Douglas Cooling & Heating Blog : Archive for the ‘Plumbing’ Category

Your home’s plumbing pipes and fixtures need some regular care to stay in good shape. The sewer line extending from your home to the shared sewer or private septic tank are no different. How often should sewer lines be cleaned? Douglas Cooling & Heating explains how often you need to schedule this essential service.

How Often Should Sewer Lines Be Cleaned?

The sewer lines should be cleaned out about every two years in the average home. Businesses typically need to have the sewer line cleaned out a little more frequently, about every 18 to 22 months on average.

This regular sewer line cleaning works as a preventative measure to keep these pipes draining properly. Cleaning removes buildup that sticks to the inner pipe walls, increasing the risk of a blockage forming. Plumbers use professional tools and techniques like a drain auger to bust through clog material or hydro jetting to remove hard buildup from the inner pipe walls.

Signs You Need Your Sewer Lines Cleaned

It is possible for sewer line issues to arise between routine cleanings, even when you exercise great care in preventing sewer line clogs. Ignoring sewer line issues can result in severe clogs and damage to these buried pipes, so you want to schedule a sewer cleaning whenever you first notice the signs of trouble.

Signs it’s time to have your sewer lines cleaned include:

• You notice the odor of sewage inside your house.
• There is raw sewage backing up into the home’s plumbing fixtures.
• Your pipes make bubbling or gurgling sounds.
• Water backs up in drains when other fixtures or water-using appliances are in use.
• Drains across the house are slow or experience frequent clogs.
• Water pools around the floor drain in your basement

What Causes Sewer Line Clogs?

Even if you pay great attention to your sewer line, problems can still pop up in between maintenance cleanings. Common causes of clogs in your sewer line that produce the symptoms mentioned above include:

• Tree roots: Roots from nearby trees and shrubs naturally grow toward sewer lines and can penetrate the pipe in search of the nutrients within. These roots can continue to grow within the sewer pipe, causing a clog themselves or catching waste material to form a large clog in the sewer line.
• Grease: Dumping grease, oil, and fats down the kitchen drain leads to clogs in the sewer line. These materials solidify and stick to the insides of the drainpipe, restricting the line and increasing the likelihood of catching other materials to form a clog.
• Sagging pipe: Ground shifting can cause sewer pipes to sag, creating a dip in the line. Materials can get caught up in this section of pipe, forming a large clog in the sewer line.

Sewer Drain Cleaning in Birmingham, AL

If your home’s sewer line is due for a cleaning, call Douglas Cooling & Heating today to schedule an appointment for  your Birmingham area home to ensure your plumbing system is in good working order.

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In today’s world, plumbing fixtures come in all styles, profiles, finishes – the options really seem endless. If you’re someone who values function just as much as form, you’ll appreciate the water-efficient plumbing fixtures available that will help you reduce water consumption and keep water utility costs low. Get the scoop on today’s efficient faucets, toilets, and more!

How We Discuss Water Consumption in Plumbing Fixtures

To understand the differences between standard plumbing fixtures and water-efficient fixtures, it’s important to know how their water usage is measured.

• For toilets and urinals, we use gallon per flush (gpf) to describe the amount of water the fixture uses to perform one flush.
• For sink faucets and shower heads, as well as other plumbing fixtures, we use gallons of water per minute (gpm) to describe how much water is released by the plumbing fixture over one minute.

When you compare the water usage of standard fixtures to water-efficient plumbing fixtures, you’ll be able to tell the difference. How much more efficient a new fixture is compared to an older one depends on its age and manufacture, as standards have grown stricter over the years to improve water conservation.

• For toilets, the current federal standard is 1.6 gpf. The most water-efficient fixtures use just 1.28 gpf or less! Toilets made before 1992 commonly use 3.5 gpf, and those built before 1982 use as much as 5 to 7 gpf.
• Today’s standard for residential bathroom faucet water use is 2.2 gpm. Water-efficient fixtures use no more than 1.5 gpm. Older faucets can use 3 gpm or more.
• Standard shower heads use 2.5 gpm. Water-efficient fixtures use no more than 2 gpm. Older models can use as much as 4 to 5 gpm.

Benefits of Installing Water-efficient Fixtures

Installing water-efficient and low-flow fixtures in your home does so much good. If those water-saving numbers alone aren’t enough to convince you to make the switch, check out the great benefits these plumbing fixtures bring to your household:

Lower water bills

If you pay for a water utility, the savings generated by water-efficient fixtures isn’t limited to just water – these fixtures will also save you money. When you’re paying for water, you’re paying for what you use. When your fixtures force you to use less, they automatically save you money.

• If every US home switched to efficient fixtures for shower heads, more than $2.9 billion would be saved in water costs and around $2.5 billion in hot water expenses.
• Replacing old toilets with water-efficient fixtures in the average home saves a family over $140 each year.
• Replacing standard bathroom faucets with efficient fixtures in every US home would save $1.3 billion in water and energy expenses.

Lower energy bills

You’ll see in the section above that energy savings are mentioned along with water savings from high-efficiency fixtures. This savings is related to the energy conserved by heating less water. Water-efficient fixtures make it so you require less hot water and thus less energy to take a shower, wash dishes, do a load of laundry, and more.

Stylish options

When it comes to style, today’s plumbing fixtures don’t lack in options. They are available in essentially the same finishes and designs as you’d find in standard fixtures. Plus, as technology and design have continued to progress, these new fixtures feature much more user-friendly features versus older models.

Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for Plumbing Upgrades at Home

Out with the old and in with the new – water-efficient fixtures are just too good to pass up! Explore your options with Douglas Cooling & Heating today, and we will help you find the fixtures that offer the style you want and the conservation abilities to meet your goals. Contact us anytime to schedule service.

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If you’ve recently installed a water softener in your home, or even if you’ve had one of these systems for a while, you might be looking for signs that your investment is actually making a difference. You’ve spent all that money on installing a water softening system, and you want to know that your money isn’t being wasted. To know if your water softener is actually working, check for some of the signs below.

Signs That Your Water Softener is Working

No Water Spots

Hard water is notorious for leaving water spots on dishes and glasses. These spots can leave dishes looking dirty and might even require you to re-wash them. With the installation of a water softener, you shouldn’t see any hard water spots on your dishes. If you’re noticing these spots even after installing a water softener, the system might not be working, or it could be a sign that you need to add salt to the system.  

Strong Water Pressure

Hard water is full of mineral deposits. As more hard water passes through your pipes, mineral buildup can form. This will lower your home’s water pressure, as it creates a clog that prevents your water supply from flowing as it should. If your home has a water softener but you’re still noticing low water pressure, you may need to call on a plumbing professional to inspect your pipes to determine the issue. If the low water pressure issue is being caused by hard water, your home’s water softener isn’t working properly.

Healthy Skin and Hair

One of the main reasons homeowners choose to install water softeners is because of the benefits that they provide your skin and hair with. The minerals found in hard water can strip your skin of the natural moisture that it needs. These mineral deposits also can damage your hair. A water softening system eliminates the minerals that are causing your hair and skin to feel weak and brittle, allowing them to be stronger and healthier. If your skin feels itchy and your hair feels flat and greasy, your water softener might not be working as it should be.

Soft and Clean Clothes

Softened water interacts with laundry detergent to create soap suds that are able to impact and penetrate your clothes, leading to soft and clean laundry. Hard water, on the other hand, can leave mineral buildup behind on your clothes. This creates dingy and discolored looking laundry that can leave your clothes feeling and smelling dirty. Your home’s water softener should be leaving laundry behind that feels soft and clean.

What to Do If Your Water Softener Isn’t Functioning Properly

With a properly functioning water softener, you should be able to notice the benefits above, among others. If you’re not seeing any benefits from your water softener, though, get in contact with a professional to have the system inspected. Sometimes, the issue is as simple as a salt blockage or needing to add more salt to the brine tank. Other times, though, the issue might be more complex and requires a system replacement. For your specific situation, schedule an appointment with the professionals at Douglas Cooling & Heating.

Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for Water Softener Installation Services

At Douglas Cooling & Heating, the quality of your water is of the utmost importance to us. Douglas Cooling & Heating has years of water softener installation and repair experience in Birmingham, AL, and beyond. If your water softener is not working properly, or you’d like your home to see the benefits provided by soft water, contact us today for plumbing services.

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Hot water is a necessity in every single home. From doing laundry to washing clothes, we use hot water in many different ways throughout the day. However, many of us take advantage of the fact that hot water always seems to be there when we turn or lift the handle.

As the saying goes, “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.” Laundry, showers, dishwashing, and more can be made more difficult than before without hot water. However, there are ways to know when your water heater should be replaced before it completely breaks down, leaving your home only with cold water.

Signs It’s Time to Replace the Water Heater

The system is around 10 years old

Just like every appliance within your home, your hot water heater has a limited life expectancy. As much as we all wish that water heaters lasted forever, that simply isn’t the case. As a general rule, water heaters last around 10 years. If your water heater is creeping up to 10 years of age, or if it has already passed that milestone, consider replacing it now to ensure that you won’t be left without hot water when you need it most.

Leaks are present around the water heater

Water heater leaks can cause a variety of issues, including water damage to your home. A leak around your water heater will often signal that the metal within the system itself has expanded. As metal expands within the system, it can cause holes and gaps to form. As the gaps begin to grow, it will leak more water until the issue is ultimately addressed or altogether replaced.

The water heater is making strange, loud noises

Water heaters that seem to rumble and tumble whenever they heat water signals that the system needs to be replaced soon. These noises, usually seen exclusively in older systems, often indicate that the system is putting more effort into heating your home’s water than it previously had to. While annual water heater maintenance can help your water heater stay functional and at its peak for longer, an old water heater should be replaced sooner than later in order to avoid a complete breakdown.

Rust is present on the exterior of the water heater tank

Aside from just being ugly to look at, rust on the exterior of a system signals that issues are present within the water heater. Rust on the exterior can eat into the system and into the hot water supply, creating rusty water. On top of being smelly and unpleasant, rusty water can be unhealthy to use or consume. Inspect the exterior of your hot water heater to ensure that rust isn’t forming or beginning to take place.

Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to Replace Your Water Heater

Water heaters are essential to our everyday lives. If you suspect that your water heater might be starting to break down, or you’re noticing other issues with your system, call Douglas Cooling & Heating to inspect the system. Our water heater replacement and repair professionals will completely inspect the system and recommend the best course of action for your unique situation. Contact us the Douglas Cooling & Heating at Douglas Cooling & Heating today to schedule an appointment for hot water heater repair, request emergency service, or to have us install a new water heater.

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Does your tap water appear dirty or leave a bad taste in your mouth? Installing a whole house water filtration system for home use can provide the clean, fresh-tasting water supply your family wants and needs. For more information about having a water filtration system installed in your home, contact the plumbers at Douglas Cooling & Heating.

Benefits of a Water Filtration System for Home Plumbing

Installing a water filtration system for home use provides many benefits to your family, including:

Safe Drinking Water Supply

With a whole home water filtration system in place, impurities and contaminants are removed from your drinking water, sending only safe, clean water through your taps. 

• Filtration systems remove biological organisms and parasites that can be present in a home’s water if the water treatment process is not performed correctly, causing digestive issues in those who consume it.
• Contaminants including fluoride, chlorine, and others which are potentially harmful when consumed are removed.
• The pH level of the drinking water is lowered, so your water smells and tastes better!

Protection for Your Plumbing

A water filtration system for home plumbing doesn’t just benefit your family members; it benefits your plumbing pipes, fixtures, and appliances, too! By filtering out minerals and chemicals, buildup inside plumbing components is reduced. By slowing down buildup, you’ll reduce the need for plumbing repairs and help your appliances and fixtures stay in service longer.

Healthy Skin

Installing a water filtration system has many health benefits, too. Many people don’t realize that some skin conditions can be worsened by poor water quality. Heavy metals, chlorine, fluoride, and other particles in water irritate your skin when bathing, washing your hands, and even wearing clothing that was washed at home! Removing these contaminants can improve eczema and psoriasis symptoms, especially in children. Also, avoid allergic reactions and skin rashes that occur upon contact with these particles.

Clean Better with Less Soap

Another way a whole house filtration system for home use helps your skin is by reducing the amount of soap needed for bathing. It also cuts the amount of soap and detergent needed for laundry, doing dishes, and other cleaning tasks. Mineral deposits and soap scum are eliminated, protecting your skin, clothing, and dishes. Save money on soaps and detergents by using less to get the job done!

Preserve Your Clothing

By removing minerals and using less soap in the washing machine, your clothes are cleaner and stay in good shape longer. Soap scum and minerals can stick in fabrics, breaking down fibers and causing clothing to deteriorate sooner.

Save Money

When tap water tastes funky, many homeowners turn to bottled water for drinking. Buying bottled water eats up a considerable portion of your household grocery budget, but installing a water filtration system for home use can eliminate this expense altogether!

Reduce Waste

By eliminating your family’s dependency on bottled water for drinking, you won’t be contributing dozens of plastic bottles to the waste stream each month. Even if you recycle, energy is still needed to facilitate the process. Cutting the use of bottles altogether conserves this energy for the benefit of the environment.

Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for Better Water Quality Today

Are you ready to gain the peace of mind that comes with improving your home’s water quality? Douglas Cooling & Heating will install a water filtration system for home use to treat all water that flows through your plumbing pipes. Contact us today for an estimate to install a new water filtration system at your Birmingham residence.

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Even tiny drips and leaks can lead to serious water waste over time. To avoid wasting water and money, it’s helpful to know how to fix a leaky compression faucet, which is the most common type of faucet used in homes.

The plumbers at Douglas Cooling & Heating share guidance on how to repair a leaky compression faucet yourself. If you’re unable to resolve the leak or are not comfortable performing the steps yourself, please give us a call – our plumbers will be happy to address this issue for you.

What Is a Compression Faucet?

Compression faucets are the original faucets that have existed since indoor plumbing came into style. They’re commonly found in older homes and may also be used in newer homes because their cost is low compared to other faucet styles.

Compression faucets are easy to identify from other faucet types because they have separate hot and cold handles. These handles are twisted open to allow water to flow and tightened down in order to close off water supply. The faucets have a compression stem (which is sort of like a screw) and a washer that sits at the compression stem’s end, up against the valve seat.

Why Do Compression Faucets Leak?

Unfortunately, compression faucets are more prone to leaks than other types of faucets – they also require more maintenance. Because leaks are common, it’s important to know the causes as well as how to repair a leaky compression faucet.

The most common reason for a leak in a compression faucet is a worn-out washer. As time goes on, the washer inside the faucet that shuts off water flow when the handle is tightened wears out. When the washer goes bad, water flow isn’t stopped, so the faucet will leak. Typically, replacing the washer is what is needed to stop a leak in this type of plumbing fixture. A bad O-ring can also be the culprit behind leaks.

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

As you disassemble the faucet, keep parts in order so you know how to reassemble them correctly. If you need replacement parts, take the old part with you to the hardware store to ensure you purchase the correct size and component.

Follow these steps to repair a leaky compression faucet:

• Shut off the water supply to the faucet, then open the handles to drain any remaining water.
• Remove the decorative handle cap so the attachment screws are exposed.
• Use a screwdriver to loosen and remove the handle screw, then remove the handle.
• Unscrew the packing nut that sits below the handle with a crescent wrench.
• Loosen the handle stem from the faucet body using a wrench.
• Unscrew the washer at the bottom of the handle stem, and replace it with a new washer. Coat it in heat-proof plumber’s grease to protect it.
• Check the O-ring for damage, and replace it if necessary with an O-ring of matching size, coating it with plumber’s grease.
• Remove the packing nut from the stem assembly. Remove mineral deposits and corrosion with a brush. Check for pitting, corrosion, or other damage. If any damage is found, replace the entire stem valve.
• Check the faucet seat (where the valve stem was removed from) for damage, which may occur when leaks persist long-term. With your finger, feel along its surface for pits or rough spots. If you find any pitting, roughness, or corrosion, the entire faucet should be replaced.
• Reassemble the stem valve in the correct order. Tighten with pliers, screw it, and replace the handle cover.

Faucet Repair from Douglas Cooling & Heating

Fixing a leaky faucet can be tricky. If you have trouble doing so or would rather not risk it yourself, leave it to the pros. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule plumbing repair. Our plumbers know how to fix a leaky compression faucet and troubleshoot common problems. If your faucet has been damaged beyond repair, we can install a new one in no time.

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A clogged sewer line can cause serious issues for Birmingham, AL, area homeowners. Sometimes clogs occur despite our best efforts. In this situation, knowing how to clear a main sewer line clog helps relieve some of the stress that comes with this household issue. 

The licensed plumbers at Douglas Cooling & Heating explain how they clear a main sewer line clog using professional methods. To help you identify if such a problem is present in your plumbing system, we’ll explain the signs that indicate a clog.

Signs of a Main Sewer Line Clog

Each plumbing fixture in your home has its own drain line. These secondary drain lines run and connect to the home’s main drain line, which then connects to the home’s sewer line. The home’s main sewer line links the home’s drainage system to the municipal sewer line or the home’s private septic system. Running underground through your yard, the main sewer line is usually four to six inches in diameter and slopes downward to help wastewater flow away from the residence.

Clogs that occur in the main sewer line of the home can spell trouble indoors. With a clog in the main line, resulting symptoms typically affect all of the home’s plumbing fixtures and drainage rather than problems isolated to one fixture that are seen with clogs in secondary drain lines. 

Signs of main sewer line clogs in Birmingham homes include:

• Wastewater backup from drains and toilets
• Pooling water surrounding floor drains
• Gurgling noises from drains
• Sewage smell coming from drains

Professional Approaches for How to Clear a Main Sewer Line Clog

Because of their location deep within the home’s drainage system, it’s quite difficult to address main sewer line clogs through DIY methods – professional help is needed. Clearing a sewer line clog depends on what caused the clog and other factors.

Our plumbers use video inspection equipment to assess the clog from within the sewer line. We may find tree root penetrations that have grown into a severe clog, a broken underground pipe or infiltrations through a broken pipe preventing waste flow. Sometimes a significant clog can develop from flushed and drained materials that should’ve been tossed out with the trash. 

Some of the methods we may use to clear a main sewer line clog include:

• Plumber’s auger: A professional plumber’s auger can reach down into the home’s sewer lines at length, whereas it’s hard to find one that has such a length at your local hardware store. An auger works to bust up clogs from flushed and drained materials as well as tree roots.
• Hydro jetting: Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clean the interior of your drain lines and main sewer line. This method works to remove infiltrated materials, grease build up and tree root infiltrations.
• Pipe replacement: When broken sewer pipes allow infiltrations into the sewer line or if a break is so severe it stops the flow of waste, it needs to be replaced. Trenching methods can be used to dig up the old pipe and replace it. You may be a candidate for trenchless pipe relining, which seals cracks from within.

Preventing Main Sewer Line Clogs

Clogs in a home’s sewer line create hassle and have the potential to cause health issues. The clog has the potential to lead to sewer gas leakage into the home, which occurs as clogged materials decompose inside the line. Take steps to prevent such a potentially dangerous and disruptive problem altogether when you do the following:

• Remove shrubs, bushes, trees and other plants that grow in the same area or nearby to your home’s main sewer line.
• Replace aged clay sewer lines to prevent sudden sewer line clogs due to deterioration and breaks.
• Schedule annual drain clearing services to eliminate buildup within your sewer pipe.
• Only flush human waste and toilet tissue down the toilet.
• Only rinse appropriate food products down your garbage disposal.

For Sewer Line Services, Call Douglas

If you suspect a deep main sewer line clog, leave the repairs to the pros – call Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule drain clearing and repair services if necessary. Our plumbers perform reliable work so you can rest assured your sewer line issue and the symptoms it produces are eliminated once and for all.

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For some Birmingham, Alabama, area homeowners, water softeners are a must because of hard water levels! Whether you already have one installed or plan to add one to your plumbing system, there are multiple water softener troubleshooting tips that help homeowners solve common issues on their own, without unnecessary calls to a plumber. 

Douglas Cooling & Heating helps you save time and money with our water softener troubleshooting guide. Our plumbers explain how to correct common minor system issues to get your water softener running again quickly. When professional repair is needed, give the trusted plumbers at Douglas Cooling & Heating a call!

Here are some common issues you might experience with you water softener and what to do:

Salt Tank Is Filled with Water

This system issue commonly stems from malfunctioning components or the need to adjust controls.

• A broken water entry valve fails to stop water from filling the salt tank, which may lead to the tank flooding. Simply replace the lid to correct this problem.
• If the float valve within the compartment is set higher than needed, the system may not be capable of releasing the water volume, which leads to buildup. The float valve should be adjusted to a lower setting to prevent water accumulation in the salt tank.

Salt Scale Within the System

While water softeners protect plumbing against mineral scale, they are prone to salt scale. Salt scale primarily affects the water softener’s tank and its lines. When the scale forms a salt bridge, scale can impede the water softening process. If your water softener fails to utilize salt, and the salt levels in the brine tank remain consistent, that’s a sign of a salt bridge.

Water softener troubleshooting for salt scale issues includes these steps:

• Look for salt bridges within the system that prevent water flow through the brine tanks or hinders regeneration cycles. 
• Break up the accumulated salt scale and clean it out of the unit. Also clean away salt scale that has developed around the tank’s edge.

Brown Water in Your Home

Brown water from your home’s taps can be caused by numerous issues, but the home’s water softener could be one of them. Bacterial buildup in the water softener can cause tap water’s brownish color.

Water softener troubleshooting steps to eliminate brown tap water include:

• Sterilizing the tank using hydrogen peroxide or chlorine. Add two cups of sterilizing agent to the brine tank and allow two to three regeneration cycles to run.
• Flushing plumbing lines.

If water softener sterilization doesn’t eliminate the brown watercolor, you need a plumber to inspect for other issues.

Resin Bead Problems

If there are floating particles in the softened water, the system’s resin beads may not be functioning correctly. Without proper functioning, the system requires more frequent salt replenishment or the beads can be replaced.

Floating particles in soft water are an indicator of resin bead malfunction. The beads need to be cleaned or replaced to correct the issue.

System Not Softening

If your water softener fails to soften your home’s water, a few issues could be to blame.

• Salt buildup within the brine tank can prevent water softening, requiring removal.
• If the water softener’s bypass switch is shut off, water does not pass through the system and will not be softened. Check bypass settings.

Water Has a Salty Flavor

Salty-tasting water in the home indicates issues with the water softener. Water softener troubleshooting inspects the drain hose:

• Inspect the drain hose for clogs,  and remove clogs if found.
• If there is no clog in the drain hose, reduce the volume of salt used in the system to impact water flavor.

Water Softener Help from Douglas Cooling & Heating

If you can’t solve your water softener issues, we encourage you to call the plumbers at Douglas Cooling & Heating for water softener diagnostics and repair. We get to the bottom of the system’s issues and implement water softener repairs to restore proper function for your family’s benefit.

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If you have a garbage disposal humming in the kitchen of your Birmingham home, something is not quite right. This hum isn’t quite like the unit’s regular operating noise, so it clues you in to the presence of a problem that can lead to damage and an expensive repair.

The licensed Birmingham plumbers of Douglas Cooling & Heating explain what causes a garbage disposal to hum and how to fix it. If troubleshooting does not work, give us a call to schedule service, as we are happy to assist you with any plumbing issue you face!

Why Is My Garbage Disposal Humming?

A humming garbage disposal is likely caused by an object in the drain that has jammed the blades. When the blades are jammed, they are unable to rotate. If the garbage disposal is turned on while an object has blocked the blades from spinning, its use has the potential to burn out the unit’s motor. With a bad motor, you’re probably looking at garbage disposal replacement rather than a repair.

Several things have the potential to jam up your unit’s blades and cause a humming sound. Pieces of food that have collected in the unit may clog it up, or kitchen debris like bones that shouldn’t be in garbage disposals at all. a foreign object, such as a kitchen utensil, are common culprits that cause a jammed garbage disposal.

How to Unclog Your Garbage Disposal

Luckily, as long as garbage disposal humming sound is addressed right away, this problem isn’t too complicated to solve on your own. The solution is often as simple as removing the object from the unit. Due to the nature of the equipment and the sharp blades within, you need to be sure you do so in a safe manner. Our licensed plumbers outline the steps to follow to remove objects stuck down in your garbage disposal.

• Turn off the power to your disposal. Turning it off at the wall switch is not enough – cut power to the unit at your home’s electrical panel.
• At the bottom of your garbage disposal, there is a small hex-shaped hole. Using the hex wrench, which is also called an Allen wrench, included with your unit, insert the Allen wrench into the hole. 
• Turn the wrench clockwise. Doing so turns the disposal’s flywheel, which helps to break up the material jamming the blades.
• Once you feel the resistance release and are able to turn the flywheel with ease, the jam has been eliminated. Use a pair of tongs or pliers to reach into the garbage disposal from the drain to pull out the offending object. And remember, never put your hands down the drain.
• Make sure to pull out the Allen wrench and turn the power back on by resetting the circuit breaker at your home’s electrical panel. 
• Turn on the disposal at the wall switch. If it runs, flush it with hot water for about a minute to clear out any debris left down in the unit.

Call Douglas for Plumbing Help!

If your garbage disposal hums when you flip the switch but can’t fix the jam or don’t know the cause, call your plumber for assistance. Douglas Cooling & Heating helps homeowners throughout Birmingham with plumbing repairs for garbage disposals as well as other components of a home’s plumbing system. Contact us today to schedule a service call.

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