Plumbing, Heating and Bathroom Remodeling Blog

DIY Emergency Solutions: How To Unclog A Toilet Without A Plunger?

February 28, 2023 Lester Nono Drains, Sewer Lines, Toilets No comments yet

how to unclog a toilet without a plunger by Leone plumbing

Unexpected situations can happen anytime. It may stress us but also push us to become resourceful in resolving a problem. Take it as an example if you deal with a clogged toilet without a plunger. Dealing with a clogged toilet without any tool on hand can be a nightmare! So how to unclog a toilet without a plunger? In this article, we will discuss other resources you can find at home which you can use to deal with a clogged toilet.

How To Unclog A Toilet Without A Plunger Using These 5 DIY Solutions Found At Home

Pour Hot Water

If you have a bucket (or any large containers), fill it up with hot water. Do not use boiling water or else it may crack the porcelain toilet. From the waist level, pour the hot water into the toilet bowl. As you pour the hot water, its pressure and heat can dislodge whatever is clogging your toilet.

Use A Dish Soap

Your kitchen has an available solution on how to unclog a toilet without a plunger. You can use dish soap as a quick remedy! If pouring hot water doesn’t work, add about half-cup of dish soap into the toilet. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes then flush it again with hot water. Its lubricating property can help the clogged debris to flow down easily.

Baking Soda And Vinegar

Another popular DIY solution is using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar in the clogged toilet. What you need to do is add a cup of baking soda to the toilet bowl. Next, slowly pour the vinegar into the toilet until it bubbles. The fizz may dissipate the clog through the pipe as you flush.

DIY Drain Snake Using A Wire Hanger

You can turn a wire hanger into a DIY drain snake. To do so, straighten out the wire hanger. Then, push it down and prob whatever is clogging the toilet. Though this can be effective, we do not recommend this approach as it may scratch the porcelain (do this approach at your own risk).

Use A 2-Liter Plastic Bottle

Fill the plastic bottle with warm water. You should wear rubber hand gloves when doing this since you’ll get your hands into the bowl. Once you fit the top end of the bottle into the toilet bowl, place your thumb over it and squeeze to shoot out warm water. The water pressure that it makes should displace the clog.

What To Do If The Toilet Is Still Clogged?

There are many resourceful ways how to unclog a toilet without a plunger. But there are times when DIY solutions may not do well in our favor. There might be a serious clogged issue on your toilet that needs to be dealt with by a professional. If this happens, contact us and we will be glad to help you!

The Types and Proper Ways Of Using A Bidet

February 16, 2023 Lester Nono Bathroom Remodeling, Toilets No comments yet

Using A Bidet The Proper Way By Leone Plumbing

Some homes and business establishments have a bidet in their bathrooms. Bidets are much more common outside of the U.S. Over time, their designs have evolved to suit the needs of every home and business. Regardless of how it has evolved, using a bidet can be strange to anyone and not all people know how to use them properly. In this article, we will get to know more about bidets and how to properly use them.

Common Types of Bidets

The proper way of using a bidet can be achieved if you are aware of its design, mechanism, and function. Let’s review the common types of bidets to get familiar with each of them.

Handheld Type

A handheld bidet is directly attached to the toilet or bathroom wall. It has a handheld sprayer that allows you to control the stream of water. Handheld types are flexible, versatile, and less intimidating to use. It’s not only used for cleaning or rinsing your private area but it can also be used to clean the toilet and even cloth diapers.

Tip: Take your time until you get the right water pressure before you get comfortable using a handheld bidet. Lightly squeeze the trigger on the nozzle and do not press it too hard.

Toilet Seat Type

You don’t need to shuffle around the bathroom to clean your bottom with a toilet seat bidet. While sitting on the toilet, a nozzle extends beneath you, spraying water to clean your bottom. It then retracts once you are done cleaning. Some toilet seat bidet feature integrated water heaters for those who prefer warm water for cleaning.

Tip: If you are planning to install a toilet seat type, be sure to pick the right size or shape for your toilet bowl. An oval-shaped toilet seat bidet is perfect if you have an elongated toilet bowl. For a round toilet bowl, it should be circular. To ensure that you pick the right size, measure the dimensions of your existing toilet seat.

Freestanding Type

A freestanding bidet usually stands next to the toilet. It looks like a sink and people may mistake it as a sink for hand washing. After using the toilet, you can sit, straddle, hover, or squat on it depending on the area you want the water jet to hit.

Tip: If you are not used to it, it’s better that you straddle facing the nozzle so you can control the jet settings conveniently.

The Benefits Of Having A Bidet

Installing a bidet is good for both sustainability and health reasons. It can save 54 gallons of water per week by reducing the use of toilet paper. Also, the excessive use of toilet paper in cleaning your bottom can cause a sore bum. Rinsing with water is less irritating than using paper wipes or toilet paper.

Bidet Installation

How To Deal With Plumbing Issues In An Old House

January 25, 2023 Lester Nono Bathroom Remodeling, Leaks, Pipes, Sewer Lines No comments yet

Leone plumbing old house maintenance service.

The good old days always bring nostalgic memories. Memories that are worth remembering especially if they happened in an old house. Older homes usually treasure cherished moments with family and friends. That is why for someone who owns an old house, it is very important to maintain each aspect of its structure including the plumbing system.

Plumbing Problems In Old Homes

Old homes are charming with their classic and rustic appeal. Attractive as it seems, the plumbing inside an old home can be as old as the structure itself which can lead to plumbing issues. But do not let these plumbing issues diminish the charm of your old house! Here are the common plumbing issues you may experience in an old house and how you can resolve them.

Obsolete Pipelines

Vintage houses constructed over 3 decades ago may contain piping materials that are considered outdated today. The common piping material used back then was lead which was initially restricted during the 1920s and was totally banned by 1986. It was then replaced by galvanized steel pipes that became a popular option until the 60s. However, galvanized steel is prone to extensive corrosion that causes rust contamination in the water supply. Thus, polybutylene pipes became a popular choice during the 70s to the 90s. Later, it was found that polybutylene pipes have a high risk of bursting and leaking. For obsolete pipes, we recommend upgrading old plumbing to PEX piping which is more durable and can last longer. Leone Plumbing Water Piping Solution

Bellied Pipes

Over time, encased or underground pipes can be affected by the gradual movement of the house. The pipes underneath may begin to slope or “belly” which restricts water flow and creates puddles that accumulate waste. This can result in toxic wastewater seeping into your home. If left unresolved, pipe bellies may cause blockages or leaks over the course of time. Depending on the circumstance, trenchless pipe repair can be the best solution.

Old Plumbing Fixtures

Accumulation of limescale on old plumbing fixtures is common in an old house. Also, old fixtures and connections tend to fall apart causing leaks and flooding. To minimize the amount of limescale, we recommend installing a water softener system. Toilet repair and replacement are also recommended.

Root Invasion

Old sewer lines are prone to root invasion that causes severe clogs and sediment build-up. In this case, snaking the line using several snake machine tips is recommended. Trenchless pipe repair can be done if the situation calls for it.

Improper Repairs

For old homes that are standing for many decades, it’s possible that plumbing repairs weren’t done right. DIY is an affordable solution but at the same time risky. It would be best that you contact a professional plumber to assess your plumbing system for proper treatment.

Your Old Home Needs A Professional Touch!

Give yourself peace of mind while reminiscing the good old days. We are here to provide the professional touch that your old house needs! Contact us now.

Situations When Pipe Bursting Should Be Considered

January 18, 2023 Lester Nono Sewer Lines No comments yet

Pipe Bursting Technology By Leone Plumbing

Sewer line repairs can happen anytime for a home or business establishment. There are methods or solutions in dealing with sewer repairs that can either be effective or cause inconvenience. In special cases, pipe bursting is one method that is proven to fix your pipes effectively with less damage to your property. But what is pipe bursting and when should it be considered?

Trenchless Technology For Sewer Line Repair

Pipe bursting is a trenchless technology that does not require digging your property to fix or repair your sewer line. That means you can carry on with your day-to-day activities at home, and business can go on as it is. This technology is very convenient and hassle-free. A sewer line repair can take many days to complete and it may interrupt your daily activities. But with trenchless technology, repairs can be done within the day and even a few hours!

How Is Pipe Bursting Done?

Pipe bursting involves the process of expanding and breaking the damaged or old pipes while simultaneously replacing them with new lines. A “bursting head” is fitted through the existing line and once it is pulled, it fractures the existing line. The new pipe is connected to the “bursting head” which drags and places the new line behind it.

Situations When Pipe Bursting Is Applicable

There are particular situations to consider when you apply this trenchless technology.

Property’s Aesthetics

If you are someone who cares about the landscaping of your property, then it is a good option. Since this is a trenchless technology, there is no need to dig large holes in your yard that may affect your property’s aesthetics. This method keeps your property intact and doesn’t require large-scale repair of your property’s landscaping.

Environmental Concerns

Going for trenchless technology is more eco-friendly than other sewer line repair methods. With this kind of technology, there is no need to use chemicals that are harmful to the surrounding environment. Also, the HDPE (High-density polyethylene) pipe commonly used for this technology is made of environmentally safe material. If you opt for sustainability, this is the right choice!

Cleaner Repair Option

This trenchless method of sewer line repair is the cleanest solution we can recommend. The method is the least disruptive since there is less digging on your property that could destroy your landscaping.

If Efficiency is A Must!

Traditional methods of repairing or replacing pipes may take days to finish. But pipe bursting can be completed within the day.

Is Pipe Bursting For Me?

This trenchless solution is applicable for special cases. We can help you assess the condition of your pipelines to figure out the right solution. Contact us now to schedule an assessment!

Choosing The Right Water Piping Materials For Your Home

December 27, 2022 Lester Nono Drains, Pipes, Plumbing No comments yet

Water piping connections are the most vulnerable part of the plumbing system. That is why you must pick the right piping materials for your home. There are many options to choose from and choosing the right pipe can be confusing. Today, let us look at the different types of pipes to find out what is best for your home plumbing system.

Different Types of Pipes For Your Residential Plumbing System

PVC Pipes

PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride pipes are mostly used for sinks, toilet drains, or waste lines. This type of water piping material is lightweight and more convenient to work with than traditional galvanized steel pipe. However, using PVC pipes is not permitted everywhere. It is better to review your local regulations before installing PVCs.

PEX Pipes

PEX pipes are best used for water supply lines. This plastic piping material is known to withstand the high pressures of your water supply. Professional plumbers are drawn in using PEX pipes since they are flexible to weave through walls, ceilings, basements, and crawl spaces. Like PVC pipes though, they are not permitted everywhere and you have to check your local regulations before installing PEX pipes.

ABS Pipes

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) pipes should not be confused with PVC pipes. They are much alike except that the ABS pipe is black and much softer. It is mostly used for drain and vent lines. This pipe is easy to install, durable, and cost-effective. The only downside is it can easily warp when exposed to direct sunlight.

Copper Pipes

Copper pipes are best used for residential water supply lines. This water piping material is durable and safer to use than other pipe materials like plastics that leach chemicals. Though it’s costly, it is fairly durable for your residential plumbing.

Galvanized Steel Pipes and Cast Iron

Cast iron pipe and galvanized steel pipe are mostly found in older homes. These types of water piping materials are best used for water supply lines, drains, and vent lines. They are known to be very durable and can last for a long time until such time it rusts. These pipes are heavyweight and are difficult to cut through. To this day, they are mostly used in commercial buildings. Water Piping Materials By Leone Plumbing

Water Piping Materials By Leone Plumbing

How Do I Know If I Pick the Right Pipe?

Deciding on the right pipe for your residential plumbing has many factors to consider. First, you need to know the function that the pipe has to perform and also the area where it will be installed. You also have to look at your budget. The cost of the material may affect your decision. In addition, you have to check your local building codes to ensure that the type of pipe you choose is permitted. If you come to a point where you don’t know which options to choose, you can speak to a professional plumber or contractor. Contact us right now and our team of experts can help you decide!

When Should I Be Worried About Pipes Freezing?

December 14, 2022 Lester Nono Drains, Leaks, Pipes No comments yet

Pipes Freezing Solution By Leone Plumbing

Pipes freezing during the winter season can bring trouble to your plumbing system. How long can your pipes stand the freezing temperature and when should you be worried about pipes freezing? Let’s talk about the issue that freezing pipes can bring and the precautions that everyone can take.

Why Do Water Pipes Freeze And Burst During The Winter?

One plumbing issue to watch out for during the winter season is the bursting of pipes. A pipe may burst if it is not able to handle the pressure that arises from freezing water. During winter, the water inside the line expands as it slowly freezes. While it gets close to freezing, the pressure inside the pipe increases. If the water pressure gets too high for the pipe to handle, it will indeed rupture! The freezing water causes the lines to contract and the weak areas of the pipe may burst. It is recommended that you get your pipes checked and repaired before the winter season.

Should I Be Worried About Pipes Freezing?

If the outside temperature is at less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit, then you should be worried about pipes freezing! Water begins to freeze as the temperature drops which causes the pipes to freeze. Cold winds can also freeze the pipes. Pipes with cracks or holes allow the cold air from the outside to blow in and may cause ice formation. Once the pipe is freezing, it is at risk of bursting, resulting in leaks and unexpected flooding. But don’t let these scenarios worry you. There are precautions that you can take to prevent your pipes from bursting.

Precautions To Prevent Pipes From Freezing And Bursting

The contraction of pipes caused by the cold weather is something that we cannot control which may cause leaks. However, there is something you can do to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Here are some of the precautions you can follow:

Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe (even at a trickle) helps prevent pipes from freezing.
Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, and set it to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

Protect Your Pipes From Bursting This Winter

The winter season can be fun without being worried about your plumbing system. Preventive measures can alleviate the concern you have with pipes freezing. If you’re dealing with a burst pipe or water leak this winter, just contact us and we are here to help you!