 

However, if you want ultimate indoor air quality, consider air purifiers. Most modern HVAC systems do not already possess purifying capabilities for eliminating germs and volatile organic compounds. An HVAC technician can help you select the best solution for your needs. 

Let Grasshopper Heating & Cooling Help You Choose! 

HVAC technicians at Grasshopper Heating & Cooling are well-versed in air filtration vs. air purification. Call 518-216-0051 to perfect your indoor air quality with our superior solutions.

How Do I Know If My Underground Drain Is Clogged?

Various cultures have used underground plumbing and water networks for thousands of years. Therefore, the concept and usage of underground pipes is hardly new. However, they can still develop clogs despite centuries of perfecting the way they work.

Grasshopper Heating & Cooling outlines how to tell if your underground drain is clogged. We listed some tell-tale clues to help you determine when to call our experienced plumbers.

How Underground Drains Work

First, learn how your underground drain pipe network functions. Your plumbing network includes a series of subterranean pipes that direct water flow away from your home’s foundation. For example, your drainage system removes wastewater from your plumbing fixtures.

The wastewater enters the underground drain and eventually enters the sewer system. It also directs rainwater away from your home when seasonal storms raise the groundwater levels. As you can imagine, waste and water movement can lead to debris clogging the drain pipes.

You might not notice at first. However, concerning warning signs will eventually arise.

How to Tell If Your Clogged Underground Drain

A clogged drain pipe might develop because of:

  • Tree roots breaching the pipes
  • Organic material, like leaves and twigs, forming a clog in narrow pipe networks
  • Household waste, like soap, hair, oil, and grease, sticking to the inside of the pipe

These clogs can manifest in myriad ways, having noticeable and sometimes damaging repercussions on your property.

Overflowing Gutter System

Your gutters and downspouts drain water off of your roof and away from the building. The gutter system prevents ground soil erosion, roof damage, and foundational water damage. The gutter system can easily become clogged with debris.

If each downspout drain connects to your underground drain pipes, then it relies on a clear pathway to direct excessive water. As you likely know, gutters can easily become backed up with leaves and dirt. These blockages result in overflowing gutters and a backed-up downspout drain pipe.

Cleaning your gutters and downspout attachments regularly prevents clogged underground drain pipes. Remember to flush out your downspout drain and inspect the adapter seams for damage.

Water Overflowing From Drainage System

You can tell when your underground drain is clogged if an in-home water source, like a sink or tub, doesn’t drain quickly. You might also discover water moving back up into the fixture rather than flowing downward. This suggests a sizable clog that may need professional attention.

You can prevent drainage overflow by limiting the materials you rinse down the drain pipe. For example, leftover food and grease should go in the trash. Only flush water, soap, and toilet paper down your drains to prevent an overflow from a clogged underground drain.

Standing Water or Damage Near the House Foundation

Your basement, crawlspace, or garage might show damage faster than the gutter and downspout system because these areas typically make up your home’s foundation.

Periodically inspect these areas for clog evidence like:

  • Pools of water
  • Water stains
  • Warped or rotten materials
  • Mold growth
  • Foul smells

Clogged drains can push water into the lowermost level, resulting in signs that resemble a slow leak but come from a different source.

Water Leaks

Speaking of slow leaks, a severe clog can eventually lead to a leaking pipe. The excess drain water needs a place to go. If it can’t find a sufficient opening, it builds in force and pressure as the drain struggles to contain it. Eventually, the pressure may rupture the pipe, allowing water to spill in unfortunate areas.

Call the Pros at Grasshopper Heating & Cooling to Unclog Your Drain Pipe

Contact Grasshopper Heating & Cooling if your underground drain is clogged. Our plumbers will check your gutters, downspout drains, fixture drains, and other connected components to identify the location of the clog. Then, we’ll use advanced technology coupled with state-of-the-art heavy equipment to break up the blockage.

For example, our hydrojet hose can reach deep into the drainage system, blasting gutter and waste blockages with a forceful water stream. Call 518-545-3271 to schedule an inspection today!

4 Homemade Drain Cleaner Recipes

You already know store-bought drain cleaning formulas contain harsh chemicals that can destroy a drain pipe. Did you know you can make a DIY drain cleaner instead of reaching for those toxic chemicals in your cabinet? Grasshopper Heating & Cooling offers four homemade drain cleaner recipes below.

Why Use Homemade Drain Cleaners?

While the average commercial drain cleaner dissolves blockages, it also corrodes your plumbing system. Plus, it harms the environment. When it inevitably enters nearby water bodies, it kills bacteria and aquatic flora and fauna.

Before reaching for these products to alleviate slow drains, try a DIY drain cleaner. You’ll protect your plumbing system and the local ecosystem.

Our Effective Homemade Drain Cleaner Recipes

The tough clog in your bathroom or kitchen sink drain might respond just as well to a DIY drain cleaner as a chemical formula. The recipes below use common household ingredients you likely have in your cupboard or pantry.

#1 Boiling Water and Dish Soap

Sometimes, you just need boiling water to dislodge a blockage. If you need extra help, pour boiling water down the drain. Then, squeeze liquid dish soap into it as well.

Wait at least an hour so the soap can dissolve the grease clog. Follow up with another pot of boiling water. Then, you can run hot tap water into the drain until the suds dissipate.

#2 Baking Soda and Vinegar

A combination of sodium bicarbonate or baking soda and white vinegar is incredibly effective at unclogging drains. Run hot water into the affected drain to loosen any trapped debris. Then, pour baking soda directly into the clogged drain.

Next, pour an equal amount of vinegar on top of the baking soda. The baking soda and vinegar will eat away at the blockage. If you can’t find any white vinegar, use lemon juice instead as it reacts similarly.

#3 Baking Soda, Salt, Cream of Tartar

A lesser-known homemade drain cleaner involves:

  • 1/4 cup of baking soda
  • 1/4 cup of table salt
  • One tablespoon of cream of tartar

Mix these ingredients into a bowl. Then, sprinkle the mixture into any clogged drains. After a 30-minute wait, slowly pour a pot of boiling water down each drain. Repeat this DIY drain solution as needed.

#4 Salt, Borax, and Vinegar

As one of the more effective recipes for homemade drain cleaners, this recipe requires borax. Borax is generally considered non-toxic if not ingested. Keep it away from children and animals to prevent any complications.

The recipe calls for:

  • A half cup of borax
  • A half cup of salt
  • A cup of white vinegar

Thoroughly mix the ingredients in a bowl until they form a thick paste. Then pour the concoction into the slow drain, letting it sit for half an hour. Use a rag or drain stopper to cover the clogged sink drain.

Finally, pour boiling water down the drain to loosen remaining debris. If necessary, repeat this homemade drain recipe or add more hot water to your currently clogged drain.

Other Ways to Protect Your Plumbing System

You can prevent clogs, foul odors, and other undesirable plumbing issues with the following accessible tools:

  • Hot water: Pouring boiling water down each drain monthly encourages trapped debris to move along. Hot water liquefies grease and loosens stubborn particles.
  • Drain snake: The drain snake is the champion of DIY drain cleaners. Just push it down a blocked drain and pull it out to see what it catches.
  • Drain trap: Covering your drain with a trap prevents food particles and other materials from entering your drainage system.
  • Wire coat hanger: If you drop a piece of jewelry or another small object down the drain, you can straighten a wire hanger to retrieve it.
  • Baking soda: Not only is baking soda a must-have for homemade drain cleaners, but it can eradicate odors. Pour a cup of baking soda down a stinky drain.

Grasshopper Heating & Cooling Can Combat Difficult Clogged Drains

If these homemade drain cleaners don’t work, our services will! Schedule a local Clifton Park plumber visit from Grasshopper Heating & Cooling at 518-545-3271.

How Can I Unclog My Main Drain Line?

Your main sewer line connects to numerous household drains. As hot water collects around your ankles while you shower, you ponder to yourself, “How can I unclog my main drain line?” Allowing the clogged sewer line to fester is not optional.

Grasshopper Heating & Cooling understands the frustrations that come with slow drains, nasty smells, and stubborn blockages. Our advice might help you prevent future sewer line clogs and take action when they cause problems.

Why Clogs Form in the Main Sewer Line

You can’t unclog the main sewer line without figuring out the problem first. A main sewer line clog can develop for myriad reasons, including:

  • Tree roots: A tree’s root system naturally gravitates toward running water sources. Sometimes, the roots infiltrate the municipal sewer system, blocking the lines.
  • Sagging sewer lines: An older main sewer drain may need replacement. As it ages, the materials sag beneath the dirt, creating a divot that prevents water from freely flowing.
  • Mineral buildup: Does your municipal water supply have a high mineral content? Minerals might stick to the main line, creating a stubborn clog that requires professional attention.
  • Broken pipes: A broken pipe in a sewer line allows organic material to seep into the system. Dirt, roots, and rocks can form a stubborn blockage.
  • Improper waste disposal: If you rinse materials besides toilet paper, water, and dissolved soap down your bathroom or kitchen sink drain, you could inadvertently contribute to a clogged main sewer line. This can be especially problematic if you rely on a septic tank.

Often, a professional plumber has to inspect and diagnose the cause of your blocked sewer line. Once the plumber finds the issue, you might ask them, “How can I unclog my main drain line?”

How Can I Unclog My Main Drain Line?

Their recommendations will likely include hydrojetting. Clogged sewer lines often contain tough, compacted, or sticky debris. The average drain cleaner won’t do much to dissolve the blockage.

Hydrojets shoot forceful streams of water at high speeds and pressures to loosen debris and unclog a main sewer line. If your plumbing fixtures can’t drain properly because of a damaged or infiltrated main sewer pipe, your plumber might suggest sealing or replacing the drain pipes altogether.

Finally, they may use a professional plumbing snake or auger to access and remove a nearby sewer clog. The chosen remedy to unclog the main sewer line ultimately depends on:

  • The clog’s location.
  • The clog material.
  • Whether the main sewer line sustained damage.

Preventing Blocked Sewer Lines

An adage says that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You can protect your sewer line or septic system from blockages with a few drain cleaning habits.

Limit Materials That Go Down the Drain Lines

As mentioned above, only toilet paper, water, and dissolved soap should enter your drains. Cover your fixture drains with protective grates or nets. These tools catch large debris that might otherwise escape into your drainage system.

You can also use a drain snake to pull out hair and other substances that escape into tub drains. Alternatively, pour a drain-cleaning solution of baking soda and vinegar into the clogged fixture to dissolve and push out blockages.

Don’t Overwhelm Your Sewer System

If you have multiple bathrooms and household occupants, discuss not flushing toilets at once. Too many flushes at one time can overwhelm the septic or sewer system. Additionally, limit the amount of toilet paper flushed at a time to prevent an overflowing or clogged toilet.

Maintain Your Plumbing System and Sewer Pipes

Don’t forget those annual inspections from professional plumbers. While drain snakes, baking soda and vinegar concoctions, and routine care are fantastic preventative measures, clogs form regardless of your habits. Your plumber can inspect the network and alert you to developing concerns.

Contact Grasshopper Heating & Cooling About Your Clogged Drain Concerns

Wondering, “How can I unclog my main drain line?” Call 518-545-3271 to schedule routine or emergency drain cleaning services in Clifton Park, Albany, and the surrounding areas from Grasshopper Heating & Cooling. Your favorite HVAC company also tackles plumbing issues!

Is Drano Bad for Pipes?

At Grasshopper Heating & Cooling, we want to let you in on an industry secret: your professional plumber hates when you use liquid Drano and similar chemical drain cleaners. Homeowners increasingly ask, “Is Drano bad for pipes?” The short answer is yes. These substances can corrode PVC pipes and other parts of your plumbing system.

However, the effects of liquid plumber products go beyond potentially costly repairs. Find out why our plumbers advise against using them below.

Why Is Drano Bad for Pipes?

Drano is a brand of liquid drain cleaner that breaks down clogged material in household drains. It contains lye or sodium hydroxide which effectively dissolves organic matter trapped in a clogged sink. Other brands might add sulfuric acid to their formulas to quickly break down blockages.

However, the way it works can damage pipes, septic systems, and drains by:

  • Corroding PVC or plastic pipes by melting the materials.
  • Melting plastic components in your kitchen or bathroom sink.
  • Destroying the delicate ecosystem responsible for breaking down waste in your septic system.

If you use Drano or similar chemical cleaners to combat a clogged drain, consider other drain cleaners that have less harsh effects. After all, your preferred chemical solution might damage more than your plumbing system.

Other Reasons to Avoid Pouring Chemical Drain Cleaners Down Your Bathroom Sink

Chemical drain cleaners wreak havoc on the environment. When Drano exits your septic system or municipal sewage system, it infiltrates the local water supply. It can make its way into natural bodies of water or subterranean fresh water.

Its corrosive composition kills countless organisms, from helpful bacteria and fungi to aquatic plant and animal life. These disastrous consequences jeopardize local ecosystems, disrupting the delicate food chain that balances native flora and fauna populations.

Unclogging Drains While Protecting Your Plumbing System

What alternatives can you use if Drano is bad for pipes and wildlife? You might be surprised at the household products you have on hand to combat a clogged toilet or bathtub drain. Discover some easy, safe DIY methods to unclog and clean your drain pipes below.

Drain Snakes

You can purchase a drain snake from almost any retailer with household cleaning products. These long, pronged tools are your first line of defense against a blocked kitchen drain. Once you notice standing water collecting in a plumbing fixture, insert the drain snake into the drain opening.

Push it as deep as you can. The prongs will snag the offending material and pull it up when you remove the snake.

Boiling Water

This option is readily available and perfect for your kitchen sink. Sometimes, grease, fat, and other food particles harden against your drain pipe, forming a blockage. An oily or greasy clog dissolves after you pour hot water down the drain.

Dish Soap

Liquid dish soap gently lifts grime, grease, and organic matter from inside toilet bowls and sink drains. While many people only use it for hand-washing dishes, it also doubles as a multi-surface cleaner and safe yet persistent plumbing solution. Use it sparingly if you have a septic tank, as it may kill helpful bacteria populations.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Remember the volcanic science project from grade school? This remedy applies that fun, nostalgic activity to household problems. First, pour boiling water into the blocked drain.

Then, shake one or two cups of baking soda into the fixture. Follow up with an equal amount of vinegar. Voila!

Baking soda and vinegar have additional benefits, such as:

  • Whitening and brightening your toilet bowl.
  • Deodorizing your garbage disposal.
  • Cleaning your dishwasher or washing machine.

Both ingredients are must-haves for your household maintenance duties.

Contact Grasshopper Heating & Cooling for More Stubborn Clogged Drains

Is Drano bad for pipes? Unfortunately, this popular product isn’t just bad. It’s the worst.

Use our drain cleaning recommendations instead. If you encounter a clog you can’t defeat, call 518-545-3271 to schedule plumbing and drain cleaning services in Clifton Park, Albany, and the surrounding areas with Grasshopper Heating & Cooling.

Detecting and Repairing Plumbing Issues in Your Home

The last thing you want to deal with as a homeowner is an unexpected and inconvenient plumbing problem. From burst pipes to clogged toilets and leaky faucets, a lot of things can go wrong with your plumbing system. Plumbing issues can vary widely in terms of severity. But you always want to detect them as soon as possible.

A minor problem that you ignore can quickly turn into a major issue. So, how can you detect plumbing problems, and what should you do next? We’ll explain everything you need to know.

How Can You Find Plumbing Problems in Your Home

Problems like a burst pipe leaking water all around your home are obvious. But other plumbing issues aren’t as apparent. The key to minimizing water damage is catching and fixing the problem as early as possible.

How? Here are a few tips for finding potential problems in your plumbing system before they have a chance to become something worse.

Keep an Eye on Your Monthly Water Bill

Your water bill could tell you if there’s a problem. You should check it every month and keep an eye out for any unexplained or drastic increases. An increase in your water bill points to an increase in the amount of water your different plumbing fixtures use. So, if your bill increases without a change in water usage, it could mean that you have a leak somewhere in your plumbing system.

Look Out for Any Slow or Clogged Drains

Slow drains can be annoying and a sign that something is clogging your plumbing pipes. You can fix this issue without professional help in some cases. For instance, if you just have one slow-draining sink, you can fix the leak by removing the drain cover and pulling out the clog.

However, the clog is likely somewhere deep within your plumbing system if you have multiple slow-draining fixtures throughout your house. Only a professional plumber can safely and effectively remove this type of clog.

How Do Professional Plumbers Detect and Fix Different Kinds of Plumbing Issues in Your Home?

The above tips can help you detect common plumbing problems early. But you’ll still need a professional to find the actual location of the issue and provide a reliable solution. Professional plumbers use a lot of innovative equipment to inspect plumbing systems.

For example, sewer camera inspections provide an in-depth look at your pipes. Meanwhile, hydrojetting uses highly pressurized water to clear away deep, stubborn clogs without damaging your plumbing system. Professional plumbers also know what repairs to deliver so that you get a long-lasting and reliable solution that restores your plumbing system.

Get the Plumbing Repairs You Need By Reaching Out to Grasshopper Heating & Cooling Today

Are you dealing with a clogged drain or sump pump failure? Is your water bill a lot higher this month, and you’re not sure why? Need a plumber that you can trust?

No matter what plumbing issues you’re dealing with, we’ve got your back. Call (518) 240-3807 today to schedule a plumbing inspection with Grasshopper Heating & Cooling! Trust us to help.

8 Common Summer Plumbing Problems

You might be ready to enjoy endless carefree summer days, but plumbing problems don’t care what season it is. While you might not have to worry about frozen pipes bursting during the summer, there are other issues that often appear at this time of year.

Here, we highlight some of the most common summer plumbing repairs and how summer plumbing maintenance can help you avoid issues that need professional attention.

Seasonal Plumbing Issues Local Homeowners Face

Chances are your home’s plumbing system sees more use (and wear and tear) during the summer when the kids are out of school, you have more family gatherings, and you spend more time outdoors and use more water. While anything can go wrong at any time, it’s more likely that you’ll need the following plumbing repairs during summer:

1. Clogged Toilets

Toilet clogs top the list of common summer plumbing repairs since it’s likely your toilets will see more usage during this busy season. The frequent flushes can put more pressure on internal components, and when you have large parties, there’s a greater chance that guests will cause clogs. Not to mention, summer heat and humidity can speed up corrosion and mineral accumulation in the toilet pipes, resulting in clogs and leaks.

2. Sewer Backups

As with toilets, extra usage can cause sewer clogs and backups. Heavy summer rains can also overload the sewer lines and cause a backup into your home. Arrange a professional inspection and sewer line cleaning at the beginning of the summer to ensure the pipes are clear and you won’t have any problems.

3. Washing Machine Troubles

Summer vacation often means more laundry, and your washing machine has to work hard to keep up with all the extra dirty clothes, beach towels, and swimsuits. All this extra wear and tear can weaken the hoses, seals, and hinges, and clogs are always a risk. Keep an eye on the machine and call a plumber for help if you notice excessive vibrations, strange noises, or drainage issues.

4. Slow and Clogged Drains

Slow and clogged drains are common plumbing problems in summer because there’s a greater chance that your family will send things down the drain that don’t belong there. Rinsing off the excess dirt and sand after a day outside, for example, can block the drains. Food waste, fats, grease, oil, and hair can all stick to the pipe walls and cause clogs, so use drain traps to stop them.

5. Dishwasher and Garbage Disposal Problems

Dishwashers and garbage disposal problems frequently require warm weather plumbing repairs, usually due to clogs. Overloading the dishwasher and not adequately scraping food debris off the dirty dishes is the most common cause of dishwasher clogs, while grease and large food waste lead to disposal malfunctions. Only put as many dishes as the washer can handle into any load, scrape food waste into the trash, and never pour grease down the drain.

6. Sump Pump Malfunctions

If you have a sump pump to keep your basement dry, a heavy rainstorm can cause flooding if the device malfunctions. Sump pump malfunctions are common summer plumbing problems, usually due to a lack of maintenance. Allowing dirt and debris to accumulate around the pump and power failures are the most frequent issues, but you can avoid them with maintenance and testing.

7. Sprinkler System Issues

Plumbers often have to respond to problems with sprinkler systems in the summer. Leaks, damaged sprinkler heads, timer malfunctions, and water pressure fluctuations can all affect the lawn irrigation system and potentially damage your home or send water bills skyrocketing. Professional maintenance, including properly winterizing the system at the end of summer, can keep this from happening.


For additional assistance with lawn irrigation, lawn care maintenance, outdoor pest control needs, or other lawn care services we highly recommend our friends over at Groundhogs Lawn Care!


8. Faucet and Pipe Leaks

Leaks can happen any time of year, and summer is no exception. Metal pipes and fittings expand and contract in the heat, and humidity can speed up corrosion and cause leaks.

Proactively addressing these common summer plumbing repairs is the best way to prevent expensive damage. If you hear running water or dripping sounds, notice water stains or moisture around fixtures, or experience a sudden increase in water bills, call a plumber for repairs.

Call Grasshopper Heating & Cooling for Summer Plumbing Solutions You Can Trust

Watching for plumbing problems and taking care of them quickly is the best way to prevent damage and inconveniences that dampen your summer fun. Turn to the plumbers at Grasshopper Heating & Cooling in Clifton Park, NY for fast and common summer plumbing repairs. Call (518) 240-9889 to make an appointment.

Do Liquid Drain Cleaners Damage Pipes?

When a sink or shower drain develops a clog, your first thought might be to reach for a bottle of liquid drain cleaner to break up the blockage and get the water flowing again. However, before you do, you should be aware of the effects of liquid drain cleaners on your plumbing and your health, as you might think twice about this seemingly simple solution.

Many homeowners ask, “Do liquid drain cleaners damage pipes?” when we caution them against picking up a bottle to deal with minor clogs. Damaged pipes are just one of the many liquid drain cleaner concerns, which we’ll explain here.

How Do Liquid Drain Cleaners Work?

To understand the impact of drain cleaners on pipes, it’s important to understand how these products work.

All drain cleaners create heat to break down the blockage in the pipe so water can flow freely. There are three primary types of cleaners:

  • Caustic, which contains lye or potash that reacts with aluminum in the water to heat the blockage and speed decomposition.
  • Oxidizing, which contains bleach and nitrates that dissolve the clog.
  • Acid, which contains high amounts of hydrochloric and sulfuric acid that eat away at the hair, soap scum, and grease that make up the clog.

Although these ingredients can effectively remove some of the pipe blockage, as you might expect, the chemicals contact more than whatever is clogging the pipe. They also touch the walls of the pipes, which begs the question, “Do liquid drain cleaners damage pipes?

The Risks of Liquid Drain Cleaners

Whether your plumbing pipes are metal or PVC, there is a risk for drain cleaner pipe damage if you use commercially available products to clear clogs. Not only can the caustic chemicals eat away at the pipes, but the excess heat that they create can soften the pipes (especially PVC), putting them at risk for a leak. The longer they remain in contact with the plumbing, the greater the impact of drain cleaners on pipes.

Not only do you create the risk of pipe corrosion from drain cleaners, but the products can react with existing corrosion and cause unexpected issues. For example, the excess heat can crack the joints and seals in the plumbing and cause leaks. Drain cleaners can also damage fixtures like toilets, especially if they are old and already have deterioration or damage.

While drain cleaners can damage your pipes, they also create other risks to your family’s health and well-being, including:

  • Unpredictable chemical reactions with chemicals or substances in the pipes can create toxic fumes.
  • Environmental damage if the chemicals leach into the groundwater; even the bottle itself contains toxic residue that can harm the environment when it goes into the landfill.
  • Physical injuries due to splashback or otherwise coming in contact with the caustic chemicals; in some cases, a chemical reaction when the product contacts the clog can cause the cleaner to blow back from the pipe and cause injury.

Alternatives to Using Drain Cleaners to Eliminate Clogs

Given that the answer to “Do liquid drain cleaners damage pipes?” is “yes,” what can you do to deal with pesky clogs that doesn’t involve as much risk to your plumbing or health?

The easiest and safest way is to use a plunger, which puts additional water pressure on a clog to change its shape so it can flow freely down the pipes. A drain snake or pipe auger is another option for breaking up the clog and removing it.

If these methods don’t work, or you have repeated stubborn clogs, get help from a professional plumber. A professional drain cleaning ensures complete clog removal the first time, without damaging the pipes or putting anyone at risk.

Relying on a plumber instead of a bottle of harmful drain cleaner means not having to deal with bigger, messier, and more expensive plumbing issues in the future. A plumber can also help you figure out what’s causing the repeated clogs and find ways to avoid them.

Call Grasshopper Heating & Cooling for Help with Clogs and Other Plumbing Concerns

The next time you have a clogged sink and think about picking up a bottle of drain cleaner to clear it, remember that if you were to ask a plumber, “Do liquid drain cleaners damage pipes?” they would say, “Yes.” Unless you want to cause more problems, put the bottle back on the shelf and contact Grasshopper Heating & Cooling for help instead. Call (518) 545-3271 to request a plumber at any time in the Clifton Park, NY, area.

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